Author: Kwaku GhanaMPs

A member of the Senegalese delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Abdoulaye Vilane has taken a swipe at the Speaker Dr. Sidie Mohammed Tunis saying he would go down history as “one of the worst Speaker’s the Parliament has had.

According to him the speaker’s remarks that Sierra Leone and Liberia are not affected by the terrorist attacks hence not his business is really unfortunate.

Rather Countries like Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, Togo and Nigeria should be concerned about terrorist attacks, “this is irresponsible comments”.

Mr. Abdoulaye Vilane, a member of the Trade, Customs and Free Movement Committee who attended the joint Committee meeting of Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism/ Legal Affairs and Human Right on Friday, May, 19, 2023 was unhappy of the absence of the Chairman of the Parliament Affairs Peace, Security and APRM and key persons as well as the Rt. Hon Speaker Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis.

He noted in an interview that important matters such as efforts to bring back Countries under sanction because of coup like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso are being discussed and the political situation in Senegal but the Speaker and chairman are nowhere to be found.

Again, he further pointed out that he is reliable informed that the Speaker was supposed to be in Panama for the opening of their Parliament, but did not go because the President of his Country was celebrating his birthday.

Checks done by Ghanamps.com, has revealed that chairman of the Political Affairs Committee Senator Snowe is in Panama Parliament to represent the Speaker Rt. Hon Dr. Sidie Mohammad Tunis.

In addition, “he comes to sign for first week when there is parliamentary work but was nowhere to be seen all because his term is coming to an end, he does not care about anything”, he stated.

When Ghanamps.com reached out to the Speaker’s secretariat on the issue of the terrorist comment, it was revealed that it was meant to be a joke and not serious comment.

And on the issue of absence of the Speaker at the joint committee meeting of Political Affairs Committee of which he is a member, it came up that ahead of next month’s general election in Sierra Leone, the Speaker is back in his home country.

Mr. Abdoulaye Vilane further pointed out that similar situation was witnessed last year during the second Ordinary Session November to December of 2022, “the Speaker came in for few days and was nowhere to be seen”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The joint Committees meeting of Political Affairs, Peace, Security and Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)/ Legal Affairs and Human Right involving political issues in Senegal was up for discussion on Friday, May, 19, 2023.

In an interview after the Committee meeting, a friend to the Committee Stephen J. H Zargo noted that Senegal is one of the most flourishing countries in West Africa.

Senegal and Cape Verde are the only two West African countries that have never had coup; so they do want to hear any situation that would lead to that, but the political situation in Senegal is becoming worrying.

Where the Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko is being tried for alleged rape, the 48-year-old has denied the charges and has accused President Macky Sall of trying to prevent him from running in elections next year.

Mr. Zargo further noted that ECOWAS needs to get involve so that a peace nation like Senegal does not plunge into chaos. “We are happy to be informed by the Commission that there are some back door channels being used that is tapping the expertise of the council of the wise and they should ensure that Senegal is safe and they can continue to enjoy as stable West African state”.

In addition, engagement with the Commission is good, “we all went there with open mind when one person felt short the other person picked up from it. We informed each other, we are cross cutting, we have gotten to know the challenges”, he added.

As to whether the exercise by the Committee would lead to any significant changes, he pointed out that the Parliament has moved from advisory level with their enhanced powers and it’s not only about their opinion as MPs that matter; they also push further.

He was however, quick to point out that they embark on country visitation in some instances and where action has to be taken they do that. “We dispatched some ECOWAS female MPs to Senegal when a female lawmaker was abused; we are making progress”.

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Head of Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Mrs. Onyinye Onwuka has expressed worry of low visibility  of the sub-regional bloc’s activities.

According to her, for instance,  tons of  grains were sent to Burkina Faso,  in view of the humanitarian challenges  and the Commission also deployed  High Level Humanitarian Assessment mission, in March 2023 to identify the country’s needs/challenges, for informed support.

She  stressed on  the need to increase visibility to ECOWAS activities in the region by all the ECOWAS institutions and at member states, to adequately inform and sensitize community citizens on the efforts made by ECOWAS towards sustainable peace and development of the region.

And wonders why the activities of ECOWAS are not getting the same level of publicity like other partners.

She made this revelation when the directorate of Political Affairs of the department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security appeared before Parliament’s joint Committee on Legal Affairs & Human Right/ Political Affairs, Peace, Security and APRM on Friday, May, 19, 2023.

In an interview just after the Committee’s deliberation, she further explained that visibility is very important and sells a brand, hence the need to be more intentional in publicity with the right mechanism and network.

“We need to reach out and tell our stories ourselves so it is the intentional aspect of it that we need to amplify currently because we are public servants, whatever you do, you have to be modest about it”.

Dr. Onyinye emphasised the need to create that awareness for the citizens to know that what their monies are used for at that level that is why it is key, that we become more intentional with publicity.

And further added that the Communication divisions of the ECOWAS institutions need to do more by showcasing its activities.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Republic of Sierra Leone for the Second time at the ongoing 2023 first Ordinary Session in Abuja Nigeria of the Community Parliament missed the opportunity to present its Country report to the plenary when MPs were waiting to listen to its Country report.

In the first instance, the Country report was not ready despite its arrival in Abuja-Nigeria. Another opportunity presented itself on Thursday, May 18, 2023 but due to the packed nature of programme for the day, only ten (10) MPs were left in the hall as at two o’clock and they suggested looking at the number of members present to have a meaningful discussion the Country report should be pushed to the next plenary.

Just after adjournment of the proceedings, Shiaka Musa Sama who was on the standby to present his Country report told Ghanamps.com it’s unfortunate, “Sierra Leone was ready to present its Country report but we did not have the opportunity”.

As to whether Sierra Leone would have the opportunity to present its report before the end of the session, he noted that it is left for the delegation to decide. “I was to present today, I do not know who would be appointed the next time, we would let you know”.

Meanwhile Ghanamps.com can reveal that MPs are in anticipation to listen to the Country report of Sierra Leone as they head towards election next month.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

A member of the Liberian delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Stephen J. H. Zargo has lauded efforts by the sub-regional bloc to return Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali who are currently under sanction because of military coup to constitutional rule.

Zargo who was speaking in an interview as a friend to the joint Committee to the Political Affairs, Peace, Security and APRM/Legal Affairs and Human Right also admitted that more work needs to be done with efforts to bring them back to constitutional rule.

The joint Committee met on Friday, May 19, 2023 to consider a draft agenda on the development in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali involving political situation in Senegal, which would be adopted at the plenary at the ongoing 2023 first Ordinary Session of the Community Parliament in Abuja Nigeria.

In addition, the Committee looked at election preparedness in member states going to the polls in 2023 including Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

Per the briefing received from Political Affairs directorate at the Committee level, Burkina Faso is making a lot of progress, “I am concerned about Guinea because they are close to Liberia and whatever happens there affects us in Liberia – proximity, culture and political, there are similarity”.

He further added that they have a lot more in common and pointed out that, ECOWAS needs to be more proactive; they do not need to wait for incidents to occur before they take action; “you spend less resources and time if you prevent it”.

Again, ECOWAS Parliament, Commission and Court needs to work together to ensure they nib the situations in the bad so that issue of coups can become a history.

“We should be in a new dispensation, coups should not be happening and there should be enabling environment so that everyone in the political arena would have their say, so that people do not feel disadvantaged and take the back door to do things they do as we talk about Guinea Burkina Faso and Mali”.

Mr. Stephen Zargo, noted that it’s time to look into the eyes of Presidents in the sub-region and tell them what you are doing is wrong especially those who want to elongate their term of office and gave the case of Guinea Conakry for instance.

“Didn’t we see it coming in the case of Guinea what Professor Alpha Code was doing? I don’t know if in Senegal, the President want to go for a third term or second term, I did not get an answer to that question from the Commission”.

And noted that he agrees to the suggestions that the problems we face as Africans are our own creations, as we need to call a spade a spade. “We need to look at the issues, tell the truth to our leaders”, he emphasised in an interview.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Vice Chairman of the Community’s Parliament Committee on Trade, Customs and Free Movement Stephen J. H. Zargo said the issue of extortion at the various sub-regional borders came up at their Wednesday, May 17, 2023 joint committee meeting at the Parliament in Abuja Nigeria at the ongoing 2023 first Ordinary Session.

The eight hours marathon Committee started at ten in the morning and ended around five in the evening. It involved joint Committees of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources/ Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research/ Trade, Customs and Free Movement/Industry and the Private Sector. Journalists were however not allowed into the meeting with Commissioners.

In an interview after the meeting with Ghanamps.com Stephen Zargo who looked so exhausted noted that Issues of extortion at the various sub-regional borders came up and not only that of Ghana and Togo borders but rather between an Anglophone and Francophone countries; and the language barrier was also considered.

He emphasized on the need to harmonies how sub-regional officers of immigration and customs interact with people and also talk about ethical values and the need for a legal framework to guide the conduct of custom officers, as the bad practice is sending the sub-region backwards.

He further indicated in an interview that there were many referrals about twenty of them which dates back several months that they want to deal with and put them behind them.

On the issue of single currency (Eco) convergence criteria which has been missed so many times and keeps lingering for a long time now, he said it was like closing remarks for most MPs.

“If we finalized issues of the currency many things would be put to rest – the issue of tourism, free movement and customs. The complication in our currency; if you are not trading in dollars, you are trading in CFA, and it becomes complicated”.

Mr. Zargo further expressed optimism that a common currency can enhance trade and make things easy for the sub-region. He said discussions on the matter had taken a long time but expressed hope they can address the issue of the ECO once and for all.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The 13th Edition of the African Achievers’ Awards (AAA) announced its call for nominations May 1st, 2023, seeking applications into categories of its honorary roll call of distinguished individuals who have made impact in the African Continent.

The much awaited event will hold at the House of Parliament, The Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom England on July 14, 2023.

The AAA, focusing on the African continent, recognizing exceptional Africans for their contribution to the growth and development of Africa, is one of the most prestigious awards in the world.

This year’s summit and awards ceremony provides a platform for industry leaders in Africa to converge, and discuss strategies towards sustainability in Africa. The theme for 2023 is: “Unlocking Sustainable Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa – the PPP Approach”.

The Achievers are selected in the categories of: Community development, Arts & Culture, Business & Entrepreneurship Agriculture, Community Service, Rural development, Education.

This year’s edition is hosted by the Right Honorable Lord Simon Woolley, Member of the House of Lords, UK Parliament. Palace of Westminster. Lord Woolley was the chair of the Government of the United Kingdom Race Disparity Unit Advisory Group until July 2020.

He is a British politician, activist, and the founder and director of Operation Black Vote and Trustee of the charity Police Now. Lord Woolley is first Black Principal of the Homerton College, Cambridge University. Woolley has been a crossbench member of the House of Lords since October 2019.

In line with its tradition of esteemed jury of note, the AAA announced its judges for the 2013 edition. They are: Former President of Mauritius, H.E. Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim; Cabinet Member for Community Safety,

Dr. Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas OBE, DCL. Chairperson AAA and Former Trade Adviser on Infrastructure at the Department of International Trade (DIT) of the British High Commission in Ghana, Selork Kofi Dake.

Other esteemed members of the jury for the 2023 AAA are: Founder of Wintrade Global, Dr. Yvonne Thompson, CBE, FRSA, Deputy Lieutenant for the King for Greater London and Dr. Rex Idaminabo, FRSA.
Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo FRSA is a Reputation management expert, lawyer and serial entrepreneur recognised by Forbes and Avance Media.

Dr. Rex is the CEO of Reputation Poll International, a developmental branding and business innovation agency who has made indelible marks in creating a new image for Africa through the success stories of the African Achievers Awards annual event, now in its 13th year.

Dr. Gurio-Fakim has also been the recipient of various international awards including the L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2007), Laureate for the National Economic and Social Council (2007), the CTA / NEPAD / AGRA / RUFORUM for ‘African Women in Science’ and the African Union Award for Women in Science.

She was also made Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSkK) by President Anerood Jugnauth in 2008 for her contribution in the education and the sc entific sector. She was awarded the Order of the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques’ by the Government of France in 2009

Dr. Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas OBE, DCL, is Cabinet member for community safety and she was recently awarded an Order of the British Empire for services to local government and gender equality in King Charles’s first New Year’s Honours List.

Dr. Susan has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades in the public, first as a Television presenter, community Communication consultant, turned activist and politician which has seen her become a multi platform speaker and communicator. She is a Member of Hackney Council and the former civic Mayor of the borough. In 2018 she was named in 100 Most Reputable Africans alongside three African Presidents.

Mr. Selork Kofi Dake is a former Trade Adviser on Infrastructure at the Department of International Trade (DIT) of the British High Commission in Ghana where he was the Lead on high value construction Projects portfolio including airports, ports, roads, real estate, water and railways.

He is currently the exclusive Africa Representative and Director for Africa of the Hong Keng and Guangzhou based China Arab Africa Business Union (CAABU) fostering win-win commercial partnerships between businesses within the 3 regions. He is a British Government Chevening Scholar and an accomplished FOI broker within the West African Region.

Dr. Yvonne Thompson, CBE, FRSA has worked with many public bodies and chaired or served on the boards of numerous organisations, including government agencies. In February 2016, she was appointed chair of The Radio Academy, UK. Yvonne Thompson received the European Women Cf Achievement Award in 2001.

In the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Services to Black and Ethnic Minority Business.

Over the years, the Awards event has honoured and celebrated great African trailblazers whose works have had a meaningful impact on development in Africa. Former laureates include worthy African political leaders, exceptional young achievers, passionate and dedicated community builders, and captains of industries.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Vice chairman of the Community Parliament’s Committee Trade, Customs and Free Movement Stephen J. H. Zargo was unhappy when on Monday, May 15, 2023 he showed up at the Parliament to attend a joint Committee meeting and was told the Committee meeting could not hold due to challenges.

According to him Speaker Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis should take responsibility for it as euphoria around the second week of the ongoing 2023 first Ordinary Session has been low according to his assessment of how the Session is going.

“The lukewarm attitude this week is unacceptable. Today is Monday, my committee should be meeting this week but look at the turn out here; it’s not encouraging at all, the spirit is lacking -honesty we lack leadership”, he stated.

In an interview with Ghanamps.com he noted that the development is very worrying, and call for concern in the wake of increased terrorism and insecurity in the sub- region, saying they should devote their time and resources to discuss it.

Again, the only time bad people can prevail is if the good people do not do anything at all, “so if they, the good people fold their hands and do not do anything, the bad people would be victorious”.

“I did not fly from Monrovia to Abuja, so that after a week there is no much work to be done, I am co-chair of a committee; by now I should be in a meeting with commissioners to talk about trade, free movement and customs; and in addition to talk about political situation in the sub-region. Today there is a committee meeting, you come here, no one tells you anything and I blame the head”.

HE challenged the media to do more, stating that there are many problems in the sub-region that we should expedite actions on. “I am not happy the way things are going, I have election coming up in my country soon, I left everything to be here to do the citizens business and look at how things are –it is unfortunate”, he lamented.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com