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Tema Fire Service calls for public support
The Tema Regional Fire Officer (ACFO) Emmanuel Inkum has called on the public for support to purchase a Breathing Apparatus (Oxygen) Filling Plant.
This would enable them to constantly fill their breathing apparatus cylinders for operations which is very crucial in the survival of fire fighters and rescuers in emergency cases.
ACFO Inkum made the appeal through The Spectator in an interview where he disclosed that currently the filling plant at the Regional Headquarters had broken down and they filled their breathing apparatus at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) or the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other private institutions which have offered to do so at no cost.
The interview aimed at finding out the challenges of his administration as a new Regional Fire Officer and what he intended doing differently to address issues in the region upon assuming office on October 6, this year.
He explained that if they were able to have their own plant, it would facilitate frequent training of their fire personnel to make them conversant with its usage to enhance their swift performance on the field and make them more comfortable in its usage.
The Tema Regional Fire Officer also called on the public to support them with proximity suits (fire tunics), fire resistant boots, face masks, helmets and Fireman axe to facilitate their work and ensure safety of their personnel.
He stressed the need for collaboration between the Tema Regional Office and Traditional leaders to make lands available for more District Offices in the area.
ACFO Inkum said the role of the business community and industries in putting up of more offices would be much appreciated as it would bring them closer to residents and industries.
He said much as the GNFS was investing in personnel preparedness for emergencies and swift response to fire scenes it would need public support in various ways to make their efforts a success.
He said in-service training and competitions at the regional and district levels had been intensified to beef up personnel preparedness to give the public the best services.
He appealed to the public to be more welcoming when they come to them with their fire education outreach because the knowledge acquired could go a long way to save lives and properties.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
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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.
