News:
September 4, 2020
Speakers of the Ghanaian Parliament and his Nigerian counterpart of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Professor Aaron Michael Ouaye and Rt. Hon. Olufemi Gbajabiamila have held talks to find solutions to the challenges brought about as a result of Ghana implementing the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) Act 20 Act 865.
Their discussions so far have been on how the implementation of the Act 865 can be implemented in a manner that would not render Nigerian traders in Ghana jobless since most of them have their shops closed and some fines levied at them in accordance with provisions of Act 865.
Ghana’s sovereignty and national interest in the matter has been at the front burner in all the discussions held so far.
Participants in the discussions included a twelve member delegation from Nigeria, Ghana’s Trade Minister, the Minister for National Security, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Chief Executive Officer of the GIPC, Chairman and Deputy Ranking on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Clerk of Ghana’s Parliament and some key parliamentary staff.
Speaker Gbajabiamila in his submission yesterday referred to the economic, social and political ties that bind Ghana and Nigeria together and urged that the two countries use legislative diplomacy to resolve the issues confronting both countries.
He said it is most appropriate since Ghana’s Speaker had on previous occasions worked together, using the same tools to resolve economic issues not between only the two countries but in the sub region.
Professor Oquaye on his part assured his vising counterpart of Ghana’s good intentions and also pointed out that reports on the matter may have escalated tensions and cautioned that private or commercial arrangements between individuals and organisations of the two countries should not be confused with governments’ engagements.
He also encouraged the use of diplomacy in the resolution between both countries, as both countries are keen on finding a lasting solution to the matter.
Ghana’s Trade Minister, Alan Kyeremanteng further explained the context of the GIPC Act and its implementation and said that it was not targeted at any particular nationals and definitely not Nigerians.
And outlined ways by which the two countries can have mutual trade relations with the requisite benefits.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com