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Mindshift at Labone SHS: Zhikay Ikejunior, Champion Rolie charge students to live consciously Online
Ghanaian online journalist and digital advocate, Zhikay Ike Junior, with his Mindshift Campaign train, on May 2, 2025, made a stop at the Labone Senior High School to engage students and educate them about the responsible use of social media in today’s fast-changing online world.
The Mindshift Campaign, a youth-focused initiative designed to inspire, educate, and guide students towards a more purposeful use of social media, was joined by celebrated professional dancer Champion Rolie to share his experience and expertise with the students.
Admired for his talent and strong online following, Champion Rolie took the stage and spoke about his journey as a dancer.
He opened up about how social media became a tool for his growth and exposure, highlighting how he leveraged it to build a meaningful brand and make a difference.
Beyond the fame, Rolie emphasized the importance of academic excellence, advising students to take their books seriously while they pursue their talents.
Following Rolie’s address, Zhikay Ike Junior steered the students into a deeper conversation about the power and permanence of the digital space. He posed critical questions that sparked reflection among the students: Are you controlling your social media, or is social media controlling you? He reminded them that the internet never forgets, and every post, comment, or share contributes to their digital footprint one that could either build or damage their reputation in the long run.
Zhikay urged students to become intentional digital citizens by being mindful of the people and pages they follow, stressing that online influences subtly shape their thoughts, interests, and personalities. “Social media is not just a platform—it’s a mirror of who you are becoming,” he said.
The event underscored a simple yet powerful message: the next generation must do things differently. In a rapidly growing digital world, young people must not replicate the mistakes of their predecessors. Instead, they must navigate with knowledge, purpose, and integrity.
As the event drew to a close, the students left not with just selfies and memories but with a renewed perspective on the role of social media in their lives, as the Mindshift Campaign didn’t just inspire but planted seeds of change.
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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.
