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Speaker Inaugurates Management Committee of Parliamentary Friendship Associations of the Ninth Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially inaugurated the Management Committee of the Parliamentary Friendship Association, an event that marks a significant step toward strengthening parliamentary diplomatic engagement.
In his remarks, the Speaker emphasized that the formation of this committee is a critical milestone in the continuous efforts to institutionalize and enhance parliamentary diplomacy.
He noted that the establishment of the management committee is a clear testament to Parliament’s commitment to providing strategic direction for the operations of the Parliamentary Friendship Associations.
The objective, he said, is to ensure these associations operate with transparency, structure, and measurable impact.
The Speaker cautioned against viewing the Parliamentary Friendship Associations as mere ceremonial groups or opportunities for members to travel abroad.
Instead, he urged that they be recognized as strategic instruments of soft diplomacy.
The Majority leader, Mahama Ayariga, highlighted the power and importance of Parliamentary Friendship Associations in enhancing international relations and diplomacy among legislators.
He noted, “We don’t just want to see the association inaugurated. We want to see reports from the association presented on the floor of Parliament, indicating that they are actively working.”
He further urged members to play visible roles in representing Ghana on the global stage.
“When it’s the independence anniversary of one of these countries, we expect members to make a statement recognizing the relationship between Ghana and that country. And if there’s a disaster, we want you to be the first to express heartfelt condolences on the floor of Parliament,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the 2nd Deputy Minority whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, underscored the global practice of Parliaments using friendship associations to strengthen cooperation, build networks.
He emphasized that the Ghanaian Parliamentary Friendship Associations must not remain ceremonial.
“These associations must translate into tangible benefits for the Parliament of Ghana,” he said.
The Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana, Maher Kheir, encouraged the newly inaugurated management committee to carry out its responsibilities with diligence, ensuring that its mission leads to productive and impactful results.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Ricketts-Hagan expressed the commitment of the new members to take their oversight role seriously.
He pledged that the committee would work to bring renewed hope to the formation of the friendship associations, and ensure that the associations operate efficiently and fulfill their intended functions.
The Deputy Clerk Legislative Management Services, Mr. Camillo Pwamang, highlighted the growing significance of parliamentary diplomacy, especially in light of the current complexities of international relations.
He further noted that by the end of the Eighth Parliament, forty (40) friendship associations had been officially recognized. At the commencement of the Ninth Parliament, and in accordance with the directive of the Speaker, two (2) additional friendship associations were established, bringing the current total to forty-two (42).
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Gov’t to build new public technical university in Western Region – Pres. Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will build a new public technical university in the Western Region to expand access to technical and vocational education for young people.
In a speech at the Jubilee House during a courtesy call by the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and other members of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, President Mahama said the new university forms part of a broader plan to prepare the region’s youth for emerging job opportunities in mining, oil and gas, agribusiness, and digital industries.
He explained that the technical university will be designed to meet the practical needs of industries in the region and across the country.
According to him, this move is crucial to Ghana’s long-term development goals, especially as the Western Region continues to contribute significantly to the national economy through natural resources.
“The Western Region holds immense potential to lead Ghana into a new era of industrialization and job creation. But we must equip our young people with the right skills. That is why we are building a new public technical university here” the President intimated.
He added that this new institution will work alongside other youth-focused programs, including a region-wide employment initiative focused on agri-tech, tourism, green jobs, and digital entrepreneurship.
President Mahama revealed plans to upgrade the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital into a modern teaching hospital that will serve as a referral center for the Western and Western North regions.
This, he said, would improve healthcare delivery and provide training grounds for medical students.
He assured the chiefs that these initiatives would help bridge development gaps and ensure that the youth in the region have better access to education, training, and jobs.
The President urged the chiefs to support these efforts by promoting peace, unity, and development in their communities.
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Oil-producing communities in Western Region to benefit from sea defense and social projects – Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has assured that coastal communities in the Western Region affected by oil and gas activities will see direct improvements in infrastructure, sea defense, and social services under his next development agenda.
The president made it clear that the discovery of petroleum in the region must be a blessing and not a burden.
He stated that towns like Essiama and Anochie, located in the oil-producing enclaves, would benefit from better roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, and agribusiness support as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
He explained that the government is expanding sea defense projects along the coast to protect fishing communities from tidal wave erosion.
These efforts, he noted are also aimed at preserving marine livelihoods and supporting the coastal economy.
President Mahama revealed that the government will establish a dedicated oil and gas services hub at the Takoradi Port through a public-private partnership.
He said the expansion of the port would include new container terminals and dry bulk facilities to boost exports and reduce delays for vessels.
He added that the (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204) would be strengthened to ensure young people in the Western Region gain access to petroleum jobs, contracts, and technical training.
The president also announced that the Ministry of Energy had been directed to renegotiate land arrangements with landowners around the planned petroleum hub.
He said the government will release unused portions of land back to communities and pay compensation for land that will be used, starting with 5,000 hectares instead of the initially acquired 20,000 hectares.
He stressed that oil wealth must translate into better living conditions for the people whose lands and livelihoods are affected by exploration and production activities.
Jacob Aggrey
