The first session of Parliament’s fourth meeting is set to reconvene on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, with a focus on presenting and discussing a total of 82 bills. These bills cover various areas such as aged care, consumer protection, and infrastructure development. Additionally, twelve bills currently under committee review will be addressed during the session, including those pertaining to gender equality and social protection.
Furthermore, Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, has sought support from Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This follows President Akufo-Addo’s nomination of Botchwey for the role, with the election scheduled during the 27th CHOGM in Samoa in October 2024. Botchwey’s candidacy has garnered significant backing from both the African Union and across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth, led by King Charles III, emphasizes democratic governance and cooperation among member states in various areas such as trade, education, and climate advocacy. Botchwey, with extensive experience in diplomacy and public service, has served as Ghana’s Foreign Minister for seven years and chaired the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. Her nomination reflects Ghana’s commitment to advancing resilient and cooperative global partnerships.
In another development, Dr. Draman, the head of ACEPA, warns against the detrimental effects of vote buying on democracy, expressing concerns that it could lead to the election of ill-prepared individuals lacking in competence and experience. He highlights the need for effective measures to address this issue, including better induction and preparation for new members of Parliament to ensure quality representation and legislative engagement.