Parliamentarians reminded of their role in Ghana's foreign policy

Koforidua, July 4, GNA - Professor Kofi Kumado, Director of Legon Centre for International Affairs (LECIA), has reminded Parliamentarians that they had a role in the promotion of Ghana's foreign policies. He explained that, Parliament could either help the Executive in their implementation or could undermine the implementation of the policies depending on resources approved for the sector.

Prof. Kumado made the call at the opening of a two-day Capacity Building workshop for members of Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs (PSCFA) at Koforidua on Saturday.

It was under the theme "Parliament and the Conduct of Ghana's Foreign Policy: Trends and Prospects of the new Millennium". Mr Osei Sarfo, Chairman of the committee, explained that, such workshops were important to enable them understand the world trends and to handle their oversight responsibilities on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD without over burdening or undermining the ministry.

Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Ranking Member of PSCFA, said now the world lived in a global village and Ghana needed to take her foreign policies very serious.

She said some treaties and protocols had been signed by Ghana for which PSCFA was not aware but should be informed and ensure that those international documents were ratified. Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, observed that, for Ghana to have a good working relationship with the rest of the world, Parliament had a role to play in the formulation of acceptable foreign policies and laws. He therefore entreated Parliamentarians to ensure accountability, consensus building and transparency in the discharge of their duties.