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Rise of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman A beacon of hope for women
Founder and General Overseer of Kingspride Word Chapel International, Rev. Dr Sam Ayi Ankrah has described the ascension of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang to the office of a vice president as a significant recognition and affirmation of women’s capabilities and roles of leadership in society.
According to him, women are a repository of lofty capabilities which remained insufficiently tapped for the benefit of society.
At a consecration service of a 66-year old Joyce Adomako into the office of ‘The Church Mother’ on Sunday, Rev. Dr Ankrah stated that the investiture of the first female vice president highlighted the capabilities and acceptance of women as equals in leadership, challenging the traditional patriarchal norms in the political space.
In a sermon titled: ‘Considering me worthy and appointing me to serve,’ he said that the investiture has also set the tone for greater representation of women in decision-making and leadership at all levels.
He also indicated stated that, the honour reflected a commitment to inclusivity, signaled progress toward gender equity in the political spaces and disproved the beliefs that prohibited women from holding higher leadership positions.
He further stated that her new position symbolised a significant and historic shift in political leadership paradigms, emphasising the promotion of equality and the broader role of women in community building.
That, he advised, the vice president to inspire broader societal change by demonstrating the importance of breaking barriers to leadership for women.
Rev. Dr Ankrah then urged Ms Adomako to use her vast experience and deep knowledge and understanding of life to offer guidance and counseling to the congregation to inspire positivity towards unearthing their abilities for the greater benefit of their communities.
Ms Adomako for her part, also advised women, particularly young women to avail themselves for the tutelage of older generation and take inspiration from the position of the current vice president and other women trailblasers to guide their pursuits.
By Ken Afedzi
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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.
