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Two pastors “clash” at Tongo shrine for magical powers
Two pastors are said to have clashed at one of the Tongo shrines in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region last Saturday.
This involved a Senior Pastor of one of the popular churches in
Accra and his junior pastor (name withheld) who have been playing hide and seek with each one regarding their visit to the shrine for magical powers referred to as ‘juju’ in the local parlance, ostensibly for the growth of their church (name withheld)
A dependable source from the village where the shrine is located told The Spectator that these two men of God have been visiting the shrine for the past 10 years but the senior pastor has of late, been coming to the shrine alone to perform some sacrifices without the knowledge of his junior colleague.
The source said that the senior pastor visited the area about a month ago, and promised to come back before Christmas for some engagement at the shrine.
According to the source, the senior pastor did not tell his junior pastor where he was travelling to; so the junior pastor also decided to visit the shrine without his boss’ knowledge as Christmas is drawing near, to do his own thing only for them to meet face-to-face last Saturday afternoon when the senior pastor had finished doing what he had come to do at the shrine and was feverishly preparing to come back to Accra, to continue with his religious duties.
The source intimated that the junior pastor was flabbergasted upon seeing the senior pastor; he stood speechless for some minutes before entering a nearby house where they lodged anytime the two came together for the renewal of their “magical vows”.
“They did not talk to each other,” the source said and indicated that the two went their separate ways without confronting each other.
By Castro Zangina-Tong
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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.
