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Tag: parliament

  • 500 students, Okyeame Kwame petition Parliament over climate change

    500 students, Okyeame Kwame petition Parliament over climate change

    Musician Okyeame Kwame on July 21, 2023, led approximately 500 students in a walk from Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to Parliament to petition the climate caucus for more ambitious action on climate change.

    During the walk, the students chanted slogans demanding climate justice, a greener Ghana, reafforestation, and raising awareness about the climate emergency.

    Upon reaching Parliament, Okyeame Kwame and the group were received by notable figures, including Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, the UN resident coordinator, Charles Abani, the mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Sackey, and some members of the parliamentary Climate Caucus.

    The hosts unanimously agreed with the advocates that climate action is crucial, especially for Africans and indigenous people worldwide who contribute less than 4% to carbon emissions but bear the brunt of harsh climate conditions.

    Dr. Emmanuel Marfo praised and commended Okyeame Kwame and the climate clock team for taking up this important cause and involving future generations in the fight for climate justice.

    The climate walk was organized in observation of Climate Emergency Day, which occurs every 22nd of July.

    While at parliament, the UN resident coordinator also commended Okyeame Kwame stating “his activism must go beyond the regional level.”

    Students, teachers, and activists participating in the climate walk were supported and refreshed by Ekumfi juice as they marched to advocate for climate justice.

    After the walk, a delegation led by Okyeame Kwame and his family paid a courtesy visit to Amer Al Alalawi, the head of the United Arab Emirates’ diplomatic mission in Accra.

    They were accompanied by Nakeeyat Dramani Sam, a Youth Climate Advocate, Portia Adu Mensah, the lead advocate for Climate Clock Ghana, and a group of media representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss youth representation at COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE in Dubai’s expo city in November.

    During the meeting, Amer Al Alalawi praised Okyeame’s initiative and expressed the UAE’s commitment to involving youth in climate discussions and decision-making. He appreciated the delegation’s concern for the environment and aligned vision with the UAE.

    Leading up to the walk, the climate clock team visited several schools, including Kwabenya Snr High School, St. John’s Grammar High School, Kaneshie Cluster of schools, and St. Martin De Porres. They spoke to over 1500 students, using the clock’s figures to explain the urgency of the climate emergency and the need for immediate action.

    The climate walk was organized by the Okyeame Kwame Foundation in partnership with Climate Clock, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and sponsored by Ekumfi Juice.

  • If Cecilia Dapaah’s stolen money was paid IMF would have been avoided – NDC MP

    If Cecilia Dapaah’s stolen money was paid IMF would have been avoided – NDC MP

    Member of parliament from Kumbungu, Hamza Adam, claims that if the government had access to the vast sums of allegedly stolen money, including US$1 million, €300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis from the residence of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the minister for sanitation and water resources, Ghana’s recent recourse to an IMF loan could have been avoided.

    He contends that rather than the nation requesting financial aid from the international community, the aforementioned sum is sufficient to support the faltering economy.

    “We all know it is illegal to keep such monies because if you look at the quantum of money that is alleged to be found in her residence, if we got such an amount of money, we didn’t need to go to the IMF,” he said.

    Speaking in a media briefing after a Parliamentary sitting on July 21, 2023, he stressed the need to investigate all ministers currently serving the country. “That is also a wake-up call, which means we have to go down and investigate all ministers serving the country at the moment.”

    He added “I think it is important that the minister, as a matter of urgency, relinquish her position as a minister because her continued stay may interfere with the prosecution processes. We demand that the minister clears the way by doing the ultimate thing, or the president must compel her to resign.”

    The blatant thefts took place over a three-month period, from July to October 2022, at the couple’s home in the Accra district of Abelemkpe, according to an official charge sheet from an Accra Circuit Court. The defendants, Patience and Sarah, are being prosecuted on a number of counts of theft involving astonishing sums of money as well as a conspiracy to conduct a crime.

    In addition to financial assets, the accused is also accused of stealing Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s personal items, including pricey clothing, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry. The stunning value of the stolen goods totaled 95,000 Ghana cedis and 95,000 US dollars.

    Patience was accused of stealing cultural relics, including six pieces of Kente cloth valued GH$90,000 and six sets of gold jewelry, by herself.

  • 1st Deputy Speaker describes current parliament as the worst in Ghana’s history

    1st Deputy Speaker describes current parliament as the worst in Ghana’s history

    Ghana’s eighth parliament has been labeled the worst in the nation’s history by First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, due to the recent actions of the minority caucus.

    Earlier this week, the Minority announced their decision to intensify their protest against the prosecution of Gyakye Quayson.

    The newly adopted approach involves consistently raising concerns about quorum, effectively causing disruptions in the House each time.

    According to the First Deputy Speaker, he thought a Parliament with equal numbers will be better but it turned out to be the worst than the other parliaments.

    Speaking to JoyNews on July 20, he said, “We have decided to do politics instead of business. This equal number in parliament has brought the worst in MPs, I have repeated it, I will repeat it again – this parliament, the eighth parliament has made the least number of laws.”

    On Thursday, whilst the House considered bills including the Ghana UNESCO bill, it was evident that the House lacked a quorum to continue. This forced an early adjournment.

    On the back of this, Mr Osei-Wusu said this parliament has not been effective as was the case in previous parliaments.

    According to him, with more than a decade in parliament, there has never been a time where the absence of other colleagues in the house hindered the business of the day.

    He stressed that the current parliament made it difficult for the leadership to control affairs in the house.

    “Young people are in control; they look at things differently from the rest of us, so it is even good for them when their leaders agree to do it.

    “Check the current parliament, it is always people from the back bench who come to raise this thing and not the leaders. What it means is that at this time in the parliament of Ghana, leaders don’t have control, the back bench has control,” he said.

    Also, Trades and Industry Minister, KT Hammond expressed concern about the current trend adding that if this continues, parliament will be unable to get business done.

    He described the action of the minority as mischievous and a clear sabotage of government business.

    Mr Hammond stressed that the move by the minority has made it difficult for committee meetings to take place which has greatly affected the business of parliament.

    However, the Chief Whip of the minority, Kwame Governs Agbodza says the minority caucus was doing the best it can to let the business of the house go on.

    He added that his side of the house was not to be blamed for the delay in parliamentary business. He stressed that if all members of the minority were present, the agenda of the house would have continued.

    Also, Tamale Central MP, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed said it is unfair for the majority to describe the actions of the minority as a frustration to the business of the house.

    According to him, the business of the house is guided by the constitution and the standing orders, therefore, describing them as a hindrance to parliamentary business is wrong.

    He added that on the contrary, the Majority Chief Whip has failed to get all members of the majority into the house for the business of the day to proceed.

  • Partners who murder ex-spouses to face tougher punishments after domestic violence reforms

    Partners who murder ex-spouses to face tougher punishments after domestic violence reforms

    With new domestic violence legislation that have been suggested, partners who murder their ex-partners after a breakup will receive lengthier terms.

    If they are approved by Parliament, judges will use the murder of an ex-partner as an aggravating circumstance when determining punishment.

    The suggestions, which were made public on Thursday by Alex Chalk KC, the justice secretary, will also take abuse allegations against those found guilty of outbursts into account.

    Domestic abuse victims will receive lighter punishments if they did experience it, including campaigns of coercive and controlling behaviour.

    The Government commissioned an independent review into domestic homicide sentencing in 2021 and Clare Wade KC made her suggestions in a report published on March 17 this year.

    Along with the additional measures suggested this week, ministers are also set to ask the Law Commission to to review the use of defences in domestic homicide cases.

    This will include the partial defences of ‘loss of control’ and ‘diminished responsibility’.

    Justice Secretary ALEX CHALK, seen at a Cabinet Meeting in Downing Street. Cabinet Meeting in Downing Street, London, England, United Kingdom - 18 Jul 2023
    Lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice Alex Chalk KC announced the reforms (Picture: Shutterstock)

    ‘Loss of control’ is often used to try and reduce a charge from murder to manslaughter.

    It is a complicated defence and the details of it would change with each case but, in the context of domestic violence, it is usually argued by proving the defendant had a ‘serious fear of violence’ from the person they commited a crime against.

    Reforming ‘diminished responsibility’ will broadly mean asking the court to take into account whether a defendant has suffered mental health problems because of domestic abuse.

    Essentially, this review will be looking at whether the law adequately considers circumstances where a victim of domestic abuse acts in self-defence.

    Justice secretary Alex Chalk KC said: ‘Cowards who murder their partners should face the full force of the law.

    ‘Our reforms will give judges the power ensure that those who coercively control their victims or kill them at the end of a relationship face longer behind bars.’

    The lord chancellor also said he wanted to make it easier for courts to enforce severe consequences on murderers who ‘add pain and trauma through “overkill”‘.

    This is when excessive force or action is taken beyond what is necessary to commit the murder.

    Domestic homicide is defined as a death that occurs due to violence, abuse or neglect by a partner, ex-partner, relative or member of the same household.

    Controlling or coercive behaviour was introduced as a criminal offence in the Serious Crime Act 2015 and can include economic, emotional or psychological abuse and threats alongside physical or sexual violence.

    More than half (51%) of the murder cases looked at in the Wade Review involved controlling or coercive behaviour.

  • This is becoming unbecoming – 2nd Deputy Speaker lament over MPs absenteeism in Parliament

    This is becoming unbecoming – 2nd Deputy Speaker lament over MPs absenteeism in Parliament

    Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, urges both sides of the house’s leadership to take responsibility and ensure their members’ presence in Parliament to facilitate business activities.

    The chamber has been forced to adjourn sittings on multiple occasions due to insufficient numbers for parliamentary business to proceed.

    During the parliamentary session, and in response to quorum concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, who presided over the sitting, emphasized the importance of MPs taking their legislative duties seriously.

    “I think that we have to take the house seriously. If you have been following the media over the weekend, they all descended on Parliament; the fact that we don’t get the members to do business and I think it is becoming unbecoming. So, honourable members, today will be the last day that we will raise this issue, so I am urging you to do more,” he said.

  • Increasing use of cyberspace to facilitate human trafficking worrying – Davis Ansah Opoku

    Increasing use of cyberspace to facilitate human trafficking worrying – Davis Ansah Opoku

    Member of Parliament representing Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Ansah Opoku, has voiced his deep concern regarding the escalating incidence of human trafficking cases not only in Ghana but also across Africa.

    Raising an urgent alarm about this alarming trend, the lawmaker emphasizes that it demands serious attention from African leaders. He points out that human traffickers have adapted to modern methods, such as exploiting social media platforms, to perpetrate their heinous crimes. Through these means, they ensnare unsuspecting individuals into the trafficking network, subjecting them to exploitation and profiteering.

    In his address to Parliament on Wednesday, July 19, Mr. Ansah Opoku shed light on the disheartening reality of the situation.

    “Mr Speaker, it is heartbreaking to note that whilst the Government of Ghana is striving relentlessly to tackle the known patterns of human trafficking, traffickers are taking advantage of technological advancements and new media to forge new ways to facilitate human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking.

    “This has transformed the global human trafficking business into one UNICEF conservatively estimates turn an annual profit of about USD 32 billion; other estimates peg this figure as over USD150 billion.

    “Mr Speaker, human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, happens on this scale because an entire infrastructure supports and facilitates it. Young, vulnerable, and impressionable girls are recruited through social media sites such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, with traffickers masquerading as love interests.

    “Others are lured by the extravagant lifestyles of social media influencers who traffickers sponsor. According to a 2018 report by the All-Parliamentary Group on Prostitution and the Global Sex Trade of the British Parliament, other women are lured online with promises of employment in other countries only to be coerced into brothels when they arrive,” excerpts of his statement read.

    Mr. Ansah Opoku described the infrastructure that supports and facilitates human trafficking as extensive. He added that deceptive offers of overseas employment lead many women to end up in brothels against their will, as reported by the All-Parliamentary Group on Prostitution and the Global Sex Trade of the British Parliament in 2018.

    In light of these distressing developments, the MP has urged African leaders and authorities to take urgent action to combat the rising use of cyberspace to facilitate human trafficking and protect the vulnerable individuals targeted by these criminal networks.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Contempt suit against Speaker Bagbin withdrawn

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Contempt suit against Speaker Bagbin withdrawn

    Researcher from the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Amanda Odoi, has chosen to withdraw her contempt application against Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, at the Supreme Court.

    The application was filed in connection to the ongoing discussions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    This decision to withdraw the suit comes after the Supreme Court rejected her request to halt Parliament from proceeding with the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    Dr. Odoi had accused Speaker Bagbin of disregarding the pending legal actions and allowing the consideration of the proposed legislation to continue, which she believed was in violation of the 1992 Constitution.

    She argued, “the respondent has continually violated and shown utter disregard for the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the court process. That the respondent’s clear, intentional, and continuous disregard of the court process necessitates the Respondent being sanctioned for contempt in the public interest and to protect the dignity of the Court.”

    “He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted,” she said.

    Ghana’s Parliament

    But Chief State Attorney Dr Sylvia Aduse told the court Dr Odoi’s legal team have failed to show how they will suffer or which right of theirs should be protected in the interim.

    “He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted.” She said.

    Lawyer for the Speaker, Thaddeus Sory urged the court to dismiss the request.

    “We pray that this application doesn’t satisfy any of the tests as set by this court and should be dismissed.”

    The panel presided over by the Chief Justice Indicated a case meriting an injunction has not been made.

    “We have considered the merits of this case and are of the considered view that a prima facie case has not been made to convince us to injunct the work of parliament.

    “Neither have we been convinced to injunct an uncompleted work of parliament. The issues raised by this application for injunction are matters to be determined by the substantive matter. This application for an injunction is dismissed,” the Chief Justice stated.

    Other panel members are Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Gabriel Pwamang, Mariama Owusu, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Yonny Kulendi, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Asiedu, George Koomson”.

    The Anti-LGBTQ Bill, which has been under discussion and scrutiny since its introduction in 2021, received unanimous consent from all 275 Members of Parliament on July 5th.

    Despite facing legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit announced on July 4, 2023, the bill has progressed to the consideration stage following the approval of its laying and subsequent debate by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    Speaker Bagbin emphasized that there is no opposition from any legislator regarding the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

    “With the submissions just made by the Honorable Andy Appiah Kubi that all the 275 are in support of the bill, anybody who disagrees be on your feet and I will recognize you.

    “Honorable members, since all members are in support of the bill, I am definitely not going to gag the House. I will give you the opportunity to expand and improve further the submissions made so that at the consideration stage, it will be enriched by your contributions.

    “But I just want us to be clear that none is against the bill,” he stressed.

  • $56.8m loan for National Affordable Housing Programme laid before Parliament

    $56.8m loan for National Affordable Housing Programme laid before Parliament

    The Government of Ghana has presented the EPC/Turnkey contract agreement between itself and Douja Promotion Groupe Addoha to Parliament.

    The agreement, worth $56.8 million, aims to finance the implementation of the National Affordable Housing Programme and the Revised Redevelopment Scheme.

    The First Deputy Speaker, Mr. Joseph Osei-Owusu, referred the loan agreement to the Committee of Works and Housing for further examination and reporting.

    In addition, the Finance Committee laid before the House the report on the Financing Agreement between the Government of Ghana and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

    The agreement, totaling $52.50 million, consists of a Blended Loan of $35.17 million and a Highly Concessional Loan of $17.32 million. The funds will support the Promoting Rural Opportunities, Sustainable Profits, and Environmental Resilience (PROSPER) Project.

    The Finance Committee also presented a report regarding the Request for waiver of Domestic Value Added Tax amounting to $1.86 million on materials and works/services procured by Messrs Canadian Commercial Corporation for the implementation of the 132MW Installed Capacity T3 Power Project.

    The First Deputy Speaker instructed the distribution of the two reports to Members of the House.

    However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Minority Caucus was absent from the Chamber as they were accompanying Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, to court for his trial.

    Following the proceedings, the House adjourned its sitting and will reconvene on Wednesday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m.

  • LGBTQ+ is colonialism in different form – Inusah Fuseini

    LGBTQ+ is colonialism in different form – Inusah Fuseini

    Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Inusah Fuseini, has voiced concerns about LGBTQ+ rights activism in Ghana, comparing it to a new form of colonialism.

    While he advocates for abolishing the death penalty, he believes that accepting the LGBTQ+ community’s rights would undermine African culture.

    He emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse choices but warns against endorsing what he sees as a potential form of colonial influence.

    “The fact that I’m advocating for life imprisonment and not death sentence might, to some extent, be consistent with the way Africans have always lived together. LGBTQ+ is an attack on African traditions. Everybody or every people have the right to their own culture. It is the culture that defines you. You are who you are by reason of where you are from, and who I am by reason of where I am from. Diversity is what makes us human. Our differences should not divide us; our difference, in the sight of Allah, should let us know each other.

    “As Africans, we have a culture; we have a tradition. It is, if you want, another form of colonialism or imperialism to try to impose on us a culture that is at variance with our traditional culture. And that is why LGBTQ is facing stiff opposition,” he stated.

    He asserts that decisions regarding engaging in such practices should remain private. However, Inusah Fuseini believes that if such acts are publicized, they should be addressed through the law.

    The anti-gay bill presented to Parliament has been adopted, aiming to make all activities associated with the LGBTQ+ community illegal in Ghana. The bill proposes punitive measures for suspects involved in such activities.

  • Former MP Catherine Afeku seeks to reclaim Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency Seat

    Former MP Catherine Afeku seeks to reclaim Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency Seat

    In a show of support, constituency and polling station executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency of the Western Region have willingly obtained nomination forms for former Member of Parliament (MP), Catherine Abelema Afeku. These actions indicate their endorsement of Afeku’s bid to participate in the party’s parliamentary primaries for the upcoming 2024 elections.

    Led by Eric Essien, Chairman of the Council of Patrons, and former Youth Organiser Samuel Dwomoh, the executives expressed their support for Afeku, recognizing her as a hardworking and popular grassroots politician, dailyguide reports.

    The NPP had opened nominations for parliamentary primaries in constituencies without sitting MPs from July 11, 2023. The deadline for nominations was set for Thursday, August 10, 2023, with elections expected to take place from September to December 2023.

    In a bid to encourage greater inclusivity, prospective aspiring candidates, including women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), were offered a 50% reduction on the non-refundable filing fee of GH¢35,000.00.

    Afeku, who previously served as the Tourism Minister, lost the Evalue-Ajomoro Gwira seat; a swing area in the region, to the incumbent NDC MP, Arko Nokoe.

    Addressing supporters, Eric Essien expressed his satisfaction with Afeku’s decision to lead the party’s efforts to reclaim the lost seat in 2024. He highlighted her good track record in the area, emphasizing the need for unity and support.

    Receiving the nomination forms, Catherine Afeku expressed gratitude to the executives for their support and for contributing to the purchase of the forms.

    She assured them that if chosen as the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the 2024 general election, she would work tirelessly to secure victory.

  • $2m invested in Accra Sky Train project that never was; Minority wants refund

    $2m invested in Accra Sky Train project that never was; Minority wants refund

    The Minority in Parliament has called for the reimbursement of a $2 million payment made in 2019 as a premium for the acquisition of ordinary shares in the Accra Sky Train Project’s development.

    In the 2021 report by the Auditor-General, the transaction was labeled as a net liability.

    The Auditor General’s report highlighted that the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund acquired 10 ordinary shares in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Ai Sky Train Consortium Holdings, at the aforementioned amount.

    Minority Chief Whip and Ranking Member on the Roads and Transport Committee, Governs Kwame Agbodza, while addressing the media in Parliament today, demanded the repayment of the funds into the government’s coffers.

    “When you have a situation where the minister then says in 2023, now that he always believed that before the project takes off, that should be a cabinet approval, there should be a parliamentary approval, PPA approval, since none of these things were approved – In fact, the Auditor General’s report suggested that the company did not even have the necessary license to operate the system they wanted to operate?

    “So who authorised the payment of the $2 million in terms of the so called feasibility, and which normal decision maker pays out $2 million for a feasibility study before, as they put it, they determine whether the project is bankable? These things only happen when it’s an organized crime. When people are careless, clueless and reckless about public expenditure because they don’t care. It only happens when there’s organized crime. So I think the minimum the Auditor General should be asking for is the refund of the $2 million,” he said.

    The Accra Sky Train Project announced by President Akufo-Addo had its initial plan formulated in 2017. However, an assessment of risk management issues within the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) reveals that the policy is still in the draft stage.

    In 2018, Africa Investor Holdings Limited established a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Ghana Sky Train Limited in Mauritius. The purpose of this SPV was to develop the Accra Sky Train Project through a Design, Build, Finance, and Operate arrangement.

    However, the Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has indicated that the current government will not be able to deliver sky trains to Ghanaians as previously envisioned.

    He explained that due to the substantial capital investment required, the project cannot be implemented in the near future. The government is constrained by fiscal limitations and lacks the necessary financial resources to support such a facility.

    As a result, the implementation of the Accra Sky Train Project has been delayed and its realization remains uncertain.

    “It is not possible to be done now. I don’t see any sky train being done in the next 3 to 4 years. There is not going to be any sky train in the country. It is not possible,” he is quoted by JoyNews to have said in an interview in November 2021.

  • Parliament to address buffer stock challenges this week

    Parliament to address buffer stock challenges this week

    Parliament gears up this week to address the challenges faced by the National Buffer Stock Company Limited and seek potential solutions.

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has instructed the Business Committee to schedule ministers responsible for Finance, Education, and Food and Agriculture to brief the House on the issues at hand.

    The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta; Education Minister, Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum, and the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, are set to address Parliament on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

    The National Buffer Stock Company, a crucial contributor to the government’s flagship program, Free Senior High School, has recently faced challenges leading to concerns over food supply shortages.

    The Business Statement presented in Parliament also outlined other ministers expected to respond to questions from MPs.

    Additionally, the Finance Minister is scheduled to present the Mid-Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

    The Business Committee urged the expedited consideration of various bills, and a joint caucus meeting is planned to address important matters.

  • NPP Bono East Regional chair urges aspirants to focus on campaigning on issues, not insult

    NPP Bono East Regional chair urges aspirants to focus on campaigning on issues, not insult

    In a collaborative effort with Stop TB Partnership Ghana and several Civil Society organizations (CSOs), the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, took a significant step by launching the restructuring of the Parliamentary TB Caucus on Friday, July 14. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance and amplify the ongoing fight against Tuberculosis (TB) across the nation. By working together, the aim is to intensify efforts and make substantial progress in combatting this infectious disease.

    According to Chairman IB popularly known as the Game Changer aspirants must stick to issues based campaign that will ultimately inure to the NPP’s bid to ‘Break The Eight’

    Chairman IB emphasised the importance of a clean and respectful campaign as the race for the party’s flagbearer and parliamentary primaries intensifies.

    Speaking to newsmen in Techiman on Saturday, July 15, 2023, Chairman IB stressed the need for unity within the NPP.

    He reiterated that, as a family, all factions must recognise that a united front is necessary to confront the “main enemy,” which is the NDC.

    Chairman IB stated, “We must understand that the current campaign is an internal election. Our primary opponent in 2024 is the NDC. As you embark on this campaign, let us refrain from speaking ill of one another and attacking the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia’s government because it’s the very legacy we’re going to build our campaign on as a party going into the 2024 election.”

    He continued, “We seek peace, a clean campaign, and a fair election. We do not want anyone to engage in attacks against their opponents. After the elections, we will require everyone’s support to tackle the NDC.”

    Chairman IB has, therefore, urged all campaign teams and well-wishers to be mindful of their language to uphold party unity.

    “We are one family, and we must remain united. Once the contest concludes, we will come together as a cohesive force to ensure the NDC does not return to power. That unity is of utmost importance. Let us maintain the NPP’s position of power and foster unity within the party,” Bono East Regional Chairman declared

  • Deputy Majority Whip raises concerns over Parliament’s decision to investigate leaked Dampare Audio

    Deputy Majority Whip raises concerns over Parliament’s decision to investigate leaked Dampare Audio

    In a significant development, Habibu Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tolon and Deputy Majority Whip, has voiced skepticism regarding the efficacy of the parliamentary committee formed by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The committee’s purpose is to conduct an investigation into a leaked audio recording, purportedly disclosing a scheme to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. Iddrisu’s doubts add a new layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy.

    In a discussion on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, Habibu Iddrisu criticized the decision to involve Parliament in the matter, stating that there are more appropriate agencies equipped to handle such investigations.

    Habibu Iddrisu stated, “If that committee is set up and Parliament finishes its work then what? There are agencies that are equipped to handle this tape, not Parliament. From where I sit, I don’t see where it is going, it is just the politics we are seeing. This committee the speaker has formed, I don’t see where it will go. I don’t think Parliament was the right forum for this to be done. There is more to it than we have heard.”

    On Thursday, July 13, Speaker Alban Bagbin ordered the formation of a seven-member committee to probe the leaked audio recording, which allegedly involves individuals plotting the removal of IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. The committee will consist of three members from each side of the House, along with one technical expert. The Speaker directed that the names of the three members from the Majority and Minority caucuses be announced within one week.

    Background

    GhanaWeb has intercepted a series of secret recordings exposing details of a plot by some top officials of the ruling New Patriotic Party and the Ghana Police Service to displace the current Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare from office ahead of the 2024 polls.

    Apparently threatened by his leadership style and alleged affiliation with the opposition National Democratic Congress, the group who were recorded in a secret meeting concluded that the NPP’s “Breaking the 8” agenda will be impossible with Dampare at the helm of the police.

    “Alhaji, my only problem… this current IGP if we do a mistake and take him to the elections, it will not help us. It will not help us at all and I will not mind if the position is not given to me but that man is changed; because he will not help us, he will not help us at all… he won’t help the party at all.

    “I know there are others who are also good for this position, if I don’t get and this man is changed and those people that we think they are our men get (it is ok) … Because we need to break this 8. That is important, we need to break the 8… Because I wouldn’t want doctor to become the flagbearer and then we lose the elections… ” one of the senior officers told the senior NPP member who is believed to be a former regional chairman of the party and now a traditional ruler.

  • 12 GES officials implicated on over GHS 1m procurement breaches

    12 GES officials implicated on over GHS 1m procurement breaches

    Prosecution awaits the management of 12 Ghana Education Service (GES) offices located in six regions, as they are accused of committing procurement breaches totaling GHS 1,028,700.91.

    The implicated offices encompass various districts and municipalities across different regions of Ghana, including Tema, Ledzokuku, and Ga Central in Greater Accra; Abuakwa North in Eastern; Tumu in Upper West; Hohoe in Volta; Sefwi Juaboso, Aowin, and Sefwi Akontobra in Western North; as well as Asikuma Odoben Brakwa, Twifo Praso, and Hemang in the Central Region.

    The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, referred them to the Attorney General’s Office yesterday in Accra at the committee’s sitting.

    The Committee is seeking an­swers to infractions in the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana – Ministries, Departments and other Agencies for the year ended December 31, 2021.

    The report said the 12 offices violated Section 20 of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Act 914) which requires procurement entities to request quo­tations from as many suppliers or contractors as practicable, but from at least three different sources.

    These sources should not be related in terms of ownership, shareholding or directorship and the principles of conflict of interest shall apply between the procure­ment entities and their members and the different price quotation sources.

    In line with the committee’s approach to non-competitive procurement, Dr Avedzi asked the management of the affected institutions to explain themselves to the Attorney-General’s office or the judge that would preside over their respective cases.

    “Whatever excuses you have, package them nicely and give it to the judge, he might set you free,” he said.

    Earlier, the committee upheld a recommendation in the AG report that a retired Eastern Regional Man­ager of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Stephen Okpoti Mensah, should pay for an official vehicle which went missing under his care.

    Per the report, the official vehicle with registration number GC 7923- 12 which was parked at the retired Regional Director’s official residence (SSNIT Flat Estate) was stolen in March 2019 while he was outside the country.

    It said although the matter had since been reported to the police, it was a violation of Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) which required him to ensure a proper control system existed for custody and manage­ment of the assets.

    The committee rejected the excuse that the theft case was being investigated by the police because after five years if no headway had been made, the retiree should take responsibility for the negligence that led to the theft of the vehicle.

    The committee was of the view that he should have left the vehicle at the office, where there was security, before travelling, and that if every official is not held account­able for what happened to state property in their care, they would be mismanaged.

  • Parliament plunged into uncertainty as Minority boycott continues; Majority MP condemns ‘complete sabotage’

    Parliament plunged into uncertainty as Minority boycott continues; Majority MP condemns ‘complete sabotage’

    For the third consecutive time, Parliament was compelled to suspend its proceedings without addressing essential matters on the order paper, including crucial government business.

    The forced adjournment follows another Minority caucus boycott of the House on Friday, July 14 to follow the Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson to court.

    The Minority says their boycott is to show solidarity with their colleague Mr Quayson who’s facing a criminal trial.

    But a member of the Majority side has accused the NDC MPs of sabotaging Parliament.

    According to the MP for Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Kingsley Nyarko, he does not believe that all the Minority MPs who boycott the House actually followed Mr Quayson to court.

    “I don’t even believe that all of them are at the court as we speak. Some might be in their offices. This is a complete sabotage of the House. A delegation can be sent to be with their colleague over there,” he stressed.

    He said the Minority MPs’ boycott is unacceptable, saying they are just trying to disrupt the government business of the House.

    He, however, urged the Speaker to continue with parliamentary proceedings.

    The Kwadaso MP’s comment followed that of his colleague NPP MP for Okaikwei Central Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Patrick Yaw Boamah, who argued that the House should adjourn sitting.

    But Prof Nyarko contended and said “I vehemently, respectfully disagree with him on the adjournment of the House. Because if we do that, it is going to give our friends on the other side the catalyst, the oxygen to breathe, and they will hide under that, to perpetuate their own decided action that, in my respective opinion, does not inure to the benefit of their constituents.”

    He continued that “Our colleagues are supposed to be here to pursue the agenda and the interest of their constituents. Nobody bars them or prevents them from solidarising with their colleagues. But I think that in this instance, a delegation could do,” Prof Nyarko said.

  • Mpraeso MP expresses frustration over malfunctioning elevator in Parliament

    Mpraeso MP expresses frustration over malfunctioning elevator in Parliament

    Mpraeso MP, Davis Ansah Opoku, has highlighted concerns over inoperative parliament elevators impacting MPs’ mobility during Friday’s session.

    During the session, the MP stated, “I rise to speak on matters of welfare, which I think are likely affecting members of parliament upon attending to matters of this house. Mr. Speaker, truth be told, all the elevators in this house…”

    The Speaker, Andrew Amoako, interjected, questioning whether the welfare matter was appropriate for discussion in that forum.

    However, the MP responded, highlighting the issue’s relevance to attendance and the smooth operation of the chamber.

    He stated, “Mr. Speaker, we cannot live in a house where facilities that are supposed to facilitate our smooth operation in this house are not working. It’s a problem, and I feel that I need to raise it specifically on this floor so we can address it properly. All the elevators are not working.”

    The Speaker said the attention of the house has been drawn to the issue and efforts are being made to ensure the problem is fixed.

  • Speaker questions MPs’ inaction as Minority boycotts Parliamentary sitting

    Speaker questions MPs’ inaction as Minority boycotts Parliamentary sitting

    In response to the ongoing boycott by Minority Members, the Speaker of Parliament has expressed uncertainty about the remaining matters for the house to deliberate on.

    This comes after the Majority deputy whip, Habib Iddrisu, proposed for adjournment just as the Deputy Whip Lydia Alhassan presented the business statement for the upcoming week as scheduled by the Business Committee.

    Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako responded, “So there is nothing we can do?” However, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central Constituency, Patrick Yaw Boamah, seconded the motion, leading to the ultimate decision to adjourn parliament until Tuesday, July 17.

    The boycott by the minority members has resulted from their solidarity with Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson, who is currently involved in a criminal case related to allegations of dual citizenship, which is prohibited for Members of Parliament under Ghana’s constitution. Following the Supreme Court’s annulment of his 2020 parliamentary victory, a subsequent by-election was held, resulting in his even larger margin of victory.

    During the parliamentary session, Boamah emphasized the significance of having sufficient members present for debates on new house rules and other important matters.

    The Deputy Whip Lydia Alhassan proceeded to present the business statement for the upcoming week, following the adjournment as scheduled by the Business Committee.

    The house ultimately decided to adjourn after Deputy Whip Lydia Alhassan presented the business statement for the week ending Friday, July 21, 2023.

  • Empty chamber as Minority’s boycott results in adjournment of Parliament

    Empty chamber as Minority’s boycott results in adjournment of Parliament

    In solidarity with Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson‘s ongoing criminal case, the minority members’ absence during parliamentary proceedings on July 14 compelled the adjournment of the session.

    The case revolves around allegations of dual citizenship against James Gyakye Quayson, which is prohibited for Members of Parliament under Ghana’s constitution.

    Following the Supreme Court’s annulment of his 2020 parliamentary victory, a by-election was held in which he secured an even larger margin of victory.

    In today’s parliamentary session, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central Constituency, Patrick Yaw Boamah, proposed adjourning the sitting due to insufficient MPs present in the chamber.

    Boamah highlighted the importance of members being present to participate in debates on new house rules and address various issues.

    “…Mr Speaker if we are to take the Vote and Proceedings as provided for under standing order 34, there are lot of issues that members will want to comment on and make corrections especially with regards to debate on the new house rules and few other things, I have the vote of proceedings especially with members being present and members who have been marked absent. So, looking at the composition today, I beg you alter the business of the day to allow the deputy whip to present the business statement.” he said

    Deputy Whip Lydia Alhassan presented the business statement for the upcoming week, as scheduled by the Business Committee.

    The statement included plans for ministers responsible for Finance, Education, and Food and Agriculture to address the challenges faced by the National Food Company Limited.

    While the Speaker suggested proceeding with the Votes and Proceedings and the Business before adjourning, the house ultimately decided to adjourn after Deputy Whip Lydia Alhassan presented the business statement for the week ending Friday, July 21, 2023.

  • Parliament establishes 7-member committee to investigate leaked IGP audio

    Parliament establishes 7-member committee to investigate leaked IGP audio

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has instructed the formation of a special committee comprising seven members to conduct an inquiry into the leaked audio discussing plans to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

    The Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah presenting the request in Parliament said “Mr. Speaker that I submit this statement for your kind attention seeking to invoke the appropriate Standing Orders of the House and other relevant legislation, for a bi-partisan investigation either by a special committee of the House, or the Committee on Defence and Interior, into this all-important matter.”

    The terms of reference of this investigation will be to establish the following:

    1. The authenticity of the leaked audio recording

    2. Investigate the conspiracy to remove the current Inspector-General of Police

    3. Investigate any other matter contained in the audio recording

    4. Recommend sanctions to persons found culpable where appropriate

    5. Make recommendations for reforms where necessary

    6. Make such other recommendations and consequential orders as the committee may deem appropriate.

    “Right Honourable Speaker, I hereby submit for your kind consideration,” lawmaker concluded.

    In response the Speaker asked if there are any comments from member of the house since they had response “I don’t know if you still have further comments if not I concede and direct that a special committee be established to investigate this matter.”

    Mr. Bagbin said the Committee must go beyond defense and interior.

    “We need some of you who are good in IT and other areas to submit your talents and skills to the Committee for this work to be done,” he added.

  • Reconstructing of Council of State building pegged at GH¢6m –

    Reconstructing of Council of State building pegged at GH¢6m –

    Council of State Office building frontage and certain aspects will be demolished and reconstructed at an approximate cost of GH¢6 million, according to the Acting Executive Secretary to the Council, Stephen Blay.

    The building, which was completed in 2016 at a cost of GH¢4.6 million, has been deemed unfit for purpose and not constructed according to plan.

    It faces challenges such as insufficient space in the meeting room and lacks privacy due to communication system issues.

    Additionally, the facility lacks a sewage system and private facilities.

    Mr Blay, addressed these concerns during a session with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament in Accra.

    “In 2017 when the 7th coun­cil took office it was discovered that the building was put up out of plan. The edifice over there doesn’t have a single suitable meeting room. The council is a 31-member council but the meeting room in the building has a capacity for only 15 people.

    “Apart from that, the sewage system was never done. Then the communication system, when you are at the top and you talk, when people are on the ground floor, they hear all the things that you are saying. So the council felt it wasn’t appropriate to occupy it at that time,” he said.

    Mr. Blay attended the committee session to address queries arising from the 2021 Auditor-General report on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, which highlighted the unoccupied state of the council building.

    In 2017, the Council of State invited the Ghana Institute of Architects to inspect the building, following concerns about its suitability. The inspection concluded that the building required remodeling.

    Initially, the remodeling was planned for 2018-2019, but it was postponed due to the ongoing “drop-that-chamber” campaign, which made it impractical to demolish a portion of the building during that period.

    In 2021, the Council submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Finance requesting GH¢6 million for the remodeling project, which was approved but the funds were not released.

    Last year, the Council revisited the remodeling plan and engaged with the Chief of Staff and the Ministry of Finance, submitting proposals and a budget for their consideration.

    Committee Chairman Dr. James Avedzi expressed concern and requested a copy of the assessment report from Mr. Blay.

    Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Mills suggested that instead of demolishing part of the building, it could be allocated to the Zongo Development Fund, which sought an office space and was currently paying significant monthly rent. He further proposed constructing a new building for the Council of State, an idea that Mr. Blay agreed to communicate to the council for further consideration.

  • Parliament divided on replacing death penalty with life sentence

    Parliament divided on replacing death penalty with life sentence

    The report on the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, presented by the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, has sparked a division among Members of Parliament (MPs).

    The proposed amendment aims to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment.

    Originating from the colonial era, the death penalty in Ghana was historically applied to crimes such as murder, attempted murder, genocide, piracy, and smuggling of gold or diamonds.

    However, since 1993, the country has refrained from issuing death warrants for the execution of offenders.

    During the parliamentary debate on the amendment bill, MPs expressed a range of contrasting opinions regarding the abolition of the death penalty.

    MP for Zebilla Constituency, Cletus Avoka said “I first submit that the arguments they have advanced in terms of the motion are very scary and have no measures at all. Arguments in favour of the motion are unmeritorious.”

    MP for Madina and proponent of the amendment, Francis-Xavier Sosu noted that “since the attainment of independence in 1957, Ghana has executed 49 persons either by firing squad or by hanging and most of those executions mainly happened during military regimes.”

    “The current position of Ghana is that we are abolitionists in practice. This is so because since 1993 to date, Ghana has not signed a death warrant to execute anyone and that is very commendable.”

    Builsa North MP, James Agalga and Second Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu made a correction that “we cannot count universal declaration on human rights a part of our treaty obligations with the greatest of respect. The universal declarations on human rights are declarations, they are non-binding, and so they do not quality for a treaty.”

  • We will resort to other measures if you fail to halt TOR lease – Minority to govt

    We will resort to other measures if you fail to halt TOR lease – Minority to govt

    The Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, John Jinapor, has emphasized that if the government disregards calls to halt the planned lease of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to Torentco Asset Management Group, the Minority Caucus will resort to alternative measures.

    Under the government’s proposal, TOR would be leased to Torentco Asset Management Group for a period of six years, at a cost of $22 million.

    The group is expected to refine approximately 8 million barrels of fuel annually. As part of the agreement, Torentco Asset Management Group would pay an annual rent of $1 million, in addition to a monthly rent exceeding $1 million.

    However, during an interview with the media John Jinapor stated, “We will initiate various processes, both within the parliamentary and legal frameworks, to ensure that the appropriate actions are taken.”

    Jinapor further emphasized the importance of the government exploring alternative and innovative approaches to revitalize TOR instead of proceeding with the lease to a private firm.

    He stated, “We should rather think about something innovative that will bring the refinery back to speed.”

    Jinapor urges government to pause lease agreement, seek stakeholder input for sustainable TOR solution, citing lack of benefit for Ghanaians.

  • NDC MP emotionally recounts family’s eviction by landlord months before 2020 elections

    NDC MP emotionally recounts family’s eviction by landlord months before 2020 elections

    Member of Parliament for Ayensuano Constituency in the Eastern Region, Teddy Safori Addi, has shared the story of his family’s eviction from their residence half a year before the 2020 national elections.

    With tears in his eyes, he described receiving a phone call from his wife, while he was fully engrossed in his campaign, leading him to instruct his manager to find a place for his family to stay.

    Recalling the distressing incident, Addi shared, “Six months before the election, my landlord ejected my wife and children in 2020. While I was campaigning, my wife called me in tears, informing me that the landlord had arrived to evict us.”

    He explained that he immediately directed his manager to pick up his wife and children in a pickup truck and take them to a safe location.

    After completing his campaign commitments, Addi rushed to be with his family. Upon reuniting with his wife, all he could say was, “Don’t worry, God knows best.” he said in an interview with Ahotor FM.

    Addi further revealed the challenges he faced during his campaign, including relying on a motorbike for transportation.

    He recounted an incident where the motorbike rider asked him if everything would be alright, to which he responded with a resolute “Yes, it is well.”

    He said despite all these challenges, all he had in mind was he won’t give up until Ayensuano attains the level he want the constituency to reach.

  • Tamale International Airport set to commence operations by end of July – Transport Minister

    Tamale International Airport set to commence operations by end of July – Transport Minister

    Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has informed Parliament that the highly anticipated Tamale International Airport is scheduled to commence operations by the end of this month.

    The inauguration of the Tamale International Airport will provide air travelers in the northern region of Ghana with the convenience of direct flights abroad from Tamale, eliminating the need to travel to Accra as an intermediate step.

    Answering questions on the Floor of the House on July 13, the Minister explained that all preparatory works have been concluded and all that is left is for government to formally open it to traffic.

    “We want to inform this August House that having completed all these, the go live for operationalisation of the new terminal building is scheduled for July 31, 2023,” he said.

    He added that the terminal was initially scheduled to be operational in December 2022, however, it was postponed to pave the way for the completion of all requisite training, side acceptance tests and systems integration.

    According to the Transport Minister, phase 2 of the project was substantially completed in August 2022.

    “Subsequently, operational readiness and transfer programme commenced in August 2022 to ensure that potential risk involved in the transition process from construction to the operational phase was carefully managed to avoid poor start-up that can negatively impact the image of the country,” he added.

  • Cannabis bill is not yet law, hold your horses – NCC cautions publuic

    Cannabis bill is not yet law, hold your horses – NCC cautions publuic

    The Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023 has merely obtained parliamentary approval and has not yet been enacted into law, according to the NACOC’s deputy regional commander, Rees Hakeem Oduro.

    In a recent interview, Mr. Oduro emphasized that although the bill, which permits the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medical purposes, has received approval from Parliament, Ghanaians must wait until the passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) before regulations governing cannabis production are put into effect.

    He said: “The LI hasn’t been passed yet because it’s only been through the agreement of Parliament. It will have to go to the President for final approval before the guidelines surrounding the cannabis production will be passed.”

    He entreated citizens not to panic or become overly excited about the news of Parliament passing the bill, as the recreational use of cannabis and unlawful possession of the plant remain illegal under Ghanaian law.

    “Without the license from the right authorities, you will be arrested for planting,” he cautioned.

    Ghana has passed a new law that allows the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.

    The Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, after a Supreme Court ruling in August 2022 struck out section 43 of the previous law as unconstitutional.

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s ruling and referred the Narcotics Control Commission Act bill to the Parliamentary Committee of Defense and Interior for consideration..

    The new bill, which consists of a single clause, empowers the Minister for Interior to grant licenses for the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

    THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that causes intoxication.

    The bill does not legalise the recreational use of cannabis, which remains illegal and punishable by law.

  • Man confesses to ‘intentionally’ torching South Africa parliament

    Man confesses to ‘intentionally’ torching South Africa parliament

    A man has confessed to “intentionally” setting the South African Parliament ablaze.

    He is currently facing terrorism charges over the fire that badly damaged South Africa‘s Parliament building last year said in a courtroom outburst on Thursday that he “burned it intentionally.”

    Shouting and pointing his finger, Zandile Mafe said he was going to “burn it more” if the Parliament was not moved from Cape Town to either the city of Bloemfontein or Pretoria.

    The huge blaze badly damaged the historic Parliament complex in January last year as it ripped through various buildings, including the main chamber where lawmakers sit. It hasn’t been fully repaired, with estimates saying it will cost around $120 million and take at least three years.

    Mafe was arrested in the Parliament precinct soon after the fire started. He was charged with breaking and entering, arson and terrorism, but his case has been held up after a judge ordered him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

    The judge overseeing Thursday’s court appearance allowed Mafe to finish his rant, saying he didn’t want to “exacerbate” his “mental condition,” according to South African media reports.

    Judge Nathan Erasmus then said an expert report indicated that Mafe was not able to understand the wrongfulness of the acts he is accused of, although a final decision on whether there will be a criminal trial was postponed until next month.

    Mafe had also challenged the court to give him a sentence of 25 years to life, which is what he could face if his trial goes ahead.

    “I’m not afraid of a life sentence,” he shouted.

    The fire at the seat of South Africa’s democracy raised criticism of the security procedures in place at the Parliament whose members were on a break and the buildings were largely empty. No one was hurt.

    Mafe has said he is angry at various issues in South Africa. He has called the opposition political party that runs the Cape Town municipality racist against Black people and has also accused the government of failing to help the poor.

  • Video: ‘Emotional’ Haruna Iddrisu calls probe into leaked tape to ‘protect’ IGP

    Video: ‘Emotional’ Haruna Iddrisu calls probe into leaked tape to ‘protect’ IGP

    On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, tensions in the Ghanaian Parliament rose in the wake of a leaked recording on which senior police officers were purportedly heard plotting to unseat the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

    Per portions of the leaked tape gone viral on social media, some anonymous individuals expressed concern over the ability of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to break the 8 should Dr Akuffo Dampare remain in office.

    MP for Nandom and Minister of the Interior for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ambrose Dery, and other lawmakers were making an effort to dismiss the allegation made in the tape by asserting that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had no plans to fire IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, however, asserted that the claims stated on the recording are grave and require more investigation.

    One of the MPs who argued in favor of the NDC MPs was Haruna Iddrisu, the MP for Tamale South and former minority leader. She claimed that the security implications in the leaked audio are too serious to ignore.

    He claimed that the problems raised in the audio are problematic for both Ghana’s democracy and the safety and security of its citizens.

    “We collectively want to preserve this democracy. So, what the deputy leader is seeking is that… this house must take interest in conducting a thorough forensic audit into the leaked tape; Mr Speaker, in other to establish the veracity or otherwise of what is contained in that tape.

    “And more importantly Mr Speaker to preserve the professional integrity of the Inspector General of Police (Dr George Akuffo Dampare) and to protect him thereon,” he said.

    “The word free and fair has constitutional meaning. When the constitution says that elections shall be conducted in a manner which is free. Free from what?

    “Free from fear, free intimidation, free from influence – it has a meaning… So, Mr Speaker to preserve our democracy and protect the professional integrity of the Inspector General of Police and to appreciate what Dampare is doing in preserving this, we are requesting for parliamentary enquire into the leaked tape,” he concluded.

    Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, has dismissed claims that the government seeks to remove from office, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, as part of its measures to retain power come 2024 elections.

    Interacting with the press in Parliament on Tuesday, July 12, Mr Ambrose Dery indicated that the government has been impressed with the work of the current Police administration.

    According to the minister, the mantra ‘law is a respecter of no persons’ has been personified under the leadership of Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who was sworn in as the 23rd Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service in October 2021.

    Also, Mr Dery maintained that President Akufo-Addo remains committed to providing Ghanaians a security system that treats all equal before the law.

    He concluded by emphasising that “this government is not going to tamper with the 2024 elections.”

  • Parliament passes Narcotics Bill

    Parliament passes Narcotics Bill

    On July 12, 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill, granting the Minister for the Interior the power to issue licenses for industrial cannabis cultivation.

    Regarding the Supreme Court’s previous ruling on the unconstitutionality of a clause in the bill, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin clarified that Parliament was not reviewing the decision but rather rectifying an error made by the Supreme Court.

    The Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, presented and initiated the first reading of the Narcotics Regulation Commission Amendment Bill, 2023, in Parliament on July 6.

    The Supreme Court invalidated the law granting licenses for cannabis cultivation, commonly known as ‘wee’, due to a lack of parliamentary debate as required by Article 106 (5) (6) of the 1992 Constitution.

    Expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling, the Speaker highlighted the country’s missed opportunities and revealed that he had conveyed his displeasure during a meeting with the Supreme Court justices.

    He urged the court to consult Parliament for comprehensive briefings when making such decisions.

  • Leaked audio sparks Minority’s call for investigation into election rigging allegations

    Leaked audio sparks Minority’s call for investigation into election rigging allegations

    Ranking Member of Parliament’s Interior Committee, James Agalga, has urged for an urgent investigation into claims of a purported plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare from his role ahead of the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    In response to an alleged leaked audio, the Member of Parliament stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of the recorded conversation purportedly involving discussions about the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    During an interview on Joy FM on July 11, the Member of Parliament representing Builsa North drew attention to the inclusion of a senior officer’s voice in the audio, indicating the possibility of considering that individual as a potential successor to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    He further stressed the importance of identifying and appropriately dealing with those behind the plot.

    “I don’t know whose voice it is. I mean, you can hear several voices in the background, but from every indication one of the voices appears to be a voice of the senior police officer who is close to the feet of government.

    “Because the person appears to sound as though he is in line to become IGP if the current IGP were to be removed, and so it raises very serious questions for me. I heard the Minister speak to the issue and it appears he does not to know who the person responsible for that audio is. And for me, that is the more reason why we should have a probe,” myjoyonline.com quoted him to have said.

    The leaked tape has revealed an alleged plot involving an unidentified high-ranking police officer and a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) aimed at removing the IGP from office. The motive behind the scheme appears to be concerns that Dr. Dampare could impede efforts by the governing party to manipulate the outcome of the 2024 elections.

  • Your continuous absence means our decisions will always prevail – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu warns Minority

    Your continuous absence means our decisions will always prevail – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu warns Minority

    Majority leader in parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has asserted that if the Minority persists in their decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings, his caucus will make certain that crucial decisions are made in their absence.

    Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who represents the Suame Constituency in Parliament, further mentioned that with the Majority consisting of 138 members and the Minority consisting of 137 members, reaching conclusions on matters and issues without the support of the Minority would be a straightforward task.

    In an interview with a reporter from Onua TV on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the MP emphasized his intention to communicate and collaborate with the leadership of the Minority in Parliament, regardless of the prevailing circumstances.

    “I intend to engage my colleague and compatriot, the Minority leader but if they insist that they wouldn’t attend to the business of parliament, what else can we do? We only then have to mobilise your numbers to attend to the business of the House.

    “We can take decisions in their absence. If we have 138, we can any decision. Even the budget which they said they had rejected; we were 138 and took a decision,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

    The Minority in Parliament has taken a firm stance to abstain from participating in parliamentary business on days when Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, is scheduled to appear in court for an ongoing criminal case.

    The decision to abstain from parliamentary proceedings on court days is a clear statement of support for Quayson and a demonstration against what the Minority considers unjust treatment.

    Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has, however, reaffirmed that his caucus will persist in boycotting parliamentary proceedings despite pleas from several NPP MPs.

    He stated, “We stand firm in our decision to boycott parliament during the trial of Gyakye Quayson.”

  • MPs do not receive ex gratia but gratuity – Speaker of Parliament

    MPs do not receive ex gratia but gratuity – Speaker of Parliament

    The money given to Members of Parliament (MPs) every four years, according to Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is not ex-gratia but rather accumulated salary arrears (gratuity).

    He claimed that most lawmakers, including himself as Speaker, do not know their actual salaries until the end of their four-year terms, a practice he called “wrong” at the start of every new parliament.

    He said that whenever Ghanaians discussed the budget for the House of Representatives, they thought of it as funding for the wages and working conditions of the members, “especially what people refer to as ex gratia.”

    “Gratuity is different from ex gratia; what they pay MPs is gratuity and it is another wrong practice because as we sit here in our third year, which is three years down, I as the Speaker do not know my salary,” he revealed.

    Speaking during a visit to the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mr Bagbin said: “My salary has not yet been fixed and so every month I am paid something based on what my predecessor was earning.’’

    “But we all know from the labour front that every year they try to renegotiate with the government and so at the end of the four years then they (government) come out with your salary.”

    “And that will definitely be higher than the first year and so they have to pay you arrears.

    “It is those arrears that balloon to what the Members of Parliament take at the end of four years and people call that ex gratia,” he explained.

  • Threats cannot hinder Anti-LGBT bill passage – Bagbin

    Threats cannot hinder Anti-LGBT bill passage – Bagbin

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has stated that the Parliament will not be intimidated in its efforts to enact the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBT Bill).

    The bill, which is now being discussed in Parliament, seeks to make actions involving LGBTQ people illegal.

    The bill is just and fair, Mr. Bagbin said during a visit from several traditional leaders.such as extortion, invasion of privacy, and, in the most severe circumstances, making death threats.

    “Human rights are supposed to edify, they are meant to add value to your life, they are meant to make your life enjoyable, make you healthy, make you live longer, better lives and anything to the contrary cannot be a right.

    “I am very clear in my mind that what we are doing is the right thing, it is fair, and it is just and it is meant to keep the world everlasting and that is what God created the world for.”

  • Ato Forson issues strong warning to Bryan Acheampong against personal attacks

    Ato Forson issues strong warning to Bryan Acheampong against personal attacks

    Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, has cautioned Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, regarding what he considers as “personal attacks.”

    Last week, Ato Forson and the Minority in Parliament engaged in a heated confrontation with the minister regarding the non-payment of suppliers of the Buffer Stock Company. The suppliers had been staging protests at the company’s premises.

    A video circulating online shows the minister being approached by approximately six Minority MPs, while he maintains that there was no need for them to involve the press in their meeting. He refers to their picket as “inorganic.”

    The minister’s exchange with Ato Forson is produced below

    Bryan Acheampong: Don’t bring press to the reception

    Ato Forson: This is the parliamentary press corps.

    Bryan Acheampong: You are a leader, you are a Minority Leader….

    Ato Forson: You like attacking me anytime you speak, that should stop. That should stop, let me address him…you like attacking people. Stop that. Stop attacking me, anytime you speak, you try to attack me. Stop that thing, stop that attitude of yours.

    In the last public exchange between Ato Forson and Bryan Acheampong, the Minority Leader fired questions at the minister at the appointment’s committee sitting leading the minister to exclaim “Ei Ato! But you are my friend,” adding that he should be vouching for him, not interrogating him.

    Minority solidarizes with food suppliers

    The Minority on July 7, visited the premises of the state-run company to show solidarity with members of the National Food Suppliers Association, who have been picketing at the location since Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and have been sleeping there ever since.

    During their visit, while the minority members, led by the Minority Leader, Ato Forson, were being briefed by the Deputy CEO of the company, when Bryan Acheampong stormed the venue, confronting the minority and questioning their presence with the press without seeking his permission.

    In response, Juaboso MP; Mintah Akandoh clarified that the media present were from the parliamentary press corps.

    However, Acheampong dismissed the explanation, pointing to the minority leader, he said, “You can’t do that, you are a former deputy finance minister, what do you know about payment.”

    Akandoh countered, saying, “You should be the last person to get angry.”

    The National Food Suppliers Association revealed that the National Buffer Stock Company owes them an amount of ¢270 million, and they have vowed to remain at the company’s premises until reimbursement is made.

    In response, the National Buffer Stock Company expressed sympathy towards the food suppliers and committed to taking appropriate action following an emergency meeting with the Board of Directors.

  • Assin North’s ‘small lesson’ forced NPP MPs to change their minds on LGBTQ+ Bill – Gyamfi

    Assin North’s ‘small lesson’ forced NPP MPs to change their minds on LGBTQ+ Bill – Gyamfi

    National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has asserted that the members of parliament from the NPP (New Patriotic Party) were compelled to support the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 (anti-LGBTQ+ bill) due to pressure from the constituents of Assin North.

    He claims that the Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were intentionally delaying the passage of the bill until the Assin North election took place.

    During the NDC’s celebratory rally to mark their victory in the Assin North by-election, Sammy Gyamfi asserted that it was the choice of Assin North voters to reject the government that compelled the MPs to reconsider their positions.

    “After the people of Assin North taught them (the NPP MPs) a small lesson during the by-election they have changed their minds. During the second reading of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament, they all raised their hands in support after they were initially hesitating.

    “It was only one person who spoke against the bill, her name is Ursula Owusu,” he said in the Twi dialect.

    He added that if the government has truly learnt a lesson from the people of Assin North, it should withdraw the suits it has sent people to file in court against the bill.

    Meanwhile, the MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has said that only one of the three New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who were initially supporting the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, stayed loyal to the drafting of the bill.

    Speaking in an interview on Neat FM on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Sam George said that the NPP MP who stayed loyal to the course was the MP for Assin South and Deputy Minister for Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.

    According to him, the other NPP MPs who were initially sponsoring the bill failed to attend meetings to draft the bill and even missed the final presentation of the bill to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, because of the pressures they were under.

    The MP made these remarks while reacting to a statement by Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the MP for Asante Akim, who was part of the NPP MPs initially sponsoring the anti-LGBTQI bill, that he was not present for the presentation of the bill because he was busy.

    “He had sixteen meetings to put together the bill with the coalition. Ask him (Andy Appiah) Kubi whether he attended any of these meetings. Every time, they have an excuse to give, even on the day of the presentation they want to give an excuse.

    “If today all of them are now on board, they are welcome. But I would continue to celebrate Honourable Ntim Fordjour because on that day (the day of the presentation of the bill) we knew the pressure that he came under but he said he was a priest and he believed it was the right thing to do,” Sam George said.

  • AIDS Commission clarifies position on Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

    AIDS Commission clarifies position on Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

    Ghana AIDS Commission has refuted claims suggesting that they are opposed to the enactment of the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Cultural Values bill.

    The Commission added that it only wanted some portions of the bill amended and was not totally against the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    The Commission further stated that it pointed out portions that could create difficult situations for the public.

    In an interview with Citi News, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene said that his outfit is going to engage with the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Parliament to clarify the distorted impression.

    “I will like to state categorically that Ghana Aids Commission did not object to the passage of the bill. Ghana Aids Commission rather identified a number of clauses that had the potential risk of creating difficult situations for individuals, families and communities and suggested that those clauses must be given a second look and have them amended,” he emphasised.

    “A number of people and institutions that submitted memos also agreed with what Ghana Aids Commission said. And in fact, some of the issues we raised were also agreed by the Attorney General in the advise paper he gave to the committee,” he added.

    “And I am very happy that I have read portions of the report and recognise that the efforts we made in bringing public health perspectives to bare on the bill have been taken in good faith as we see them reflected in the bill.”

    “So the contribution of the commission either in the form of the memo we submitted or my appearance before the committee to answer and clarify issues to the committee all clearly indicated that we wanted an amendment to the bill and not to object to the passage of the bill as reported by the committee,” he further said.

    In September 2021, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene expressed worry about the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    He said that the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, in its current form, poses a lot of challenges to HIV and AIDS response in the country.

  • Speaker summons 3 ministers to appear before parliament over NAFCO suppliers picketing

    Speaker summons 3 ministers to appear before parliament over NAFCO suppliers picketing

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a directive summoning the Ministers of Education, Finance, and Agriculture to appear before the legislative body in the upcoming week.

    The summons is over the picketing of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) offices by its suppliers.

    According to the Speaker, the three ministers must explain to Parliament what their challenges are in ensuring the suppliers are paid. 

    He said when the challenges are known, the House could assist them to resolve same. 

    “So I agree that the business committee should programme for the three ministers to come before the house. The three ministers are the Finance, Food and Agriculture and Education to tell us what the challenge is.”

    “We will be able to assist the executive to solve these matters. That is why we have established the committee for ways and means.” 

    This was after the Builsa South, Dr Clement Apaak raised the issue on the floor on Friday, July 7. 

    Already, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has accused NAFCO of dishonesty in its dealings with the group.

    He said the creditors of these suppliers are harassing them due to no fault of theirs. 

    “In my conversation with the suppliers, they alleged that they have not been paid for the past two years for the food they supplied to the various senior high schools through the Buffer Stock Company and that they are owed about GHC278 million.”

    “Some of them have gone to the bank to take loans with interest, and the interest is getting higher and higher with time. So, they are appealing to Buffer Stock to pay them,” he said in a Citi FM interview on Thursday.

    Government owes the food suppliers in excess of GH¢270 million for food that was supplied to Senior High Schools across the country from 2021 to 2023.

    Due to this, some members of the National Food Suppliers Association spent two continuous nights at the premises of NAFCO to press home their demand for the payment of sums owed them.

  • Minority wants 3 Ministers hurled before Parliament over debt owed food suppliers

    Minority wants 3 Ministers hurled before Parliament over debt owed food suppliers

    The Minority in Parliament has requested the attendance of the Ministers of Food and Agriculture, Finance, and Education to appear before Parliament regarding the recent protest by food suppliers at the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).

    Government owes the food suppliers GHC 270 million for food that was supplied to Senior High Schools across the country from 2021 to 2023.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said “Mr Speaker, I want to appeal to you that the Minister for Education and Minister for Agric should be programmed to appear before this House urgently. Possibly, we should add the Minister for Finance.”

    The trio Ministers, Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and Ken Ofori-Atta are required to assure the House how they are going to settle the food supplier’s debts.

    Some members of the National Food Suppliers Association spent the night at the premises of NAFCO to demand payment of monies owed them for over two years.

    Mr Ablakwa is worried about the situation, and wants immediate action taken to pay the suppliers.

    “Over the last four days running to five days continuously, they have been at the mercy of the vagaries of the weather. My Speaker, last night the Minority Leader shared a video with me on how the suppliers were wailing, rolling on the floor and I was so depressed and went to bed last night really troubled.

    In a related development, a ranking member on Parliament’s Education Committee has raised allegations of dishonesty against NAFCO regarding its interactions with the National Food Suppliers Association.

    Peter Notsu-Kotoe expressed his sympathies to the members of the National Food Suppliers Association.

    Speaking on JoyNews‘ AM Show, the Akatsi South MP insisted that NAFCO has become a hub for shady dealings.

    “Bufferstock has become a hub for corruption where the things that go on is very bad. There should be a point where we investigate the activities of Buffer Stock,” he indicated.

    Notsu-Kotoe further stated that the aggrieved suppliers informed him that the Ministry of Education has already disbursed approximately 90% of the arrears to the Buffer Stock Company.

    However, the funds have yet to be made available to the suppliers, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process.

    He, therefore, called for a public inquiry into the company’s activities.

  • Continued boycott by NDC MPs would breach Parliament’s Standing Orders – ACEPA Warns

    Continued boycott by NDC MPs would breach Parliament’s Standing Orders – ACEPA Warns

    The Accra High Court has rescheduled the proceedings of James Gyakye Quayson, the Assin North Member of Parliament.

    The court will deliver a ruling on the application for a stay of proceedings on July 11.

    During the court session held today, July 6, the legal representatives of the MP requested a suspension of the proceedings.

    They argued that such a suspension would allow the Court of Appeal to review the trial judge’s decision to conduct the case on a day-to-day basis.

    Lead counsel for the defense, Tsatsu Tsikata, emphasized that failing to grant a stay of proceedings would pre-judge the appeal.

    The defense team believes that suspending the trial until the Court of Appeal makes a determination is the appropriate course of action.

  • Parliamentary business will suffer because of Akufo-Addo – Ablakwa

    Parliamentary business will suffer because of Akufo-Addo – Ablakwa

    MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed concern over the detrimental impact that Gyakye Quayson’s trial will have on the functioning of the Ghanaian Parliament.

    The lawmaker said that every time the Minority boycotts the House to accompany Quayson in court, it will undermine the prominence of democracy in the country.

    Ablakwa explained that this is a result of President Akufo-Addo‘s belligerent persecution of James Gyakye Quayson.

    “It’s a shame that parliamentary business & democratic cooperation will henceforth suffer because of Akufo-Addo’s belligerent persecution of the overwhelmingly twice-elected Assin North MP,” Ablakwa wrote on Twitter.

    The Minority caucus in Parliament was absent today, Thursday, July 6, 2023, to accompany the leader of the caucus, Ato Forson and the MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson for their respective trials.

    The Minority in Parliament on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, took a firm stance to abstain from participating in the parliamentary business on days Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, is scheduled to appear in court.

    In a show of solidarity, Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the entire Minority caucus will accompany Mr. Quayson to court, expressing their disapproval of what they perceive as ongoing persecution against him.

  • Parliament likely to amend portions of anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Chair of Constitutional Committee

    Parliament likely to amend portions of anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Chair of Constitutional Committee

    The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament in Ghana is currently discussing potential amendments to the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    The committee’s chairman, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, has disclosed that they are considering the inclusion of specialized health facilities aimed at providing support and rehabilitation for LGBTQ+ individuals.

    Speaking to JoyNews, he said “we are going to look at the amendment that we have made and the speaker prompted us that he may refer it back to us. For instance, the proposal that the person had practiced and owned up to rehabilitation and the person will want to go to the hospital.”

    In addition, the Asante Akim Central MP has clarified that the proposed amendment would involve the participation of Christian and Muslim hospitals. These hospitals would play a role in assisting with the reintegration of LGBTQ+ individuals back into society, as part of the rehabilitation process.

    “Health facilities from all the churches and Moslem communities, they have the health facilities and we want to bring them on board. We as a committee will have to meet them and take a decision on that,” he said.

    When questioned about the current status of the lawsuit against the bill, the chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee stated that the committee will continue with its work as they have not yet been officially informed about any pending case in court.

    “I have not had any hint about this case so when I am proceeding, I will proceed on this case. I have not had any hint and nobody has prompted me that this will not allow me to proceed, I can not on my own, I am hearing it on you for the second time that there is a case in court but I have not seen it,” he said.

    The bill which has come to be known as anti-LGBTQ+ has come under scrutiny from some sections of the public and went through a second reading in Parliament on June 5, 2023.

    The controversial LGBT bill is a private member’s bill that was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. It is being spearheaded by 8 MPs.

    The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalised in the country.

    Although the Bill is in Parliament, the LGBTQ+ conversation was reignited during US Vice President, Kamala Harris’ visit to Ghana.

  • Education Minister, NAFCO CEO to be summoned by Parliament over food suppliers’ debt

    Education Minister, NAFCO CEO to be summoned by Parliament over food suppliers’ debt

    Deputy Ranking Member of the Education Committee of Parliament, Dr. Clement Apaak, has hinted that both the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and the CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Mr. Hanan Abdul-Wahab, will be summoned before the House to address concerns regarding the debt owed to the National Food Suppliers Association.

    Dr. Apaak made this known amidst a protest by members of the Association who gathered at the premises of NAFCO on Tuesday, demanding full payment of outstanding amounts owed to them for over two years.

    He stated that the issue at hand “definitely requires an invitation to the Minister for Education and National Buffer Stock Food Company’s CEO to come to us, to explain to us exactly what is going on.”

    The suppliers, who had traveled from all regions of the country, claimed that the government owed them GH¢270 million for food supplies provided to Senior High Schools from 2021 to 2023.

    They expressed their intention to remain on the NAFCO grounds until the government fulfills its payment obligations. As of now, NAFCO has not provided a response to the demands put forth by the group.

    Dr Apak further disclosed that, per the information he has received, he could foresee the country experiencing challenges in supplying food to secondary school institutions across the country if nothing is done to address the issue.

  • Akatsi South MP predicts extinction of LGBTQ+ nations within 50 years

    Akatsi South MP predicts extinction of LGBTQ+ nations within 50 years

    Akatsi South MP, Bernard Ahiafor, has made a projection that nations involved in LGBTQ+ practices will cease to exist within the upcoming 50 years.

    The MP made this statement during the second reading and debate of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill before the Parliament House.

    Bernard Ahiafor explained that LGBTQ+ countries will be extinct because they are disobeying the law of procreation and unless they ask for labour force from other countries, they will die out.

    “Countries practicing LGBTQ+ activity, I give them 50 years by prophecy they will be extinct on earth. Most of those countries will no longer exist on earth, very soon they may even have to be taking labour force from countries not practicing LGBTQ+ activity and that is not the way we are to go,” he said.

    The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 has been a topic of intense debate in the country, with proponents arguing that it is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural values and norms.

    The bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities and impose stringent penalties for offenders.

    However, there are critics of the bill who argue that it infringes upon the fundamental human rights of individuals and promotes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

  • NPP MP advocates for dual citizens’ right to run for Parliament as MPs

    NPP MP advocates for dual citizens’ right to run for Parliament as MPs

    Mpraeso’s Member of Parliament, Davis Ansah Opoku, has expressed his opinion that individuals holding dual citizenship should have the opportunity to participate in parliamentary elections in Ghana.

    In his view, it is illogical that individuals with dual citizenship can occupy significant governmental roles, yet they are barred from pursuing membership in Parliament.

    During an interview with JoyNews on Tuesday, Davis Opoku highlighted that even in developed nations such as the United Kingdom, lawmakers are permitted to possess dual citizenship.

    “For me, I support and I’m pushing for dual citizens to sit in parliament. So, this whole thing of somebody holding a citizenship of another country… that person should not be denied the opportunity to contribute to the development of our country,”

    “Boris Johnson, he was the Prime Minister of the UK; whiles serving as PM, he was a US citizen as well. The Prime Minister of Canada holds a Canadian citizenship as well as a US citizenship. People’s allegiance to the state should not be questioned by the mere fact that they embarked on a trip to seek for greener pastures somewhere.

    “If you look at the NCA (National Communication Authority) that is the nerve of our country; look at the National Health Insurance Authority that holds the health data of our country; these two institutions can be managed by people who hold dual citizenship. Why can’t such persons sit in parliament to pass laws,” he said.

    The MP, therefore, called for an amendment of Ghana’s constitutes to allow Ghanaians who have other nationalities to contest to become MPs.

    “The times when that law, that constitutional provision was made has changed, whether we like it or not,” he said.

    He added that current issues surrounding the nationality of the Member of Parliament for Assin North, who has been accused by the state of lying about his dual nationality should serve as a wake-up call for all MPs.

  • More than 540,000 engaged in gay sex in 2017 – Chair of Parliament’s Legal Committee

    More than 540,000 engaged in gay sex in 2017 – Chair of Parliament’s Legal Committee

    Chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affair Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has provided staggering statistics with regards to the activities of the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

    On Wednesday, July 5, Mr Anyimadu-Antwi informed the house of a report by the Ghana AIDS Commission which captured the sexual activities of gay men over a lustrum ago.

    Per the said report, 54,759 men living in Ghana engaged in same-sex sexual intercourse in 2017.

    “Out of this number, 9,857 representing 18.1 per cent were found to live with HIV. According to the Commission, although the number represents only 2% of the HIV population in the country, the 18% prevalence rate is enough for disease to grow exponentially,” he said while citing the report.

    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi capitalised on the report to highlight the health dangers the activities of the LGBTQ+ community he said pose to the society at large.

    Proponents of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 have argued that the legislation is necessary to protect public health and promote Ghanaian family values.

    However, opponents of the bill highlight the importance of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination in addressing these concerns.

    Meanwhile, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affair committee has presented a report on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to the plenary.

  • Parliament discusses anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament discusses anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament has resumed its discussions on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    The second reading of the bill hit a snug as two lawsuits have been filed against it —one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.

    As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill.

    The proposed anti-LGBTQ bill presented to Parliament in 2021 as a private bill by some MPs has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

    The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

  • Government Official allegedly pressured Quayson to resign in bid to halt prosecution – Edudzi Discloses

    Government Official allegedly pressured Quayson to resign in bid to halt prosecution – Edudzi Discloses

    Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe has claimed that a senior government official associated with the Office of the President advised James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, to step down in order for the criminal case against him to be dismissed.

    Edudzi Tamakloe, a member of the legal team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stated that the government’s actions had caused significant distress to the Member of Parliament (MP) to the point where he contemplated abandoning his fight to retain his position as an MP.

    “They told him to resign for his prosecution to stop. That is why for some of us this criminal prosecution has not the ends of justice. It is purely politics; politics, politics, politics,” he said in a TV3 interview on July 4, 2023.

    He added that the person who approached Gyakye Quayson was “very high up at the Office of the President”.

    “I want to thank the almighty God for the grace to keep standing. The things Gyakye Quayson had gone through any ordinary person, possibly would be dead by now.

    “The emotional blackmail, the torture, the mental agony that he has gone through. At a point, he was denied even MP’s common fund allocation, What was his crime?” he quizzed.

    The MP, who was sworn in on Tuesday, is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General for deceiving public officers to acquire state documents.

    On February 12, 2022, the State charged James Gyakye Quayson with five counts; deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration.

  • Cryptocurrency ban is still in effect, abstain from crypto transactions – Finance Ministry warns

    Cryptocurrency ban is still in effect, abstain from crypto transactions – Finance Ministry warns

    Government has warned all financial institutions in the country to abstain from conducting cryptocurrency transactions.

    Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, made the declaration while responding to inquiries on the floor of Parliament.

    “The government will continue to allow associated technologies, such as blockchain and distributed innovations in a sun box, as we explore the development of a framework.

    Until such a framework is in place, the government will like to reiterate its directive conveyed in several notices, including one issued on March 9, 2022, that all institutions licensed by the Bank of Ghana are prohibited from facilitating cryptocurrency transactions through their platforms or agents outlets,” the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry cautioned.

    In April 2022, the Central Bank issued cautionary directives to banks and financial entities regarding cryptocurrency trading and unregulated investment schemes.

    The objective was to ensure the regulation and purification of the digital space concerning cryptocurrencies.

  • Parliament to debate anti-LGBTQ+ bill today

    Parliament to debate anti-LGBTQ+ bill today

    Today, July 5, parliament is scheduled to discuss the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    The proposed legislation aims to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and prohibit the promotion or advocacy of such activities.

    It also includes provisions for the protection and support of children and individuals involved in LGBTQ+ activities.

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho West and a supporter of the bill, Emmanuel Bedzrah, expressed optimism that it would receive bipartisan support from lawmakers.

    “We have agreed with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin and leaders of the house, that the second reading of the bill will be taken today. It is our expectation that after today the consideration will also follow as well. And so we are very optimistic that we will have the reading, which is long overdue.”

    “The committee has agreed by consensus that this bill should be passed. And so there will not be any struggle at all. I would have loved that those who are against it should be bold enough and tell Ghanaians, but you will be surprised that everybody will support this bill today,” Member of Parliament for Ho West expressed hope.

  • Gyakye Quayson’s case adjourned to July 6

    Gyakye Quayson’s case adjourned to July 6

    The criminal trial involving the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has been adjourned to Thursday, July 6.

    The adjournment was necessary due to Quayson’s recent swearing-in ceremony in Parliament following his victory in the by-election.

    On Tuesday, Quayson’s lawyers were set to present a motion for a stay of execution as part of their appeal filed at the court of appeal. However, prior to the hearing, Parliament sent a letter to the court informing them about the swearing-in ceremony.

    Both the Prosecution and defence agreed to request an adjournment, which the court granted, rescheduling the proceedings for July 6.

    After the hearing, Abraham Amaliba, the Head of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed satisfaction with the decision to adjourn the case. He also supported the calls for the Attorney General to enter a Nolle prosequi in the matter.

    Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah, who did not oppose the adjournment request, expressed hope that the practice of parliament issuing excuse letters for the accused would not become a regular occurrence during the trial.