Speaker Alban Bagbin Commends Parliament’s Leadership, Urges Renewed Commitment During Recess The Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin through the first deputy speaker Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, delivered his closing remarks to mark the end of the first session of the Ninth Parliament, offering commendation and guidance to Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. In his address to the House, Hon. Ahiafor expressed deep appreciation to the First and Second Deputy Speakers for their competence, dedication, and effective leadership in presiding over proceedings during his absence. He also commended the leadership on both sides of the aisle for their efforts, reminding them that Parliament is not a courtroom but a political institution founded on deliberation, negotiation, and consensus building. Hon. Ahiafor further praised the Clerk of Parliament, the Deputy Clerk, and the entire Parliamentary Service staff for their unwavering procedural rigor and technical

*Majority Leader Attributes Bawku Conflict to NPP Administration* The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has attributed the conflict in Bawku to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Speaking during the 2025 Mid-year Budget Review debate, Ayariga claimed that the problem in Bawku was caused when a rival chief was appointed under the NPP administration. Ayariga emphasized that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is not running away from the Bawku issue. He stated that Bawku was a peaceful place from 1984 to 2001 and that the current problems were caused by the NPP. Ayariga expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama's ability to resolve the Bawku conflict once and for all. "President John Dramani Mahama will solve the problem once and for all," he said. The Majority Leader offered to debate the issue of Bawku and provide records to support his claims. "If you want us to debate it, I can fix a date. I will debate it and I'll give you the records," he s

FOCUS ON A ATTRACTIVE GHANA FOR ALL. The minority leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin has urged the NDC government to focus on an attractive Ghana for all. Concluding the 2025 budget statement in parliament, the minority leader emphasized on creating opportunities for all Ghanaians. He cautioned them on politicising the judiciary and pounding the chief justice. "FOCUS on a Ghana that all of us will be proud to be citizens of" The lawmaker said the NPP had their chance and made mistakes they admit they couldn't have been perfect but the NDC who promised to do it better should do so for all Ghanaians to see.

Minority Leader Defends NPP’s Record in Mid-Year Budget Debate; Mahama Ayariga Fires Back Over Social Interventions and Roads The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns regarding the 2025 mid-year budget review, accusing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy and misinformation. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin criticized the NDC for blaming the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the country's current economic challenges, while simultaneously taking credit for the foundational economic measures implemented by the NPP government. He noted that the NDC’s narrative sought to paint the former NPP administration as fiscally reckless, citing exaggerated claims such as “ballooning deficits,” GH¢6 billion in arrears, and GH¢194 billion in contract commitments. He argued that the spike in Ghana’s deficit in 2020 was due to extraordinary interventions necessitated by the global C

MP for Walewale Justifies Minority Walkout Over Deputy Minister’s Statement in Parliament Member of Parliament for Walewale, Hon. Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, has addressed the media following the Minority Caucus’ decision to stage a walkout from Parliament in protest against what they describe as a breach of parliamentary procedure and abuse of majority power. Speaking at a press briefing, Hon. Kabiru Tiah explained that the Minority’s decision was in response to the Deputy Minister of Finance’s statement, which, according to him, mentioned specific names of Minority MPs without providing them the opportunity to respond. He pointed out names such as Hon. Abena Osei Asare, Dr. Gideon Boako, and Dr. Amin Adam was mentioned during the Minister’s submission, yet those individuals were not present to offer clarifications or defend their positions. “It is inappropriate to single out individual members during a budget response when those members are not available to speak for themselves,” Ho

MP Defends Akufo-Addo's Road Legacy, Challenges Agbodza Over Project Criticism. The former Minister of Works and Housing and Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency, Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, has responded to criticisms regarding the state of Ghana's road infrastructure, defending projects undertaken during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) tenure under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking at a press briefing, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye emphasized that the Akufo-Addo administration constructed approximately 13,624 kilometers of roads during its eight years in office. He explained that although this figure includes a variety of road interventions—not just new construction—it represents a significant effort to improve national connectivity. "President Nana Addo's government built 13,624 kilometers of roads, which include not only new roads but also interventions like graveling, re-graveling, overlays, and upgrades in areas that previously had no access to motor

PARLIAMENT APPROVES All FOUR DEPUTY MINISTERIAL NOMINEES BY CONSENSUS. Parliament has approved all four deputy ministerial nominees by consensus. In a sixteenth report summary of the appointment committee,in accordance with Article 79(1) of the 1992 constitution and Order 217 of the standing Orders of parliament, the committee duly considered the nomination submitted by the President of Ghana. H.E John Dramani Mahama. Following a thorough evaluation of the nominees qualifications,and responses to questions, the committee finds that each of the nominees has demonstrated competence, insight and readiness to assume their respective roles. The committee therefore by consensus recommended the adoption of their reports and approval of the nominees. Ms Dorcas Toffey- Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr James Gyakye Quayson - Deputy minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Mohammed Adams Sukparu -Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations and Prof Dr Grace Ayensu -Dan

MINORITY ACCUSES FINANCE MINISTER OF MISLEADING PARLIAMENT IN MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW The Minority in Parliament has accused the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, of presenting misleading information during the July 24,2025 mid-year budget review. At a press conference in Accra, senior members of the Minority Caucus challenged the credibility of several key claims made by the Minister, arguing that many of the stated achievements were either exaggerated or inherited from the previous administration. Speaking to the media, the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, said: “The Finance Minister has gone to great lengths to praise himself for economic indicators that were only made possible due to the groundwork laid by the previous NPP government. From foreign reserves to debt restructuring, there is a clear and deliberate attempt to mislead the public.” Mr Amin condemned violence in the Ablekuma North election and calls for protection of hum

Deputy Health Minister Backs Free Primary Healthcare to Tackle Hepatitis B Crisis The Member of Parliament for Essikado and Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has raised critical concerns over the growing threat of Hepatitis B in Ghana. Addressing Parliament, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah described Hepatitis B as a serious public health issue, revealing that approximately 4.6 million Ghanaians—representing 10.4% of the population—are currently living with the virus. She noted that Hepatitis B causes around 14,000 deaths annually in the country. She explained that Hepatitis B and C are highly infectious diseases that can lead to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis—where the liver becomes damaged and dysfunctional due to fat accumulation—and ultimately liver cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ghana. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and bodily fluids. “Public health ed

MINORITY CALLS FOR STATE BURIAL FOR THE LATE DADDY LUMBA The former minister of Defence, Mr Dominic Bingad Nitiwul has called for a state funeral for the late Charles Kojo Fosu, aka Daddy Lumba and urges people to come together to mourn his passing. Contributing on the statement held by the MP for Manhyia North, Hon Akwasi Konadu, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary musician, Lumba, highlighting his enduring impact on Ghanaians. Mr . Nitiwul believes Lumba's legacy will never be forgotten, and his music brought joy to many households. He noted that people from all walks of life, including those who never met Lumba personally, are weeping, demonstrating the profound impact of his music. The minority believes Lumba's music will continue to be celebrated, and he may be considered the greatest musician to walk the streets of Ghana. Their emotional tribute underscores Lumba's significant contribution to Ghanaian music and culture, and his lasting impact on the nation's

Minority Leader Urges NHIS Coverage for Hepatitis B to End “Silent Destruction” The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has raised serious concerns about public health efforts surrounding viral hepatitis in Ghana. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin highlighted key achievements made in combating hepatitis, including attaining over 90% infant immunization coverage for Hepatitis B, introducing free treatment for Hepatitis C, mandating antenatal testing for Hepatitis D, and developing a national viral Hepatitis D control program. However, he cautioned that frameworks and pilot interventions alone are not sufficient. He noted that Ghana has yet to introduce the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine or make the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIg) freely available or subsidized. According to him, these gaps are leaving the most vulnerable behind, allowing the virus to continue its “silent destruction.” “Too many Ghanaians

*Be Vigilant* _By Archbishop Charles Agyinasare_ _Day 209 (28/07/2025)_ > _1 Peter 5:8 ”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”_ The main contender of our faith—Satan—is very crafty. The devil mostly approaches with words and thoughts with the intent to deceive. The tragedy of man’s fall from glory all began when Eve was deceived by the devil. The Bible describes the devil as one who comes as a wolf in sheep’s clothing and as one appearing as an angel of light. Jesus also calls him the father of all lies. We must, therefore, be careful and wise to know his crafty devices in order to resist him. Here are three reasons why we must be careful of the Devil’s craftiness: *1. You can lose your destiny* Matthew 4:8-9 "Again, the Devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, i