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US Ambassador visits development partners in Northern Regions
Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan, last week, paid a visit to development partners in Tamale, Yendi, Buipe, and Salaga, affirming the United States’ commitment to Peacebuilding and development in the Northern Region.
She held meetings with, Mr Shanui Alhassan Shaibu, the Northern Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council, as well as representatives of the Northern Regional Peace Council and West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).
The Ambassador met with traditional leaders including the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abukari II, Mion Lana Abdulai Mahamadu, Paramount Chief of Buipe, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, and Paramount Chief of Salaga, Kpembewura Bangabe Ndefuso IV.
She congratulated the Northern Regional Peace Council and WANEP on their work and urged them to continue building community resilience, reinforcing social cohesion, and help individuals to reject extremism.
The Ambassador highlighted United States Agency for International Development (USAID) projects and pledged to support initiatives meant to equip traditional authorities and Regional Peace Councils with skills and knowledge to mediate conflicts in their jurisdictions.
Mrs Sullivan visited the Buipe Port in the Savannah Region where USAID’s West Africa Trade and Investment Hub is supporting businesses in the north to develop export partnerships to access international markets.
The Ambassador again visited a new Trauma and Emergency Ward at the Yendi Government Hospital being constructed by Mission:318, a private U.S. charitable organisation that has provided medical services and supplies to the Yendi community for more than 10 years.
“Americans’ deep connection with Ghanaians is not just about the strong and enduring partnership with the U.S. Government. Mission:318 models many of the values of the American people – sharing the fruits of our prosperity and helping others to help themselves,” she said.
Coinciding with the start of Women’s History Month, the Ambassador further met with six female alumni of U.S. exchange programmes, focused on peace and security, countering extremism, and empowering civil society.
By Spectator Reporter
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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.
