News:
January 24, 2020
Outgoing Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Mustapha Cisse Lo has said despite the Supplementary Act that enhances the powers of the legislature, there is still much to be done to ensure that the work of Parliament commensurate with its important function as the representative of the people of the Community.
According to the outgoing Speaker, there are challenges related to the implementation of the provision of the Supplementary Act on the strengthening powers of the Parliament, both in the adoption of the Community budget and in effective control functions, which should be met.
“Mr. President, the care of Members of Parliament must be properly reviewed and appropriately adjusted to correspond to the important role and functions played by Parliament, working environment for MPs logistical support, their movement and capacity building to carry out their functions more effectively”.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of a three-day seminar in the Gambia, marking the last extraordinary meeting of the fourth Parliament of ECOWAS, with President Adama Barrow gracing the opening.
Also, he pointed out that he has visited by Heads of States from the West African Community states, to discuss the challenges in the implementation of the protocols and regulations relating to the implementation of the integration of people and states.
“We have on several occasions visited some countries borders to sensitize border officials on the full implementation of ECOWAS protocol and to prevent harassment of people and businesses crossing our borders”.
He further emphasised that ECOWAS is a community institution financed by community resources generated by taxes paid by the people of the community, and it is important the people know how their money is being spent and the performance of those representing them.
The objective of the seminar and special session in the Gambia is to access the performance of the Parliament for the past four years.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com/Banjul