Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, condemns in no uncertain terms the brutality meted out to women, children, old men and innocent youth in the night of Tuesday 18th March 2025 in some sections of Bawku Municipality and vows to demand total accountability on the part of the military.
The Member of Parliament has said the conduct of the military is unacceptable. Whilst he regrets the accidental killing of a military personnel by an unknown gunman and condemns that dastardly act, he states that ransacking and beating innocent civilians and holding the whole town to ransom is equally detested. The rule of law must prevail. Soldiers who are responsible for ensuring law and order should never do that.
The Member for Bawku Central has urged the leadership of Bawku and the military to collaborate to investigate the killing of the military personnel instead of the approach adopted by the military command.
The MP extends his condolences to the bereaved family of the military personnel who accidentally and unfortunately lost his life and urged caution by all sides. He also expressed his sympathy for the victims of the military brutality of Tuesday night. He regrets that the military command did not head his appeal not to react violently to the killing of their colleague and went ahead to do what they did. “We need to work together” he said.
“I have confidence that all sides will repose confidence in His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II to bring finality to the situation in Bawku and end the violence we are experiencing.”
Mahama Ayariga MP
Bawku Central
Accra, March 11, 2025 – The Ghanaian government has unveiled a series of interventions in the 2025 Budget to tackle the country’s deepening energy sector crisis, which has been plagued by inefficiencies, debts, and financing shortfalls.
Presenting the Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson described the energy sector’s financial situation as unsustainable, revealing that the government spent GH¢20.8 billion in 2024 to keep the sector afloat. Without immediate intervention, energy sector financing shortfalls could balloon to GH¢35 billion in 2025 and GH¢140 billion by 2026.
Key Energy Sector Reforms and Budget Allocations
1. Addressing Debts and Financial Risks
The government has inherited a GH¢68 billion debt owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and US$1.73 billion in arrears to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
To resolve these financial risks, the budget proposes: A comprehensive audit of all energy sector debts before making payments; Renegotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs) with IPPs to reduce fixed capacity and operational costs; Increased natural gas supply to reduce reliance on expensive liquid fuels.
“Without reforms, the energy sector will continue to drain national resources at the expense of essential services like healthcare, education, and job creation,” Dr. Forson warned.
2. Electricity Tariff Adjustments and Cost Recovery
As part of the IMF-supported Economic Recovery Programme, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) will: Continue implementing Quarterly Tariff Adjustments to reflect inflation, exchange rates, and generation costs; Undertake a major tariff review in Q4 2025 to account for rising capacity charges and capital expenditures; Increase the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) from $7.836 per MMBtu to $8.45 to reflect changing market conditions. Additionally, subsidies on industrial gas tariffs for some companies will be removed to ensure fairness and sustainability.
3. Improving Revenue Collection and Efficiency
The government plans to enhance revenue collection and efficiency by: Implementing a Private Sector Participation (PSP) strategy for ECG and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo); Deploying smart metering solutions to curb revenue losses and power theft; Strengthening ECG’s ability to collect overdue payments.
4. Reforming the Energy Sector Levies
To improve financial stability, the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) will be revised to consolidate multiple levies into a single charge. The following levies will now be combined: Energy Debt Recovery Levy, Energy Sector Recovery Levy (Delta Fund), Sanitation & Pollution Levy.
However, levies supporting road maintenance and electrification projects, such as the Road Fund Levy and the National Electrification Levy, will remain unchanged.
“We are restructuring the energy sector financing model to make it sustainable, while ensuring that consumers and businesses are not unfairly burdened,” Dr. Forson explained.
5. Renewable Energy and Energy Transition Plans
To reduce reliance on expensive thermal power and increase energy security, the government will: Promote investments in solar and wind power projects; Encourage private sector participation in renewable energy production; Strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure better planning and integration of renewables into the national grid.
Outlook: A More Sustainable Energy Sector
The Finance Minister emphasized that urgent reforms are necessary to ensure Ghana’s energy sector does not collapse under the weight of its debts.
“We cannot continue to subsidize inefficiencies while accumulating unsustainable debts. These reforms will put the energy sector on a path to financial sustainability and ensure affordable, reliable power for all Ghanaians,” Dr. Forson stated.
With increased tariffs, better cost recovery, and stronger revenue management, the government aims to gradually reduce state intervention in the energy sector, freeing up resources for other critical sectors.
The proposed measures will now be debated in Parliament, with stakeholders keenly watching how they will affect electricity prices, industry growth, and overall economic stability.
Source: Clement Akloloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1741725554 [post_date] => March 11, 2025 [post_modified] => March 11, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/2025-budget-government-announces-bold-measures-to-address-energy-sector-crisis/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2067] => Array ( [post_id] => 2067 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2068 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/ghanas-finance-minister-presents-prez-mahamas-maiden-budget-to-reset-economy/ [post_title] => Ghana’s Finance Minister Presents Prez Mahama’s Maiden Budget to Reset Economy [post_title_attribute] => Ghana’s Finance Minister Presents Prez Mahama’s Maiden Budget to Reset Economy [post_excerpt] => Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has presented the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, outlining ambitious reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, reducing debt, and creating jobs. [post_content] =>Accra, March 11, 2025 – Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has presented the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, outlining ambitious reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, reducing debt, and creating jobs.
Under the theme “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want,” the budget marks the maiden financial blueprint of President John Dramani Mahama’s new administration. The Finance Minister acknowledged the significant economic challenges inherited but assured Ghanaians that the government is committed to bold reforms to address the crisis.
Fiscal Discipline and Debt Sustainability
Dr. Forson revealed that Ghana's economy remains burdened by high debt, with total government arrears reaching GH¢67.5 billion, and additional debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and COCOBOD. He announced measures to audit these obligations before payments are made.
To restore fiscal stability, the government has committed to: Reducing the number of ministers from 88 to 60; Cutting wasteful expenditures; Strengthening public financial management through stricter procurement laws and enforcing fiscal responsibility.
Tax Reforms: Relief for Citizens and Businesses
The government has scrapped several taxes in line with its election promises, including:
The E-Levy (Electronic Transfer Levy); The 10% tax on lottery winnings (Betting Tax); The Emission Levy on industries and vehicles; The VAT on motor vehicle insurance policies. These tax removals are expected to ease financial pressure on households and businesses, improving disposable incomes and promoting tax compliance.
Economic Transformation and Job Creation
A central pillar of the budget is the 24-Hour Economy Policy, designed to boost productivity by allowing businesses and institutions to operate round the clock in three shifts. The government will soon present legislation to support its implementation.
Additionally, the $10 billion ‘Big Push’ infrastructure initiative will see massive investments in roads, schools, hospitals, and energy projects to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Social Interventions and Education
President Mahama’s administration has made education a priority, with several groundbreaking initiatives, including:
No-Academic-Fee Policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
Free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Increased funding for Free SHS, with a dedicated source of funding from an uncapped GETFund.
The distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
The National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) has also been uncapped, allocating GH¢9.93 billion to support healthcare programs, including Free Primary Healthcare and the MahamaCares initiative for non-communicable diseases.
Addressing Energy and Exchange Rate Challenges
To tackle Ghana’s energy crisis and forex instability, the government plans to: Establish the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to enhance forex reserves and stabilize the Cedi. Renegotiate power contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reduce costs. Improve revenue collection in the energy sector through metering and private-sector involvement.
A Call for Unity and Support
Dr. Forson called on Parliament, businesses, civil society, and citizens to support the government’s bold economic reforms. He assured Ghanaians that despite the economic difficulties, the government is on course to restore stability and deliver on its promises.
“Together, we have the power to build a resilient economy that not only tackles today’s challenges but secures a prosperous future,” he emphasized.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1741721352 [post_date] => March 11, 2025 [post_modified] => March 11, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/ghanas-finance-minister-presents-prez-mahamas-maiden-budget-to-reset-economy/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2063] => Array ( [post_id] => 2063 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2064 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/establisment-of-students-desk-at-foreign-missions-a-misplaced-priority-kwaku-apratwum-to-okudzeto-ablakwa/ [post_title] => Establisment Of Students Desk At Foreign Missions, A Misplaced Priority- Kwaku Apratwum to Okudzeto Ablakwa. [post_title_attribute] => Establisment Of Students Desk At Foreign Missions, A Misplaced Priority- Kwaku Apratwum to Okudzeto Ablakwa. [post_excerpt] => The former Deputy minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Kwaku Apratwum has indicated that a decision by the minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to establish students Desk in the 11 Foreign missions is needless. [post_content] =>The former Deputy minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Kwaku Apratwum has indicated that a decision by the minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to establish students Desk in the 11 Foreign missions is needless.
According to him, this announcement demonstrates Hon. Ablakwah’s ignorance of the workings of Ghana’s missions abroad and portrays him as a minister who is in a hurry to make a mark albeit with reckless abandon.
He said, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah announced on his social media handles to the effect that he has instructed eleven of Ghana’s missions abroad to establish “Students Desks” to address challenges Ghanaian students studying abroad encounter in relation to fees facilitation, immigration support, medical emergencies, verification of academic records, housing and accommodation and legal aid. He further noted that the creation of this “special departments” would neither come at an extra cost to the tax payer nor require additional recruitment since, to him, the idea relies on reassigning consular staff.
"To set the records straight, it is an established fact that some of Ghana’s missions abroad have designated officers posted from the Scholarship Secretariat who handle issues regarding the payment of fees and welfare of Ghanaian students, especially those on government schorlarship. In missions where these officers are not available, the concerns Hon. Ablakwah seeks to address constitute a prominent part of the functions of the Consular Section of these Missions. As and when these matters arise, consular officers assist in ways permitted by the dictates of their mandate. Thus, consular officers and, in some cases, heads of chancery in our missions abroad facilitate payment of fees for students on scholarship by notifying the Scholarship Secretariat through the Ministry. Where the situation demands, they also offer immigration support to these students and assist in instances of medical emergencies and verification of academic record." He noted.
The ranking member on the Foreign Affairs committee of parliament said that, it is Quite clearly, the Minister’s decision to task consular officers to man these “special departments” seems to suggest that the technocrats in the Ministry may have drawn his attention to the fact that his so-called “initiative” is not a novelty, as he wants the whole world to believe. He may have been told, for example, that at the onset of the war in Ukraine, consular officers in Ghana’s missions in Prague, Russia, Germany and Austria were deployed to assist with the movement of Ghanaian students from Ukraine to Poland and for onward evacuation to Ghana. It may appear, however, that he chose to ignore this sound advice and proceeded to issue his propaganda-filled directive ostensibly to score political points.
Hon Apratwum revealed that, It is common knowledge that the biggest issue confronting Ghanaian students studying abroad, particularly those on government scholarship, is the undue delay in the payment of their fees and stipends, a perennial problem which has confronted successive governments. However, the creation of a “Students Desk” in Ghana’s missions abroad is certainly not the way to address this issue. The way forward is for the government to ensure that funds earmarked for the students are released to the Scholarship Secretariat on time for timely disbursement. Hon. Ablakwah’s inordinate haste to resort to social media to announce what to all intent and purposes was a supposed administrative issue, which should have been transmitted through appropriate internal channels, and later formally communicated to the general public, is to say the least, absurd and fame thirsty.
It is imperative to note that the Foreign Ministry is one of Ghana’s foremost institutions whose activities reverberate across the world, and as such, the Hon. Minister may be advised to curb his penchant for jumping on social media at the least opportunity to betray his ignorance in a manner that will ultimately dent the image of the Ministry, its staff and the country as a whole.
[post_date_unix] => 1741611010 [post_date] => March 10, 2025 [post_modified] => March 10, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/establisment-of-students-desk-at-foreign-missions-a-misplaced-priority-kwaku-apratwum-to-okudzeto-ablakwa/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2059] => Array ( [post_id] => 2059 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2061 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/npp-minority-presents-true-state-of-the-nation-address-challenges-mahamas-claims/ [post_title] => NPP Minority Presents “True State of the Nation Address,” Challenges Mahama’s Claims [post_title_attribute] => NPP Minority Presents “True State of the Nation Address,” Challenges Mahama’s Claims [post_excerpt] => The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has presented what it calls “The True State of the Nation Address”, challenging the government’s recent official State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President John Dramani Mahama on February 27, 2025. [post_content] =>Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2025 – The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has presented what it calls “The True State of the Nation Address”, challenging the government’s recent official State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President John Dramani Mahama on February 27, 2025.
Addressing the media at Parliament House, the former Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam of the NPP Minority described the President’s speech as misleading and accused the government of attempting to distort economic and governance realities.
Economic Performance
The Minority rebutted President Mahama’s claims of economic mismanagement, citing that inflation had dropped from 54% in 2022 to 23% in 2024, while GDP growth exceeded IMF targets at 6.4%. They argued that the current administration inherited a stronger economy with stable reserves of $8.9 billion, which is now being used to support the cedi’s stability.
Debt Management
The Minority also criticized the government’s stance on debt, emphasizing that the NPP had successfully renegotiated Ghana’s external debt obligations, securing $2.8 billion in debt service relief and a further $4 billion in debt cancellation. They accused President Mahama of taking credit for agreements reached under the previous administration.
Energy and Infrastructure
On the energy sector, the Minority stated that the country is experiencing a resurgence of dumsor (power outages), which it blamed on the new government’s failure to maintain energy sector investments. They also accused the Mahama administration of failing to acknowledge the road and infrastructure projects completed under the previous government, including the Agenda 111 hospital projects and key road networks.
Security and Governance
The Minority raised concerns about political violence, lawlessness, and attacks on state institutions by alleged supporters of the ruling party. They claimed that Ghana’s security situation has deteriorated since the transition, pointing to incidents of vandalism, electoral violence, and clashes involving law enforcement agencies.
In their concluding remarks, the Minority urged the government to focus on addressing economic and security challenges rather than engaging in what they termed as propaganda. They also vowed to resist any new tax measures they claim the government is planning to introduce in the upcoming 2025 budget.
“The President has painted a false picture of crisis to justify planned tax hikes while ignoring the strong economic fundamentals inherited from the previous government,” the Minority stated.
As the political debate over Ghana’s economic and governance trajectory continues, all eyes will be on the government’s next policy decisions and how they align with the claims made by both sides.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1741034563 [post_date] => March 3, 2025 [post_modified] => March 3, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/npp-minority-presents-true-state-of-the-nation-address-challenges-mahamas-claims/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2051] => Array ( [post_id] => 2051 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2052 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/dome-kwabenya-mp-advocates-for-better-welfare-system-for-unit-community-members/ [post_title] => Dome Kwabenya MP Advocates for better Welfare System for Unit Community Members [post_title_attribute] => Dome Kwabenya MP Advocates for better Welfare System for Unit Community Members [post_excerpt] => In order to address the challenges of the Unit Committee Members so as to deepen, local governance in Ghana for growth and development, the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu has made a passionate appeal to the government and other stakeholders to take a look at the welfare of the Unit Committee Members under the recentralization system of governance. [post_content] =>
By Edzorna Francis Mensah
In order to address the challenges of the Unit Committee Members so as to deepen, local governance in Ghana for growth and development, the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu has made a passionate appeal to the government and other stakeholders to take a look at the welfare of the Unit Committee Members under the decentralization system of governance.
According to her, there is a growing concern among Unit Committee Members for neglect by the Central Government-this neglect is made manifest in limited communication, inadequate funding and a lack of involvement in policy formulation that affects local governance.
As a result, the MPs in support of the Unit Committee members are seeking an amendment to the existing Act to promote and provide inclusiveness and participation in decision making process and more engagements with the Central Government regarding local issues.
On the issue of capacity building and training needs, the Unit Committee Members reckon that there is an urgent need for capacity building through training programs tailored specifically for committee members-such training should be tailored to enhance their skills in governance, project management, conflict resolution, and community mobilization. Misunderstanding with Zonal Councils.
In a statement made on the floor of parliament on Wednesday, February 19th, madam Elikplim said “in a petition presented to me, they requested an urgent intervention in addressing the following issues: Lack of empowerment. Mr Speaker, the Unit Committee Members feel disempowered due to insufficient authority and participation in the decision-making process.
They therefore want to urge the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to provide clear guidelines that enhance their role in the decision-making process. Low Recognition and Remuneration”.
She said, the Unit Committee members state that there is a noticeable low, if not absent recognition and financial remuneration for them- “according to them this lack of acknowledgement demotivates them and undermines their commitment”.
“They propose that a structured remuneration framework be put in place to reward and motivate them for their time and efforts”, this she mentioned “will go a long way to strengthening the effectiveness of the Unit Committee in the local government and ultimately lead to improving the local governance system and community development”.
The MP was however grateful to the Speaker and the House for given her the opportunity to address the august house on the critical role of local governance in Ghana’s democratic development, particularly addressing the challenges faced by Unit Committee members in the various local government units.
“local governance continues to form the bedrock of Ghana’s participatory democracy, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people. Ghana’s decentralization system, established under chapter twenty of the 1992 Constitution and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), provides the framework for grassroots governance with district assemblies as the highest political and administrative authorities at the local level.
The Unit Committee, as the lowest structure of the local government, is essential in engaging communities, mobilizing citizens for development, and implementing policies at the grassroots level. However, Rt. Honourable Speaker, despite the importance placed on the Unit Committee, it continues to face challenges that hinder its work”.
[post_date_unix] => 1740514807 [post_date] => February 25, 2025 [post_modified] => February 25, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/dome-kwabenya-mp-advocates-for-better-welfare-system-for-unit-community-members/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2055] => Array ( [post_id] => 2055 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2056 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/asante-akim-agogo-mp-advocates-for-a-native-language-day-in-parliament/ [post_title] => Asante Akim Agogo MP Advocates for a Native-Language Day in Parliament [post_title_attribute] => Asante Akim Agogo MP Advocates for a Native-Language Day in Parliament [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has called for the Parliament of Ghana to designate at least one day each month for lawmakers to freely express themselves in their native languages during parliamentary proceedings. [post_content] =>The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has called for the Parliament of Ghana to designate at least one day each month for lawmakers to freely express themselves in their native languages during parliamentary proceedings.
According to him, this initiative would help preserve indigenous languages for future generations while encouraging young people to learn and embrace their mother tongues. He also believes it would promote Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthen the identity of various ethnic groups.
Hon. Frimpong made this appeal during a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, February 21, 2025, following his contribution to a statement delivered on the Floor of the House by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP for Ketu South). The statement was in commemoration of International Mother Language Day, which is observed annually on February 21.
“As we all witnessed on the Floor of the House, Members of Parliament have emphasized the need to promote our native languages to ensure that our children and future generations learn them properly so they do not become extinct,” he noted.
Current Parliamentary Language Policy
At present, parliamentary proceedings are primarily conducted in English. However, per Order 56 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, an MP may choose to speak in a local language if arrangements have been made for interpretation. The Standing Order states:
"The proceedings of Parliament shall ordinarily be conducted in English, except that a Member may exercise the option to address the House in a local language if facilities exist in the House for interpretation by the Member or for contemporaneous interpretation.”
Given the existing restrictions, Hon. Frimpong is championing efforts to introduce advanced translation technology to facilitate the seamless use of native languages in Parliament.
Leveraging Technology for Native-Language Translation
The MP revealed that he is working to procure translation technology that will make it easier for MPs to speak their native languages without delays or interpretation challenges. He cited a collaboration with Awuni Peter, a Ghanaian innovator based in the United States, who has developed a Twi translation tool.
“I am engaging with Awuni Peter, who has built a Twi translator. This could be a game-changer for Parliament. If MPs can speak in their local languages—whether Twi, Ga, or Ewe—without the need to manually translate into English, it will save time and make proceedings more efficient,” he explained.
Hon. Frimpong expressed optimism that, with time, Parliament will adopt more advanced language solutions to accommodate Ghana’s linguistic diversity.
Debunking Claims About MPs' Silence
Addressing concerns that some MPs remain silent in Parliament due to difficulties with the English language, Hon. Frimpong dismissed the notion. He clarified that the issue is often about confidence rather than language proficiency.
“The claim that some MPs do not speak in the House because they cannot speak English is false. The real issue is that some individuals lack the courage to speak before a large audience, not that they are incapable of expressing themselves in English,” he stated.
Hon. Frimpong's advocacy has sparked discussions about the role of language in Ghana’s legislative process and the need for reforms to make parliamentary debates more inclusive.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1740251460 [post_date] => February 22, 2025 [post_modified] => February 25, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/asante-akim-agogo-mp-advocates-for-a-native-language-day-in-parliament/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2046] => Array ( [post_id] => 2046 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2048 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/violence-and-hooliganism-in-sports-must-end-stugard/ [post_title] => VIOLENCE AND HOOLIGANISM IN SPORTS MUST END – STUGARD [post_title_attribute] => VIOLENCE AND HOOLIGANISM IN SPORTS MUST END – STUGARD [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Mr. Kwabena Kyere Stugard, has urged Parliament and all stakeholders in Ghana’s sports fraternity to take decisive action to end violence and hooliganism in sports. [post_content] =>
The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Mr. Kwabena Kyere Stugard, has urged Parliament and all stakeholders in Ghana’s sports fraternity to take decisive action to end violence and hooliganism in sports.
In a statement made in Parliament, the MP recounted his personal experience of the tragic incident at the Accra Sports Stadium on May 9, 2001, which claimed 127 lives. He stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Mr. Stugard also highlighted several incidents of violence against match officials, including the case of renowned female referee, Madam Theresa, who was assaulted while officiating a game.
Following his statement, several Members of Parliament contributed to the discussion, strongly condemning acts of violence in sports, particularly football matches.
MP for Sunyani West, Millicent Amankwah, whose constituency includes the town of Nsuatram, called on stakeholders to conduct thorough risk assessments before games to ensure the safety of match venues.
MP for Akuapim North, Mr. Samuel Awuku, urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages near stadiums, as excessive alcohol consumption often fuels hooliganism. He also called for the sensitization of referees and other officiating officials to uphold fairness and professionalism in their decisions to prevent unnecessary tensions that lead to violence.
MP for Bolgatanga Central, Mr. Isaac Adongo, advocated for a licensing system for football stadiums to ensure that only venues meeting specific security standards are used for official matches. This, he argued, would enhance safety and reduce the risks of violence.
The MPs collectively emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of security measures, public education on sportsmanship, and accountability from stakeholders to maintain discipline and order in Ghanaian sports.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1740007491 [post_date] => February 19, 2025 [post_modified] => February 19, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/violence-and-hooliganism-in-sports-must-end-stugard/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2042] => Array ( [post_id] => 2042 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2043 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/akatsi-north-mp-releases-funds-for-payment-of-fees-for-2024-25-academic-year/ [post_title] => Akatsi North MP Releases Funds for payment of fees for 2024/25 academic year [post_title_attribute] => Akatsi North MP Releases Funds for payment of fees for 2024/25 academic year [post_excerpt] => Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education in Parliament and the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North in the Volta Region, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe has released an amount of One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC172,000) for the payment of fees for students from the constituency pursuing different programmes at the Colleges of Education and Schools of Hygiene across the country. [post_content] =>By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education in Parliament and the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North in the Volta Region, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe has released an amount of One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC172,000) for the payment of fees for students from the constituency pursuing different programmes at the Colleges of Education and Schools of Hygiene across the country.
The amount covers their full fees for the 2024/25 academic year as part of the MP’s continued commitment to empowering young people for the future.
In a press release dated on 18th February, 2025, the MP said, “those in Nursing Training Colleges and other tertiary institutions will be taken care of in the next quarter”.
The breakdown includes 17 students in the School of Hygiene and 34 from the Colleges of Education.
[post_date_unix] => 1739991320 [post_date] => February 19, 2025 [post_modified] => February 19, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/akatsi-north-mp-releases-funds-for-payment-of-fees-for-2024-25-academic-year/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) ) [loop_pagination] => Array ( [pagenavi_options] => Array ( [pages_text] => Page %CURRENT_PAGE% of %TOTAL_PAGES% [current_text] => %PAGE_NUMBER% [page_text] => %PAGE_NUMBER% [first_text] => 1 [last_text] => %TOTAL_PAGES% [next_text] => [prev_text] => [dotright_text] => ... [dotleft_text] => ... [num_pages] => 3 [always_show] => 1 ) [paged] => 1 [max_page] => 41 [start_page] => 1 [end_page] => 3 [pages_to_show] => 3 [previous_posts_link] => [next_posts_link] => ) [category_id] => 51 )
