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TMA to build police post near new motorway interchange
As part of efforts to ensure the continuous presence of the Police at the newly constructed Tema Motorway Interchange, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) in collaboration with its partners has decided to construct a post for the Tema Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) closer to the interchange.
The post which is expected to be located on a space in front of the construction headquarters and around the Southern Fried Chicken Restaurant would also have a control tower to deal with traffic management at the heart of Tema and also help to ensure that possible road crashes and accident cases receive prompt response.
The Public Relations Officer for the TMA, Frank Asante told the Ghanaian Times that the Police Post would purposely be for the MTTD and would be at a location within the precincts of the Motorway Interchange to enable the police maintain its presence at all times.
He disclosed that the facility would also have a towing service to attend to vehicles that may break down among others.
He said the security presence at such a facility was key and hence the plans to ensure that the place was always safe for the public.
The Tema Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Owusu-Bempah in an interview said the proposed site for the construction of an MTTD and the control tower to take care of traffic management within the heart of Tema would have a great impact on traffic.
“Most traffic incidents happen in and around the Motorway Intersection and it is important prudent police presence is felt at the place” he explained.
He disclosed that the Regional MTTD Command had, hitherto, secured a two office accommodation for that purpose from the Ghana Highway Authority, but due to the new construction, that building was demolished.
ACP Owusu-Bempah said though the contractor had already provided a small post for use by the Regional MTTD there was no parking space and therefore the place had not been convenient.
He said the Regional MTTD Command was poised to use its strong ties with the leadership of TMA to see to it that the project came into fruition.
FROM DZIFA TETTEH, 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.
