Kenya's Speaker of Parliament in Ghana

Cape Coast Nov. 16, GNA - The Speaker of Kenya's Parliament, Mr Francis Ole-Kaparo, on Thursday called on Africa's political leaders to promote and ensure the entrenchment of rule of law, good governance and true democracy in their countries.

This would help push do away with undemocratic systems such as military rule or single party dictatorship, he said and urged the leaders to show the desired commitment with their "hearts, brains and strength" to ensure democracy in the continent.

Mr Ole-Kaparo made these remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur in Cape Coast. The Speaker pointed out that democratic rule was not "a gift to the people, but their right" and underscored the importance of Parliament in ensuring democracy, adding that there was need for African countries to learn from each other.

Mr Ole-Kaparo described tourism as one of the most sensitive but important economic activities countries could benefit from and stressed the need for all to get involved in promoting the sector. He said for a country to reap good results from the industry it was imperative to ensure that it impacted directly on the people. "Until people begin to feel and accept that they would benefit from tourism, it will be difficult to make a headway".

Mr Ole-Kaparo tasked governments to encourage their people to actively participate in the development of tourism and suggested that those engaged in the hospitality and transportation businesses should be supported to enhance the industry.

According to him, Kenya has adopted this strategy for the last 10 years and was ready to share its expertise in tourism with Ghana. He pledged his country's willingness to continue with the cordial relationship between the two countries, adding that Kenya draws a lot of inspiration from Ghana. Mr Ole-Kaparo, accompanied by his wife Mary, also visited the Cape Coast and Elmina castles and the Kakum National Park. 16 Nov. 07