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Churches should accommodate people with hearing impairment – Church of Christ Deacon
Deacon in-charge of the Deaf Ministry of Nsawam Road Church of Christ, Philip Quaye has advised churches to make deliberate effort accommodate people with hearing impairment and other disabilities as part of their fellowship.
According to Deacon Quaye most of the hearing impaired have difficulties in getting employed, therefore she urged he urged the church to as part of its fellowshipto support them with employable skills and opportunities.
He believes that this will make people with such disability have sense of belonging and prevent them from going on the streets to beg for alms.
Deacon Quaye made this call when spoke with to The Spectator during the Church’s Deaf Awareness Week on the theme, “Promoting occupational adequacy for persons living with disability” at their premises on Sunday, July 3.
According to him, the churches must pay special attention to People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) and to aid their fellowship, because they need support to make ends meet.
He said the Church of Christ accommodates the hearing impaired and other disabilities based on Mathew 28:19-20, and recognises that they are part of the people to preach to.
Deacon Quaye further revealed that the church encourage members and companies to offer job opportunities, as well as train PLWDs to acquire some skills to be relevant in the job market.
He was of the view that this gesture will make them independent in their daily livelihood.
As part of the Deaf Awareness Week, the Deaf Ministry displayed products which they have made ranging from bags, shoes, hair products and dresses for members of the church to patronise.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
