*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.

SPEAKER BAGBIN REFERS CHIEF JUSTICE NOMINEE TO APPOINTMENT COMMITTEE FOR VETTING. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has read to the House a letter from the President nominating a new Chief Justice for parliamentary approval. Presenting the letter dated 14th October 2025, and in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the Speaker informed Parliament of the nomination of Justice Paul Barffour Bonnie as the next Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana. The letter, signed and sealed by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, commended Justice Paul Barffour Bonnie for his unwavering integrity, sound judicial temperament, and deep commitment to the rule of law. The Speaker noted that Justice Bonnie’s long and distinguished service on the Supreme Court has been characterized by professionalism, fairness, and a passion for justice. According to the letter, Justice Bonnie possesses the leadership qualitie

Speaker Bagbin Urges Newly Sworn-In MPs to Learn and Discharge Duties Diligently The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged Members of Parliament to diligently discharge their duties with humility and a commitment to continuous learning. Addressing the House, the Speaker emphasized that effective parliamentary work requires the right “tools,” comparing them to a farmer’s essential implements. “In order to discharge your duties effectively, you need a cutlass and a hoe — because as a farmer, you cannot go to your farm without them,” he said. Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who has served in Parliament for over 33 years, revealed that even with his vast experience, he still refers daily to the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament. He noted that there is always something new to learn, regardless of one’s background or academic qualifications. The Speaker encouraged the MPs to make the Constitution and Standing Orders their constant companions,

MINORITY CAUCUS OBJECT MERGING OF AT AND TELECEL. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed strong objections to the proposed merger between AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, citing concerns over the government's handling of the deal and potential consequences for the telecom sector. Addressing the media, the Ranking member for information and communication, Mr Matthew Nyindam accused the Minister of Communications, Hon. Samuel George for lacking transparency and consistency in his approach to the merger. The Minority Caucus questioned the minister's motivations, suggesting potential private gains and lobbying efforts. They explained that, the proposed merger could lead to a duopoly, reducing competition and harming consumers. The caucus argues that AT Ghana could be revitalized through investment from Afritel/Rektron, which has offered a $150 million initial investment and plans for up to $1 billion over five years. The government aims to create a stronger competitor to

MINORITY SLAMS HEALTH MINISTER OVER DELAYED NURSE 'S PAYMENTS, CALLS FOR PROMPT ACTION. The Minority in Parliament is at odds with the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, over the delayed payment of salaries to over 13,500 nurses and midwives recruited under the previous administration. The ranking member on health, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie claims the Minister's assertion that Cabinet approval is needed for financial clearance is unacceptable, as the previous government had already secured clearance for 15,200 nurses and midwives on July 17, 2024. " Embarrassing enough,you are saying that you have taken it to cabinet for approval. What sort of cabinet do you have to take for approval when you have a clearance already?" He questioned. He argues that the clearance was already issued and should have been extended or paid without delay. The minority accused the government of creating a "mess" and demands a prompt resolution. Nurses and midwives have not received salaries

YENDI MCE HON MUNURU SUGRI SPEARHEADS SANITATION AND SECURITY REFORMS. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Yendi Hon Muniru Sugri has launched bold initiatives and achievements to tackle sanitation challenges and improve security in his municipality. Speaking to the press, Hon Sugri addressed sanitation challenges by removing dumping sites and enforcing compliance with waste management regulations. The MCE has improved security in Yendi by extending street lighting to previously dark areas, including the cemetery, which had been a spot for grave robbers. He has been engaging with communities to listen to their concerns and showcase projects, demonstrating the impact of the president's initiatives. Hon Muniru Sugri expressed gratitude to the president for providing guidelines on expenditure for Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). His efforts aim to improve living conditions and provide a brighter future for the people of Yendi. He focuses on cr

TOLON DISTRICT FACES OPEN DEFECATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES. The Tolon District in Ghana's Northern Region is grappling with open defecation due to lack of toilets in many households. The District Chief Executive Alhaji Seidu Braimah has revealed and outlined measures to address it. However,the district has undertaken sanitation exercises, including regular cleaning of gardens and refuse waste dams. According to him, the district is educating residents on the importance of building toilets. He added that, the district is promoting agriculture and support for many farmers through the initiative like the feed Ghana program. Also, farmers face challenges accessing credit facilities, fertilizers, and other essential inputs. Alhaji Braimah said the district's road network is a significant challenge, with some communities inaccessible during the rainy season. He noted that, plans to provide a boat for Zantani community and procuring life jackets for canon users. He

GUSHEGU MCE SOUNDS ALARM ON RISING CHILD MARRIAGE CASES. Municipal chief executive for Gushegu, Abdul Hafiz Adam has expressed concern over the increasing rate of child marriages in the municipality, citing it's negative impact on girls education and well being. Addressing the media, he outlined some measures to curb the situation by raising awareness about the national constitution and laws prohibiting child marriage. He added that, he will be engaging traditional leaders to address cultural practices that condone child marriage. Alhaji Hafiz Adam believe that, taking punitive measures, including prosecution, against those who engage in child marriage will help manage the situation. However, updating on activities at his municipality, he said the assembly has started researching the municipal and is working to complete ongoing projects to benefit the people. He revealed the municipal faces a severe shortage of teachers, with some schools having only one teacher for KG t