GRi in Parliament 17 – 06 - 2003

 

 

First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament arrives

 

Accra (Greater Accra) 17 June 2003- An eight-member ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation led by its first deputy speaker Ibrahim Mantu arrived in Accra on Monday to deliberate with the Council of Ministers on the need to move the ECOWAS parliament from a mere advisory body to a law-making one.

 

Mantu said since the establishment of the parliament, its role had only been advisory and that the time had come for it to enact laws and also sanction defaulters. Mantu, who was speaking to journalists at the Kotoka International Airport said though it had been the only organ, which had assisted by bringing warring faction to a round table, notably in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d'Ivoire, "in all these, we have used the traditional African way to resolve the issues."

 

He said the ECOWAS was one of the fastest growing parliaments following that of Europe, adding that after it had acquired a new status, "it will not only bite but bite deep."

 

He commended Ghana for a smooth transition from one democratic government to the other, stressing that this was most needed on the continent. On how conflict could be prevented on the continent, Mantu said leaders must occupy their positions through constitutional elections, which reflected the true wishes of the people, adding that anywhere in the world, conflict could only be stopped where there is justice.

 

"We must pass stringent laws that would ensure that the will and wishes of the ordinary person is respected." The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Kenneth Dzirasa and Madam Hawa Yakubu, MP, welcomed the delegation.

GRi.../

 

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