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Ghana’s Parliament holds orientation workshop to boost transparency and accountability
The Parliament of Ghana, in collaboration with Transparency International (TI) Ghana, has held an orientation workshop for Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus.
The session focused on promoting the principles of open governance and Beneficial Ownership Transparency (BOT).
The workshop offered an in-depth presentation of the global and national context of the OGP initiative, highlighting key aspects of Ghana’s 5th OGP National Action Plan (2023–2027).
MPs were also briefed on the current state of BOT in Ghana, with a special focus on Parliament’s critical role in advancing its implementation.
Ghana joined the OGP in 2011 and has since remained committed to deepening transparency and accountability across governance structures.
A major highlight of the workshop was the country’s renewed focus on implementing the BOT, a mechanism designed to tackle illicit financial flows, corruption, and tax evasion, within the framework of its second National Action Plan. This includes efforts to enhance open contracting processes.
The orientation is part of Parliament’s broader strategy to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive policymaking, and deliver measurable outcomes of public interest.
Participants left the workshop with a strengthened resolve to champion the ideals of open government.
Members of the OGP Caucus reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring effective parliamentary oversight in the implementation of Ghana’s National Action Plan, further reinforcing the country’s leadership role in transparency reforms.
[15:28, 7/15/2025] Edem: Speaker Urges APF to Resolve Internal Challenges Through Established Mechanisms and Processes
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) to resolve its internal challenges through established mechanisms and processes, stressing that doing so will strengthen the organization’s unity and effectiveness.
He made this call when he addressed the 50th Session of the APF. The Speaker emphasized the need for the APF to remain focused on its core objectives and uphold its foundational values, particularly in times of internal disagreements.
Speaker Bagbin reiterated that the APF’s continued relevance depends on its ability to deal with internal matters transparently and decisively, while maintaining mutual respect among its members.
He noted that the strength of the Francophone community lies in its diversity and collective commitment to democratic values.
He also took the opportunity to commend the APF for promoting peace, dialogue, and cooperation across member states, and pledged Ghana’s continued support towards the advancement of the Francophone ideals.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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