News
Speaker reaffirms Parliament’s commitment to the promotion of human rights
A delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) led by the Senior Program Officer for Governance, Mr Akiyo Miguel Afouda, has paid a courtesy call on the Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
The purpose of the visit was to promote Human and Children’s Rights in the country and within the sub-region.
In his opening remarks, the Speaker reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to human rights promotion through active participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
The Speaker emphasised that Parliament’s unique legislative, oversight, and budgetary functions make it a key factor in protecting rights, monitoring executive compliance, and ensuring the implementation of UPR recommendations.
“Ghana’s Parliament has already acted on several key UPR recommendations supported by the state, including the abolition of the death penalty and the passage of the long-awaited Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill,” he said.
The Speaker further stated that the areas of progress in the human rights includes addressing prison conditions, promoting gender and environmental rights, and aligning domestic laws with international human rights protocols.
He added that Parliament has partnered with CHRAJ to implement the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights through active involvement in the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up and with closer collaboration with the IPU and human rights CSOs.
The Speaker assured that Parliament will continue to strengthen its oversight and accountability functions to safeguard the rights of all Ghanaians.
He concluded that, in pursuance of its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights at the domestic and international levels, Parliament has actively been involved in the activities of sessions of Human Rights Council (HRC) and the National Mechanism for reporting and follow-up.
In response, the IPU Officer, Mr. Akiyo Miguel Afouda, commended Speaker for his availability, commitment, and engagement. He added that during the first meeting, which was held in March 2025 it was to celebrate the achievements of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
He informed the Speaker that a workshop has been programmed to educate members of the Human Rights Committee of Parliament.
News
Roads minister gives contractor two months to improve performance on Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sefwi Adabokrom road project
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has issued a two-month ultimatum to Delovely Construction Ltd. to improve work on the Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sewi Adabokrom road project or risk losing the contract.
He gave the directive during an inspection of the 55-kilometre project today, expressing disappointment in the slow pace of work.
According to him, the contractor has completed less than two per cent of the project, even though work should have reached about 20 per cent by now.
He noted that the contractor was given possession of the site about five months ago and should have made significant progress.
He explained that aside from clearing works along the stretch, there is little visible progress on the ground.
The minister described the performance as far below expectations and warned that the government will not tolerate further delays.
He stated that the contractor has been given two months to improve progress to at least 20 per cent, failing which the contract will be terminated and reassigned to another company.
He added that the government remains committed to completing the project on schedule and will not allow setbacks to delay its delivery.
He stressed that the road is important to the area, as it supports agriculture and the livelihoods of residents.
He said the project forms part of the government’s broader plan to improve road infrastructure and boost economic activity in the region.
He assured residents that regardless of the current contractor’s performance, the government will ensure the road is completed by November 30, 2027.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, following recent terrorist attacks in Mali that have claimed several lives, including that of the country’s Defence Minister.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 27, 2026, the government described the attacks, which occurred on Saturday, April 25, as coordinated strikes on multiple military positions, including the capital, Bamako.
The statement noted that the attacks led to the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, along with other military personnel and civilians.
The government extended condolences to the people and government of Mali, describing the development as tragic, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
It stressed that violent extremism has no place in the world and called for stronger collective efforts to combat such acts.
The ministry issued an advisory to Ghanaians living in Mali, urging them to be cautious and limit non-essential movements. It encouraged them to stay in regular contact with the Ghana Embassy in Bamako.
Ghanaian traders and drivers who use the Mali route for business have also been advised to suspend their activities until further notice, as authorities work to restore calm.
The statement indicated that the government is working closely with Malian authorities and will provide updates to support the safe resumption of trading activities.
It assured Ghanaian nationals in Mali that their safety and well-being remain a top priority.
By: Jacob Aggrey
