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Ghana’s Parliament strengthens collaboration with CSOs for inclusive governance

Ghana’s Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering greater transparency and inclusivity by engaging civil society organisations (CSOs) and think tanks in high-level dialogue. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, spearheaded the initiative, lauding the critical role that CSOs play in shaping governance and policy.

Addressing the forum on the theme “Embracing Inclusivity, Engagement, and Collaboration with the Parliament of Ghana,” Speaker Bagbin called for a governance framework that transcends traditional parliamentary democracy to incorporate broader participation from civil society. He stressed that no one should be left behind, stating that CSOs are a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s democratic architecture.

Speaker Bagbin commended civil society organisations (CSOs) for their contributions to policy development, particularly through research and data-driven advocacy. He referenced key parliamentary initiatives, including anti-corruption efforts and local government reforms, that were supported by the input of civil society. “With Ghana ranking top in the 2022 Africa Open Parliament Index, these reforms demonstrate Parliament’s commitment to enhancing its democratic processes through a continuous partnership with civil society,” he noted.

One area in which the Speaker is particularly passionate is gender equity. He reiterated the importance of the Affirmative Action Act, which mandates more significant gender equity across all sectors of governance. “Equity, not equality,” he stressed, urging the implementation of gender equity policies within Parliament and government institutions. He acknowledged that progress has been slow and called for more robust gender equity initiatives in governance. He also urged support for the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, ACT 1121.

The Chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, announced Ghana’s recent recognition at the Regional Meeting for Africa and the Middle East. He noted that technology and innovation have been essential in enhancing Parliament’s engagement with citizens, mentioning that Parliament’s website and data platforms have been continuously updated to meet the public’s needs. However, he stated that more can be achieved through collaboration. He alluded to an Action Plan that is yet to be launched, which would further strengthen these efforts and ensure that Parliament meets its commitments to an open and accountable government.

The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Djietror, emphasised that the theme of the meeting aligns with Parliament’s Corporate Strategic Plan, which seeks to enhance engagement with media, CSOs, and think tanks. He reiterated that Parliament’s role is to reflect the people’s will, as outlined in Ghana’s Constitution, ensuring that all governmental powers serve the welfare of its citizens.

The CSOs lauded Speaker Bagbin for his commitment to inclusive governance, particularly in promoting female leadership. However, some participants raised concerns about the lack of female representation in certain parliamentary committees, especially in areas such as health, where women’s perspectives are vital. They urged constitutional amendments to strengthen gender representation in government.
Additionally, they advocated for sustained collaboration with Parliament, calling for the full implementation of the Open Government Partnership Action Plan to enhance transparency and accountability.

Requesting an expansion of oversight responsibilities in Parliament, the Speaker presented copies of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament to CSOs to support their role in holding legislators accountable.

Members of Parliament, including Hon. Emmanuel Akwasi Aquah, Hon. Agyeman Prempeh, and Hon. Abednego Bandim, along with Deputy Clerk Dr./Mrs. Gloria S. Kumawu and other parliamentary officials, attended the engagement.

Among the participating CSOs were IMANI Africa, the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-GH), Parliamentary Network Africa, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Star Ghana, ACEPA, the Media Foundation for West Africa, the Gender Center for Empowering Development, CAMFED, the Legal Resource Centre, and Youth Advocate Ghana.

Ghanamps.com

Dompreh demands budget estimates and lists to Pan African Parliament

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has taken a swipe at the Majority side of the House in their delay in presenting the 2025 budget estimates and lists of re-composed delegation to the Pan African Parliament when the House met on Monday, March 24, 2025.

He states, “the 2025 budget estimate no show, lists of re-compose delegation to the Pan African Parliament no show, and a member to the Pan African Parliament in the eighth Parliament Collins Dawuda, who is in the chamber and want to represent Ghana at the continental Parliament looks sad”.

But the Minority Chief Whip’s comment did not go down well with the Asutifi South MP who pointed out that, he has always been happy in the past eight years even when he was being prosecuted.

“When it comes to approval of budget estimates, what has changed? When he was Majority whip in the eighth Parliament, it was same thing we should rather appeal and not satisfy the gallery”.

Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor on his part pointed out that since they have 24-Hour Economy, Members of Parliament should be prepared to work within the twenty-four-hour economy.

Hon Matthew Nyandam on his part stressed the need for welfare of MPs to be taken seriously, stating that sitting late into the night was not good for health of MPs more especially a government which claims its resetting.

“We should not sit beyond 10:00pm; if this was being done previously that is why we had the change and said we are resting so March 28, 2025 as the House goes on recess we should not sit late into the night”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

NPP’s Healing Process: Allow members to vent but with caution — Mpraeso MP

As part of the healing process within the New Patriotic Party after their heavy defeat in the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections, Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Opoku Ansah is of the opinion that card bearing members should be allowed to vent their displeasure; but urged that it should be done cautiously.

According to him, it is the reason the reason the Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye’s Committee was set up by the party.

In an interview with Ghanamps.com he pointed out that one or two members would not be happy with the entire process, and might want to vent their anger on radio, despite the approved platform created by the party, “however, one needs to be mindful of the terrain”, he cautioned.

He asserts that a lot of people might not have the opportunity of meeting the Prof Oquaye Committee, but it does not also mean that people should break boundaries and just talk anyhow.

In the specific case of the former Dome/Kwabenya lawmaker, he explained that she had gone through a lot including being wrongly accused of being the person who voted against Professor Oquaye in his bid to become Speaker of the 8th Parliament. “There was a lot of hullaballoo surrounding her name”.

Mr Ansah noted that drawing closer to her one would realize the truth, “I went on radio personally attacking her”.

He recalled that looking at where the NPP party was with 137 on both sides and an independent MP who caucused with them to have the majority, “we had to make some sacrifices. I had a surgery in 2024; sometimes you do a surgery today, the next day you are asked to come down to Ghana. Those are the sacrifices we went through. I know of a colleague who gave birth in the US three days, she had to leave the baby in the US come down to Ghana to participate in parliamentary work”.

Within the week the former Dome/Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo was the focus of discussion as she hopped from one media station to the other trying to set the record straight on some of the accusations leveled against her in the 8th parliament. Her action caught the attention of the leadership of the party and was immediately referred to the party’s disciplinary committee.

The Mpraeso MP further noted that they did not know the full story of Adwoa Safo, adding that if she had opened up to any colleague, the person could have even spoken to the other side. “This is a colleague who is going through a lot; it would have saved us from those acrimonies we witnessed in the eighth parliament; that is my position”.

He furthermore added that the attacks the former Dome/Kwabenya MP received affected her in her parliamentary primaries; “if her constituents knew that she was genuinely going through a problem, people would not have judged her wrongly”.

“For such a person she has a lot of pain in her, once she starts venting them, if you are a leader approach her, be compassionate about it, listen to her side of the story and try and find remedy to whatever she is saying and that is the approach”.

He advised the party to take a second look at the decision to drag her to the disciplinary committee as it would not help.

As to whether his party would listen to him as he twitted on X, he said, “I think they have, I am told today leadership went to her house, they engaged her, she said her side of her story and I appreciate the leadership because it shows that when their members talk they listen; for me that is the way to go”.

He disclosed that just last week, former MPs who also pointed accusing fingers at the presidency for their defeat met with the Professor Oquaye Committee and put their issues across particularly on why the party lost.

“They came to my constituency and people spoke about why the depreciation in our votes. It is something I am working towards to help the party win massively in the next election.

So, people are being given the opportunity to speak. I am praying all party members would exercise restraints; we are all hurt, if I say I am going to say my story today I am not sure people would be able to listen to me”.

“It’s our party, let us allow the party to go through the process; with the Professor Oquaye Committee work, I am sure their committee report would bring reforms and get the party set for 2028 election victory”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Energy is the life blood of every economy; let’s address the sector debt —Amankwah Millicent

The energy sector debt of Ghana should be addressed since energy is the life blood of every economy, Member of Parliament for Sunyani West Millicent Yeboah Amankwah pointed out during her contribution to the 2025 budget when she took her turn to debate.

According to her in 2024, the ministry of finance supported the energy sector with the payment of about one point five billion US dollars equivalent to twenty point eight billion cedis.

This amount she noted could have been used for any other project like roads and schools among others; but added that she believes in the Ministry and Minister of Roads and Highways that with the ‘Big Push’ initiative by President John Mahama infrastructure would be taken care of.

“If you look at this amount of money and we ask ourselves of the recent exercise conducted by the energy sector, the energy sector recovery programme has revealed that the energy sector financial shortfall has increased to thirty-five billion cedis in 2025”.

Mr. Speaker, where are we going as a country with this whole budget, without the energy sector we cannot work; if you look at the current state of the energy sector there is massive financial shortfall.

The independent power producers, we owe them one point seven- three billion dollars which is even more than what the former finance ministry gave as support to the energy ministry.

She said ECG owes 68 billion cedis currently which they cannot even pay, and COCOBOD also owes 32 billion cedis which is going to affect power supply and adversely affect any industry that depends on them, she added.

The Sunyani West MP further stated that the cost of power generation is very high but with President John Mahama who has promised to introduce more solar system to support our electricity generation system, “it might be costly per capital, but with the long years ahead of us it would add up three cent per kilowatt which is going to help us”.

We can say whatever we want to say in this country but if the energy sector is not catered for looking at the debt and areas we need invest in the consequences may be dire to us; she said.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

“Acts of intimidation are relics of the past” – Afenyo, as Minority condemns political harassment

The Minority in parliament has once again called on the government to call the National Security operatives to order in what they described as the continuous harassment of political opponents particularly appointees of the former government.

At a press conference on Thursday, the Minority notes: “The Minority Caucus expressed its concerns about the growing lawless conduct of our National Security Operatives who the government has unleashed on opponents particularly the NPP appointees of the former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The aim of this is to intimidate and frustrate them”.

Citing the raids first on the house of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta and now the house of the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin said “acts of intimidation are relics of the past, they have no place in our democracy”, and a growing democracy as ours must see things being done differently.

“We’ve heard of some raids and in some cases these so-called security operatives rob these officials when they are leaving their premises. First was the raid on the home of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta led by one Richard Jakpa, a known NDC activist who described himself as Director of Operations at the National Security”, stating that the Majority Leader had to apologize when the first incident occurred. However, at Dawn Yesterday, specifically at 5:00 AM, Mr Richard Jakpa was at it again. This time to the residence of Dr. Addison, the former Governor of the Central Bank”.

He said, Mr Jakpa claimed to have a warrant to conduct a search of the Roman Ridge residence of the former Governor, claiming to be looking for a vault which is purported to have some money in it.

“They forced their way, overpowered the security and entered the premises. This Rambo style approach must cease”, Afenyo-Markin emphasized.

Mr Afenyo-Markin affirmed that this was the first time any former Governor of the Central Bank has been subjected to this kind of traumatizing treatment.

He said though the security operatives could not find anything, the Governor also could not find his GHC10,000.00 that was on his bed, same with the Governor’s wife’s earrings and necklaces that could also not be traced after the search. “In other words, those operatives stole these earrings and necklaces “. Three cars, official vehicles of the Governor were also taken away only to be informed later that they’ve been parked somewhere so he should send his drivers to go and pick them around 4:30, the call came from this same Richard Jakpa”.

Ghana, he said has no room for lawlessness, and these actions undermine democracy and wind down investor confidence.

He thus warned that these actions may soon lead to some self-protection mechanisms from citizens and people whose lives and property feel threatened. “We are a nation of laws”, adding that legitimate investigations should be done in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Minority affirmed their support for accountability; but said they are against the abuse of human rights of people in the exercise of law enforcement.

The Minority also registered their protest regarding the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah who was arrested last night and later released, condemning the Rambo style in which such arrests are carried out.

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.com

Africa & sub-regional countries visit ACARP to replicate operations in their countries — MD

As Ghana leads in the crusade of addressing waste menace in the system in Africa and the West Africa sub-region, Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies is attracting some countries from both Africa and the sub-region to understudy its operation and replicate same in their respective countries.

A tour by members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to ACARP on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, saw a high-powered delegation from Ethiopia visiting the facility.

Managing Director of the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) Michael Padi Tuwor in an interview noted that after ten, fifteen, and twenty years, the Jospong Group is stepping out as they have invested and built capacity.

“We have built enough resources and replicating this in Africa and the West Africa sub-region. We are in Nigeria Lagos, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Guinea Conakry and Liberia”.

Almost every week they have a country visiting their facility to learn what they are doing.

Mr. Michael Padi further pointed out that their mandate is to receive waste generated in the capital from respective homes, marketplaces, among others. And when they are brought to their facility their duty is to recover as much as they can from the waste, add value to it, and send it back into the system for re-use.

“The organic component of the waste, because the waste that we generate is not separated at source, it is mixed, that is the reason for all the investment you see here. So, when the waste comes here, we use the MRF that is the material recovery facility, to recover the various fractions like organic fractions, the plastics, card boards and scrap metals.”

“We add value to these ones – the organic we turn it into compost for agriculture purposes, all the plastics we process into pellets and then also give it out to the plastic manufacturing companies for further production into Household items.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Waste segregation awareness catching up well — ACARP MD

The Managing Director of the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) Michael Padi Tuwor said the culture of separating plastic waste from other wastes is catching up well with Ghanaians in the capital.

According to him, in the homes people are separating the plastics waste from other things. But the problem is that it’s only one truck that would usually come for the waste; hence everything that is separated ends up in the same truck. If we have more trucks like the way Zoomlion has and the truck can come twice in a week it will help, because then in the first day in the week it will come for organic materials, and the second day its coming for recyclable things that in a way would have helped; but it’s a gradual process, we are getting there once people get to understand what we call waste is not a waste but resource.

He affirmed that there is value in waste and people will keep it and sale, stating that these days people wait for you at events to finish drinking just so they can pick the empty bottles because they know there is value in it. “That is where we are heading to, and for us that is what we expect into the future”, he added.

The ACARP MD further noted that Jospong Group has introduced campaigns on free dustbins and one million free dustbins to households, just so to store the waste.

He asserts that per our by-laws the polluter has a responsibility, once you generate the waste you are to store it; once it is lifted the responsibility and liability is transferred to the government, that is why you are charged for the lifting. When it comes to the downstream treatment and disposal that is when the government also comes in and its paid for, he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Zoomlion seeks prompt payment to expand operations

General Manager for Private Sector Business (PSB) of Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), Lola Asise Ashitey has appealed to the government for increased and timely financial support to expand the company’s liquid waste treatment plants across all 16 regions of Ghana.

This appeal was made during a media briefing as part of a five-facility tour of Zoomlion Ghana’s liquid waste treatment plants on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
According to Ashitey, SSGL currently operates six liquid waste treatment plants in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. She emphasized the impact these facilities have had on public health, particularly in reducing the incidence of cholera in the Greater Accra Region.

“Since we started operations in 2017, we don’t have cholera in Greater Accra like we used to. The records are there. This must be replicated in all other regions to make sure that our people are healthy and can contribute to the nation’s development,” she stated.

Challenges with Improper Waste Disposal

Lola Ashitey mentioned a significant challenge faced by SSGL — the improper disposal of solid waste into liquid waste systems.

She described how people often dump diapers, sanitary pads, and even human remains into public toilets and streams, which disrupts the treatment process and clogs their pumps.

“Ghana is our country. If we do it right, we do it right for ourselves. But when people dump solid waste in public toilets and streams, it comes back to us. It makes it difficult for us to treat the waste properly. Maybe without these challenges, we could be having 10 treatment plants by now instead of six,” she noted.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

She urged Ghanaians to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, stressing that the fight against cholera and other sanitation-related diseases requires a collective effort.

“We don’t want what is happening in other regions with cholera outbreaks to happen to our people. We cannot do it alone. We all need to put our hands on deck to make sure we’re doing things right,” she appealed.

Future Plans and the Need for Support

SSGL aims to expand its operations to all 16 regions, ensuring better sanitation and healthier communities.

Ashitey expressed hope that with increased government support and prompt payments, this vision can become a reality.

She said, “Our key is for the government to support us more. We are already getting some support, but we would love to be paid regularly so we can replicate these plants across the country,” she added.

The expansion of liquid waste treatment facilities could significantly reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, improve public health, and create a cleaner environment across Ghana.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Bawku Central MP condemns military brutalities in constituency

Bawku Central Member of Parliament , Mahama Ayariga has condemned in no uncertain terms the brutality meted out to women, children, old men and innocent youth in the night of Tuesday, 18th March 2025, in some sections of Bawku Municipality and vows to demand total accountability on the part of the military.

According to him the conduct of the military is unacceptable, stating that whilst he regrets the accidental killing of military personnel by an unknown gunman and condemns that dastardly act, he states that ransacking and beating innocent civilians and holding the whole town to ransom is equally detestable.

In a statement, he noted that the rule of law must prevail; soldiers who are responsible for ensuring law and order should never do that.

The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central has urged the leadership of Bawku and the military to collaborate to investigate the killing of the military personnel instead of the approach adopted by the military command.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the military personnel who accidentally and unfortunately lost his life and urged caution by all sides.

He also expressed his sympathy for the victims of the military brutality of Tuesday night. He regrets that the military command did not head his appeal not to react violently to the killing of their colleague and went ahead to do what they did. “We need to work together” he said.

“I have confidence that all sides will repose confidence in His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II to bring finality to the situation in Bawku and end the violence we are experiencing.”

Kwaku Skayi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

9th Parliamentary Service Board takes office

Rt Hon Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has inaugurated the 9th Parliamentary Service Board where he urged lawmakers to prioritize accountability, bipartisan collaboration, and responsive governance as the 9th Parliament works to address pressing national challenges.

During the ceremony, he underscored the Board’s pivotal role in strengthening institutional integrity and fostering a legislative environment anchored in public trust and democratic principles.

The Board, which Is chaired by the Rt Hon Speaker, has the following members:

Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror – Clerk to Parliament
Mahama Ayariga – MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader
Alexander Afenyo-Markin – MP for Effutu and Minority Leader
Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay – Former MP for Afadjato South
Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah – Former MP for New Juaben South
The first and second deputy Speakers

Hon. Bernard Ahiafor-MP for Akatsi South and Hon. Andrew Asiamah -MP for Fomena and 2nd Deputy Speaker are co-opted members.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com