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Joshua Asumeng Badu eyes Akyemmansa DCE position
A seasoned politician and National Democratic Congress(NDC)’s Joshua Asumeng Badu, has set his sights on becoming the next District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Akyemmansa District in the Eastern Region.
Following his role in ensuring his party won the 2024 elections as well as a rich history of political service, Mr Badu would bring to the table, a blend of leadership, dedication and grassroots experience that he believes,uniquely qualified him for the role.
He narrated to the Spectator,a political journey which began in 2010 when he was elected as the Assembly Member for the Mempedwee-Anafuo Electoral Area at Akim Ofoase.
Since then, he said, he had steadily climbed the ranks of local political leadership, serving in various impactful roles including Constituency Chairman of Ofoase Ayirebi from 2014 to 2022 and Campaign Coordinator for the 2020 general elections.
He said, his contributions to party development were both extensive and deeply personal.
From offering his own guest house for Executive Committee meetings to fully financing constituency programmes and renting and furnishing a party office, his selfless support has been a lifeline for the party’s operations at the grassroots level.
In election years, he provided campaign materials, snacks for agents and financial support that kept the machinery running.
He has also twice contested parliamentary primaries and was recently part of the Regional Monitoring Team during the 2024 limited registration exercise, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to party growth and electoral success.
His aspiration to become DCE he said, would not be just another political ambition but a call to elevate development in Akyemmansa through visionary leadership, organisational skill, and a deep understanding of local governance.
He is convinced that, his track record made him a capable choice,ready to transform Akyemmansa with results-driven leadership.
As a former Chairman and two time parliamentary aspirant, he could bring unity into the party and also aiming to recapture the parliamentary seat for the great party (NDC).
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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.
