News:
January 16, 2017
The Speaker of Ghana’s 7th Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Aaron Michael Oquaye, has emphasised the need for Ghana and the United States to strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The Speaker made this remark when the US Ambassador to Ghana, H. E. Robert P. Jackson paid a courtesy call on him at the Parliament House.
The Speaker made reference to the President’s vision of one-district-one-factory and said there is a need to place emphasis on areas like the production of solar energy among other sustainable projects.
He indicated his preparedness to ensure that the various plans outlined by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo came to fruition.
The US Ambassador on his part said his aim, like that of the Speaker, is to continue the relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Jackson finds it fascinating that Ghana is able to transition within thirty days of elections and said that is an indication of Ghana’s commitment to multi-party democracy.
He announced a US congressional delegation coming to Ghana next month and expressed the hope that Parliament would be able to meet them when they arrive.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, expressed the hope of Ghana learning more from the US Legislature despite the fact that the US system is federal and Ghana is unicameral.
He made special reference to the committee system and said the two countries have to strengthen bilateral relations in those areas.
The Majority Leader said Ghana’s participation in the yearly conference of the State Legislatures in the US continue to be of immense benefit as it helps participants to exchange ideas on best practices and for developing countries like Ghana to learn from the more developed ones.
The Minority Leader, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, said Ghana remains committed to maintaining and improving good governance practices.
He said it is imperative that rights of individuals are respected and that government must be sensitive to the sensibilities of individuals when they take actions.
The Minority leader then called on the American Embassy to extend their attention beyond the Public Accounts committee pointing out that there are other equally vibrant committees in the House that need assistance.
The Speaker, Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye, made reference to the AGOA initiative which he said was a trailblazer in providing impetus to energize the Private sector.
“The achievements under the initiative remain lasting testimonies to positive bilateral relationships to this day,” he noted.
He also spoke about Ghana’s democratic activities from 1992 when the country returned to constitutional rule in 1993 and commended the country for its achievements.
The Ghanaian Speaker further spoke about the need to maintain institutional memory.
He pledged Parliament’s preparedness to host the congressional delegation when they arrive.