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Month: June 2021

More than 400 former Liberian refugees remain without legal status in Sierra Leone

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

The Republic of Sierra Leone delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has in its country report to the regional parliament said more than four hundred (400) former Liberian refugees remain without legal status in the country.

The report presented to the ECOWAS Parliament captured several thematic areas of the country including the Political; Security; Human Rights; Economic and Social situations as well as Environment and Climate Change; Status of Ratification and Implementation of the Community Texts and Protocols; Status of Implementation of Community Programs and Projects; and the Performance on the Macroeconomic Convergence Criteria.

During the presentation of the report particularly on the Human Rights situation in Sierra Leone, Shiaka Musa Sama said more than 400 former Liberian refugees remain without legal status in the country.

Their refugee status expired in 2017 when they became “residual caseloads” under UNHCR protection. They refused repatriation and integration and demanded resettlement in a third country. UNHCR denied their resettlement citing the former refugees’ contradictory statements. The group applied for local national identification documents but authorities are yet to act on the applications.

Furthering on the Human Rights situation in Sierra Leone, the report captured that in March 2020, President Bio declared a 12-month State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Parliament approved the measure which granted the President broad powers to maintain peace and order including mandatory restrictions on movements.

 The State of Emergency declaration included restrictions on assembly as it banned meetings of more than 100 persons. In few cases, police used excessive force when dealing with demonstrators and used public order laws to deny requests for protests and demonstrations,” Sama read verbatim from the report.

To guarantee press freedom, the report also captured that the Government of Sierra Leone “worked with Parliament and other stakeholders to repeal the 55-year-old seditious libel section of the Public Order Act, 1965 that criminalized free speech. This demonstrated the willingness of Government to promote the freedom of press in the country.”

The Human Rights portion of the report also stressed on the moves made so far by government to curtail issues of rape, and addressing challenges of allowing pregnant girls to attend school.

On the status of implementation of community texts, Hon. Sama said Sierra Leone has ratified 42 ECOWAS protocols and conventions. To meet her obligations under the Community Levy Protocol, Sierra Leone, he said, “has paid the sum of Le 14,903,320,000 for the year 2020 equivalent to US$ 1,500,000 and has arrears totaling Le 46,509,446,719.87.”

Ghanamps.com

Instabilities in Guinea, Ivory Coast lead to 28,736 Refugees & Asylum-Seekers in Liberia

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

Liberia Delegation to the regional ECOWAS Parliament has submitted that instabilities resulting from election violence in its neighbouring countries of Republic of Guinea and Republic of Ivory Coast led to 28,736 (twenty-eight thousand seven hundred and thirty-six) refugees and asylum-seekers in its territory.

Presenting the Liberia’s country report on behalf of the Liberian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Clarence Massaquoi whilst deliberating on the security and refugee situation in the region said consequent of the post-election instabilities “according to UNHCR Global Focus, there was an estimated 28,736 refugees and asylum-seekers in Liberia at the start of 2021, including 20,466 Ivorian asylum-seekers who arrived in December 2020, following electoral tension in Côte d’Ivoire.”

Mr. Massaquoi added that “the reported hundreds of migrant farm workers along the border towns of Taboo, Maryland County, Toe Town, Grand Gedeh County and Logatuo, Nimba County in search of economic livelihoods but who present threats to border security as the local complained of land grabs by these migrants which have prompted the authorities in those areas to call on national government to intervene so that the situation does not blow out of proportion.”

The Liberian delegation further presented that as a result of changes in the Guinean Constitution passed in a constitutional referendum in earlier 2020 which reset the presidential terms, that ended in the incumbent president Alpha Condé to run for a third term and winning in October of 2020.  He said the opposition boycotted the said election and protested, adding that the protest lasted throughout the year but was harshly repressed by security forces claiming several civilian lives. In effect, those fearing their lives crossed over to Liberia and other neighboring countries which prompted the government of Liberia to deploy armed men along its border with Guinea to mitigate any situation arising thereof.”

Consequently, on the area of political tolerance, Clarence Massaquoi stated that “Liberia reassured the world for the respect of democratic political tenets and the rule of laws by solidifying the gains made over the years as exemplified by the holding of free, fair, and transparent elections.”

Ghanamps.com

Trans-Gambia Bridge causes controversy between Senegal and Gambia in ECOWAS Parliament

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

The Gambian delegation to the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) parliament did not take kindly to Senegal claiming ownership to the Trans-Gambian Bridge in their Country report on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Senegal in presenting its Country report claimed ownership to the Trans-Gambian bridge which did not go down well with the Gambian delegation, leading to a member of the Gambian delegation, Samba Jallow demanding that the portion of the report ascribing the bridge to Senegal should be deleted from the Senegal report.

 

Leader of the Senegal delegation, Aime Assine in response to the issues raised by his colleagues from Gambia noted that Senegal also contributed to the construction of the bridge in contention, and is an important trans -ECOWAS bridge.

“That is why it is called the deliverance bridge, even if the bridge is built on your territory and given the opportunity to supervise, they should know the bridge does not belong to the Gambia. It is a West African bridge, that is why it is called the deliverance bridge”.

MPs from the Gambia also raised concerns over the closure of land border between the Gambia and Senegal, by the Senegalese Authorities, pointing out that it is against the ECOWAS protocol of Free Movement of Persons, goods and services.

In response, Leader of the Senegal delegation stated that he has also fallen victim to that, hence there is the need for both countries to review and address the issue.

The only female on the ticket of the Gambia, Fatoumatta Njai, also raise issues with Senegal not allowing airlines to use its space unless its national carries Air Senegal, where Asky Airline cannot move from the Gambia to Senegal, Senegal responded by saying there is the need for engagement in other to address that issue.

The last issue that came had to do with Municipal elected leaders staying in office despite the fact that their tenure has expired. This the delegation however, noted was not the first time that such an issue is occurring, adding that the Mayors would be in office until next year when an election is organized.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com/Abuja

Atrocities under Jammeh: “All we want is the truth and not witch hunt” —-Fatoumatta Njai

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

A member of the Gambiam delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Fatoumatta Njai assured the House that the political situation Gambia is very stable, with eighteen (18) political parties exercising their civil rights.

According to her in 2017, the former President Yahya Jammeh was sent on exile, and the Truth Reconciliation Reparation Commission (TRRC) would present its report in July to the president and it would be sent back to the House which established the TRRC.

She further told the plenary on Monday, May 31, 2021 that the financial dealings of the former president and his allies were looked into, but the recommendations have not been carried out yet.

Fatoumatta Njai who was answering questions from the Community lawmakers on the fate of the former President of the Gambia Yahya Jammeh in the light of the political situation there, she said, “As a Gambian, we are concerned with reconciliation than those who have committed atrocities, we are a small country only two million in Gambia everybody knows everybody, rather we are not going through witch hunting that people expect, we reconcile, compensate the victims”.

Mr. Kebba K. Barrow is the Leader of the delegation and presented the country report on behalf of his colleagues, when most of the contributors to the Gambia report wanted to know the political situation in that country.

He further told the plenary that, there has been an inter-party committee set up that meets every quarter to develop a strategic document that would be validated next week where all parties are represented to focus on their needs, and are preparing for the upcoming elections on December 4, 2021.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com/Abuja

No private Television stations in The Gambia before 2017, but…

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

Leader of the Gambian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Kebba K. Barrow, has said his country had no private television stations before 2017, but according to him now television licenses have been issued to five private TV stations.

“There are currently Twenty-Six (26) Commercial Radio Stations and Nine (9) Community Radios in the country. There were six private newspapers in the country before 2017, and now we have 11 since the change of Government,” the leader added.

Mr.  Barrow made this statement whist presenting the Gambia’s report to the plenary of the regional ECOWAS Parliament.

The report borders on a host of issues which include the political, economic, security and human rights situation of The Gambia, legal reforms and ratifications as well as implementation of protocols among others.

Meanwhile, looking at the aspect of Freedom of Expression, The Gambia head of delegation say that such rights is guaranteed in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia. “There has been a proliferation of private radio stations and newspapers, private television stations, and a host of political discussion programs in which public members are encouraged to call in to express their views about government policies and programs,” he confirmed.

In addition, Barrow said that the print media’s positive results “are also recorded concerning electronic media due to the increment in the number of internet users between 2017 to date.” He said that the improvement in internet penetration and subsequent increase of internet users has prompted a surge in online media platforms, where political discussions are rife among users.

The Gambian Head of Delegation further added that with the remarkable progress in Freedom of Expression, the Government has gone further and embarked on media law reform to facilitate the exercise of the right to freedom of expression. “Access to Information Bill is currently before the National Assembly and will hopefully be enacted into law before the end of 2021,” he confirmed.

Furthermore, The Gambian head of delegation told regional MPs that Government of The Gambia is committed to strengthening existing governance institutions and creating new institutions. “In this regard, the Judiciary, the Independent Electoral Commission, and the Police have restored their independence by allowing them to operate without political interference,” he stressed, whilst adding that “we can report that, currently, there are no political prisoners or reports of political or extrajudicial killings.”

On the ratification and implementation of ECOWAS Protocols and Conventions, Hon. Kebba K, Barrow said that the Government of The Gambia has ratified forty-three (43) Community Protocols and Conventions, out of fifty-four (54). He said that these ratified Protocols and Conventions are being implemented and assured that efforts are being made to ratify the remaining Protocols.

Meanwhile, he stated that “good governance, upholding human rights and strengthening access to justice continue to be government’s priorities.”  Accordingly, he confirmed that strategies are being put in place to enhance and improve human rights, access to justice and good governance for all.

Ghanamps.com

Bamboi polyclinic to be operational end of July—Minister

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

Minister of Health Kwaku Agyeman Manu has told Parliament that the Bamboi polyclinic would start operationalization by the end of July 2021 when all training has been completed.

According to him practically the polyclinic has been completed and the technical team is currently undertaking testing and commissioning process.

And beyond that, staff has been allocated for the facility would be trained, when Member of Parliament for Bole/Bamboi, Yusif Sulemana wanted to know when the facility would be commissioned.

Members who contributed wanted assurance that it would be completed as stated, but the Minister noted that works of such nature, one needs to factor in unforeseen occurrences, and cannot add to anything he has said to face the Government Assurance Committee.

He also promised to look into the issue of water supply to the facility, and make sure everything is in order for smooth takeoff of the facility.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Omission of amendment contract supply delay Kumawu District Hospital—Minister

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

Mr. Kwaku Agyeman Manu , Minister for Health said omission of amendment to the contract of supply resulted in the delay of Kumawu district hospital construction being handled by MNSI Company.

According to him the Ministry made a joint submission of an amendment to the loan agreement and supply contract to Parliament.

As the resolution passed by parliament inadvertently made omission to the amendment supply contract, lawyers for the UKEF raised issues with the omission   and the Ministry is in talks with Parliament to resolve the matter.

The Minister further noted that despite the challenge, the contractor is already on site and is expecting that after the resolution, the contract would move at a faster pace.

The sector Minister was responding to the Member of parliament for Kumawu, Philip Bosoah who wanted to know the status of the Kumawu district hospital being constructed by MNSI company, as Kumawu is one of the three (3) sites including Fomena and Takoradi European hospital under this project that has recently received parliamentary approval for their completion.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Gwollu district hospital construction to start end of July

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu has disclosed that barring any unforeseen situation, construction of the Gwollu District Hospital, in the Sissala West district would commence ending of July 2021.

The Gwollu District Hospital, according to the Minister is among 101 hospitals that sites selection has been completed and would soon be handed over to the contractor. The project he noted is under the District hospitals promised by President Nana Akufo-Addo termed Agenda 111.

According to him there are some issues that needed to be resolved before construction can start, they are:

  • Land acquisition,
  • Architectural engineering designs and specifications,
  • Procurement of contractors,
  • Award of contract,
  • Site selection resolution, and
  • Petitions from some communities on possible relocation.

This came to light when the MP for Sissala West, Adam Mohammed Sukparu wanted to know from the sector Minister when construction would commence on the project.

In a supplementary question from the Sissala West MP on the source of fund for the project, the Minister said there were some budgetary allocations made in the recently read budget for this year, and the sector Minister further added that he has an understanding that the Finance Minister has had some mobilization done.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists call off strike

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists have called off their strike after meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health on Tuesday.

 According to the leadership of the Association, the decision to call off the strike is because of the high respect they have for the committee, and the goodwill they have received from the Select Committee on Health to help resolve all their grievances.

“We have taken charge of the industrial action staged by the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital chapter of the association and its related action. We have also considered the recent ruling of an Accra-based High Court and the goodwill we have received from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and the Ministry of Health to help resolve all the issues that caused the industrial action.”

The National Executive Committee of the Association therefore appealed to members of the KATH chapter, and all the regional chapters who took action in solidarity with KATH, to remain calm and return to work, while they have the opportunity to review all matters arising for further decision to be taken.

They, however, noted that “if conditions remains as it is, and we do not see much change, we have a lot of trust for the committee, and like we indicated we do not want to place conditionality to them, but we hope that, this time round, unlike the previous time, we would see a very favourable response.”

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Chapter of the GAMLS began the strike on Thursday, May 20, 2021, following the posting of two medical officers to the Laboratory Services Directorate of the hospital.

It, however, became a nationwide strike when other chapters across the country from government health institutions also join in solidarity with their members at KATH.

The Leadership of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health last week through the media appealed to the laboratory scientist to call off the strike and meet the committee to help find lasting solutions to their grievances.

Ghanamps.com

Tussle over date for start of actual work on La General Hospital

Posted on by Kwaku GhanaMPs

There was a tussle in parliament over date for commencement of actual construction of the La General Hospital.

While the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu assured that work will commence soon as measures are being put in place to address factors militating against the smooth take off of actual construction of the project, the Member of Parliament for Dadekotopon, Ms. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, and some members from the Minority side of the House, demanded that the Minister be specific with the date.

According to them, the Minister had already told the Appointment Committee during his vetting that work had already commenced, hence found the Minister’s new position rather strange.

But the Health Minster defended his position saying at the time, preliminary works, including demolishing, fencing, topographical surveying, design and other preliminary activities were ongoing at the site. 

The Minister who admitted that the start of the project has indeed delayed said he is unable to give a definite date because some issues arose during the cause of the preliminary works and would have to be dealt with before the project begins.  

Mr. Agyeman-Manu who was responding to a question file by the Member of Parliament for Dadekotopon disclosed that

  • Following the approval of the financial agreement and the commercial contract by both Cabinet and Parliament, the Guarantor, Sinosure was required to cover the project to close the transaction. Sinoure delayed in the issuance of the insurance cover which has accounted for the contractor’s low progress of work. The Finance Ministry, he noted has made the necessary engagements and consultations and it is expected that the Insurance cover will be issued soon for the contractor to improve the space of work.
  • Due to the condition of the land, it was critical to do an intrusive geological exploration to help determine the depth of the foundation and the sizes of the structural members for the facility. This was critical to avoid any structural problems which affected the old building and led to its demolition.
  • The varying waves of Covid-19 in various jurisdiction in Europe and China have also contributed to the delays.

The Minster however assured that “once the physical construction starts with all the right drawings and studies that are currently ongoing, there will be no breaks until completion.”

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com