Accra, Aug. 29, GNA - The visiting Canadian Parliamentary delegation led by Mr Bob Kilger, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, on Friday held discussions with Vice President Aliu Mahama, at the Castle, Osu.
The Parliamentarians, who are on a three-nation tour, would participate in a two-day seminar on "Parliamentary Democracy, The Canadian Experience," with their Ghanaian counterparts.
They would look at political parties, electioneering campaigns, financial control and budget processes and parliamentary privileges as well as internal administration of Parliament.
Vice President Mahama said their long-standing experience would help to improve Ghana's Parliamentary culture, which is being nurtured. He said their contribution to Ghana's Parliamentary democracy was laudable, as it would give a positive signal to other African countries that democracy could thrive in Africa.
Vice President Mahama praised Canada's interest in Africa, especially Ghana, saying it had made significant contributions to the water and energy sectors to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians. "When your Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, became the Head of G8, he championed African's cause, through NEPAD, at the top industrialized nations' Summit. Ghana has benefited from that cause."
Vice President Mahama reiterated the government's determination to ensure that democracy took roots in Ghana.
Mr Kilger said, even though, the two countries had different democratic institutions, the values and principles were the same. "We are here to share our experiences, build a bond of friendship and we hope we leave something behind," he said. The Speaker of Parliament Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, who initiated the visit, said the two Parliaments had had cordial relationships over the last couple of years.
The nine-member delegation, which has already been to Nigeria, would leave for Sierra Leone on Monday.
