Ghana Parliamentary Delegation Everywhere But No Implementation.

The government of the Czech Republic has expressed its willingness to support Ghana to explore to the full, its oil and gas potentials. It also stands ready to provide the needed expertise to increase Ghana's power generation capacity. These sentiments were expressed on behalf of the Czech government by the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Hynek Kmonicek at a meeting with members of Ghana's Parliamentary delegation currently on a four-day goodwill visit to the Czech Republic.

Mr. Kmonicek, the Czech Deputy Foreign Minister observed that his country has been following close efforts by the government and people of Ghana to improve the country's economy. He was particularly glad that the oil find will further strengthen the economic structures but was quick to add that proceeds from the find could only accelerate economic development if only sound management systems were put in place.

According to the Czech Republic Deputy Minister, his country has supported various countries to develop their energy potentials and would therefore not hesitate to provide the same measure of support to Ghana.

The Deputy Foreign Minister used the occasion to call on Ghana Parliament to be actively involved in the drive towards attracting potential investors to Ghana. He mentioned among others, areas such as double taxation, investment protection and the ratification of treaties.

The Speaker of Parliament, Madam Joyce Bamford-Addo, who headed the delegation called for closer co-operation between Ghana and the Czech Republic to further strengthening the existing relations as this will eventually inure to the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. She also observed that visits of such nature were important in promoting peace and understanding across the globe.

Majority leader Mr. Cletus Avorka reiterated Ghana's commitment to good governance and democracy, he gave the assurance that Parliament would continue to work towards establishing investment friendly climate in Ghana. The Minority leader, Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said regardless of the good intentions of the Executive, Parliament should always be involved in the process that would eventually lead to the signing and ratification of agreements and protocols. By so doing, less time would be spent when these agreements are finally brought to the House for approval.

Ghana has sought loans everywhere possible but we don't see any developmental and infrastructural progressive implementation anywhere in the country. Not even the National Health Insurance Scheme is functioning properly in the country.

The Government of the Czech Republic has promised Ghana to develop his energy potentials but the country is continuously experiencing inconstancy of electricity flow.

FRANCIS TAWIAH (Duisburg - Germany)