News
“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
Foreign affairs ministry cautions public against unauthorized agents and fake information
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned the public against dealing with unauthorized agents and relying on unverified information in matters relating to its services.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 18, 2025, the Ministry said the submission of fake or fraudulent documents was a criminal offence and would be reported to the police.
It explained that all official information and service updates were published only on its official website, accredited media outlets, and verified social media platforms.
The Ministry advised individuals seeking consular or other services to deal directly with designated officers at the Ministry or accredited Ghana Missions abroad.
It warned that no payments should be made to unauthorized persons, adding that the approved fee for services such as attestation of documents, travel certificates, and laissez-passers was GH¢200.
The Ministry assured the public and Ghanaians abroad of its commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and client-friendly services.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Turn your attention to the religious bodies – GTEC urged
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to extend its regulatory work to unaccredited religious leaders and institutions in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Channelone TV, Dr. Boakye-Danquah urged GTEC not to focus its attention on the Deputy Education Minister, but rather turn to the growing number of individuals who parade themselves with unverified academic and religious titles.
He said while Ghana has credible theological institutions such as Trinity Theological Seminary, the Ghana Baptist Seminary, and the Assemblies of God Seminary, many people still assume titles such as “Reverend Doctor,” “Apostle,” or “Professor” without going through accredited training.
“I would want to urge the GTEC to turn their attention to religious bodies… that will sanitize the system in our country,” he said.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah expressed concern that some individuals who previously had no religious background suddenly establish churches and assume high-ranking titles without proper training.
According to him, this trend undermines the integrity of both the academic and religious systems.
He added that enforcing standards in theological education and religious leadership would help create a more credible and well-structured society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
