Ministry Raises Alarm Over Growing Child Hawking and Street Homelessness The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of children engaged in hawking, living, and working on the streets across the country. The Ministry clarified that, under Section 16(1) of the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), the primary responsibility for safeguarding the welfare and rights of children rests with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). According to the law, MMDAs are mandated to protect the rights and welfare of children within their jurisdictions, coordinate the activities of relevant child protection agencies, and lead efforts to remove vulnerable children from street situations, including child hawking. Despite this legal mandate, the Ministry continues to provide national policy direction, coordination, and advocacy on chi

*Loss of Husband Can Be “Dire” – MP Calls for Support Systems for Widows* Second Deputy Majority Whip and Ada MP, Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, says the death of a husband can leave widows disoriented, vulnerable, and forced to fend for themselves under harsh conditions. Making a statement in Parliament to mark International Widows Day, she said the impact on a widow’s life “could be dire,” especially for those who had depended entirely on their spouses. “One could become disoriented, not knowing what to do, while others are left to fend for themselves in a world that is often harsh and unaccommodating,” Hon. Cudjoe said. She noted that widows often endure the trauma of losing a partner while simultaneously facing economic hardship, disinheritance, and social exclusion. “The death of a husband should not become a double punishment for women. We must ensure they do not suffer twice – first from grief, then from poverty and abuse,” she told the House. International Widows

Asokwa MP Calls for Direct, Substantial Funding to Empower Persons with Disabilities The Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has called for concrete and targeted financial support for persons with disabilities, urging policymakers to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement sustainable funding mechanisms. Speaking in Parliament following a recent exhibition organized by persons with disabilities, the MP emphasized the need for clearly defined budgetary allocations dedicated to specific activities and programmes that directly benefit the disability community, rather than relying on general resource pooling. Hon. Patricia Appiagyei noted that many persons with disabilities are entrepreneurs who require meaningful support to expand their businesses and achieve economic independence. She proposed measures such as tax exemptions and other financial incentives to help create an enabling environment for their enterprises to thrive. She further stressed that govern

BREAKING: Gunmen Open Fire on Adwoa Safo’s Vehicle Near Brother’s Residence in Accra Former Dome-Kwabenya MP receiving treatment after alleged shooting amid Kristo Asafo succession dispute Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Hon. Adwoa Safo, is receiving medical treatment after gunmen allegedly opened fire on her vehicle on Sunday near the residence of her younger brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena. The incident reportedly occurred at the premises of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena’s residence, where he was said to be organizing supporters as part of efforts to install him as successor to his late father, Apostle Emeritus Kwadwo Safo, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission. According to preliminary accounts, officers from the Dome District Command were alerted and quickly deployed to the scene as tensions escalated. Witnesses allege that Hon. Adwoa Safo was present when armed men, allegedly acting on the orders of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, opened fi

*Salaga South MP Hajia Zuwera Ibrahimah Rallies Parliament Behind Black Stars* The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has called on Parliament and Ghanaians to rally solidly behind the Black Stars as they represent the nation on the world stage. Addressing the House, Hajia Zuwera said Ghana’s flag and national anthem, composed by Philip Gbeho, are national icons designed to bring honour to the country. She assured the President that although MPs are seated in Parliament, “spiritually we are praying for the Black Stars to bring honour to Ghana.” The MP commended her colleagues for taking the World Cup excitement to their constituencies. “Most MPs have mounted screens in central places. Some have offered food. My colleague, the Deputy Minister of Agric, is providing kenkey, shito and fish for his constituents to watch on large screens. Those of us who can’t afford kenkey, we’re providing drinks so that together we all celebrate this big tournam

*Roads Minister Addresses Kasoa Traffic Woes, Says Underpass Completion Will Ease Congestion* The Minister for Roads and Highways has acknowledged public frustration over traffic on the Kasoa-Cape Coast road, especially around Akoti. Addressing Parliament, the Minister said, “We take the comments by the Minority Leader serious. There is insatisfaction from the motoring public in terms of what they have been experiencing around Akoti particularly.” He explained that yesterday’s gridlock was worsened when two vehicles broke down on the service lanes, “creating a very, very difficult situation.” He said that incident has since been addressed. On the main solution, the Minister stated the contractor must first complete the underpass before it can be opened to traffic. “Once that is done, he can switch to the service roads and deal with it. So in a few weeks the whole stretch will be open,” he assured the House.

*No One Can Close Hospital Unit Without My Consent - Health Minister* The Minister for Health, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has stated that “nobody has the right to close any portion of a health facility without the consent of the Health Minister.” Addressing Parliament, Mr. Speaker, the Minister said that after the President’s directive, a press statement was issued to the public announcing that the Accident and Emergency Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, KATH, was closed and no more patients could be received. “I immediately invited the CEO and enquired whether what he had done was not contrary to the position of the President. The man admitted and apologized to me and other officers,” he told the House. To send a clear signal, the Minister said he proceeded to have the CEO “step aside for 2 weeks” pending investigations, and that the Public Relations Officer, PRO, will also be investigated. “This was a decision I needed the approval of the House to do,” he added. On

*Afenyo-Markin Demands Ministerial Statement on GBC Assets, Slams Use of Press Conferences* Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Minister responsible for Government Communications to appear before Parliament with a ministerial statement on the state of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC. Addressing the House, Mr. Speaker, “we need to know the ministerial actions being taken by the minister responsible for government communications in respect of GBC and how he is taking steps to protect the assets of GBC, including adding value to GBC assets.” He faulted the excuse that GBC lacks resources, saying the Corporation “sits on very valuable assets” yet “we are allowing encroachment.” Hon. Afenyo-Markin also criticized the government’s use of press conferences for constitutional matters. “Parliament demands ministerial statements, not press conferences. If there is any important matter such as the resignation of the former Chief Justice from the Council

*Afenyo-Markin Demands Ministerial Statement on GBC Assets, Slams Use of Press Conferences* Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Minister responsible for Government Communications to appear before Parliament with a ministerial statement on the state of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC. Addressing the House, Mr. Speaker, “we need to know the ministerial actions being taken by the minister responsible for government communications in respect of GBC and how he is taking steps to protect the assets of GBC, including adding value to GBC assets.” He faulted the excuse that GBC lacks resources, saying the Corporation “sits on very valuable assets” yet “we are allowing encroachment.” Hon. Afenyo-Markin also criticized the government’s use of press conferences for constitutional matters. “Parliament demands ministerial statements, not press conferences. If there is any important matter such as the resignation of the former Chief Justice from the Council

*Ablekuma North MP Urges Ghana to Protect Rights and Health of Persons with Albinism* Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, has called on Ghanaians to reject colour-based discrimination and to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with albinism as the country marks International Albinism Awareness Day. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Aubynn said this year’s global theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones,” should guide national action. “Albinism is not a curse, a crime, or a medical mistake,” she said. “It is a genetic condition that affects melanin production. Our colleagues with albinism deserve equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and public life.” The MP highlighted major health challenges facing persons with albinism in Ghana, particularly the high risk of skin cancer due to ultraviolet exposure. She noted that many lack access to affordable sunscreen, dermatological care, and regular screening. She also

*MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Sounds Alarm on Worsening Youth Unemployment, Questions Govt Job Programs* Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has cautioned that Ghana’s youth unemployment crisis is deepening, citing new Ghana Statistical Service data and questioning the effectiveness of government’s flagship job initiatives. Addressing Parliament in a statement on youth unemployment, Oppong Nkrumah said the issue is no longer “a general problem with a youth dimension” but “a youth problem” that is getting worse. Quoting GSS Quarterly Labour Force Statistics, the MP noted that unemployment among Ghanaians aged 15 to 24 rose from 32% in December 2024 to 32.5% by 3 2025. In Greater Accra, the figure hit 49.3% in 3 2025: nearly one in two young people in the capital unemployed. Seven out of every ten unemployed Ghanaians are under 35, he added. According to him, the GSS classifies 1.34 million youth aged 15-24 as not in Education, Employment, or Training. Under the National