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Stakeholders pledge to champion sexual and reproductive health rights, women empowerment
• Some participants at the forum
Stakeholders at a round-table discussion held in Accra recently have pledged to champion issues of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and help in harnessing the talents of young girls and the youth in society.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) made this pledge after the consortiums of SRHR Alliance, the organisers, had in-depth discussion with some stakeholders championing adolescent health rights and women empowerment in the country.
Madam Linda Akweley Ocloo, Member of Parliament (MP) for Shai-Osuduku in the Greater Accra Region, highlighted the need to make policies that would help adolescents to build their capacities and also strengthen women to take up roles in the community to enable them to position themselves as virtuous and empowered women.
Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Member of Parliament for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region, appealed to the youth to continually exhibit good traits and urged the authorities to amend the law which would enable the youth to assume certain leadership positions due to age restrictions.
Mr Abednego Bandim, Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu in the North East Region, said most youth were not able to articulate what they lacked to policymakers and politicians because “they do not have the courage to fight for what belongs to them.”
Other Parliamentarians present included Hon. Rita Sowah, MP for La Dadekotopon, Freda Prempeh, MP for Tano North constituency, Francisca Oteng Mensah, MP for Kwabre East.
Mr. Archibald Adams, The Executive Director of African Institute for Population and Development,in a presentation observed that Ghana was a signatory to many human rights conventions and human rights formed a fundamental principle to hold on to when advocating and claiming equality.
Mrs. Dorcas Manortey-Aggrey, the Executive Secretary of GH Alliance, said it was important for stakeholders to dialogue and strengthen capacities of parliamentarians, and partner organisations on gender transformative approaches.
According to her, the mandate of GH Alliance was to convene the works of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) state actors and individuals to ensure that the needs of the adolescents were prioritised.
“Unplanned pregnancies, child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices to some women can be dealt with when parliamentarians pass bills to put a stop to the aforementioned practices” she noted.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
News
VP Opoku-Agyemang chairs Armed Forces Council
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is chair of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council.
Established under Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain effective, modern, and disciplined.
In his address to the Council members, President Mahama emphasised their critical role in the military’s governance and administration.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to climate-related challenges.
“The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance,” President Mahama stated.
He added that “The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them.”
The president’s key priorities include capacity-building programs to enhance personnel skills, investment in modern military technology and equipment, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved welfare and support systems for military personnel and their families.
President Mahama also highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, urging the Council to embrace innovation and data-driven security solutions in developing the nation’s defence strategy.
The President emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international allies to address global security threats.
The President called on the Council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within the Armed Forces, stressing that corruption and misconduct have no place in the military.
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council for their dedicated service. He congratulated the newly sworn-in members, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with honour, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.
News
Muntaka sworn in as Member of Armed Forces Council
President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution has sworn in the newly appointed members of the Ghana Armed Forces Council at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
The Council is responsible for advising the President on defence policy, military administration, and operational readiness.
Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was among those sworn in as a member of the Council, with H.E. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang serving as Council Chairperson.
The President urged the new Council members to approach their roles with dedication and a clear vision, emphasising the importance of their work in shaping the future of the Ghana Armed Forces, stressing the need to modernise the military and enhance its operational capabilities.
He reaffirmed the critical role of the military in governance and thanked the military officers and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in her remarks, assured the President that the Council will serve diligently, loyally, and with patriotic zeal to reset the Ghana Armed Forces.
Other members of the Council include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, CWO. Daniel Addo, Brig-General (Rtd) Fuseini Iddrisu, and Nancy Dakwa Ampofo Esq.
