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Speaker Inaugurates Management Committee of Parliamentary Friendship Associations of the Ninth Parliament
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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).
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man suspected of running a romance scam that targeted women with false marriage promises, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
The suspect, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, was arraigned alongside Sally Akosua Amoasah before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
According to preliminary investigations, Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram. He allegedly told women that “God had revealed” they were his future wives.
To gain their trust, police say he went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings.
Investigators allege the suspect then obtained intimate images of some victims and used them to blackmail them for money.
He is also accused of introducing victims to a fake car tyre business. Under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, he allegedly collected thousands of dollars from them before becoming unreachable.
Police further allege that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims.
Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police. Investigations indicate the offences date back to 2021.
The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026. Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail.
The Ghana Police Service says it continues to receive complaints from other possible victims.
The Service is urging anyone who may have had similar encounters with the suspect to report to the nearest Police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana’s tourism industry is in mourning following the sudden death of Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a pioneering figure credited with helping to reconnect the African diaspora to the continent.
Prince Anthony passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra.
He was instrumental in the development and promotion of “The Year of Return,” the flagship tourism campaign that invited members of the African diaspora to return to Ghana in 2019.
The initiative is widely regarded as a turning point that boosted Ghana’s tourism numbers and strengthened cultural ties with Black communities across the world.
Beyond his work with the GTA, Prince Anthony was the Chief Exexutive Officer (CEO) of Bridgezone, an agency dedicated to showcasing Africa to Western audiences and fostering cultural and business connections between the continent and the diaspora.
Colleagues describe him as passionate, strategic, and committed to telling authentic African stories that drive tourism, investment, and pride.
Widely known as Prince Anthony, he served as a Board Member of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2025 to date.
A former British Army officer and a royal of the Akwamu clan, he brought discipline, vision, and a deep sense of heritage to every role he held
Prince Anthony was also a proud father to two teenagers, whom he deeply cherished.
In a statement, the *Ghana Tourism Authority extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, friends, and all sympathizers.
“The tourism industry has lost a pioneering figure and a vital link to the diasporan community,” the statement read.
The statement further added that “We pray for strength for the family during this difficult time.”
Tributes have since poured in from tourism stakeholders, creatives, and diasporan groups who say Prince Anthony’s legacy will continue to shape how the world sees and experiences Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
