The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament,Hon. Bernard Ahiafor has been nominated as the president of Democracy and Human Rights Committee for the African Geopolitical Group of the Interparliamentary Union (IPU).He achieved this feat at the ongoing 150th Assembly of the IPU which is taking place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 5-9 April 2025. This Committee as part of its mandate examines current and developing challenges to democracy and human rights. It also proposes parliamentary action on these at both national and international level through the political resolutions it sets out once a year, and which are adopted by the entire IPU membership. Credit: Ghana parliament

PARLIAMENT APPROVES GHC ¢6,371,467,598 FOR DEFENCE MINISTRY. Parliament has today approved the sum of six billion, three hundred and seventy-one million, four hundred and sixty -seven thousand, five hundred and ninety- eight Ghana cedis for the implementation of the programs of the ministry of defence and its agencies for the 2025 financial year. According to the report of the defence and interior committee on the 2025 budget estimates, this amount will further empower the armed forces to effectively play their constitutional mandate. The report revealed some updates from the ministry. It stated that, the Afari Military Hospital in Kumasi will be operationalised by the end of this financial year. Some lands belonging to the Armed forces are constantly encroached by private individuals without course to the ministry. The ministry has however, initiated steps to liaise with the lands commission to ensure legal documentation to protect the lands. In their recommendati

PRU EAST MP CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON WATER CRISIS. The Member of Parliament for Pru East Constituency in the Bono East Region, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, has raised concerns over the acute water shortage affecting his constituency. He has called on the government to implement urgent measures to address the situation. Speaking to the press in Parliament, Boam highlighted the severe impact of the crisis on residents of Yeji and its surrounding communities. He revealed that the lack of access to clean drinking water has led to a surge in waterborne diseases, with over 187 people, including children under the age of two, contracting cholera and typhoid. Several severe cases required surgery. Boam emphasized the irony of the situation, noting that Pru East is surrounded by the Volta Lake. He urged the government to put in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure that residents can benefit from this natural water resource. He further stated that once the national budget is approved, he

PARLIAMENT ABOLISHED 10% ON BETTING TAX As of March 26, 2025, the Ghanaian Parliament has passed a bill to repeal the 10% withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings. This tax, introduced in 2023, applied to all gross gaming winnings. The repeal is pending presidential assent to become law. The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, praised this development, stating it fulfills a promise made to investors and stakeholders in the gaming industry. The abolition is expected to boost participation in the formal gaming sector and encourage compliance within the industry. After the bill went through the third reading, The 1st Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor presiding at the time thereby ensured that the bill was duely passed.