House adopts report on Montreal protocol

Accra (Greater Accra) 10th June ?99

Parliament on Wednesday adopted the report of the committee on Environment, Science and Technology on the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer.

Squadron Leader Clend Sowu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Anlo and chairman of the committee, moved the motion for the adoption of the report. He was seconded by the ranking member, Mr Edward Osei-Kwaku, MP for Asokwa West.

Sqd-Ld Sowu said the ratification of the protocol was aimed, among others, at accelerating the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances.

It also aims at building global partnership and co-operation in protecting the ozone layer in order to save mankind from the adverse effects of the ozone depletion.

Contributing to the debate on the motion, Mr John Kwekucher Ackah, NDC-Jomoro, urged Ghanaians to discourage the use of substances that help to deplete the ozone layer.

Mr I.K. Nyame Ofori, NDC-Sefwi-Wiawso, stated that it requires global effort and responsibility to protect the ozone layer.

Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, NPP-Akim Oda, said Ghana should go beyond the ratification of the convention and ensure that standards are set to discourage developed countries from depleting the layer.

"We shall be looking into the future as a nation if we educate ourselves about substances that cause the depletion."

Mr Osafo-Maafo urged third world nations to bring political pressure to bear on developed countries whose activities, he said, impact negatively on the ozone layer.

Mr Lee Tandoh Ocran, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, stated that the nation does not produce those substances that lead to the depletion.

Rather, Ghanaians use them, he said, and urged users to desist from the practice to save the nation's environment from pollution.

The Deputy Minister said it is gratifying to note that most developed nations that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer have now ratified the convention.

The paper on the Lands (Miscellaneous Services) Fees Instrument, 1999, was laid before the house.

Mr Kenneth Dzirasah, Second Deputy Speaker who was in the chair, referred it to the appropriate committee for consideration and report.