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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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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
