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Ghana committed to responsible debt management & unified African voice at G20 Summit
President John Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to responsible debt management and inclusive economic growth, emphasising the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance fiscal stability and create a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
Speaking at an African Union Conference on Debt in Lomé, Togo, President Mahama emphasised the importance of a united African front in addressing debt challenges and advocating for fair global financial solutions.
President Mahama stated, “Ghana, under my leadership, is committed to and already rolling out policies to rebuild its fiscal buffers, strengthen institutions, and promote inclusive growth.”
He acknowledged the potential impact of fiscal adjustments on social protection programs, underscoring his government’s commitment to a transformation agenda that prioritises long-term economic stability and intergenerational progress.
“In Ghana, we are prioritising value-added agriculture, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure—all sectors that yield multiplier effects in jobs, exports, and innovation,” President Mahama explained.
He outlined the key pillars of Ghana’s ‘Reset Agenda,’ designed to achieve sustainable and inclusive development: protecting investments in education, youth empowerment, and rural development; ensuring that all Ghanaians have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the nation’s economic progress; enhancing debt transparency through the establishment of an independent fiscal council; promoting accountability and informed decision-making in public finance management; expanding the role of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund to attract private capital; and facilitating strategic investments in critical infrastructure to drive economic growth and create jobs.
President Mahama commended the African Union Commission for organising the High-Level Conference. He recognised the conference’s theme, “Africa’s Public Debt Management Agenda in Restoring and Safeguarding Debt Sustainability,” as a critical call to action.
“This is not just a technical theme; it is a call to confront one of the most defining challenges of our generation,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the 2025 G20 Summit, President Mahama urged African nations to forge a common position advocating for timely, fair, and transparent debt restructuring frameworks. He emphasised the necessity of standardised debt.
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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.
