Features
Parliament has a duty to salvage our downward economy from the present mess
Parliament on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, resumed sitting of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana after it adjourned sine die from plenary sessions on the 22nd December, 2022.
The resumption of the House was a historic and momentous occasion characterized by a lot of leadership changes, especially among the Minority caucus which was headed by a popular and indefatigable Haruna Iddrisu, the then Minority Leader. You can call it a coup detat or a palace coup and you may not be far from right.
RESHUFFLING OF NDC CAUCUS
Few days towards the resumption of Parliament, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), aided by its Council of Elders, threw in what could be described as a bombshell by causing a major reshuffle within the leadership of the NDC Parliamentary caucus.
It was an issue that nearly caused a disintegration within the rank and file of the party. The new General Secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, by a letter dated 23rd January, 2023, to the Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Alban Sumana Bagbin, announced a major reshuffle within the top hierarchy of the Minority caucus.
The new leaders who took over from the previous Minority leadership in parliament are, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson who replaced Haruna Iddrissu as Minority Leader, Hon. Kofi Armah Buah, Deputy Minority Leader, Hon Kwame Agbodza, Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, First Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Comfort Doyoe, who retains her position as Second Deputy Chief Whip.
RESOLUTION OF GRIEVANCES
Thank God, the controversy surrounding that major shake- up has been resolved by the top hierarchy of the party assisted by the Council of Elders, thus instilling sanity and understanding within the party and among members, especially those who were substituted. It is the hope of every Ghanaian that the new leadership will cooperate with the outgone leaders to ensure vibrant opposition and positive result in parliament. That is, indeed, a positive democratic practice in the world.
What was, indeed, profound and refreshing was the Speaker’s welcome address which touched on this important very issue within the Minority caucus especially those affected by the changes. Hear him, “The former members of the leadership, led by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, must be applauded too.
“Their record of performance is visible for all to see and I hope the new leadership will continue to draw from their fountain of wisdom, trove of wealth and experience. I know what it entails as a veteran of this journey and experience, to lead a populous Minority caucus in Parliament.”
SPEAKER’S COMMENDATION TO HARUNA’S TEAM
“All I can say to the former leaders is, the Lord is your Shepherd, you shall not want. When one door closes, many doors open, and l tell you for sure, that many of the open doors are better and higher than the closed door. Look at the opened doors and the closed one. With these opening remarks, I welcome all of you, once more”.
A PROFOUND ADVICE TO THE NEW NDC LEADERSHIP
To the new leadership of the Minority Caucus, Speaker Bagbin forewarned them to prepare themselves for the hot duty bestowed on them by the executives of the opposition NDC.
“The new leaders have all been in this house for a while and are conversant with the culture and law of Parliament. I have confidence in their ability to meet the high expectations of our stakeholders. On behalf of the House, I warmly welcome them to the hot seat of the leadership of Parliament. Congratulations and I wish you well”, he said, urging them not to be troubled because he would support them.
Indeed, that was an encouraging and profound welcoming statement by Hon Speaker Bagbin, who appeared resolute and happened to have seen it all when it comes to parliamentary affairs and duties. He had served in various capacities within the NDC in parliament and held responsible leadership positions before assuming his latest role as the Speaker of the august Ghanaian parliament.
No wonder, he prides himself as the Third Gentleman of the land after the President and his vice. He is a force to reckon with as far as parliamentary procedures and duties are concerned and he continues to exhibit those qualities through some fatherly advice to both the Majority and Minority sides of the House.
He has not allowed his affiliation to the NDC to influence his sense of judgement when it comes to parliamentary duties in the house. Even though, on few occasions he had been accused by the Majority side of supporting the Minority, he always stood firm and resolute in his judgemental opinions.
WELCOME ADDRESS TO THE HOUSE
Welcoming the whole house, Mr. Bagbin stated that the members re-connected as well as established strong bonds and warm relations with their constituents and the public during the Christmas and New Year Season. He said their impact had given a boost to the democratic credentials of the country and congratulated them on a good job done.
During this session, members we are told, have 51 bills to consider, 49 instruments to be presented, 230 papers to be presented, 827 questions both normal and urgent and additionally, there will be 34 Private Members and three petitions before the House. This implies that it will be a busy schedule, indeed.
HECTIC PERIOD FOR PARLIAMENT
From all intent and purposes, the work in parliament this year is going to be tough, strenuous and hectic, considering the harsh economic conditions and the deplorable state in which Ghanaians find themselves in at the moment.
The total hardship and sufferings by the people have assumed an alarming proportion and Ghanaians are finding things difficult to manage. The current social problems in the country include, rural-urban migration, unemployment, forest encroachment and desertification, corruption, poverty illiteracy, inaccessibility of quality education among others. Besides, the country is faced with a debt crisis, high inflation rate and devaluation of the local currency.
The issue about the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme vis-a-vis attempts by government to include pension funds towards the restoration of macroeconomic stability of the country which has been raging on for some time now and giving the government a sleepless night as a result of the rejection by pensioners and other affected individuals, is a matter that will engage the attention of Parliament as it resumes sitting.
Parliament is so passionate about this particular issue which has attracted a lot of publicity in the media. No wonder, the Speaker has to summon the Finance Minister to appear before the House to brief members about the entire programme.
IMF BAILOUT AND OTHER URGENT ISSUES
Another pressing issue that will engage the attention of Parliament, is the call by Ghanaians to the President to downsize his government and to reshuffle some of his ministers and introduce freshness into his administration to propel the wheel of progress and also to assist the Executive to address the numerous challenges the country is facing.
The issue about whether the government has been able to satisfy the laid down conditions for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and whether the loans being expected will be advanced in due course, are matters that will be discussed by the august House.
From all intents and purposes, we expect parliament to be very busy and to tackle the myriad of problems that have bedevilled the economy in order to restore the macroeconomic stability of our dear country.
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
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By Charles Neequaye
Features
The Prophet part 2
“I can see in the spirit, that some of you have been trading for years without seeing any meaningful profits, some young women have been disappointed by men who have either abandoned them and left for foreign lands and forgotten about them, or stopped sending money for the upkeep of their wives and children.
I can see young men who are desperate for visas to travel abroad but have either been duped by visa contractors or refused at the embassies. From tomorrow, I assure you, the visas will be given.
Young women, I have news for you. You will receive telephone calls, and you will hear very good news. Handsome young men with money in their pockets will come and marry you, and take care of you. Traders, you will get big business and big profits from today. From today, you will see that I am a true prophet who has come to deliver you.”
Shouts of “Amen,” “thank you Prophet” and “I receive it” greeted his sermon. After a final prayer, he asked the congregation to come early the following day, and bring others, because there would be many testimonies.
There would also be “special anointing” for great miracles. Although he did not ask for an offering, most of the people came and dropped notes, and coins at the “pulpit.” When they left, Antobam counted the money.
“GH¢900!” he almost shouted, ‘and I did not even ask for an offering. This is fantabulous!’ Going to the Nana Kofi Broni shrine, he told himself, was a very wise move.
He started making plans……He had to choose a few assistants who would carry out his orders……. He had to hire some chairs as soon as possible……He had to find a suitable piece of land and, if possible, build his own church……. He had to start looking for a nice car, befitting the status of a popular preacher …… And, most importantly, he had to select two, three or four nice, young women to take care of his needs, apart from the servants who would cook, wash, iron and do other errands for him.
Abruptly, he told himself, this hungry, scruffy Kukurantumi boy was being transformed into a man of power and money, with some of the most beautiful women in town at his beck and call. Wow!
After a shower and supper, he shut the door to the very small room that served as his bedroom and dropped on the bed. Almost immediately, the shrill sounds, like whispers, began.
This time he did not express any fears. He realised to his great surprise that even though the sounds were not in the form of any language, he could understand them.
Tomorrow there will be testimonies……they will give money……. some rich people are being prepared …….they will bring big money ………. we will give them what they want, and they will bring money ……. big money …….big, big money……the women will also come, a number of them. ‘
He went to sleep smiling and whispering to himself, ‘big, big money, and women!’
He woke up at 5 and took a shower. After a breakfast of tea and several slices of bread he set off. On reaching the venue he saw to his great surprise that the place was full.
Very full, and quite a number of people rushed to embrace him and give him the wonderful news. The excited people narrated the testimonies about big sales, telephone calls from relatives directing them to go to Western Union, and impotent husbands who had miraculously rediscovered their magic powers.
He was truly glad that Nana Kofi Broni’s magic had already started working, but most of his attention was focused on the ladies in the congregation. He noticed to his great delight that some of them were really nice. I must start making my selection, he told himself. Today!
“Give a mighty clap offering to the great, mighty one for his wonders among us!” he started, and the response was very big.
“I said yesterday that you were going to see signs and wonders, and I am very happy that my word has been fulfilled. Even though we have taken allowed one hour for testimonies, many more of you would like to testify.
Tomorrow, I promise you that there will be ample time. I will only preach a short sermon. The rest of the time will be taken up by consultations, after which I will give directions on what to do to ensure that you defeat your enemies, secure your marriage and, most importantly, continue increasing your profits in your business.” His sermon was interspersed with ecstatic shouts of “Amen,” “it is true,” “God bless you” and “I receive it.”
His final word was emphatic; “Big miracles are coming your way. Keep attending church, and don’t forget to give thanks to God.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives
The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.
He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and mentor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.
Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.
“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”
He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach programme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.
He cited testimony-sharing, mentorship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.
Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.
The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.
He, therefore, called for more volunteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.
Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornography, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.
That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and restore these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA
