*PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY: MINORITY LEADER GRILL MINISTER OVER POLICY IMPLEMENTATION* A heated exchange unfolded in parliament as a Minority leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin raised some pointed questions about the government's implementation of the 24hour economy market policy raised by Hon Ahmed Ibrahim without a formal document being tabled before the house. The MP for Effutu, concerns sought clarification from the Minister on how the administration could proceed with the initiative without a finalized policy framework, citing constitutional constraints. The inquiry underscored the importance of transparency and adherence to constitutional procedures in governance. By demanding answers. The lawmaker ensured that the government is held to high standards of accountability, sparking a crucial debate on the rule of law and parliamentary oversight. "The Minister's response will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future policy implementation and parliam

GOVT TO BUILD MODERN MARKET IN ALL DISTRICTS TO SUPPORT 24-HOUR ECONOMY. The Minister for Local Government, Chieftancy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced the construction of modern markets across the country to support the 24-hour economy initiative. According to him, every district will be required to build a modern market to enhance commercial activity. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, Ahmed Ibrahim expressed confidence in the feasibility of the 24-hour economy. “What we are doing in every district is identifying the commercial centres. Once that is done, we can allocate 25% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to GHC 24 million annually towards developing these commercial hubs. “The plan includes building schools nearby so farmers can have their children in school while they work in the markets. There will also be fire and police posts to respond to emergencies such as fires or theft. Our focus on the 24-hour economy goes beyond ju

SPEAKER LAUNCHES NATIONAL INTEGRITY AWARDS COMMITTEE TO CHAMPION ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin has launched the inaugural meeting of the National Integrity Awards Committee with a call to action for Ghanaians to uphold ethical leadership and accountability. Addressing members of the newly constituted Committee on Thursday, June 12, the Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s leadership role in promoting integrity and eradicating corruption, describing the initiative as a ‘bold declaration and a solemn reminder’ of Ghana’s intolerance for unethical conduct. “Ghana is ready to recognize and celebrate those who stand for what is right, often at great personal or professional cost. At the same time, we must name and shame those whose conduct is perverse, dishonest, and a disgrace to our collective values,” the Speaker said. The National Integrity Awards Scheme, as outlined by the Speaker, will serve two critical purposes: Honouring individua

*Radio Shutdowns: Mahama’s ‘belated clemency’ just for optics – Afenyo-Markin* Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has sharply criticised the government following President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to grant clemency to 64 radio stations that were recently shut down over regulatory breaches. The President had directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the broadcast licenses of the affected stations, which included prominent outlets such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM. The NCA had previously suspended the operations of the stations due to multiple infractions, citing non-compliance with broadcasting regulations. The move raised widespread concerns about media freedom and potential political overreach. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 12, Afenyo-Markin questioned the sincerity of the President’s intervention, suggesting it was a re

*President Mahama grants 30-day grace period for Shut-down Radio Stations to comply- Sam George* The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, has announced regulatory actions against non-compliant FM radio stations in Ghana. According to the Minister, a thorough audit has revealed several FM stations operating outside the bounds of the law. The Minister explained that the non-compliant stations have been categorized into four groups. These include 28 stations operating with expired authorizations, 14 stations facing revocation for failure to establish operations, 13 stations with unpaid fees despite provisional authorizations, and 7 stations that have paid provisional fees but haven't met technical requirements. However, in a surprise move, President Mahama has directed the Ministry and the National Communications Authority to grant a 30-day grace period for the defaulting stations to correct their breaches. Stations that fail to comply wit

WEIJA GBAWE MP INSPECTS FLOOD AREAS IN HIS CONSTITUENCY. The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib undertook a late-night visit to flood-affected areas within the Weija-Gbawe Constituency following the light showers. The visit was aimed at assessing the extent of the damage, engaging with affected residents, and exploring immediate interventions to alleviate their plight. During the visit, he made a passionate appeal to the Minister for Works and Housing to expedite the construction of the storm drain along the Accra-Kasoa Highway, describing it as a critical intervention needed to mitigate future flooding in the area. He also called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to urgently install streetlights along major roads within the constituency, particularly on the Accra-Kasoa stretch, to help minimize road accidents during rainfall and at night.

MINORITY CAUCUS SLAMS FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER OVER DENIAL OF URGENT STATEMENT ON NURSES’ STRIKE The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed deep frustration over the First Deputy Speaker, Hon Bernard Ahiafor’s refusal to grant them the opportunity to make an urgent statement regarding the ongoing nurses’ strike. According to the Caucus, the statement was intended to urge the government to engage in fair negotiations with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and to appeal to the striking nurses to consider the impact of their action on the health and lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The Minority described the Speaker’s decision as partisan and a violation of their right to represent the concerns of Ghanaians in Parliament. They argue that the nurses’ strike is a matter of urgent national importance, with lives potentially at risk due to disrupted healthcare services. They further criticized the First Deputy Speaker for prioritizing politics over public welfare

*CHANGE YOUR POSTURE TOWARDS STRIKING NURSES AND MIDWIVES – MINORITY TO GOVT* The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to reconsider its approach to the ongoing nurses and midwives strike, emphasising the need for constructive engagement rather than legal action. Speaking on the issue at a presser in Accra on Tuesday June 10, Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, stressed that the demands outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are reasonable and justified. However, he criticised the government’s failure to engage the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) since January, leading to escalating protests. Dr. Afriyie outlined the nurses’ gradual steps in their industrial action, which began with red bands, followed by disruptions to outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services, culminating in a total strike. “All the expectations in the CBA called for in appendix B is justified and not far fetched but

*Cedi Appreciation; GUTA laments over banks inability to adjust their interest rates* The Ghana Union of Traders Associations(GUTA) have lamented over banks inability to adjust their interest rate despite policy rate coming down which is not good for businesses. The Association had told called on parliament committee on Trade,Industry and Tourism during a key stakeholders engagement to discuss the impact of the Cedi appreciation and the consistent price inflation despite the Cedi appreciation. According to GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, most businesses sort sourcing for some facilities from the bank and even though policy rate is coming down, banks are not adjusting their interest rates, with interest rate presently hovering about 35, 36% thereabouts which doesn't alter well for businesses. Again, he told the committee that another factor that also contribute to high cost of business is the high rate of Shipping lines fees,which Ghanaians are paying 4% different from Togo,Nige

*Majority Slams Minority's Claims on Energy Sector Amendment Bill as "False and Misleading"* Majority select committee on Energy has responded to the Minority's criticism of the Energy Sector Amendment Bill, 2025, calling their claims "false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to politicize a responsible policy decision." The Bill aims to raise additional revenue to support the power sector, which is facing severe financial strain. *The Reality of the Power Sector's Financial Strain* According to the chairman, Mr Emmanuel Bedzrah, the energy sector debt related to power generation stood at USD 3.1 billion as of December 2024, with over USD 1.7 billion owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The power sector is running a monthly deficit of GHC 2 billion. The government attributes this financial strain to the mismanagement of the sector by the previous government. To address the financial strain, the government has proposed a modest GHC 1 levy on every liter of refined petrole

- *"'DO NOT FEAR': SPEAKER BAGBIN 'S WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO BECE CANDIDATES"* The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will commerce tomorrow Wednesday, 11th June 2025 and about 6,328 candidates across Ghana is expected to write the exams. As there is a mix of emotions - excitement, nervousness, and anticipation Among candidates, a message from the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, seeks to bring a sense of calm and reassurance. The Speaker's words, infused with wisdom and faith, reminded the candidates that their hard work and dedication would be the foundation for their success. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God," the Speaker quoted from Isaiah 41:10, urging the candidates to trust in their abilities and the guidance of a higher power. With a deep understanding of the significance of this moment, the Speaker acknowledged the candidates' relentless pursuit of academic excellence. He encouraged t

MINORITY CONDEMNS ENERGY SECTOR LEVY AS BETRAYAL OF TRUST The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Ranking Member for Energy, Hon. George Aboagye, has sharply criticized the government’s introduction of a new energy sector levy, describing it as a betrayal of public trust. Addressing the media in Accra, the Caucus accused the government of reneging on its campaign promise not to impose new taxes to address inefficiencies in the energy sector. The newly introduced levy, which amounts to 1 cedi per litre or an 8% increase on petroleum products, is seen by the Minority as an additional burden on already struggling citizens. Hon. Aboagye described the move as hypocritical and politically deceptive, claiming the government misled Ghanaians by campaigning against such taxes and later reversing its position after securing power. The Caucus warned that this action undermines public confidence and highlights a troubling pattern of broken promises. The Minority also raised red flags over con