News
We should find a governance system that unites us, not divides us – Oscar Provencal
Ghanaian actor, Oscar Provencal has called on duty bearers to work towards a governance system that unites rather than divides the nation.
Speaking in an interview with GBC News in the wake of the recent military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of government officials, military personnel, and party executives, Mr. Provencal praised President John Dramani Mahama and his team for the smooth organisation of the state funeral.
He commended the organisers for their swift work within a short period and also described the decision to give the victims a military burial as a good call, noting that the military handled the ceremony professionally.
While acknowledging the good work done, he pointed out inefficiencies in the system, particularly in the initial handling of the crash site.
He said poor management of such sites could compromise forensic investigations, which are crucial in finding out the causes of such accidents.
Mr. Provencal expressed concern over the public’s rush to accident scenes to take pictures and videos, especially in the age of social media, where such content goes viral within seconds.
He urged the public to delete disturbing footage and praised responsible media outlets for their coverage.
However, he urged journalists to reflect on their reporting, stressing the need for sensitivity towards grieving families and capacity building in media practices.
He added that tragedy, which led to the demise of eight gallant men as well as the road accident that killed 15 people should serve as a wake-up call to fix weaknesses in the system.
Mr. Provencal stressed that unity should not only come from tragedy, adding that Ghanaians must live in peace, free from hatred and bitterness, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic differences.
“At the end of the day, politics should not divide us but unite us,” he stressed.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
