Day: April 7, 2024

Rev Benjamin Appiah, Brong Ahafo Presbytery Chairperson of the Presbyterian church of Ghana on Friday urged the public to always understand that there is life after death.

?He stated that there was an end to everything on earth as everyone would one day died and account for his actions during judgement.

Positions and wealth, he said, were good but should be acquired by using the right approach, and urged the public to always use the right conduit in seeking for worldly things.

?Rev. Appiah was speaking on the theme: ‘what next’ at the pre-burial service of Nana Bosomah Asor Nkrawire II, the late paramount chief of Sunyani.

?The paramount chief reigned for 44 years and died on July 2022 at the Sunyani Regional hospital.

??The presbytery chairperson told the sympathizers that death and judgement were real situations and urged them to change their attitudes.

??Rev. Appiah told the mourners not to rush in life for anything that would not last since life is a process into the future, adding that almost 4,000
religions in the world believe in life after death.

He called on the Sunyani traditional council to ensure that the right approach would be used in the appointment of a successor of the late Sunyani chief, adding the late Nana Nkrawire ?II was humble and everything done after his death must be peaceful.

??Rev. Appiah entreated all to seek the Lord and rely on Him into the future.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Azanwule Family has installed a fifty-year old America-based Ghanaian Human Resource Recruiter, Mr Francis Amenlemah Blay-Mockey as the new Chief of A.B. Bokazo community in the Western Region.

The new chief, known by the stool name Nana Amihere Blay II, succeeded Nana Nwiah Amgboza IV, who died last year.

For seven months before his installation, Tufuhene John Yankey acted as the caretaker of the town.

Before he took the oath of office, allegiance and secrecy as Nana Blay II, he and the Queen Mother of the town, Obahyemaa Assuah Eba II were paraded through the principal streets of the community in a palanquin decorated with a rich traditional regalia amid brass band procession.

Addressing a crowd of traditional rulers from sister towns, visitors from Ghana and the Diaspora, his elders and subjects in the town, Nana Blay II thanked the caretaker for his zeal and commitment to hold the fort when the stool became vacant in the last seven months.

He appealed to the family, his elders and the entire comm
unity to support him to serve them humbly.

He asked them to live in harmony, saying; with unity of purpose, the fortunes of the community would change to witness an unprecedented transformation.

On some of his plans for the area, Nana Blay II pledged to establish an Education Endowment Fund to cater for the needs of brilliant but needy children, while upholding high standards of education in the community.

He said he would do everything in his power not to allow illegal mining activities to take place in the area.

He asked the community to pray to God to grant him the wisdom to administer his roles efficiently.

Obahyemaa Eba II thanked the caretaker for the swift move to install a new Chief.

She also thanked the Paramount Chief of Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III for giving a strong backing to make the installation a success.

She assured Nana Blay II of her resolve to support him and his elders to experience a successful reign.

The Chief of Menzezor, Nana Akye Blay II, a
dvised the new Chief to be steadfast and fair in his new office.

The Chief of Ambainu, Nana Nyamekeh Fofole, asked the Chief to respect his subjects and collaborate with the family and elders in matters concerning the sale of lands.

The Queen mother of Basake, Obahyemaa Aba, advised the new Chief to bring peace and unity to help foster the growth of the area.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Reverend Ebenezer Ayer, Head Pastor of the Priesthood Worship Centre (PWC), Assemblies of God, Tema Community Six, has urged the youth to go into relationships that would promote their well-being.?

Rev. Ayer told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that relationships that made one feel unsafe or physically and emotionally abused are highly unacceptable, adding that red flags in relationships must not be downplayed.

He said red flags were warning signs of a behaviour that is unhealthy and served as a warning that something in the relationship is not right.?

He mentioned that although red flags in relationships were subjective, some general ones must not be tolerated.

Rev. Ayer said that when such a relationship reaches an unhealthy stage, the best thing to do is to opt out of it and distance oneself from it, stressing that people must set boundaries and create relationships where they will be treated with respect.

He urged Ghanaians to take relationship red flags seriously and not make excuses
for their partner’s poor behaviour, stressing that nobody can fix a toxic relationship or change the attitude of his or her partner except God.

He said marriage was good, and both partners needed to focus on developing themselves and being financially sound to make their marital journey fruitful.

Rev. Ayer urged?educated and uneducated women to learn vocational skills to make additional income?and build them up economically.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Embassy of the State of Palestine Saturday marked the Palestinian-Ghanaian Day with a feast for children and sharing of foodstuffs to families.

The beneficiaries, numbering about 180 children and 150 adults, comprised Muslims and Christians living in deprived communities.

Mr Abdalfatah A.K. Alsattari, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine, said the event was organised every year in the month of Ramadan to show love to the vulnerable in society.

However, he said this year’s edition was being done with the Palestinian community in Ghana to show solidarity to Palestinians affected by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The Ambassador thanked the Palestinian community in Ghana for supporting to make the event a success.

Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, advised Muslims ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations to remain focused and demonstrate good attitude.

He urged them to celebrate in moderation devoid of any reckless behaviour.

Sheikh Shaibu said they should take advanta
ge of the occasion to deepen relationships, be forgiving, patient and generous.

He urged them not to avail themselves as instrument of destruction for use by politicians ahead of the 2024 General Election.

‘Let’s be guided by integrity and respect for the sanctity of human blood. We must be at the frontline of the campaign to rid our communities of corruption and evil; violence and wickedness; envy and covetousness, greed and every evil thing eating into the fabric of our nation,’ he said.

Sheikh Shaibu expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and encouraged them not to lose hope in God.

‘We are with you in prayers. We share in the pain and agony of anyone who has lost his or her life. We condemn the silence of the world against this injustice and for failing to restrain the hands of Israel.’

‘The UN must come out and show justice in this particular regard so that everyone can feel the purposefulness of being part of a world body that can come to the aid of the weak and helpless in society.’

Source:
Ghana News Agency

The Government will on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, launch the Performance Tracker, aimed at checking transparency and accountability of infrastructure projects implementation.

The platform will help address long-standing concerns about the accuracy and reliability of project presentations, particularly the use of artist’s impressions to depict final outcomes.

It will also serve as a reliable mechanism for showcasing the progress and impact of infrastructure projects, thereby instilling trust and confidence among citizens.

The event will take place at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to launch the initiative and will be telecast live on several television stations across the country and other streaming platforms.

This was in an official release issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Information on Sunday.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Ernestina Ofori Dangbey, the Agona West Parliamentary Candidate (PC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised financial and material support to the Swedru Masqueraders’ group for cultural and economic transformation in the area.

Mrs Dangbey said her ambition to offer support to the group was because their activities seemed to have stalled, although they were formed many years ago, over a long period as expected.

She said to see transformation in their activities, she had decided to extend financial assistance to them when elected as the Member of Parliament in the general election, to rebrand and help the group achieve the desired impact.

Mrs Dangbey gave the promise in her address at the annual festival celebration of the group at Agona Swedru in the Central Region.

She said the Swedru Masquerade’s Group were formed before the Sekondi-Takoradi and Winneba groups, which had been rebranded and received massive transformation in their activities.

She urged the leaders and members of the g
roup to rally behind the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party to win power in the December 7, 2024, polls, for a new NDC government to extend financial and material support to masquerades in Swedru.

She said the support would include uniforms and other logistics, to help them to become more attractive and vibrant.

Mrs Dangbey urged the group to ignore politicians who failed to care for their welfare after winning power, adding that they would soon rush to offer empty promises to them.

She said the 24 hour-economy policy outlined by the Presidential Candidate of the NDC, Mr John Mahama was a true game changer that would open more job avenues for the youth.

She reiterated the calls on the teeming unemployed youth to rally behind her and Mahama’s candidature to win massively in the December 7, polls.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Just a month ago; March 6, 2024, Ghana celebrated its 67th anniversary of independence, proudly embracing the theme: ‘Our Democracy, Our Pride.’

Suffice it to say that it is important to reflect on the nation’s journey of freedom and self-determination and the essential roles that the media and a vibrant civil society have played in shaping her democratic ethos.

This year’s theme prompts a critical examination: Could Ghana have been better or worse off without the contributions of these foundational pillars to its democracy?

The State of Free Press and Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is often heralded as the bedrock of democracy, and for a country like Ghana, which has been a beacon of democratic principles in Africa, freedom of expression reflects the nation’s democratic health.

Over the years, Ghana has enjoyed relatively high levels of press freedom compared to its African counterparts. This freedom has been crucial for accountability, governance, and civic participation.

However, challenges pers
ist, including instances of censorship, intimidation, and the recent concerns over digital rights and freedoms.

These incidents raise questions about the robustness of Ghana’s commitment to free speech as an indispensable element of its democracy.

Without the contributions of a media, Ghana’s democratic journey could be markedly different. A landscape without the rigorous oversight of the media might lead to unchecked government power, diminished accountability, and an uninformed populace, potentially eroding the very foundations of democracy and governance.

The role of the press in fostering public debate, exposing corruption, and advocating reforms has been instrumental in Ghana’s development.

Thus, the absence of a media could have led to a scenario where governance lapses go unchallenged, and public policies are made without the necessary scrutiny and debate.

Progress and Setbacks in Media Development

The media landscape in Ghana has seen significant growth, with an increase in the number and divers
ity of media outlets. This growth has improved information dissemination and provided a platform for diverse voices.

However, media development is not without its challenges. Issues such as media polarisation, lack of professional training, and financial sustainability hamper the quality of journalism and the industry’s development.

The rise of social media, while enhancing information flow, has also introduced challenges related to misinformation and digital harassment.

The Vital Role of Civil Society

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have been crucial in advocating social change, human rights, and democratic governance.

They provide voice for the marginalised, influence policy, and hold public officials to account. The vibrant civil society space in Ghana has contributed significantly to policy development, social justice, and community empowerment.

Imagining Ghana without the contributions of civil society presents a bleak picture. Without these organisations, many of the advances in human
rights, accountability, environmental protection, and social welfare might not have been realised.

Civil society acts as a catalyst for social change and a crucial mechanism for public participation in governance, the absence of which could have resulted in a more disconnected government, less responsive to the needs and rights of its citizens.

The Shrinking Space for Civil Engagement

CSOs in Ghana have historically been at the forefront of policy shaping, social justice advocacy, and the provision of essential services that align with and complement government initiatives.

These organisations represent a vital component of Ghana’s democratic fabric, ensuring that a diverse range of voices are heard to contribute to a more equitable and just society.

However, recent years have witnessed a concerning contraction in the operational space available to these critical voices.

Legislative and regulatory hurdles, coupled with financial constraints, have increasingly impeded the ability of CSOs to function effe
ctively and fulfill their crucial roles.

This diminishing space for civil engagement not only hampers societal progress by stifling innovation and advocacy but also strikes at the very heart of participatory democracy.

By limiting the avenues available for citizen engagement and critical discourse, it undermines the democratic principle that governance should be conducted with the participation and for the benefit of all citizens.

The challenges faced by CSOs in Ghana reflect a broader trend observed in various parts of the world, where civic spaces are under pressure from various fronts, including political, legal, and financial.

The contraction of civil society space in Ghana demands urgent attention and action from all stakeholders involved, including the government, civil society itself, the media, and the international community.

Ensuring that they operate without undue hindrance is essential, not only for the health of Ghana’s democracy, but also for the continued progress and development of the na
tion.

Engaging in open dialogue, revisiting restrictive policies, and fostering an environment that values and protects civic engagement are critical steps towards reversing this trend and reinforcing the foundations of participatory democracy in Ghana.

The Critical Alliance of Media and Civil Society in driving Ghana’s development

The symbiotic relationship between the media and civil society in Ghana forms the bedrock of the nation’s democracy and the engine driving its sustainable development.

This dynamic interaction, where the press amplifies issues championed by civil society and, in turn, civil society imbues these issues with depth, context, and mobilisation, is crucial for the country’s progress, especially as it marks its 67th year of independence.

The partnership not only strengthens the fabric of democracy by providing a platform for voicing concerns, highlighting injustices, and advocating policy changes, but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing government accountability and transparency.

I
nvestigative journalism, enriched by insights from civil society, exposes corruption and malpractice, fostering public debates and sometimes prompting policy reversals or legal actions.

This collaboration has proved instrumental in shaping policies and advancing sustainable development across various sectors such as health, education, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Civil society’s grassroots insights complement journalistic narratives, placing critical issues on the national agenda and influencing policy formulation and implementation.

Moreover, this partnership fosters enhanced civil engagement by empowering citizens to participate more actively in the democratic process, informed about their rights, policy changes, and government initiatives.

Despite the undeniable benefits of this interplay, challenges persist, including threats to press freedom, shrinking spaces for civil society, and the complications introduced by digital misinformation.

Yet, the resilience stemming from the solidari
ty between media and civil society acts as a bulwark against these challenges, highlighting the strength found in unity.

This alliance is not only essential for navigating the complexities of modern governance and development but also stands as a result of the collaborative spirit driving Ghana’s democratic journey forward.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on Ghana’s 67 years of independence, the nation finds herself at a pivotal crossroads, celebrating her achievements while also facing critical challenges.

Ghana has made commendable strides in governance, economic development, and social cohesion, embodying the resilience and dynamism of its institutions and people.

Yet, emerging challenges to democratic freedoms, civil society space, and media development necessitate a vigilant commitment to the democratic principles that have been the nation’s guiding light since independence.

The interplay between the media and civil society has been instrumental in fostering an informed, engaged public, ensuring accountab
ility and transparency, and influencing policy for the betterment of all Ghanaians.

As Ghanaians embrace this year’s theme: ‘Our Democracy, Our Pride,’ it is crucial to reaffirm the dedication to these pillars of democracy.

Their continued vitality, especially in an era of digital transformation and global challenges, is essential for Ghana’s ongoing progress and well-being.

The celebration of independence, therefore, is not just a moment of pride but a call to action for a more inclusive, democratic, and prosperous Ghana.

Looking ahead, the future of Ghana’s democracy hinges on nurturing the symbiotic relationship between media and civil society.

This partnership is paramount in maintaining a robust democracy and advancing a development agenda that reflects the nation’s aspirations for a better future.

Ghana’s 67 years of independence provides the opportunity to reflect on her collective journey, address the areas requiring urgent attention, and renew the commitment to safeguarding the gains made.

Tog
ether, Ghanaians can ensure that the country’s growth trajectory remains forward-moving, rooted in the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality.

(Mr Clement Boateng is the Country Director for Ghana, Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), and PhD Student in Social Change Communication, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala).

Source: Ghana News Agency

The First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana reconvened on Tuesday, February 6, amid significant moments in the country’s political landscape, marked by several key occurrences and highlights that shaped the direction of governance.

The period saw significant events that shaped the country’s legislative landscape. Parliament played a key role in addressing pressing national challenges and promoting progress, from engaging in legislative debates to successfully passing critical Bills.

The Meeting began on a historic note, with the implementation of new Standing Orders (written rules governing parliamentary proceedings), the previous one having undergone significant revisions after serving Parliament for nearly 30 years. The revised Standing Orders included innovative practices and procedures such as a roll call and the recital of the National Pledge.

Other provisions of the new Standing Orders included conducting Parliamentary Business through virtual plat
forms, open Committee Sittings, and a clear delineation of the hierarchy of Parliament’s leadership.

The provisions in the new Standing Orders were aimed at addressing the evolving needs of Ghana’s dynamic and hybrid Parliamentary democracy and to enhance the effectiveness of Parliamentary processes and procedures, in response to the changing landscape of Ghana’s political system.

Parliament had subsequently trained Members of Parliament (MPs), Parliamentary staff, Civil Society players and the Parliamentary Press Corps on the new Standing Orders.

The exiting of the Black Stars from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage propelled the organisers of the ‘Save Ghana Football’ demonstrators to present a 15-point petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, which was received by the Leadership of the House. The petition elicited a passionate debate on the Floor of Parliament. The petition was referred to the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture for investigation and rep
ort to the House.

Further, the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana recorded a novelty when two MPs presided over Proceedings, in the absence of the Speaker and his two deputies.

As a result, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr Cyril Kwabena O. Nsiah, under Standing Order 12(4), invited nominations from the House for a Member to preside over the Sitting Proceeding.

Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Sunyani East, was elected to chair proceedings for Friday, February 16.

In subsequent days, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond the NPP MP for Adansi Asokwa, and Minister of Trade and Industry, also took the Chair as Member Presiding due to the absence of the Speaker and his two deputies on Tuesday, March 5.

In an unexpected turn of events, in the Chamber of Parliament of Ghana, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the long-serving Leader of the Majority Caucus resigned from his position which he described as a voluntary decision.

He was replaced by Mr Al
exander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.

Following his announcement on the Floor of his voluntary resignation, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also the NPP MP for Suame made a statement in which he informed the House of his voluntary decision to resign as the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business.

Consequently, the NPP after nominating Mr Afenyo-Markin, the Effutu Legislator as the new Leader, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also nominated Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the former Deputy Majority Whip, and MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources which necessitated further changes in the Leadership of the Majority Caucus as follows: Mr Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader; Madam Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa, Deputy Majority Leader; Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Majority Chief Whip; Mr Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon, First Deputy Majority Whip and Mr Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sewfi Akontombra, Second Deputy Majority Whip.

Another notable event during the M
eeting was the delivery of the Message on the State of the Nation by President Akufo-Addo, by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution. The details of the President’s speech gave insights into the county’s development trajectory, challenges, and vision. The Meeting witnessed the introduction of some notable Bills and legislative proposals aimed at addressing key issues facing the country. These issues ranged from economic development to social welfare and governance reforms.

Parliament passed significant Bills, including the Death Penalty Bill, Witchcraft Bill, Ghana Anti-doping Bill and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

The latter Bill also known as the Anti-Gay Bill received support from a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders, and backing among MPs. Meanwhile, some of the Bills are yet to be assented to by the President who, in various communications signed by his secretary to the Clerk to Parliament, is alleged to have assigned reasons including citing two pending leg
al actions at the Supreme Court, as reasons for his not being able to assent to the Bills.

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Bagbin in his reaction, had described one of the letters as ‘contemptuous of Parliament, the wrong application of the dangerous legal principle of interim injunction and an affront to the tenets of democracy.

Speaker Bagbin in the same vain, also brought to the attention of the House, the receipt of a process from the Court by Mr Rockson-Nelson Este Kwami Dafeamekpor, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for South Dayi which sought to restrain the Speaker from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the persons submitted by the President until the provisions of the Constitution are satisfied. Applying the same principle, the Speaker stated that the House was unable to continue to consider the nominations of the President in the ‘spirit of upholding the rule of law until after the determination of the application for an interlocutory injunction by the Supreme Court.’

A
quotation Mr Bagbin borrowed from the letter of the Secretary to the President.

A notable happening during the Meeting was the sombre and melancholic moments during one Sitting of the Meeting, the passing of former MP for Ejisu and Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah on Thursday, March 7 March 2024.

The 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of the 8th Parliament of Ghana was marked by significant acts, critical to legislative and political development.

The role of the Speaker of Parliament was crucial in facilitating productive debates and maintaining order in the Legislative Chamber.

He was instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament and upholding democratic principles.

Parliament has since gone on recess and is expected to commence the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament when an official date is communicated by the Speaker by Clause (1) of Article 112 of the 1992 Constitution.

Source: Ghana News Agency