News
Upper Dixcove chiefs curse MP, NPP supporters
The Upper Dixcove Traditional Council in the Ahanta West municipality of the Western Region on Tuesday performed rituals asking their gods to deal with some New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwarts and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kojo Kum.
They alleged the MP insulted the Paramount Chief of the area, Obrempong Hima Dekyi XIV and the chiefs of Ahanta in a WhatsApp chat with his supporters.
Dressed in red and black war apparel, 48 chiefs from 48 communities under the leadership of the Upper Dixcove chief, chanted war songs, holding bottles of Schnapps and white ram in a procession to Obrempong Hima Dekyi XIV’s palace.
“It has come to our notice that some audio that is circulating in the public domain has used unprintable words to describe you our paramount chief and all chiefs on the Ahanta land.
“We deem these audios as disrespectful to our mighty throne, hence we have brought these Schnapps and ram to the gods to deal with the MP and all those who are involved,” the chiefs said.
The chiefs who performed several rituals from morning to midnight on Tuesday said the MP, together with his supporters would all face the wrath of the gods if they make any attempt to step on any land belonging to the Upper Dixcove paramountcy.
They have issued a two-week ultimatum to the governing party in the region to render an unqualified apology or blame themselves for consequences that would follow, should they step on any of the 48 communities in Dixcove.
-myjoyonline.com
Hot!
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.
Hot!
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.
