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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.
News
Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
