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Ignore allegations against former Regional Minister — NPP youth
A section of the youth belonging to the New Patriotic Party in the Daffiama-Bussiue-Issa (DBI) Constituency of the Upper West Region have called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to disregard and reject calls from a fraction of the youth in the area to deny the former Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, political appointment in his second term in office as president of the Republic.
The youth in a speech read by Mr Awiliba Naafiw Bazaanye at Issa on Tuesday said that the minister was unfairly opposed by some ‘selfish’ factions within the party and had suffered false allegations irrespective of his hard work and noble service to the region.
This reaction stemmed from series of news conferences by a section of the youth in the Wa Central, Lawra and DBI Constituencies respectively opposing a possible reappointment of Dr Salih as the Regional Minister.
At some of the news conference, the minister was accused of ‘selfishness and disregard for party functionaries as well as masterminding the defeat of some parliamentary candidates’ of the party in the region.
In response to the allegations, Mr Bazaanye refuted allegations levelled against the former minister and described him as a unifier as well as a development-oriented individual who had the progress of the region at heart and worked assiduously to ensure the region developed.
“The said conferences against the former regional minister was borne out of malice, hatred and envy and certainly without substance”, he stated.
He intimated that Dr salih was instrumental in the campaign for the parliamentary candidate of the area, Mr Nadi Imoro Sanda and personally supported the numerous campaigns of the candidate by canvassing votes for him and the President.
“Unfortunately, Mr Sanda did not win the contest; but the former minister must not be blamed for the defeat”, he said.
He called on President Akufo-Addo to ignore such ‘greed-incited’ allegations and make his appointment based on his expertise as a President of the republic adding that the youth of the party were ready to support whoever was appointed into office as the minister.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, ISSA
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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.
