Accra, Ghana — The Health Committee of the Parliament of Ghana has expressed its approval of the government’s roadmap to address the 2.4 billion Cedis arrears owed to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This endorsement comes from both the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Committee, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, following a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
The hearing, convened to discuss the non-release of funds to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, NHIA, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. Despite the roadmap's details and timelines not being disclosed, both leaders of the Committee conveyed their satisfaction and optimism.
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, Chairman of the Committee, highlighted the substantial progress made in addressing the arrears. "As of now, the Government owes from July 2023 to February, amounting to about 2.4 billion Cedis. They have already released approximately 700 million Cedis. We believe that if these releases and the strategy they have outlined continue as planned, the arrears will likely be cleared," he remarked.
Dr. Afriyie acknowledged the long-standing issue of arrears within the social health financing space and emphasized the Committee's dedication to resolving it. "The Minority raised this issue, and it has become a priority for the Committee. We have brought all relevant parties together, and the roadmap is promising. If this plan is executed as outlined, it will set a positive precedent and signify substantial progress," he added.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, echoed these sentiments and stressed the importance of adhering to the agreement. "As the Chairman indicated, some ground rules have been established. It is our prayer and hope that all parties will honor the agreement to reduce the arrears owed to the National Health Insurance Authority. This will enable the NHIA to operate smoothly for the benefit of the entire country," he stated.
The endorsement of the government’s roadmap by both the Chairman and Ranking Member signifies a significant step toward resolving the financial challenges facing the NHIS, promising improved healthcare services for all Ghanaians.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1717532940 [post_date] => June 4, 2024 [post_modified] => June 4, 2024 [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/parliaments-health-committee-endorses-governments-plan-to-clear-nhis-arrears/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1881] => Array ( [post_id] => 1881 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1882 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/political-hypocrisy-over-1d1f-tax-waiver-issue/ [post_title] => NDC Minority Accused of Political Hypocrisy Over 1D1F Tax Waiver Issue – Afenyo Markin [post_title_attribute] => NDC Minority Accused of Political Hypocrisy Over 1D1F Tax Waiver Issue – Afenyo Markin [post_excerpt] => The Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s Parliament has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority for what it describes as political hypocrisy concerning tax waiver issues. [post_content] =>The Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s Parliament has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority for what it describes as political hypocrisy concerning tax waiver issues.
Currently, Parliament is deadlocked over tax waiver requests amounting to approximately $350 million for 42 companies under the Government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative. The NDC Minority, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, opposes these waivers, arguing that Ghana, under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, needs to increase revenue rather than grant waivers.
Addressing the press on Thursday, May 30, 2024, Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin accused the Minority of attempting to obstruct government business and hinder economic growth that could result from business investments and expansions.
Afenyo Markin highlighted that under former President John Mahama, the NDC government granted a more substantial tax waiver of $832 million to Meridien Port Services (MPS) in 2016. At that time, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was the Deputy Minister of Finance. The waiver for MPS represented a significant 55 cents waiver for every dollar of their $1.5 billion investment.
Given this precedent, Afenyo Markin argued that the NDC lacks the moral authority to criticize the current tax waiver requests, noting that the proposed $350 million waivers for 42 companies are considerably less than the $832 million granted to MPS.
"As it stands today, the tax waiver requests for the 42 companies before Parliament are not even up to $350 million, compared to the $832 million tax waiver granted to MPS for their investment," he observed.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1717086498 [post_date] => May 30, 2024 [post_modified] => May 30, 2024 [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/political-hypocrisy-over-1d1f-tax-waiver-issue/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1896] => Array ( [post_id] => 1896 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1897 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/2nd-round-of-pap-appn-media-capacity-building-workshop-held-for-southern-sector/ [post_title] => 2ND Round of PAP-APPN Media Capacity-Building Workshop Held for Southern Sector [post_title_attribute] => 2ND Round of PAP-APPN Media Capacity-Building Workshop Held for Southern Sector [post_excerpt] => The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has successfully hosted a three-day media capacity-building workshop for journalists from the Southern African region, held from May 16th to 18th, 2024. This event, organized in collaboration with the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN), marks the second in a series of media training sessions aimed at enhancing the visibility of the PAP and its activities across the continent. [post_content] =>Cape Town, South Africa – The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has successfully hosted a three-day media capacity-building workshop for journalists from the Southern African region, held from May 16th to 18th, 2024. This event, organized in collaboration with the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN), marks the second in a series of media training sessions aimed at enhancing the visibility of the PAP and its activities across the continent.
The workshop, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa, brought together media professionals from various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including South Africa, Malawi, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Lesotho, DR Congo, Mozambique, and Zambia. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Pan-African Parliament, particularly as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The primary goal of the workshop was to sensitize journalists to the role and significance of the PAP within the African Union (AU) framework. As the legislative arm of the AU, the PAP relies heavily on the media to communicate its mission and achievements to the public. Recognizing the indispensable role of the press, the workshop aimed to strengthen the relationship between the PAP and media professionals, ensuring accurate and comprehensive reporting on its activities.
Co-facilitated by Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, Programmes Manager for Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), officials from the PAP, and other resource persons, the training sessions covered a range of essential topics. These included contextual reporting, ethical journalism, improving media relations, effective media engagement strategies, and the role of the media in enhancing the reporting of PAP activities.
Key officials of the Pan-African Parliament, including the President, H.E Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, and the Clerk, Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, graced the opening ceremony of the workshop, underscoring the importance of this initiative. Their presence highlighted the PAP's commitment to fostering a robust relationship with the media to promote transparency and accountability.
Participants, primarily from the APPN, benefitted from the expert guidance provided by Ms. Janine Lazarus, a renowned media training expert, along with Mr. Jeffrey Onganga from the PAP's Media and Communications Unit. The training culminated in the development and adoption of a common strategy and implementation plan aimed at enhancing the visibility and reporting of PAP activities.
The APPN, a network of journalists and information officers reporting from African Parliaments and National Assemblies, has played a crucial role in improving the visibility of the PAP. Through initiatives such as PAP media briefings, country delegation press conferences, and weekly radio and TV discussion series, the APPN has brought the PAP closer to African citizens. This workshop sought to build on these successes and expand the network's influence to the Southern African region.
Looking ahead, the Pan-African Parliament plans to organize the next media training session for journalists from the West African region, to be held in Ghana. This continued effort underscores the PAP's dedication to ensuring that journalists across the continent are well-informed about its mandate and activities, promoting a more engaged and informed citizenry.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1716227520 [post_date] => May 20, 2024 [post_modified] => July 7, 2024 [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/2nd-round-of-pap-appn-media-capacity-building-workshop-held-for-southern-sector/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1878] => Array ( [post_id] => 1878 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1879 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/majority-caucus-in-ghanas-parliament-triggers-process-for-emergency-recall/ [post_title] => Majority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament Triggers Process for Emergency Recall [post_title_attribute] => Majority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament Triggers Process for Emergency Recall [post_excerpt] => The Majority Caucus, under the leadership of Alexander Afenyo Markin, has initiated the process of recall Parliament from recess by evoking Order 53 of the Standing Orders. This move is aimed at addressing some unfinished businesses left before the House adjourned for recess in late March. [post_content] =>Under the leadership of Alexander Afenyo Markin, the Majority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has initiated the process of recalling Parliament from recess to address unfinished business.
This move comes after the House was adjourned sine die by Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin on March 20th, 2024, amidst a turf war between the Executive and the Legislature over the transmission of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill for assent.
The Majority Caucus, comprising 138 members, expressed concerns about important pending matters that were supposed to be addressed before the recess. Addressing the press in Parliament on Friday, May 3, 2024, Afenyo Markin argued that they are fortified by law to compel the Speaker to summon the House within seven days of receiving a request from not less than 15% of Members of Parliament, as stipulated in Order 53 of the Revised Standing Orders adopted in February this year.
Afenyo Markin stated, “We are left with no option than to evoke our right under Article 112 (3) of the Constitution. Unfortunately, my prayer was unsuccessful, so we took the first major step." He emphasized that three items of urgent importance were advertised to be taken before the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. These include the Report of the Appointment Committee on the President’s nominees for Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial appointments; an IDA loan of 150 million dollars meant for the Greater Accra to shore up the currency; and a motion for a tax waiver for some One District, One Factory program.
The Majority Leader urged the Minority Caucus to support this call in the interest of the country, stating, “It is our view that we have our 138 as the Majority and we should be able to carry on with Government Business.”
The process to recall Parliament involves submitting a request to the Speaker, who must summon Parliament within seven days. It remains to be seen how the Speaker and the Minority Caucus will respond to this development and whether Parliament will reconvene to address the pending matters.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1715039754 [post_date] => May 6, 2024 [post_modified] => May 6, 2024 [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/majority-caucus-in-ghanas-parliament-triggers-process-for-emergency-recall/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1872] => Array ( [post_id] => 1872 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1876 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/rescue-para-sports-movement-petition-parliament-on-leadership-crisis/ [post_title] => Para-sports Leadership Crisis:Pressure Group Urges Parliament to Intervene [post_title_attribute] => Para-sports Leadership Crisis:Pressure Group Urges Parliament to Intervene [post_excerpt] => A pressure group within the para-sports fraternity, known as the "Rescue Para-sports Movement," has taken its grievances to the doors of Parliament, seeking intervention in the leadership and administration of para-sports in Ghana. [post_content] =>A pressure group within the para-sports fraternity, known as the "Rescue Para-sports Movement," has taken its grievances to the doors of Parliament, seeking intervention in the leadership and administration of para-sports in Ghana.
Led by Elvis Kosi Alipui, the group staged a procession through some streets in Accra before picketing at the forecourt of the Parliament House. They presented their petition to Parliament through Deputy Clerk, Mr. Ahuma Dzitror, and the Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Hon. Kwabena Mensah Woyome.
The group accuses the President of the National Paralympic Movement, Sampson Dee, of maladministration and visa racketeering in the name of the fraternity, without benefiting the members. They are calling on Parliament to use its influence to compel the President to step down immediately.
Furthermore, they have requested Parliament to establish an interim management committee to oversee the affairs of disability sports in the country. According to the group, they feel discriminated against and are demanding swift action from Parliament to address their concerns.
“Para sports has declined lately. Why? It is because of the President of the National Paralympic Sports Movement, in the person of Sampson Dee.
His four-year mandate has elapsed since July last year.
"He has breached our constitution by not calling for any general meeting throughout his four-year tenure. He is using our name to solicit visas but we are not the beneficiaries. He is now attempting to call for a general meeting which we doubt will amount to anything useful," the group leader indicated in an interview.
In response, Hon. Kwabena Mensah Woyome assured the group that the Youth and Sports Committee would thoroughly examine their petition and come up with an appropriate resolution. He emphasized the committee's commitment to engaging all stakeholders for an amicable solution to the impasse.
The "Rescue Para-sports Movement" has threatened to embark on a series of demonstrations if their concerns are not addressed promptly.
This development highlights the growing tension within the para-sports fraternity in Ghana and the urgent need for intervention to restore normalcy and ensure the welfare of athletes with disabilities.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1713022511 [post_date] => April 13, 2024 [post_modified] => April 13, 2024 [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/rescue-para-sports-movement-petition-parliament-on-leadership-crisis/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1868] => Array ( [post_id] => 1868 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1869 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/speaker-bagbin-pays-tribute-to-late-modestus-ahiable-describing-him-as-a-man-of-conviction/ [post_title] => Speaker Bagbin Pays Tribute to Late Modestus Ahiable, Describing Him as a Man of Conviction [post_title_attribute] => Speaker Bagbin Pays Tribute to Late Modestus Ahiable, Describing Him as a Man of Conviction [post_excerpt] => Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin has paid tribute to the late Modestus Ahiable, describing him as a man of conviction who approached his endeavors with calculated precision and strong principles. Ahiable, who was the former regional chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), passed away recently. [post_content] =>Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin has paid tribute to the late Modestus Ahiable, describing him as a man of conviction who approached his endeavors with calculated precision and strong principles. Ahiable, who was the former regional chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), passed away recently.
According to Speaker Bagbin, Ahiable's principled nature endeared him to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, who appointed him regional minister for the Volta Region. Bagbin made these remarks when the family of the late Ahiable visited him in Parliament to formally announce his passing and share details of the funeral arrangements.
The family, led by the Member of Parliament for the Ketu North Constituency, Hon James Klutse Avedzi, who is also chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, informed Speaker Bagbin that the mortal remains of Mr. Ahiable would be laid to rest on April 27, 2024, in Dzodze, Volta Region.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of celebrating the contributions and memory of individuals like Ahiable, who dedicated their lives to serving their nation. He noted that such recognition helps to inspire younger generations to commit themselves to a life of service.
Recalling his personal interactions with Ahiable, Speaker Bagbin praised his wisdom and support, especially during his tenure as minority leader. He described Ahiable's passing as a great loss to humanity, the country, the NDC, and the family.
“When I was a minority leader, these were the men of wisdom whose support I could count on in my moments of difficulty. He sparingly spoke and when he did, you will see commitment in it,”-Speaker Bagbin said.
In closing, Speaker Bagbin assured the family that Parliament would support them in giving Ahiable a befitting burial. The late Modestus Ahiable was popularly known as 'Eku' and was respected for his sparing but impactful words, reflecting his deep commitment to his principles and convictions.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1712605973 [post_date] => April 8, 2024 [post_modified] => April 8, 2024 [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/speaker-bagbin-pays-tribute-to-late-modestus-ahiable-describing-him-as-a-man-of-conviction/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1863] => Array ( [post_id] => 1863 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1864 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/pan-african-parliament-confident-in-raising-supplementary-budget-to-fulfill-mandate-in-2024/ [post_title] => Pan African Parliament Confident in Raising Supplementary Budget to Fulfill Mandate in 2024 [post_title_attribute] => Pan African Parliament Confident in Raising Supplementary Budget to Fulfill Mandate in 2024 [post_excerpt] => The Pan African Parliament (PAP) is optimistic about securing the necessary funds to carry out its legislative functions following an ongoing Extraordinary Session aimed at re-electing members for its Bureau. [post_content] =>The Pan African Parliament (PAP) is optimistic about securing the necessary funds to carry out its legislative functions following an ongoing Extraordinary Session aimed at re-electing members for its Bureau.
The session, scheduled from March 20th to 27th, 2024, is seen as a crucial step in addressing the financial challenges that have hampered the Parliament's operations.
The PAP has been grappling with financial constraints, leading to the postponement of its quarterly sessions in 2023. Despite the last session being held in May 2023, subsequent sessions have been delayed due to internal leadership issues within the Bureau.
Press Conference
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Extraordinary Session in Midrand, South Africa, Hon. Lucio Dos Santos, Acting President of PAP from Cape Verde, expressed confidence in the Bureau's ability to raise additional funds.
She stated that the successful elections would demonstrate to the African Union (AU) and other partners the Parliament's commitment, potentially leading to the allocation of a supplementary budget.
Complying with Executive Council decision
“We are complying with the decision of the Executive Council to hold the elections at the latest by the end of March. With this, we will gain a vote of trust from the AU and we will have an open door to request a supplementary budget,” she indicated.
Dos Santos emphasized the importance of securing additional funds, noting that the current budget was insufficient for the ongoing session. She highlighted the Bureau's intention to request a supplementary budget from the AU to support its activities.
She observed, “The budget that we are using for this session is not about our operating budget but given that this is an emerging situation, we had to make the necessary adjustments to the budget so that we could request a supplementary budget from the African Union at a later stage.
The need for additional funds for PAP to run
“We believe that the Ambassadors and ministers of Foreign Affairs are indeed aware of the responsibilities of the Pan-African Parliament and we believe that we are going to get a supplementary budget for 2024 because it doesn’t make sense that this Parliament works without a budget and for committees to implement their programmed activities, they need the budget.
“This is what takes Parliament to the people and the diaspora. So, we are confident that we are going to get a supplementary budget for 2024. But we will also seek the authorization of the AU to mobilize more partnerships to boost the budget for active committee activities and programme budget.”
Vacant positions
The vacant positions of President, First Vice President, and Fourth Vice President of the Bureau, resulting from elections and unconstitutional changes of government in some AU Member States, will be filled under guidelines set by the AU Executive Council.
The Southern Caucus, Northern Caucus, and Central Caucus are expected to fill these positions, respectively, in line with the principle of rotation.
The PAP's efforts to address its financial challenges and ensure the continuity of its operations reflect its commitment to promoting African unity and development.
The successful outcome of the Extraordinary Session and the securing of a supplementary budget will be crucial for the Parliament to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1711373307 [post_date] => March 25, 2024 [post_modified] => March 25, 2024 [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/pan-african-parliament-confident-in-raising-supplementary-budget-to-fulfill-mandate-in-2024/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1859] => Array ( [post_id] => 1859 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1861 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/deputy-education-minister-designate-reaffirms-commitment-to-quality-food-in-shs/ [post_title] => DEPUTY EDUCATION MINISTER-DESIGNATE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY FOOD IN SHS [post_title_attribute] => DEPUTY EDUCATION MINISTER-DESIGNATE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY FOOD IN SHS [post_excerpt] => Hon. Professor Kingsley Nyarko, the Deputy Education Minister-Designate, has reiterated the Ministry's unwavering commitment to maintaining the quality of food provided in Senior High Schools (SHS). [post_content] =>Hon. Professor Kingsley Nyarko, the Deputy Education Minister-Designate, has reiterated the Ministry's unwavering commitment to maintaining the quality of food provided in Senior High Schools (SHS).
Speaking before the vetting committee on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, Hon. Nyarko emphasized that the Ministry has implemented monitoring interventions to ensure that learners receive quality meals.
In response to concerns raised by Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointment Committee, regarding the standard of food served in SHS, Hon. Nyarko assured that the Government would not compromise on the quality of food provided to students. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of students, especially regarding basic needs such as food.
Hon. Nyarko also mentioned that the Ministry has initiated a nationwide fact-finding mission in response to public outcry following a documentary by Joy News. This mission aims to address concerns and ensure that students receive the best possible care and support in the educational sector.
He indicated his dedication to upholding high-quality standards as well as his commitment to ensuring the best for students in the Educational sector. He is the current member of parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency within the Ashanti Region of Ghana and has won his party’s primaries to run for a second term after an impressive showing as a first-timer.
Hon. Prof. Kingsley Nyarko seems to be a solid choice for the position because his background as a former Headmaster; former Lecturer at the University of Ghana; and former Secretary of the National Accreditation Board (NAB) of Ghana makes him well suited for the Education Ministry.
In addition to Hon. Nyarko, the Appointment Committee of Parliament vetted five other Presidential Nominees designated for various sector Ministries on the same day. These nominees included Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie for the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Akwasi Konadu for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and Hon. Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
Led by its Chairman, the first Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Appointment Committee questioned the nominees on their Curriculum Vitae (CV), issues within their Ministries, and the support they intend to provide to their substantive Ministers to achieve development goals.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1710881795 [post_date] => March 19, 2024 [post_modified] => March 19, 2024 [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/deputy-education-minister-designate-reaffirms-commitment-to-quality-food-in-shs/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1854] => Array ( [post_id] => 1854 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1855 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/ghana-parliament-holds-two-day-workshop-for-parliamentary-press-on-new-standing-orders/ [post_title] => Ghana: Parliament Holds Two-day Workshop for Parliamentary Press on New Standing Orders [post_title_attribute] => Ghana: Parliament Holds Two-day Workshop for Parliamentary Press on New Standing Orders [post_excerpt] => The Ghanaian Parliament recently organized a two-day workshop for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to familiarize them with the newly adopted revised Standing Orders. [post_content] =>The Ghanaian Parliament recently organized a two-day workshop for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) to familiarize them with the newly adopted revised Standing Orders.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize parliamentary procedures and align them with contemporary democratic standards, following the adoption of the revised Orders by the House on December 21, 2023, which officially came into effect on January 2, 2024.
This comprehensive revision of the Standing Orders, the first in nearly a quarter-century since the inception of the Fourth Republic, reflects a commitment to evolving parliamentary democracy. The new Orders incorporate several innovative practices, such as the recital of the National Pledge, conducting parliamentary business through virtual platforms, and a clarified hierarchy of Parliament’s Leadership.
The workshop’s primary goal was to acquaint the Parliamentary Press with the nuances of the new Orders, following a similar orientation provided to all 275 members of the House. Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban S.K Bagbin, highlighted the integral role of the media in Ghana’s evolving democratic process, emphasizing the media’s role in connecting the government with its citizens.
He acknowledged the media as indispensable in effectively representing and reflecting the aspirations of the people and stressed the workshop is a crucial step in fostering a more informed and participatory democracy.
The Clerk to Parliament, Cyril K.O Nsiah, outlined the necessity of revising the Standing Orders, which had remained largely unchanged for 23 years, citing the need for greater transparency, the limitations of manual procedures, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parliamentary operations.
Deputy Clerk Gloria S. Kumawu emphasized the vital role of the workshop in addressing the communication gap that could lead to confusion and misinformation, noting the importance of journalists’ thorough understanding of the new Standing Orders for the sake of good governance and the enhancement of democracy in Ghana.
The workshop marks a significant step toward fostering a collaborative relationship between the Parliament and the media, ensuring that the latter is well-equipped to convey parliamentary proceedings and decisions accurately to the public in light of the revised Standing Orders. This initiative aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of parliamentary processes and reinforce the foundation of Ghana’s democracy.
With the new Standing Orders emphasizing virtual platforms and streamlined procedures, parliamentary business is expected to become more accessible and understandable to the general public, representing a pivotal moment in Parliament's effort to adapt its legislative framework to the digital age and the evolving expectations of its citizens for more participatory and transparent governance.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1710180180 [post_date] => March 11, 2024 [post_modified] => March 19, 2024 [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/ghana-parliament-holds-two-day-workshop-for-parliamentary-press-on-new-standing-orders/#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] => 2 [max_page] => 37 [start_page] => 1 [end_page] => 3 [pages_to_show] => 3 [previous_posts_link] => [next_posts_link] => ) [category_id] => 51 )
