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Ntim Fordjour criticizes Foreign Affairs, Defence and Interior Ministers over Burkina Faso killings briefing
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has expressed disappointment that key government ministers have not briefed Parliament on the reported killing of eight Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso.
He noted that more than a week after news of the incident emerged, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, and the Interior had not appeared before the House to provide updates.
“We have waited for over a week, yet none of the ministers had the courtesy to come before Parliament to brief us,” he remarked.
According to him, the Minority members on the relevant parliamentary committees have formally written to the ministers, requesting their presence before a joint committee sitting.
He explained that the request involves the Defence and Interior Committee, the Security and Intelligence Committee, and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
He stated that the purpose of the meeting is to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the attack, the factors that may have contributed to it, and the government’s response so far.
“We want to understand what occurred, what contributed to the attack, what has been done, and what measures must be put in place,” he indicated.
The lawmaker argued that the incident points to gaps in preventive mechanisms, stressing the need for stronger security and diplomatic arrangements to protect Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad.
“There was clearly a failure somewhere, and the right measures must be implemented to prevent a recurrence. Never again should such a terrorist killing happen,” he emphasised.
He added that while the Minority acknowledges the complex security and political dynamics within the sub region, Parliament expects government policies that ensure the safety of Ghanaians.
“We are aware of the geopolitical challenges, but our focus is on the right policies, proper mechanisms, and effective collaboration with partners to protect our citizens,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
