GRi in Parliament 15 – 11 - 2002

State of Emergency in Dagbon extended

Parliament resolves to ratify agreement  

 

 

State of Emergency in Dagbon extended

 

Accra (Greater Accra) 15 November 2002 - Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution to extend the State of Emergency in the Dagbon Traditional Area of Northern Region for a further period of one month commencing, 16 November to 15 December. All the 122 members present voted in favour of the resolution.

 

This is the seventh time that Parliament has approved the extension of the state of emergency since its proclamation on 27 March following the clash between the Andani and Abudu Royal families of the Dagbon Traditional Area.

 

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence and Acting Minister of the Interior, who moved the motion for the resolution, said the facts and circumstances giving rise to the declaration of the State of Emergency still persist in the area.

 

He said mistrust and suspicion among both Andani and Abudu gates persist and that they are suspected to be to be heavily armed, hence the need for security vigilance. He said government was studying the Wuako Commission's report for appropriate action to be taken.

 

"Whilst waiting for government to issue a white paper on the report, it is important to maintain the State of Emergency to offer security agencies the flexibility to retain the initiative and to be able to deal effectively with any disturbances of peace."

 

Dr Addo-Kufuor said the curfew in the area has been amended from 10pm - 4am to 10-3am. "This was to allow believers (Muslims) enough time to prepare for their early morning prayers at 4am. This relaxation of the curfew period is for the duration of the Ramadan only."

 

He said the security personnel have stepped up their mobile patrols to ensure that peace is not disturbed during the period. "In the event of the release of the government white paper on the Wauku Commission report, there would be the need for reinforcement on the strength of the security personnel in the area..."

 

He said government is completely neutral in this conflict and would do everything within its powers to study and implement recommendations in the Wuaku Commission's Report and the mediation efforts of other personalities. Dr Addo-Kufuor said, "it is important that leaders of the people of Dagbon do not bequeath a legacy of hatred to the present and future generations."

 

He said government was ready to support them in the reconciliation effort, development and peace. The Acting Minister praised the media for its positive and restrained role over the last month.

GRi…/

 

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Parliament resolves to ratify agreement 

 

Accra (Greater Accra) 15 November 2002- Parliament on Thursday resolved to ratify an agreement between Ghana and the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR). All 123 members voted for the resolution.

 

The INBAR is a 22-member international organisation that seeks to improve the well-being and users of bamboo and rattan within the context of a sustainable base by consolidating, co-ordinating and supporting strategic and adaptive research and development.

 

The Network is primarily funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada and the Dutch and Chinese governments.

 

Earlier, in a report, Mr. Koi Larbi, Chairman, Committee on Lands and Forestry, said Ghana was not paying anything by joining the INBAR.

 

He said by joining INBAR, Ghana would receive various forms of assistance to develop its bamboo and rattan industries.

 

"Funds would be made available for the development of plantations. INBAR will also help train indigenous Ghanaians on the various uses of bamboo and rattan, leading to the building of expertise and skills."

 

He said Ghana suffers a deficit of 3 million cubic metres of wood annually. Mr Larbi said the development of bamboo and rattan, which have shorter gestation periods could take care of the deficit.

 

"Bamboo has about the highest growth rate among all tree crops. It attains full height within 45-60 days. Tropical bamboos attain full maturity within 3-4 years and can be harvested for industrial use," he said.

 

He said the sale of Bamboo could boost rural industry and economy since it could be used to make furniture, flooring, ceiling, panel boards, beer, wine, pharmaceuticals and handicraft.

 

"There are about 5,000 bamboo products world-wide. It brings along some environmental benefits, including the protection of river banks, regeneration of top soil and carbon sequestration."

GRi…/.

 

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