MPs call for trans-border efforts to tackle alga spread

Accra, July 4, GNA - Members of Parliament on Wednesday called for joint efforts between Ghana and Cote d' Ivoire to deal with havoc caused by the spread of a greenish silky material along portions of the western coastal lines of the two countries.

According to them, the material now identified as algae bloom, has resulted in massive destruction of the livelihood of fisher folks in the Jomoro District of the Western Region. The MPs were contributing to a statement on the havoc caused by the greenish substance made on the floor of the House by Mr Lee Ocran, (NDC-Jomoro).

Mr Ocran said the algae surfaced in 1993 and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigated the matter in 1995. He said studies indicated that the "bloom drifts from the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire into Ghanaian waters. During the past two years, however, monitoring activities of the EPA reveal that the bloom has become almost persistent throughout the year." "The EPA in 2000, had requested through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a meeting of technical personnel of the two countries to discuss the problem and develop a joint solution to it. Unfortunately, the political disturbances that began in Cote d'Ivoire led to an indefinite postponement of the meeting.

"Mr Speaker, I wish to recommend that diplomatic efforts be resumed to reconvene the meeting to find a solution to the problem," Mr. Ocran said.

He said the bloom had severely constrained fishing activities in the district thus deepening poverty in the area. He also called on NADMO to provide relief items to fishermen whose livelihood had been affected.

Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker, in his contributions, touched on the gravity of the situation and said the Finance Ministry should provide funds to help address the issue.

Mr Saddique Abubakar Boniface, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, said there was the need for investigations to find out whether the algae bloom was toxic since the substance emitted strong offensive odour.

In a related development, the women in parliament have called for greater recognition of women's contributions to nation building. They said more leadership roles should be given to women to guarantee their contributions to the development of the nation. They were contributing to a statement on "Ghana @ 50 - A Woman's Perspective" made on the floor of the House by Mrs Agnes Chigabatia, (NPP-Builsa North).

Ms Akua Sena Dansua, contributing, said as the nation gears up for election 2008, women should not only be seen as cheer leaders clad in party T-shirt on the campaign trail, only to be left out of political appointments when a party wins the elections.