Govt committed to restoration of democracy in West Africa- JAK

Accra, Jan. 17, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday pledged the Government's commitment to ensure the restoration of democracy through good governance and rule of law in West African Countries.

He said using decentralisation as a vehicle; such policies were being implemented to accommodate the views of minority, religious and other groups that had been the sources of many conflicts and upheavals in most countries within the Sub-Region.

President Kufuor made the pledge when an Irish Parliamentary delegation paid a courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu.

Dr Rory O'Hanlon, Speaker of the Irish Lower House of Parliament, is leading the eight-member delegation, which is on a five-day visit to the country.

He said the Irish Government had a lot of experience of good leadership and governance worthy of emulation by Ghana and the visit would further strengthen the relationship between both countries. Dr O'Hanlon commended Ghana for a successful election and congratulated President Kufuor on his re-election.

"I congratulate you on your re-election, and wish you a very successful and happy tenure of office and long deepened relations between both countries."

He pledged the Irish Parliament's commitment to assist Ghana's Parliament to improve on its performance.

Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi-Hughes, Speaker of Parliament, who led the Delegation, said it had discussion with the Leadership of Parliament on ways to explore cooperation between the two Houses.

He said the Delegation would attend proceedings of the House on Tuesday, January 18.