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First Lady celebrates Mother’s Day with new, expectant mothers at Korle-Bu
THE First Lady and Founder of the Lordina Foundation, Lordina Mahama, celebrated this year’s Mother’s Day with new and expectant mothers at the Maternity Block of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Sunday.
During the visit, Mrs Mahama donated hampers to more than 250 mothers on all five floors of the block.
The hampers contained items such as diapers, wipes, baby clothes, creams, and food items such as rice, oil, mackerel, sardines, milk and canned tomatoes.
She also covered the medical bills of all the mothers, as well as those who had been in the hospital for weeks because they could not pay their bills.
Mrs Mahama said her visit was special and nostalgic as it brought back fond memories of her motherhood journey, which she said goes beyond childbirth, and highlighted the love, sleepless nights, and resilience that define the experience.
At the time of the visit, some expectant mothers were experiencing labour pains, and she supported and encouraged them to remain strong and focused on the joy that follows child delivery.
“Motherhood is indeed a beautiful experience,” the First Lady said and extended warm wishes to all who play motherly roles in society.
She also reiterated the shared vision she holds with her husband, President John Mahama, to build a nation where every family can thrive.
“The President is dedicated to positioning the country as a preferred destination for local and international investment and business to ultimately improve the living conditions of citizens and also ensure a brighter future for our children,” Mrs Mahama added.
The Head of Midwifery at Korle Bu, Barbara Adu, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her generous donation, saying that the items would significantly alleviate the burdens faced by the majority of mothers who visited the hospital.
She, however, lamented the poor condition of elevators on the facility, which she said made it difficult for both pregnant and new mothers to use.
The beneficiaries were also full of praise and appreciation for the gesture, which they said would alleviate their suffering.
By Spectator Reporter
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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.
