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Parents, teachers urged to mould children’s character
A week-long camp organised by the Abundant Life Worship Centre has ended at Aburi in the Eastern Region with a call on churches, parents and teachers, to mould the character of children to know Christ.
This, according to the Head Pastor, Mr Samuel Kwame Kumi, was essential for empowering the youth to make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of the nation.
The camp, which attracted over 100 participants from various churches in Accra and beyond was on the theme: “Building a Godly character to influence the world.”
Throughout the week, participants engaged in various religious activities designed to foster spiritual growth and leadership skills.
Workshops including bible studies, leadership training, and team-building exercise, all aimed at instilling values of integrity, compassion and responsibility in the young attendees were held.
It also featured recreational activities, allowing the children to bond and create lasting friendships while learning the importance of teamwork, cooperation.
Pastor Kumi emphasised the importance of a strong moral foundation and the role of faith in guiding the youth towards becoming positive influences in their communities.
He urged attendees to carry the lessons learned back to their homes and communities, reinforcing the idea that every child has the potential to be a leader and a catalyst for change in society.
He asked the youth to lead responsible lifestyles that would enable them to contribute their quota to move the nation forward.
“As youth, you are the strength and the future of our nation Ghana. You cannot afford to live anyhow, less you ruin not only your lives but our future as well. This is the time to take your studies seriously, eschew vices like violence, robbery, prostitution and fraud among many others,” he stated.
Pastor Kumi told the youth that they needed a firm and daily dose of the Word of God before they could grow in their faith so as to influence others and bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ saying, “it is the word that increases your faith, it is the word that gives you enablement, it is the word that gives you power, it is the word that makes you grow.”
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
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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.
