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Parliamentary Committee on Chieftaincy, Cultural and Religious Affairs engages key institutions
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Cultural and Religious Affairs has embarked on a familiarisation visit to some key institutions.
The institutions are the Ministry of Local Government, the Christian Council, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.
The purpose of the visit was to gain insight into their roles, challenges and to explore how the committee can best offer its support.
In his remarks, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, emphasized that a major issue being addressed is the resolution of chieftaincy disputes. He highlighted that the government is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.
A notable achievement, he noted, was the decision to ensure that a ruling party member does not chair the committee—a move aimed at avoiding partisan decisions and ensuring fairness in resolving chieftaincy disputes.
According to him, “Mr. Chairman, we will put our political affiliations aside to confront these matters in a neutral, impartial, and transparent manner; once we do that, we will be able to resolve most of our chieftaincy issues.”
He highlighted sanitation as one of the core municipal functions under his Ministry and urged the Committee to work closely with the Government to help sustain the National Sanitation Day exercise across the various MMDAs.
During the committee’s visit to the Christian Council of Ghana, the Chairman, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hillard D. Dogbe, stated that although the Council has established standards and entry requirements for membership, it does not have absolute control over rogue pastors, a major challenge that could bring the image of the institution into disrepute.
He therefore called for self-regulation within the religious community and urged parliamentarians to refrain from endorsing rogue pastors, as such endorsements give them the zeal to continue operating with the impression that they have official support.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts Dzifa Abla Gomashie, urged Ghanaians to celebrate, support and protect our culture, as it not only generates income but also sets us apart from the rest of the world, giving visitors a reason to return.
“Our uniqueness is reflected in our food, clothing, fashion, and heritage,”she noted.
The Minister expressed hope that the Ministry will be supported in its efforts to secure the recognition and resources it deserves to be able to do more.
The Chairman of the Committee, Fred Kyei Asamoah, commended the institutions for the good work done and gave the assurance that the committee would not be an armchair body, but rather an action-oriented one and would work closely to achieve results for the betterment of the country.
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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