Mr Speaker, I extend a hearty akwaaba, our word of welcome, to their Excellencies, the distinguished leaders of sister states from our region and continent, as well as to eminent representatives from other friendly nations and international organisations, who are gathered here in the vibrant city of Accra, capital of Ghana, to join us on this auspicious occasion. I thank each and every one of you for being present at this inauguration of my second mandate, COVID-19 notwithstanding. Your attendance is an expression of solidarity and friendship that speaks volumes of your attachment to the goals and aspirations of the Ghanaian people and State, for which we are very grateful. I must, at the outset, express my warm congratulations to my good friend and colleague of many years in this House, the Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on his assumption of office as the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament of the 4th Republic. Nearly three decades of devoted service to Parliament by you has culminated in this moment, which has seen your elevation to the third great office of the state of our nation. Together, you and I will be chartering new territory in the governance and politics of the 4th Republic, for this is the first time in the life of this Republic that a President from one party will be obliged, by the exigencies of the moment and the will of the people, to work, in all sincerity and co-operation, with a Speaker of Parliament from another party. I am confident that both of us will be guided in our relationship by the supreme interest of our people in ensuring good governance in the ordering of the affairs of state. I want to assure you of my wholehearted determination to work with you to advance the peace, progress and prosperity of the Ghanaian people. Once again, many congratulations to you and the re-elected and new Members of Parliament. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-friends-with-benefits-a-bad-or-good-idea A few moments ago, I took, for the second time, the oath of office to serve as President of the Republic of Ghana. I follow in the exalted footsteps of two of my predecessors, the 1st and 2nd Presidents of the 4th Republic, their Excellencies Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, who served two successive terms in office. I, cannot, therefore, take this honour and privilege bestowed on my modest self lightly, and I thank Almighty God and the Ghanaian people, who, by an emphatic margin, renewed my mandate in office for four more years, in the elections of 7th December. It is a demonstration of the confidence and trusts you, the Ghanaian people, have reposed in me, not only in appreciation for the achievements chalked throughout my first four (4) years but more significantly for the considerable amount of work that is to be done over the next four (4) years, in our drive to take our nation firmly onto the path of progress, prosperity and development, following the havoc wreaked by COVID-19. This is a task I wholeheartedly accept, and I assure all Ghanaians that I will do my utmost to deliver on this mandate. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-10-things-good-men-should-never-do-in-a-relationship The accomplishment of this mandate is going to take place within the context of Ghana’s maturing democracy. The Ghanaian people have manifested, time and again, in these twenty-eight (28) years of the 4th Republic, their determination to build a free, democratic, peaceful nation, which is respectful of individual liberties and human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of democratic accountability. A governance structure built on the separation of powers provides the best vehicle for the protection of these values, with a well-resourced Judiciary and Parliament as the principal accountability organs of the State. This has been the main thrust of public policy in these past four years and will continue to be so in the next. The unity and stability of our country are the welcome outcomes of such a development. This is how we can ensure, in the words of one of the great figures of Ghanaian nationalism, the illustrious Joseph Boakye Danquah, that we have “a system of government under which those who are in control of government are under the control of those who are governed”. The sheer can-do-spirit of the Ghanaian, which I have witnessed all my life, is the bedrock on which we can build the Ghana of our dreams. Indeed, four years ago, at my first inauguration, I urged all Ghanaians to be, and I quote, “citizens and not spectators”. I appealed to you to be active participants in the effort to help build the Ghana we want – the democratic, free, prosperous and united Ghana envisioned by our founding fathers as the Black Star of Africa. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught In my first term as President, I was able to count on the contribution of all citizens in attempting to create this Ghana. What I have seen these last four years is further evidence, if any were needed, that the Ghanaian will no longer accept poverty and deprivation as his or her portion, but is rather determined to work to chart a path of growth and development for himself or herself. Today, our economy, even in the face of the global pandemic of COVID-19, continues to show resilience and a much faster rate of recovery than originally envisaged, and was, indeed, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in 2020. Ghana remains one of the most attractive destinations on the continent for foreign direct investment, with the presence in the country of some of the world’s largest conglomerates attesting to this fact. Establishing a strong economy, undergoing a structural transformation to value-added activities, which will generate jobs for our young people and enhance their living standards, will be the main preoccupation of my second term. Together, we are ensuring that the basic tenets of social justice are met. Many said it was beyond us, but we have ensured that financial considerations no longer determine the fate of the Ghanaian child. Because of the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, once willing and able, senior high school education is the minimum education to be received by every Ghanaian child. Access to quality healthcare is no more a luxury ordinary people cannot afford, following the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Our aim is to reach Universal Health Coverage as soon as possible. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture Food production has increased significantly, and a conscious effort has been made to improve the living standards of our farmers. The newly constructed warehouses dotted across the country are storing the surpluses for export to our neighbours, and the programme for Planting for Food and Jobs has become the veritable rock on which the successful future of our agriculture is being built. Our roads are being constructed at a much faster pace than before, and, yes, I acknowledge there are still many more kilometres to construct. We defined last year as ‘The Year of Roads’. This year will be the second ‘Year of Roads’, as we continue with our focus on dealing with the deficit in our road infrastructure. The development of our rail sector, on which considerable resources and energies are being devoted, will open up the country, and lead to the creation of a more connected society, and will, also, help realise the goal of regional and continental integration. The arrival of COVID-19 drove home the lesson to all of us that we have to be self-reliant. The pandemic has emphasised the fact that we cannot continue to be living on the edge in a day-to-day economy. This is dangerous for our survival, and it is important that we set up buffers of protection in all aspects of our lives. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught So, when there was a shortage in the supply of personal protective equipment, at a time when they were being sold at extortionist prices on the world market, the enterprise of the Ghanaian shone through. We produced, right here in Ghana, our own sanitisers, face masks, medical scrubs, gowns, liquid soap amongst others. We can, indeed, build a Ghana Beyond Aid, if we make full use, as we must, of the enterprise and ingenuity of our people, especially our young people. The prominent role being played by young people in the digitisation journey of our nation is strong proof of the feasibility of this objective, and Ghana is set to become one of the most digitised economies in Africa in the next few years. In this same vein, I expect the locally produced Eku juice, one of the results of Government’s “One-District-One-Factory” flagship policy, to replace rapidly the imported fruit juices on the shelves of our supermarkets, not because anyone will so decree, but because the quality of the locally produced one is as good, if not superior. I doubt that anyone would, ordinarily, mention akpeteshie, the local gin, as a possible item on the world market. I cannot vouch for its taste or potency, since I gave up alcohol many years ago, but I can say that the Made in Ghana and beautifully packaged “Apio”, I have recently seen, can compete in the most sophisticated markets in the world. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/i-will-die-for-my-party-any-day-carlos-ahenkorah My boundless confidence in the energy of the Ghanaian makes me believe that we can become the prosperous nation we aspire to, and soon. We have good reason to be proud of what we have been able to achieve so far. Mr Speaker, we know that the democracy we seek to build and entrench in Ghana will ultimately succeed if we build a prosperous nation, and our people are at peace with themselves and with the world. I pledge before this august House and the good people of Ghana that all I do will be for the common good, and, with the firm foundation laid in my first term of office, we shall take a significant step towards reducing the infrastructure deficit that has plagued us all throughout our nationhood. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught The remaining fifteen per cent (15%) of our communities without electricity would be covered by the end of my second term. We have already begun constructing hospitals in the remaining districts that do not have one – a process which will be completed within a year. The percentage of Ghanaians without access to potable water is set to reduce significantly, following the commencement of work on a number of water supply projects across all parts of the country. The majority of our people live in unacceptable housing, and we shall tackle the problem with vigour. With discipline and caution, just as we have done since March 2020, we, in Ghana, can continue to reduce the number of active cases of COVID-19, which currently stands at a little over nine hundred (900), and open up our country again to the rest of the region, continent and the entire world. We have taken the bold step of re-opening all our schools again, because of our fundamental conviction that education is the key to our future. We will do everything possible to ensure not only the safety of the children but of teachers and non-teaching staff as well. We, Ghanaians, have always been very much aware of our place in our neighbourhood, in our continent and in the world. We recognise that poverty and insecurity plague our region, and, thus, we shall continue to work to make our voice carry the weight of our convictions and contribute to making our world a safer and happier place. We shall play our full part in the deliberations and activities of all the organisations to which we belong – ECOWAS, the African Union, Commonwealth, La Francophonie, the United Nations and the others. Ghana, which has the privilege of hosting the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, intends to be one of the main drivers of its success. The AfCFTA provides us, Africans, with a great opportunity to exploit and develop our resources for the benefit of our own people and end the centuries-old exploitation of our continent’s vast wealth for the benefit of others. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-friends-with-benefits-a-bad-or-good-idea In the words of the historic first leader of our nation, the celebrated Kwame Nkrumah, “it is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world”. To my fellow Ghanaians, I invite all of you to join in the exciting business of developing our country. There are endless opportunities if we remain united. What our forebears dreamed of, we will achieve! If we inherited dreams and visions from our founding fathers, we should leave legacies of achievements and realities to our children and their children. For, I believe in the limitless prospects of Ghana and of us, her people. So, let us be up and doing, and, with faith in the Almighty, seize our destiny. Mr Speaker, may God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong. Your Excellencies, once again, akwaaba. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/donald-trump-finally-concedes-election-confirms-plans-to-hand-over-to-biden I thank you for your attention.

ThinkNews Online can confirm that the biological mother of Ghanaian musician, Becca is dead. According to sources, the mother of Becca died in London after a short illness. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america It will be recalled that the singer and her mom were at serious loggerheads. Some time ago, the singer's mother granted several interviews on different radio stations talking about the ill relationship between herself and her daughter. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc In the interviews, she blamed her daughter's husband, Dr Tobi for being the one behind their unhealthy relationship. May her soul rest in Peace READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Institute for Energy Security (IES) projects that fuel prices will rise slightly in the first market cycle of January 2021. According to the IES, fuel prices have increased locally in the time under study. ‘In the second trading window of December 2020, the price of petroleum products saw the majority of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) raise pump prices for gasoline and gas oil. The current national average fuel price per liter at the pump is estimated at GH-4,799 per liter. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america According to IES Market-Scan, “For this pricing window, Zen Petroleum, Benab Oil, Petrosol and Frimps Oil sold the lowest price per liter of Gasoline and Gasoil at the pump,” IES said. IES noted on the world oil market that the Brent crude price rose by 5.03 percent in average price over the duration with the commodity being offered at $51.06 per barrel mark from the average price of $48.82 per barrel mark of the previous window. After April 2020, the product has continued to grow in price. The rise in the average price of the product over the IES period is due to the vaccinations initiated within the coronavirus period and to the anticipated results of the OPEC+ meeting held on 4 January 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc The approval of the stimulus package in the USA also influenced the price of crude within the period, causing it to increase over the period. As tracked on the Standard and Poor’s Global Platts website, the price of finished goods showed rises in the cost of gasoline and gas oil on the global fuel market over the period. Gasoline saw a price rise of 8.44 percent, finishing the time at $451.95 per metric tonne from an earlier price of $415.32 per metric tonne. Gasoil prices have risen at the end of the period by 6.96 percent, closing trading at $425.30 per metric tonne from a previous price of $396.68 per metric tonne,’ the statement said. Data analyzed from the foreign exchange (Forex) market by the IES Economic Desk showed that Cedi retained its strength against the U.S. The dollar from the previous window is now trading in the United States at an average price of GHS5.79 to the dollar during the time. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday IES noted that due to the 5.03 percent rise in the price of International Benchmark-Brent crude, the 8.44 percent rise in the price of gasoline, and the 6.96 percent rise in the price of gasoline, IES projects domestic fuel prices to rise slightly at the start of the new year. Source: Mynewsghana.net

US President Donald Trump on Thursday delivered his first speech conceding to 2020 election results. The embattled Potus’s speech also addressed the recent attack of the Capitol by Pro-Trump supporters. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america According to Trump, the attackers violated the state and will be punished. He also called for peace as he works towards a successful transitioning of power on January 20. Recall Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday and disrupted congressman from announcing the certification of electoral college results. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc The violent attacks that reports say were incited by Trump’s comments saw the death of at least one person. In the wake of the attacks, Facebook and Instagram suspended Trump’s accounts indefinitely while Twitter temporarily disabled his accounts and deleted three of his tweets. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday Credit: African Entertainment

I am very disappointed in most of the Members of Parliament for the behaviors they exhibited during the inauguration of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic. I must say it was my first time watching such an event and I was not expecting to see such displays. In as much as these MPs find it difficult to come to agreements with their fellow colleagues based on their political affiliation, I will say, what I witnessed was by fair, the most shameful thing an Elected Member of Parliament will do. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/registered-voters-can-access-their-details-on-the-ec-website-ussd-code-android-mobile-apps-ec Talk of the verbal abuse to the physical abuse, I kept on asking myself, are these not the same leaders who when granted interviews both on radio and television spell out the need for their followers to do away with violence and the use of vulgar words? Are these not the same members of parliament who preach peace and often tell their party followers to behave like 'cats', just observe and ignore when an opponent misbehaves towards them? What struck me the most was the destroying of ballot boxes by these leaders! In God's name, what were they thinking? READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/local-news-political-parties-support-proposal-to-make-election-day-a-public-holiday I personally took shots and videos of the activities and I keep asking myself, what difference do their actions make from that of their followers? An Elected Member of Parliament destroyed, stepped on, and made a mess of that same box that the ordinary Ghanaian woke up at dawn to queue and vote for him or her in it? Do these politicians respect the voter at all or do they think, they have been given the authority so they are above the law? I feel, all members of parliament who were captured during the violence when the voting for Speakership was ongoing must be punished to serve as a deterrent for the ordinary Ghanaian. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-stop-clutching-on-straw-bribery-allegation-against-akufo-addo-won-t-wash-npp-to-ndc Just look at how an Elected MP, managed to snatch coalition sheets from his colleague and bolted with? Is that what happened at his constituency or does this happen in all the constituencies across the country? I felt very hurt when I heard a male MP call his female colleague on the floor of parliament, 'Ashawo'! What the hell was that? Has the politics of this country gotten to this level? Must such utterance be uttered? Where is the respect from these leaders of ours? I saw a Minister placing a call ordering the Military to enter the Parliament house. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-report-america The first question, I asked myself was; does the Military have the right to enter the parliament house? I also asked myself, what if an of the MPs had dared the fully armed officer, would he have shot him or her? Dear MPs, this is too much and it's about time you realize that people are looking at you and also taking cues? International Media will always get us. So what image were these MPs projecting? We brag to always be peaceful and law-abiding citizens. Are our MPs law-abiding and pacesetters? Credit: Joshua Kwabena Smith Disclaimer: The views/contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of ThinkNews Online. ThinkNews Online will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West Constituency, Carlos Ahenkorah says although he is sorry for his unprofessional behavior in Parliament, he will die for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on any day. According to the law-maker, he did what did in Parliament for the grassroots who relied on the NPP in power to survive adding the party cannot always allow the NDC to threaten and vilify them. In a statement sighted by ThinkNews Online, the Tema West MP said "I did it for the grassroots who relied on us in power to survive, the president who needs some peace to run the country, and the greater NPP party as a whole because we cannot always allow the NDC to threaten and vilify us. I apologize though to my family and friends both far and near who may be affected by my actions. The NPP in me couldn't be controlled. I apologize but I tried!!!" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-friends-with-benefits-a-bad-or-good-idea He added that he is heartbroken and dejected stressing the NPP in Parliament have not seen the end of it yet. Mr Ahenkorah said "My party the NPP, of course, enjoys a slim majority in parliament courtesy of the independent candidate from Fomena. By this arithmetic, the NPP was supposed to occupy the right side of the speaker in the chamber. When we got to parliament, the opposition had occupied our seats. We tried to convince and work things out with them but they declined whilst almost assaulting the marshals of parliament. We conceded because of the inauguration ahead of us and sat in their space. Then the clerk of parliament announced that the injuncted Assin North MP couldn't vote by virtue of a court order served on him" The Legislator also revealed that after a long heated debate, the NDC did not come to terms with the NPP adding that leadership had to go into conclave and returned with one of the most unfavorable agreements ever. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-10-things-good-men-should-never-do-in-a-relationship Below is a copy of his full statement: Hon CARLOS AHENKORAH WRITES.... My party the Npp of course enjoys a slim majority in parliament courtesy of the independent candidate from Fomena. By this arithmetic, the NPP was supposed to occupy the right side of the speaker in the chamber. When we got to parliament, the opposition had occupied our seats. We tried to convince and work things out with them but they declined whilst almost assaulting the marshals of parliament. We conceded because of the inauguration ahead of us and sat in their space. Then the clerk of parliament announced that the injuncted Assin North MP couldn't vote by virtue of a court order served on him. After a long heated debate, the NDC still wouldn't yield. Leadership went into conclave and returned with one of the most unfavorable agreements ever. That a clause in the constitution forbids anyone who isn't qualified to vote in parliament to vote. If the injuncted mp elect decides to vote he suffers the consequences afterward himself. How ridiculous! What if his vote changes the outcome of the elections before he goes to court? Then we got to voting and the minority claimed they won't allow any whipping, in order words no one can show their vote to their whips after voting. Really? READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught Then what's the whip system for? Why do we have whips? Since the beginning of the 4th Republic, elections had always been controlled by whips to ensure their members vote on a particular line. It happens everywhere in this world. Asking us not to be whipped sent us all wondering. The NPP didn't comply. The clerk ruled that voting could commence after a little back and forth. As the first few NPP members voted, the NDC whip in the person of Muntaka attacked an NPP member and collected his ballot paper from him because he's shown it to someone. A scuffle ensued and he took the ballot box itself and the ballots inside away. After a long wait, balloting recommenced. This time the same Muntaka took the ballot box and runoff that someone was showing their ballot whiles John Jinapor and Sam George kick-boxed the voting booth. This act happened 3x so leadership had to go into conclave once more. Upon their return, they asked us not to show our votes anymore. I Immediately sensed danger, especially when during voting we noticed many skirmishes where some opposition members would cross over into the NPP voting booth to vote there etc. Looking at the slim margin between us, (NPP and NDC) all the NDC had to do was to lure or convince a couple of members of NPP and carry the day. So I indicated to leadership the dangers in that ruling. After voting and true to my words, the NPP votes counted 136 instead of the 138 numbers we had. I wouldn't accept that. The irregularities accompanying the voting from the start were too many which had compromised the voting so much so that I wanted to create a situation for a rerun. Just as my colleague from the other side took the ballot box away on 3 occasions, I also grabbed a few ballot papers before they could be counted so as to force a rerun. It's a very tough situation to have opposition as a speaker especially when he's the president in the absence of Nana Addo and his vice not to mention how parliament would function bypassing the president's policies and laws to pave way for development. My colleagues on the majority side couldn't help take advantage of my sacrifices to force a rerun and we'd to settle for an opposition speaker. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-sister-derby-blasts-joy-fm-over-unprofessional-behaviour-picture I must say I am heartbroken and dejected. We've not seen the end of this yet. With this success, they would tell us what they want and what they don't in parliament because the whip system has been compromised. This is so sad. I'll die for my party any day. I did it for the grassroots who relied on us in power to survive, the president who needs some peace to run the country, and the greater NPP party as a whole because we cannot always allow the NDC to threaten and vilify us. I apologize though to my family and friends both far and near who may be affected by my actions. The NPP in me couldn't be controlled. I apologize but I tried!!! READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/opinion-how-to-go-on-a-peaceful-aworshia-without-being-caught Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Newly Sworn-In Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has hinted that he will use his experience garnered in Parliament to serve the interest of Ghanaians and the country. According to him, he has learned a lot over the years adding, it will help shape him as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic. Mr. Bagbin was voted Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic on January 7, 2021. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/fantana-spends-night-in-parliament-rallies-support-for-mum-and-ndc-video He got 138 votes while the former Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Oquaye got 136. Although the factions from the opposition were shocked at the outcome of the results, some were silently laughing and happy adding Mike Oquaye deserved to be axed. Addressing the Parliamentarians on Thursday morning, the new Speaker of Parliament said "I will submit myself to the will of this house and pledge to serve my dear country and the people of Ghana faithfully to the best of my ability. I will also discharge my duty as Speaker of this parliament. I want to promise wholeheartedly to put as the disposal of this country the store of knowledge, experience, and the huge data I have accumulated over the 28 years that I have been a member." READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ndc-mps-clash-with-armed-military-men-in-parliament-video It will be recalled that Mr. Alban Bagbin, was chosen by the NDC after he had served 28 years in Parliament ThinkNews Online has also gathered that Mr. Alban Bagbin has been the longest-serving Member of Parliament after taking over the Nadowli West constituency in the Upper West Region of Ghana in 1992 till 2020. Mr. Alban Bagbin has held numerous positions in Parliament since 1994 and capped his lawmaking career with the ultimate, the Majority Leader and Leader of the House. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ndc-mps-beat-tema-west-mp-carlos-ahenkorah-for-snatching-ballot-papers-in-parliament-videos In the first Parliament of the Fourth Republic, he rose to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Subsidiary Legislation and Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy and Member of the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development. From 1995 to date, Mr. Bagbin has been a member of a group known as Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and a member of the International Law and Human Rights Programme of the PGA. From 1996 to 2001, he was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Committee on the Restructuring of the Water Sector (Ministry of Works and Housing) while between 1997 and 2001, he was a member of the National Media Commission. In the Second Parliament of the Fourth Republic, Mr. Bagbin was the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs with oversight responsibilities for the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Electoral Commission, National Commission on Civic Education, Office of Parliament and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/samira-bawumia-steals-show-at-akufo-addo-s-inauguration-with-stunning-dress-sense-picture He later claimed the title of Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee from 2001 to 2005 and Vice-Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Wife of Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, Hajia Samira Bawumia has once again stolen the show at the inauguration ceremony of President Akufo-Addo, at the Parliament House in Accra. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/fantana-spends-night-in-parliament-rallies-support-for-mum-and-ndc-video Spotted in a beautiful green outfit, the beautiful Samira walked majestically as her outfit and style caught the attention of many. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ndc-mps-clash-with-armed-military-men-in-parliament-video It is clear that Madam Samira Bawumia’s fashion sense is indeed stunning. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/ndc-mps-beat-tema-west-mp-carlos-ahenkorah-for-snatching-ballot-papers-in-parliament-videos See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some scores of NDC MPs have clashed with fully armed military personnel in Parliament following violence which ensued during a voting process. Both the NDC and NPP lost their temper, destroying the ballot box and halting the process. With what is described as a heated exchanges, the former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitwul ordered the military personnel to storm the Parliament House and maintain sanity among the Parliamentarians. Counting about 20 fully armed military personnel in the chamber, the NDC MPs managed to clash with the officer preventing them from performing their functions. The NDC hooted at the fully armed officers. See video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Rodney Tsenuokpor

Former RuffTown Records Signee, Fanata has spent the night in Parliament, rallying her support for her mum and the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Artiste who sat through the Parliamentary proceedings could not hide her join as smiled and took pictures with her female friend. It will be recalled that mother of Fantana contested the 2020 Parliamentary Candidate in Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region on the ticket of the NDC. Fantana's mother who was a first-timer won convincingly making the NDC proud in Jomoro. Spotted in her red hair, the Artiste was seen wearing her nose mask, brown and black straight dress. See video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some scores of NDC MPs have beaten up the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West Constituency, Carol Ahenkorah for snatching ballot papers in Parliament. Sensing defeat in the race for majority in Parliament, the Tema West MP hurriedly, snatched and bolted with the coalition sheet. However, NDC's, Muntaka Mubarak managed to chase and collect the paper from the Tema West MP. ThinkNews Online has gathered that the NDC managed to secure 139 out of the 275 seat with 2 being rejected ballots. Although the Clerk of Parliament has not officially declared the final results, it is emerging that the NDC has won the majority seat in Parliament. ThinkNews Online will update its readers on new developments. See videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Rodney Tsenuokpor

As part of measures of ensuring a smooth inauguration of the 8th Parliament, the Member of Parliament Elect for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has turned in a peacemaker, stopping his fellow colleagues from fighting. The legislator in Parliament on Thursday dawn, managed to calm tempers when series of fights ensued between MPs from both ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). With what seems to be misunderstanding during a voting process, some scores of MPs who lost their temper, took swipes at each other. However, Kennedy Agyapong, resolved the issue. See videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith