News
Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu calls for Speaker of Parliament to be sitting MP
A former Majority Leader of the New patriotic party in parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has called for changes to Ghana’s parliamentary system to require that the Speaker of Parliament be a sitting Member of Parliament.
Speaking on the issue with a Joy news journalist, he observed that Ghana’s Parliament is unique on the continent because its Speaker is not elected from among serving lawmakers.
He argued that the current arrangement risks producing Speakers who may be disconnected from the day to day work of the House.
He explained that the country needs to undertake what he described as serious introspection on the matter.
According to him, having a Speaker who is also a Member of Parliament would help ensure that the person remains closely tied to parliamentary affairs and institutional development.
He noted that while the existing system may have contributed to stability over the years, the time has come for a review.
He stressed that reforms aimed at strengthening Parliament should not be driven by personal interests or political calculations.
Addressing suggestions that his position could affect his own prospects of becoming Speaker in the future, he dismissed the idea.
He maintained that the evolution and development of Parliament must not be personalized.
He urged stakeholders to focus on what he described as the broader goal of improving and uplifting Parliament, rather than linking the debate to individuals or potential appointments.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Communications Authority Ghana has announced tougher Quality of Service rules for mobile network operators, introducing stricter performance targets for voice, data and messaging services across the country.
In a press release issued on February 15, the regulator explained that the revised Key Performance Indicators take immediate effect and are designed to improve the quality of experience for consumers.
The Authority noted that some of the previous standards had been in place since 2004 and needed updating to reflect changes in technology and consumer behaviour.
Under the new framework, the maximum allowable call drop rate for voice services has been reduced from below three percent to less than one percent.
The regulator introduced a new Call Connection Success Rate requirement, which compels operators to ensure that more than ninety five percent of attempted calls connect successfully in over ninety percent of operational cells within any Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly.
To improve perceived call clarity, the Authority set a minimum average Mean Opinion Score of greater than three point zero for 2G services.
For data services, the regulator raised the benchmark for 3G download speeds.
Mobile network operators must now deliver an average data throughput exceeding one megabit per second, replacing the earlier threshold of two hundred and fifty six kilobits per second.
Messaging services have also been affected by the amendments. Operators are required to achieve a delivery success rate of at least ninety eight percent for SMS and MMS, with delivery times not exceeding five seconds.
Beyond performance targets, the Authority announced expanded coverage obligations. It stated that operators are now mandatorily required to extend network coverage to all constituent towns within every MMDA. Previously, providers were encouraged but not compelled to move beyond district capitals.
The regulator indicated that it will intensify monitoring, field measurements and performance assessments to ensure compliance. It warned that operators that fail to meet the approved thresholds will face regulatory sanctions in line with their licence conditions and applicable laws.
The Authority encouraged consumers who experience persistent poor service to report their complaints through its toll free line, email and official social media channels, or by visiting any of its offices nationwide.
Established under the National Communications Authority Act, 2008, the Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating electronic communication activities in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
A spokesperson for Kennedy Agyapong’s team, Kwasi Kwarteng, has rejected suggestions that the former flagbearer hopeful of the Npp party plans to form a new political party.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Prime, he described the claims as unfounded and made in bad faith.
He explained that Agyapong’s absence from a recent thanksgiving service should not be interpreted as a sign of disloyalty to the New Patriotic Party.
“It is not the case that if Ken could not attend the thanksgiving service, it means he is not supporting the party or that he intends to start a new party,” he stated.
To support his argument, Kwarteng pointed to other prominent figures who were also not present at the event.
He questioned whether their absence had triggered similar speculation.
He noted that former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and former First Lady Rebecca Akufo Addo were not at the service.
According to him, their absence did not mean they were planning to break away from the party.
He argued that missing a single event should not be used as a basis for drawing political conclusions.
Kwesi Kwarteng revealed that Kennedy Agyapong was out of town at the time of the service.
He added that he was also unable to attend for the same reason.
“I was not there. I was out of town just like Ken. But I am here speaking for the party, and I believe that should be enough,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
