DISREGARD MISINFORMATION ABOUT DONATING BLOOD - DR SHIRLEY. The head of Transfusion Medicine Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, also the Head of Transfusion Medicine specialist, has highlighted misinformation as a significant barrier to increasing voluntary blood donation rates in Ghana. Speaking at the world child cancer project closure meeting in Accra, Dr Shirley said misinformation about blood donation can be a significant barrier to increasing voluntary blood donation rates. She mentioned that some misconceptions like blood donated by men can cause impotence is unfounded and lacks scientific justification. The notion that a person's personality traits can be transferred through blood transfusion is also a misconception. Also, claims that blood collected by blood services ends up in occult practices or is used for non-clinical purposes are unfounded. She said every unit of blood can be traced from donation to recipient which ensures accountability and transparency.

LANDS MINISTER ADDRESS PARLIAMENT ON ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES The Minister for Lands, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, has addressed Parliament on the pressing issue of illegal mining activities. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Minister Buah expressed deep concern that out of 288 forest reserves, 44 have been destroyed by illegal miners. He revealed that approximately 5,000 hectares of forestland have been degraded, and nine forest reserves have been classified as "red zones" due to the severity of the destruction. According to Minister Buah, illegal miners have deployed armed thugs to intimidate and prevent forest guards from carrying out their official duties. He noted that eight of the red zone forest reserves are currently under the control of armed thugs, while efforts are underway to reclaim the remaining reserve. The Minister commended the collaborative efforts between the Ministry, the Forestry Commission, the Ghana Army, and the Ghana Police Service, which have led to th

MAJORITY LEADER CALLS FOR EFFICIENCY COMMITTEE COMPOSITION The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has urged ministers to complete the work on the composition of committees, addressing any errors and ensuring that all committees are fully constituted. He emphasized that the two whips are responsible for facilitating this exercise. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, Hon. Ayariga stated that he would follow up with the whips to ensure that the ministers complete their work. He explained that the Trade Minister is currently out of jurisdiction, which is why her questions have been rescheduled. The Minister has written to Parliament, indicating that she will respond to all questions upon her return. Hon. Ayariga further noted that Ghana's proliferation of ministers has been a problem, with the number reaching 118 at one point, drawing public disapproval. Both the NPP and NDC have been criticized in the past for appointing too many ministers. However, the NDC has made eff

EC rules out re-run of Ablekuma North Parliamentary polls The Electoral Commission (EC) has ruled out an immediate re-run of the 2024 parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North constituency, stating that results from three outstanding polling stations can still be collated. However, the process has been delayed due to the Ghana Police Service awaiting advice from the Attorney General’s Department on how best to provide security for the collation exercise.Ghanaian tourism Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, clarified that a re-run remains a last resort. “So, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we don’t have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the rerun. The rerun will be a last option,” he said. Dr. Asare further disclosed that the Electoral Commission spent GHS 3.6 million on t

DON'T BE CARRIED AWAY BY GOVERNMENT'S PROMISE TO REDUCE PASSPORT PRICES - PATRICK BOAMAH TO GHANAIANS. Member of parliament for OkaiKwei Central, Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah, also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has urged Ghanaians not to be carried away by the government's promise to reduce passport prices. Despite the Foreign Minister, Mr Ablakwa’s announcement, a few months ago, the reduction has not taken effect due to the need for parliamentary approval. The government has pledged to reduce passport fees from GH¢500 to GH¢350, but Boamah noted that this remained a pledge until the new fees and charges legislation was presented to Parliament and approved. The legislation is expected to be presented in August, and Finance Minister Cassiel A. Forson’s discretion will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. “We should all wait and pray to the good Lord for good life health for August to come so that we see whether the minister will be able to reduce the passpor

*Ghana's Parliament Strengthens Capacity with International Support* The Parliament of Ghana has received support from international partners, including the World Bank and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to enhance its capacity in promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability. Giving welcome remarks, the clerk to parliament, Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror emphasized that, this collaboration aims to strengthen parliamentary committees and members of parliament to effectively oversee public expenditures and budget implementation processes. Improve the capacity of parliamentary committees to scrutinize public expenditures and hold public institutions accountable. Promote fiscal responsibility and support the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions in Ghana. H.E Keith MC Mahon, the British High Commissioner - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office added that the UK is committed to supporting Ghana's Parliamentary effectiveness

SPEAKER BAGBIN LAUDS SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE FOR TRANSFORMING LIVES The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation for scholarship initiatives in the country. Speaking to the media in Parliament, Speaker Bagbin stated that he is deeply grateful for the impact of these initiatives on his own life. He recounted his experiences as a young Minority Leader in 2001, when he faced numerous challenges. According to Speaker Bagbin, the proximity of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) to Parliament presented an opportunity for collaboration. He led efforts to establish a scholarship program with GIMPA, enabling members of Parliament to pursue a Master's degree in Governance and Leadership. Although not all participants completed the program, many successfully earned their degrees, which has had a lasting impact on their careers. Speaker Bagbin emphasized that the scholarship program has been instrumental in developing

*Pru East MP Highlights Paradox in Entrepreneurship Education* The Member of Parliament for Pru East, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam has raised critical concerns about the current state of entrepreneurship education in Ghana. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, he pointed out a growing paradox where graduates of entrepreneurship and finance programs often pursue white-collar jobs instead of creating their own businesses—undermining the very purpose of their training. In contrast, the MP noted that foreign artisans from neighboring countries are thriving in Ghana, filling skilled labor gaps and earning substantial incomes. The member of Parliament questioned Ghana’s commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurs and supporting indigenous artisanal skills. The MP called for targeted legislation and the establishment of effective implementation frameworks to promote local industries. He stressed that a more practical and supportive environment is essential to enable Ghanaian youth to turn thei

*Dr. Stephen Amoah Pushes for Entrepreneurship Education in SHS* Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Stephen Amoah, has called for the integration of entrepreneurship education into the senior high school (SHS) curriculum. He made the appeal during a statement on the floor of Parliament, emphasizing the need to equip young Ghanaians with practical business skills. Dr. Amoah noted that Ghana’s current entrepreneurial ecosystem lacks the structural and functional capacity to drive job creation. He argued that introducing entrepreneurship at the SHS level would empower students to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Nhyiaeso Lawmaker Dr Stephen Amoah further proposed redefining the country’s corporate focus and increasing government support to strengthen entrepreneurial development. According to him, aligning key stakeholders is crucial to making this vision a reality. The Education Minister has expressed support for the

*Afram Plains North MP Sounds Alarm on Drowning Incidents, Seeks Urgent Action* The Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North Constituency, Hon Worlase Kpeli is calling on the government and Parliament to urgently prioritize water safety training for young people living near rivers and water bodies across Ghana. This appeal follows a troubling increase in drowning incidents, particularly in rural and riverine communities, where such tragedies are becoming alarmingly routine. Speaking on the Floor of Parliament, the MP emphasized that many of these deaths are preventable with early education in swimming and basic water survival skills. He expressed concern that children and young people in these communities often cross rivers daily whether to attend school, help with farming, or carry out household chores without the skills or safety equipment needed to protect themselves. “We cannot continue to accept these drowning incidents as a normal part of life,” the MP said. “It is lo

*Ghana's Economy to suffer as a result of Israel-Iran Conflict* Member of parliament for OkaiKwei central, Mr Patrick Boamah has predicted that, Ghana's economy will suffer one way or the other as a result of Israel-Iran conflicts. Explaining his point, he said 25% of global oil trade goes through the war enclave. He added that, if a government makes some projections for it oil purchase and there's a 7% increment in the world market, there must be a cause of worry. He called on the government to be strategic and put some measures in place to manage the situation. According to him, Ghanaian embassy in Tehran has been affected by the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, prompting the Ghanaian Foreign Ministry to direct the embassy's shutdown. He said some arrangements are underway for the safe evacuation of embassy staff, comprising six diplomats and one official. "The shutdown affects six foreign service officers working to ensure a peaceful exit from Tehran." Meanwhile

*PARLIAMENT TO VET SUPREME COURT NOMINEES TODAY-MINORITY PROMISE TO CO-OPERATE* Ghana's Parliament is set to vet Supreme Court nominees today, a constitutional requirement aimed at ensuring the suitability of the candidates for the highest court in the land. The nominees to kick start today, include Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei and Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh. A member of the appointment committee, Mr Patrick Boamah said brief the media on the vetting processes, scheduled to start at 10 am, will involve questioning the nominees on various aspects of the law and their judicial philosophy. According to the Okai Koi Central member of parliament, the Minority in Parliament has pledged to cooperate fully with the process, raising issues where necessary and engaging in constructive debate. Outlining The importance of the vetting, he mentioned that, vetting of Supreme Court nominees is a crucial step in ensuring that only the most qualified and capab