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Sports and Recreation Minister engages GFA on first day at work
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams officially assumed the leadership role of the sector on Monday February 10, 2025.2.10
As part of fist day at work activities, he convened a meeting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to discuss matters relating to stadium security and the progress of Ghana Football.
The main focus of the meeting centred primarily on enhancing safety and security at the various match venues stemming from the unfortunate incident that rocked the football fraternity resulting in the death of a fan of Asante Kotoko. 
The incident took place recently in a league match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman football club at the Nana Koramansah Park at Nsoatreman.
Briefing the Minister on the status of investigations into the incident, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo stated that it was being treated as a criminal matter.
He assured the Minister of the full cooperation of the GFA with the security agencies to help bring the perpetrators to book.
The Minister pointed out the seriousness in losing a fan at a match venue and assured that, anyone found culpable will not be shielded to escape punishment but will be made to face the full rigors of the law.
He went on to outline a number of engagements and steps taken by the GFA, including the suspension of the league, to restore the sanity of the Ghana Premiere League going forward.
According to the General Secretary, the GFA after engaging all its stakeholders have drafted an enhanced safety protocols for the various match venues and this will be made available to the Minister for his input and subsequent implementation.
For his part, the Minister intimated his resolve to find a lasting solution to the issue of hooliganism to improve stadium experience for fans.
Regarding facilities, he directed the Chief Director of the Ministry, together with the GFA, to constitute a team to re-assess the suitability of match venues for league matches across the country to agree on which venues meet the minimum standard per regulations.
He further directed the GFA to step up its “say no to hooliganism” campaign and enhance the education of all football fans, players and officials to comport themselves at match venues to forestall any future occurrence; adding that, he would continue to engage with the GFA regularly to enhance stadium attendance and bring football back to life.
The meeting concluded with the Minister calling for the full cooperation and support of all stakeholders to improve Ghana Football and other sports.
He said that he believed in focusing on finding solutions to the challenges in Ghana sports, rather than apportioning blame.
Source:MOSR
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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.
