Poverty is the biggest threat to peace

Accra, Aug. 14, GNA - Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, Member of Parliament (MP) for Lawra Nandom, on Monday said poverty was now the biggest threat to peace in the West Africa Sub-Region.

"Everywhere we go we see poverty as the common denominator. The limited resources and the rising population growth give rise to a fierce competition for resources which could be violent."

Dr Kunbuor was speaking on: "Parliamentary Committees and Trans-Border Security in West Africa" at a two-day seminar in Accra on =93The Extraction Industry and Border Management: the Role of Parliament=94.

More than 40 Members of Parliament from Ghana, Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are attending the seminar.

He called for a rethink of the principles underlying democracy adding that apart from democracy promoting good governance and human rights, it should bring about economic dividends.

Dr Kunbuor called on Parliaments within the Sub-Region to ensure that the people were well informed and cared for within the new democratic paradigm.

"The level of security sector literacy should be raised for all. It should transcend party politics because when matters of security get out of hand, no political party is spared."

He said members of Parliament would have to strengthen their oversight responsibilities over the organs of State to bring about harmony and prosperity.

On cross-border crimes, he called for the harmonization of security institutions and legislations to bring about tranquillity on the borders.

Dr Kunbuor, who is the Minority Spokesman on Defence and Interior, criticized the institution of Parliament its diminishing power and influence as most members indulged in self-censorship.

"I do not have evidence stored anywhere that the Presidency has obstructed any move or initiative taken by Parliament. The issue is that some members do not realize what they are and what they can do." Dr Kunbuor said Parliaments in the Sub-Region had allowed themselves to be used as fire fighting tools in the hands of the Executive.

He blamed the altitude on poor and obsolete legislations and unnecessary party loyalty.

He also criticized international bodies for not formally recognizing the role of Parliaments in the over sighting of protocols and agreements they craft for democratic nations. Dr Kunbuor said the Executives were sometimes forced to bring such protocols and treaties to Parliament because of the financial implications involved.