ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
To the leadership of the House, | say your support in this regard is most crucial to the success of parliament.
Encourage, guide and advise your membership in accordance with what we have all agreed on.
However, if you encounter challenges, | am always available to assist.
The network of Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations is also now wide awake and will keep an eagle eye on the House and Members.
| have given the network my assurance of full cooperation and partnership in ensuring that Parliaments deliver, not just in Ghana, but in West Africa.
Hon Members, We need to give the citizenry enough reasons to keep addressing us as “Hon Members of Parliament”.
As such we owe it a duty to our compatriots and to ourselves to handle this house with the decency it deserves.
We cannot afford to .
o lower the standards of Parliament and lead this country into an attitudinal decay.
| am confident that Hon Members will support the leadership and the Speakership toimplement the vision of this Parliament to become a model parliament in Africa.
DISPEL, DAMAGING MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CANCER’, A STATEMENT PRESENTED ON THE_ FLOOR QF PARLIAMENT BY HON.
COLLINS NTIM, DEPUTY RANKING MEMBER, COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND MP FOR OFINSO NORTH CONSTITUENCY TO MARK THE WORLD CANCER DAY.
Speaker, today, 4™ February 2014, we join the rest of the world in commemorating World Cancer Day under the theme: ‘Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer’, under the tagline “Debunk the myths”.
Speaker, the theme draws attention to the crucial need to improve awareness and knowledge about cancer and its risk factors to better protect individuals and communities.
It is only through education that the myths surrounding cancer can be dispelled.
Speaker, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about cancer and we need to know the truth to better protect ourselves.
Speaker, Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or a bruise.
Cancer is not contagious.
Although infections by certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of some types of cancer, no one can get cancer from another person.
It is important to know the real facts about cancer prevention and control and that is why awareness day like today is very important.
Speaker, this day helps cancer patients to build resilience and hope.
On this day, we should be united and show solidarity to cancer patients and help fight against cancer which has emerged as a serious public health concern over the past decades.
Cancer, Mr.
Speaker, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth.
In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumours, and invade nearby parts of the body.
The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
It is important to state that not all tumours are cancerous.
Speaker, the causes of cancer have been grouped into three, the first is Physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and jonizing radiation, the second is chemical carcinogens, such as ashestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant) Mr.
Speaker, whilst urging our farmers on for their good work, | would like to encourage them especially farmers in Ofinso North to wear protective cloths to avoid chemical carcinogens.
The third is biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Speaker, Tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are the main cancer risk factors worldwide.
Physical inactivity is one risk factor for non-communicable diseases, which is modifiable and therefore of great potential public health significance.
Changing the level of physical activity raises challenges for the individual but also at societal level,” said Chris Wild, the director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Mr.
Speaker, the burden of cancer in Africa is huge and is increasing.
According to World Health Organisation Director for Africa, Dr.
Luis Sambo, the World Health Organization estimates that in 2008, there were 681 000 new cases of cancer in Africa, and 512 000 people died of the disease.
It is projected that, should the current trend continue, then by 2030, these figures will rise to 1.6 million new cases with 1.2 million deaths.
According to Or.
Kofi Mensah Nyarko, the Program’s Manager for Non Communicable Disease Control Pragram, of the Disease Control and prevention department of Ghana Health Service about 16,000 new cases of cancer occur every year in Ghana.
This trend is mainly related to rapid urbanization, unhealthy work environments, and the use of child labour which increases exposure to cancer- causing factors.
Knowledge about the causes of cancer, and interventions to prevent and manage the disease is crucial.
Speaker, Cancer can be reduced and controlied by implementing evidence- based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients with cancer.
Speaker, Many cancers have a high chance of cure if detected early and treated adequately.
Screening which is the systematic application of a test in an asymptomatic population undoubtedly is important in curbing the disease.
Screening aims to identify individuals with abnormalities suggestive of a specific cancer or pre-cancer and refer them promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Screening programmes are especially effective for frequent cancer types for which a cost-effective, affordable, acceptable and accessible screening test is available to the majority of the population at risk.
The major Cancers in Ghana are Breast and Cervical Cancer for Women while Prostate and Liver cancer are the predominate cancer in men.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) should be offered at all health facilities while mammograms should be available at all regional hospitals for Breast Screening as is outlined in the National Strategy for Cancer Control in Ghana.
Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) with cryotherapy should be available for cervical cancer screening at all district and regional hospital while prostate cancer screening should be made accessible to all eligible men.
Speaker, Cancer treatment requires a careful selection of one or more intervention, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
The goal is to cure the disease or considerably prolong life while improving the patient's quality of life.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment is complemented by psychological support.
Speaker, as we commemorate world cancer day today, | want to plead with Ghanaians to be responsible for their health by avoiding lifestyle induced diseases like poor eating habit, excessive alcohol and sexual immorality.
Again people and communities to learn more and be better informed as this is the key to reducing the chances of developing and dying from the disease.
As we commemorate World Cancer Day, | call on all Ministers of Health especially in the continent to strengthen capacities for screening and early diagnosis by establishing cancer screening units at the primary health care centres and also providing treatment for cancers at the specialized centres.
Governments and development partners have a shared responsibility to raise awareness to dispel myths and misconceptions and to foster changes in lifestyles and behaviours related to cancer risk factors.
Speaker, | want to use this opportunity to congratulate World Health Organisation and the Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospital, Dr.
Beatrice Wiafe Addai for their efforts in raising awareness about breast and cervical cancer in the continent.
Thank you once again Mr.
Speaker, for given me this wonderful opportunity.
GIFTY E KUSI, MP, TARKWA NSUAEM ON RURAL WOMEN’S DAY Rural Women's Day is celebrated each year on October 15.
It was launched at the fourth United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995 by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).
The day provides rural women and their organizations with a focal point to; Raise the profile of rural women, Sensitize both government and the public to their crucial, yet largely unrecognized roles Promote action in their support.
Obtain recognition and support for the multiple roles of rural women, who are mostly farmers and small entrepreneurs. «
Fight inequalities and prejudices against rural women.
L I C R T E Y Rural women the world over play a major role in ensuring food security and in the development and stability of the rural areas.
Yet, with little or no status, they frequently lack the power to secure land rights or access vital services such as credit, inputs, extension, training and education.
Their vital contribution to society goes largely unrecognized unnoticed.
The purpase of Rural Women's Day is to change this by bringing rural women out of obscurity, at least once a year, - to remind society how much they owe to rural women and to give value and credit to their work.
According to the Human Development Report (1995), which triggered the celebration of the day, various contributions have been made by rural women — in their communities, countries and the world, in the following areas.
- Rural women, mainly farmers, are at least 1.6 billion and represent more than a quarter of the total world population.
~— Women produce on average more than half of all the food that is grown: up to 80 percent in Africa, 60 percent in Asia, between 30 and 40 percent in Latin America and Western countries.
-- Globally, women produce more than half the food that is grown and are primarily responsible for preparing, storing and processing food.
- Women in rural areas spend an average of 20% more time than men working; in urban areas, they spend 6% more time.
-- Women process 100% of basic household foodstuifs in Africa.
-- Women head 60% of households in some regions of Africa: -- Women meet 90% of household water and fuel needs in Africa.
PLIGHTS - Women own only 2 per cent of the land, and receive only one per cent of all agricultural credit.
- Only 5 per cent of all agricultural extension resources are directed to women.
| | i | -- Women constitute two third of the population of all illiterate people.
-- Over the years, the number of rural women living in poverty has doubled since 1970.
-- In many countries, women are the last family members to eat, and their nutritional needs are met only when and if the men and children have hiad enough.
--In rural areas the total workday is 20% longer as compared fo urban areas.
if women's work were accurately reflected in national statistics, it would shatter the myth that men are the main breadwinners of the world.
-- Society in general, and even rural women themselves, have greatly undervalued and often completely ignored the role of women in maintaining and developing the living countryside with its rich and diversified heritage and traditions.
- Women in rural society and especially in farming have always been an “invisible work force.”
Too little has been done to fully recognize women's rale on farms and in rural communities, legally, economically, technologically and in stafistics.
RECOMMENDATION - A full recognition of women's role in rural development would greatly contribute to rural prosperity and would, in particular, help sustainable rural development in the poorer countries and regions of the world.
- -- Small women-farmer groups can increase their economies-of-scale and bargaining power by Joining with other groups engaged in similar activities.
"The inter-group resource book”, a guide to building small farmer group assoclations and networks shows how using a participatory approach, inter-group associations can be established in rural areas.
- There is the need to analyze the marketing process for the productions of rurai women in order to improve its efficiency.
- Another thing that can be done is to develop plans and programmes in research centers destined to strengthen and dignify rural women.
FRANCIS-XAVIER SOSU, MP FOR MADINA CONSTITUENCY ON ABOLISHMENT OF DEATH PENALTY Mr.
Speaker, in December 2020, the plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) saw a record number of states (123) supporting the adoption of its biennial resolution calling for the establishment of a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty.
Speaker, there was an increase of 19 votes compared to 2007, when the first UNGA resolution on this issue was adopted.
According to the 2020 Amnesty International Global Report, at least 483 people were executed in 2020.
This is the lowest figure recorded in at least a decade, representing a 26% fall as compared to 67% for 2019, and 70% from the peak of 1,634 executions reported in 2015.
In Africa, the boldest step was taken by our sister West African Country, Sierra Leon, which voted last week to abolish death penalty.
The Parliament of Sierra Leon has set a precedent that this parliament can follow.
Speaker, globally, the methods of executions of persons sentenced to death for 2020 comprised of beheading, electrocution, hanging, lethal injection, and shooting.
At the end of 2020, at least 28,567 people were known to be under death sentence.
In Ghana, statistics from the Ghana Prisons Service shows that no executions were carried out in 2020, despite imposition of death sentence on three persons by the Courts.
As at the close of 2020, 160 persons comprising 155 men and 5 women were under death sentence.
Nine prisoners also had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonments.
Speaker, the Constitution Review Commission, which was a presidential Commission, was set up in January 2010 to consult with the people of Ghana on the provisions of the 1992 Constitution and on any possible reviews that needed to be made to the Constitution.
The Commission in page 645 (paragraph 75) of its final report stated “The Commission recommends the replacement of the death penalty with imprisonment for life without parole.”
This recommendation was as a result of the wide range dissatisfaction of Ghanaians with the provisions of the death penalty on our statute books.
Speaker, on page 44 of the Government white Paper on the Constitutional Review Commission, Government stated its position as follows “Government accepts the recommendation of the Constitutional Review Commission that the death penalty in article 3 of the Constitution be completely abolished and that the penalty be replaced with imprisonment for life.
The sanctity of life is a value so much engrained in the Ghanaian social psyche that it cannot be gambled away with judicial uncertainties.”
Speaker, the need to completely abolish the death penalty is grounded on the fact that people could be killed only for a future evidence to exonerate them.
In order to err on the side of caution therefore, and on account of the fallibilities, imperfection and frailties of our judicial system, we are safer completely doing away with the death penalty.
Speaker, there are two ways to deal with abolition of death penalty from our laws.
We could do it by Constitutional amendment or with amendment of various provisions in the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Act 29) which prescribe death penalty as punishment.
Article 3 of the 1992 Constitution is an entrenched provision and any amendment would require referendum.
This might be the reasons for the delays in operationalizing the government white paper on the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Commission.
The second approach which | believe could yield a speedy result could be amendment of Act, 29 that would lead to about 95% abolition of death penalty without constitutional amendment.
This position has been forcefully argued by the Amnesty International Ghana and Human Rights Lawyers like Lawyer Martin Kpebu.
Speaker, Constitutional Amendment of an entrenched provision, comes with cost, the need for resourcing NCCE to educate citizens, funds and logistics to the Electoral Commission to conduct the said referendum among many others.
This could be avoided by simple amendment of the various death penalty provisions in Act 29.
Speaker, the death penalty inflicts not only immerse psychological pain and torture on accused and convicted persons and assassination officers, but also smacks of practices of backward societies.
In view of this, it is worth pointing out that Ghana has not applied the death penalty since 1993.
Accordingly, Ghana has been described by the 2020 Amnesty International Global Report on Death Penalty as being Death Penalty “Abolitionists in Practice.”
There is therefore the need to amend sections 46, 49, 49A, 180, 194 and 317A of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960, (Act 29).
Very respectfully, Right Hon.
Speaker, In 2011 — while delivering judgment in the Supreme Court case of Dexter Johnson v. the Republic [2011] 2 SCGLR 601@P702, the Court through Justice Dotse JSC said ‘... the time has possibly come for the Parliament of Ghana to seriously consider whether to have a policy shift in the mandatory death penalty regime imposed on those convicted of murder.... It is only Parliament which can consider an amendment of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960, Act 29” Mr.
Speaker, more than 10 years down the line, Parliament which is the legislative arm of Government is yet to take any major step in this direction.
But today, the 8" Parliament has an opportunity to change the course of history in Ghana.
We have an opportunity to show that we are pro-life.
We have an opportunity to show that we cannot condemn killing, and yet use killing as a mode of punishment.
We have an opportunity to " be join Sierra Leon as shining examples in West Africa and the African Continent by completely removing death penalty from our statute books.
Speaker, | therefore call on all Members of Parliament, Stakeholders and all Interest Groups to support the Private Member's Bill | have submitted on account of this statement so we can start the process of abolition of death penalty from our statute books.
Respectfully, Mr.
Speaker, | am most grateful for the opportunity to make this statement.