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Ghana's Vice President represents President Mahama at Democracy Summit in Barcelona
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang represented President John Dramani Mahama at the Fourth Meeting of the In Defence of Democracy Summit in Barcelona. The summit gathered global leaders to address threats to democratic values such as extremism, polarization, and disinformation. The 'In Defence of Democracy' initiative, launched at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly, serves as a platform for heads of government and international organizations to coordinate efforts in defending democracy. Discussions at the Barcelona meeting focused on strengthening institutions and multilateralism, addressing disinformation and digital technology impacts, and tackling extremism and inequality. Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the need to address structural inequalities, reform international legal frameworks to protect women and vulnerable groups, and enhance governance in the digital space. She also highlighted the importance of strengthening systems that sustain democracy, advocating for reforms to the international development system and global financial architecture. This includes more equitable distribution of financial resources, fair lending conditions for poorer nations, and trade systems that benefit all. She also noted Africa's progress with the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which aims to integrate markets and boost intra-African trade.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
President John Dramani Mahama has commenced a state visit to the Republic of Belarus at the invitation of President Aleksandr Grigorievi Lukashenko. The visit, which began on Friday, June 5, 2026, aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore new areas of cooperation in economic, agricultural, and technical sectors. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama will lay a wreath at the Victory Monument. A central highlight will be high-level talks between President Mahama and President Lukashenko, focusing on strategic partnerships in agriculture, education, and commerce. President Mahama will also travel to Brest to tour a large processor of milk, cheese, and baby products, and pay respects at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex. The visit includes a stop at Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. The state visit will culminate in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements. President Mahama is expected to return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Must ReadKwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, lauded President John Dramani Mahama's decision not to seek a third presidential term, calling it a 'masterstroke.' Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt stated that this decision safeguarded Mahama's legacy and Ghana's democratic stability. He emphasized that the Constitution is clear on term limits, and any attempt by Mahama to pursue another term would have necessitated constitutional changes and political maneuvering, potentially harming his reputation. Pratt noted that he never expected Mahama to seek a third term, citing the president's political character and respect for constitutional boundaries. He believes the third-term debate is settled, as the constitution prohibits Mahama from another mandate. Pratt also commended the National Democratic Congress for publicly disassociating itself from any third-term campaign for the president, warning that such ambitions could destabilize the country's political environment and create party divisions. He cautioned that similar political aspirations in other nations have led to instability and weakened democratic systems, asserting that Mahama's decision demonstrates political foresight and an understanding of the implications for his legacy and Ghana's democratic image.
Must ReadMoses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, asserted that LGBTQ+ rights were never formally integrated into international legal frameworks. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, 2026, he contended that any references to LGBTQ+ rights under international law are misleading, claiming they were "implied and they were forced into our laws." Foh-Amoaning advised African lawmakers against feeling pressured to support LGBTQ+ rights due to concerns about international legal obligations. He dismissed arguments connecting LGBTQ+ issues to constitutional, sexual, and human rights protections as false. Furthermore, he accused LGBTQ advocacy groups of pursuing a deliberate agenda and employing deceptive narratives to achieve their goals. The conference gathered parliamentarians, policymakers, and advocates from various countries to discuss family values, sovereignty, and social policy.
Must ReadSam George, co-sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, stated that homosexual people need medical and psychiatric attention. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, Samuel Nartey George claimed that homosexuality was previously classified as a mental disorder in US medical and scientific references until its removal due to social campaigns, not scientific re-evaluation. He described homosexuality as a "mental aberration." George also urged Parliament to transmit the bill to President John Dramani Mahama for constitutional processes, arguing that Parliament's Standing Orders do not allow for reconsideration of a passed bill, and that Parliament's role concludes once a bill is passed, with the next step resting with the President.