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Women in Engineering lauds govt for mass infestation exercise
The Women in Engineering Ghana (WinE), has lauded government’s mass disinfestation and clean-up exercise in markets across the country.
According to the group such proactive actions would ensure the implementation of acceptable and hygienic conditions aimed at making markets safe, clean and well-organised to impact the longevity of the citizenry.
Dr Enyonam Kpekpena, President of the association said this when the group donated assorted Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to traders at the Mallam Atta Market in the Ayawaso Central municipality in Accra.
The PPE which included, Veronica buckets, plastic buckets, nose masks, liquid soap, hand sanitisers and baskets were to support the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which formed part of the GH₵36,000 PPE package earmarked for three markets in the country towards winning the war against the pandemic.
The other beneficiaries were the main market at Ejisu and the Tema Community One market.
According to her, the markets are the refuelling warehouse of every home and the most vulnerable place for the transfer of the virus hence the gesture to support them adhere strictly to the existing protocols to keep themselves and their customers safe from the virus.
“The food that ends up on our tables is from the markets and the earlier innervations are put in place, the better it would be for the collective good of the country,” she added.
Dr Kpekpena, stated that the group which is the women’s wing of the Ghana Institution of Engineering was liaising with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to offer technical expertise on re-engineering the market and urged the traders to observe existing protocols including one meter social distancing yearning of nose masks, frequent washing of hands constant use of hand sanitisers to stay safe from the virus.
She urged for more stringent enforcement of sanitation laws, frequent clearing of chocked drains, and creation of new markets and the prevention of traders from selling on the pavements.
The president of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Mr Alex Ayeh said the virus has become a bother and appealed to the traders to ensure that their customers adhere to the existing protocols to be free from the disease.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Mohammed Quaye, commended the group for the gesture and urged other philanthropists to emulate their example to support the country frontline staff from contracting the pandemic.
The Mallam Atta Market Queen, Nana Asafoanye Ogbedei, commended the group for the gesture and charged other spirited Ghanaians to support the effort of the assembly.
By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu
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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.
