German MPs meet Vice-President Mills, others

Accra (Greater Accra) 6th July ?99

Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday expressed concern about the inhuman treatment of illegal immigrants and other Africans, who infringe the laws in Europe, particularly Germany, and urged the governments to take a second look at the situation.

He said as much as he agrees that those, who infringe the laws must face the law, it would be more appropriate if the countries of origin are contacted to help in dealing with the culprits.

"The authorities must not take the law into their own hands and brutalise those unfortunate ones," Vice-President Mills told members of a delegation from the German Lower House of Parliament, Bundestag, who called at the Castle, Osu.

The Vice-President recalled cases of inhuman treatment of some Ghanaian immigrants in Germany and tasked members of the delegation to assist in addressing the problem.

The six-member delegation representing the Committee of the Interior in the German Parliament was at the Castle to hold discussions with government officials on issues of Ghanaian and German domestic interest.

Vice-President Mills and Mr Peter Enders, head of the German delegation and a member of the coalition government of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), led the discussions that also covered the fight against drug-related crimes as well as migration.

The German MPs are on a fact-finding tour of three West African countries.

Besides Ghana, they would also visit Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal.

Vice-President Mills expressed appreciation for Germany's contributions to Ghana's stride towards economic growth and democracy.

He said the issues of drug and other related problems are of great importance to Ghana.

He, therefore, expressed the hope that the meeting would come out with candid and practical solutions.

Prof. Mills pledged the government's commitment to implement decisions that would come out of the discussions.

Mr Enders, who said the committee would look at the reports of inhuman treatment of immigrants, said the problem of illegal immigrants has been of a major concern to his country, which is now exploring partnerships with governments towards "a better way of doing things".

He said his country is encouraged by Ghana's strides particularly in her evolving democratic dispensation as well as the economy.

Mr Enders said Germany is very much interested in enhancing Ghana's steady progress, especially in the areas of education, health and human resource development.

He urged members of the delegation to explore Ghana's investment opportunities, while in the country to serve as a beacon for other German investors, who do not know of the country's potentials.

Opening the discussions, Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said it was gratifying that the two sides had finally found time to talk about some "thorny issues" that have been sources of worry to both the people and governments.

Mr Gbeho recalled relations between Ghana and Germany saying it has been "long-standing and quite warm".

He said Germany has contributed a lot to the development of Ghana and the people.

What needs to be done to enhance the present relationship is to explore new methods to reduce obstacles to economic trade as well as social problems like drug and other criminal activities.

Others who participated in the talks included Mr Kofi Quantson, Director of Narcotics Control, and Mr William Abuah Director of Ghana Imigration Service.