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“Take urgent steps to address Africa’s digital divide” – Speaker of Parliament urges African parliaments
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged African parliaments to take urgent steps to address the digital divide between countries and regions, citing the technological gap between the parliaments of Rwanda and Ghana as an example.
He indicated that the uneven access to modern technology and digital tools across the continent was affecting the efficiency of parliamentary work and the ability to share information seamlessly.
He stressed that bridging the gap would not only improve parliamentary reporting but also enhance democratic governance and accountability.
Mr Bagbin further noted that innovation in parliamentary processes was no longer optional but essential in a world that is fast embracing technology.
He said closing the technological gap would require political will, resource allocation, and collaboration among African countries.
He made the call at the opening of the 11th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Hansard Editors Association Africa Region currently underway in Accra.
The five-day conference, slated for August 11 to 15, 2025, has brought together parliamentary Hansard editors from across the continent to share experiences, build capacity, and strengthen professional networks within the Commonwealth.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, commended the organisers for creating a platform that fosters cooperation among African parliaments.
He said enhancing the capacity of Hansard editors was critical to preserving the integrity of parliamentary records and ensuring public access to debates.
He urged African governments to invest more in training and technology for parliamentary staff, adding that this would help bridge the knowledge and skills gap in the production of parliamentary records.
Mr Afenyo Markin called for greater collaboration between majority and minority sides in parliament, stressing that unity in preserving accurate records of proceedings was vital for democracy and historical accountability.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama thanks Ghanaians for support after helicopter crash tragedy
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government have expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians and the international community for the support shown following the helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Monday, the President said the nation was moved by the outpouring of condolences, solidarity, and practical assistance offered during the period of mourning.
He noted that the sympathy messages, attendance at the state funeral, and acts of kindness towards the bereaved families brought comfort in a difficult time.
The statement commended individuals, security personnel, and corporate organisations that worked to ensure that the victims were given what it described as a “dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial.”
“As we return to the duties of resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want, let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
The President in the statement prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Following the conclusion of the state funeral and the burial of all eight victims, the Chief of Staff has directed that flags at public buildings, which had been flown at half-mast in mourning, be restored to full mast with immediate effect.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama grants 998 prisoners amnesty
President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country.
The gesture is upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in Accra yesterday said the number is out of a total of 1,014 recommended.
Per the statement, 87 persons who were sentenced to death will now be commuted to life imprisonment whiles 51 prisoners who were on life sentence will now have to serve 20 years.
First time offenders to be granted pardon are 787, seriously ill, 33, over 70 years irrespective of offence 36, nursing mothers, 2 and petitions, 2.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
