Majority Leader Calls for Clarification on LGBTQ+ Bill, Accuses Minority of Political Posturing The Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Osman Mahama Ayariga, has voiced concerns over the current state of the LGBTQ+ Bill and the political tension surrounding it. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Ayariga stated that the Minority Caucus previously resisted attempts to expedite work on the bill, yet are now presenting themselves to the public as strong advocates of its passage. He argued that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority is creating the impression that the Majority is no longer committed to the legislation, despite their earlier support. The Majority Leader noted that he and his caucus were prepared to treat the bill as having been passed, but since it was never transmitted to the Presidency for assent, a legal challenge has now arisen. He emphasized that they are waiting for guidance from the Speaker of Parliament on the way forward. Hon. Ayariga assured Gha

*Parliament to Reconsider Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill-- Speaker* The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, will be reintroduced for its consideration by the Ninth Parliament. This proposed legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships, as well as the promotion, advocacy, and financial support of LGBTQ+ activities within the country. The bill was previously passed by the Eighth Parliament but failed to become law after former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declined to give it presidential assent. Despite this setback, Speaker Bagbin confirmed that the bill has completed the necessary procedural steps and is ready to be tabled. The bill aims to criminalize same-sex relationships and impose jail time for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities. If passed, the bill would increase the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts from three

MINORITY CAUCUS ACCUSES ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MEDIA TRIAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the Attorney General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, of conducting a media trial and violating the constitutional rights of individuals under investigation. Speaking to the media, Mr John Darko claims the AG's "Accountability Series" press conferences prejudice the fair trial principle and infringe on the privacy rights of accused persons. According to the member of parliament for Suame, The AG is trying cases in the media, pronouncing guilt before court proceedings. He said this act by the AG is a Constitutional Violation. He cites Article 19:2 of the 1992 Constitution, emphasizing the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." The AG's actions may influence judges and jurors, compromising fair trial rights. The Minority Caucus demands the AG stop the media trial and allow cases to be tried in courtrooms, not public forums. He cited the cases

Weija Gbawe MP Demands Government Intervention to Save NHIS from Total Collapse. The Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), stating that the scheme is no longer functioning effectively. According to him, patients across the country are increasingly being compelled to pay for healthcare services out of pocket, a situation that signals a troubling return to the cash-and-carry system the NHIS was designed to replace. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Shaib lamented that even pregnant women undergoing Caesarean Sections (CS) are being charged exorbitant fees ranging from ₵5,000 to ₵9,000, which he described as unacceptable. He therefore called on the government to take urgent steps to restore the efficiency and credibility of the NHIS to ensure that Ghanaians, especially vulnerable groups, can access quality heal

Majority Leader Raises Concern Over NHIA Software Dispute The Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has addressed the House on the ongoing challenges within the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Speaking on the floor of Parliament, he stated that the House could summon the Minister for Health to provide a detailed briefing on the situation. He disclosed that he had been informed of a technical challenge involving two software systems currently in use by the NHIA, which has sparked a dispute between the software providers over which system should be adopted. Hon. Ayariga explained that the disagreement has slowed down the submission and processing of claims from health facilities. However, he noted that the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA has assured him that the matter is being resolved. He further stressed that the challenge is not related to any delay in government funding. According to him, government has released the required funds to the NHIA, and

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tribute Statement by Victor Emmanuel Smith On the Passing of Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Date: 23/10/25 I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and a towering figure in our nation’s political development. Awakened far away in Iowa with this heartbreaking news, I had hoped it was inaccurate. However, after the confirmation, I was left with a profound sense of personal loss. Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings introduced me into active politics in the early 1990s. Upon my return from the United Kingdom in 1994, she offered me the opportunity and space to begin my journey in public service. I remain eternally grateful for the belief she had in my potential and for the pivotal role she played in shaping my political life. Like many meaningful relationships, ours experienced its challenges over time. But today, I choose to remember her for the significant impact she made — on me,

Ayariga Emphasizes Need for Job Creation Policies. Majority leader, Mahama Ayariga has emphasized the importance of the upcoming budget meeting in Parliament, which follows a familiar process practiced for decades. At a press briefing on 22nd October 2025, he said ministries, agencies, and constitutional bodies have been justifying their budgetary needs through hearings with the Finance Minister. Once synthesized, the Minister will present the budget to Parliament for debate and approval. Additionally, the member of parliament for Bawku highlights other parliamentary activities during this session, such as: Questions and answers. Ministers will address specific policy, programs, and constituency-related inquiries from MPs. MPs will make statements on pressing issues, followed by debates among their colleagues. Mahama Ayariga plans to revisit motions that have been delayed, including hearings focused on job creation for youth He emphasizes the need for policies from stat

*Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Slams Government Over Economic and Health Challenges* Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed deep concern over the current state of Ghana's economy and healthcare system. Speaking during a Parliament Leader's Media Briefing, Hon Afenyo-Markin criticized the government for failing to create jobs and stimulate private sector growth, citing a Ghana Statistics Service report that youth unemployment stands at 32% for those aged 15-24. The Effutu Member of Parliament highlighted the struggles of Ghanaians amidst rising living costs, emphasizing that macroeconomic gains are not translating to household welfare. He stressed the need for immediate action to address these challenges and ensure the government prioritizes the welfare of its citizens. The Minority Leader also brought attention to the plight of healthcare workers, stating over 200 junior doctors are owed salaries for 10 months, with more than 800 qualified medical doctors still

*Nana Addo's Government Devastated Ghana's Economy-- Mahama Ayariga* The Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon Mahama Ayariga has highlighted the challenges inherited by the current government, emphasizing that the previous administration's mismanagement led to significant economic challenges, which informed the outcome of the last election. According to him, the structure of Ghana's Economy was devastated by the Nana Addo led government and it will take a long time to fix it. Speaking during Parliament Leader's Media Briefing today, he stated that the current government is making efforts to stabilize the economy, pay debts, manage expenditure, and create a sound footing for private sector growth and job creation. The Bawku Central Member of Parliament cites international organizations (IMF, World Bank, African Development Bank) and Ghanaian economists as evidence of the government's efforts to fix the economy. Hon Ayariga in conclusion defended the Mahama government's economic

MINORITY LEADER SOUNDS ALARM ON GALAMSEY 's DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT. The Minority leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin has said the issue of illegal mining, or "galamsey," is a longstanding national crisis in Ghana, with severe environmental, health, and economic consequences. Speaking on the floor of parliament, he added that, despite repeated warnings and discussions, the problem persists. The devastation includes pollution of rivers, destruction of fertile land, and toxic chemicals contaminating water bodies. Citizens in mining communities face illnesses and danger from poisonous chemicals. Loss of livelihoods for farmers and fishermen, and potential long-term damage to the country's economy. Highlighting previous efforts to expose and address the issue, he cited Anas Aremeyaw Anas's Documentary in 2010 which exposed the dark underbelly of galamsey, revealing corruption, complicity, and environmental havoc. In 2015, The then-Finance Minister Mr Seth Terkper highl

MINORITY CRITICISES GOVERNMENT, CALLS FOR ACTION. The Minority leader, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin has delivered a comprehensive critique of the current government's performance, highlighting several pressing issues affecting the nation. Giving his opening remarks at the third meeting of the first session of the ninth parliament, Mr Afenyo Markin expressed concerns over Ghana's governance, citing economic hardships, mass dismissals of public servants and labor unrest. He highlighted issues such as unpaid salaries for junior doctors and newly trained teachers and nurses. He said that, despite modest macroeconomic gains, ordinary citizens continue to struggle with unemployment and high cost of living. The Member of parliament for Effutu accused the government for undermining the integrity of the public service through mass dismissals without due process, and suppressing dissent by targeting opposition figures, journalists, and ordinary citizens. Tackling illegal mi

Speaker Bagbin Swears In Newly Elected MPs for Akwatia and Tamale Central The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has sworn into office the newly elected Members of Parliament for Akwatia and Tamale Central — Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, MP for Akwatia Constituency, and Professor Alidu Seidu, MP for Tamale Central. Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo secured victory in the Akwatia by-election, polling 18,199 votes to succeed the late Ernest Yaw Kumi. In Tamale Central, Professor Alidu Seidu was declared the winner of the by-election after emerging as the sole candidate, following the tragic death of Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. Both new legislators, who represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC), took the oath of office during today’s parliamentary sitting, officially assuming their duties as Members of Parliament.