Member of Parliament for the Jomoro constituency, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has delivered a press release on the ground of Parliament, detailing the outcomes of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s current go to to the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire and his engagement with the Ghanaian neighborhood in that nation.
Making a press release on the ground of Parliament on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Hon. Affo-Toffey described the go to as a big step in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and deepening ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. She recommended Speaker Bagbin for his exemplary management and highlighted his contributions to fostering collaboration with sister legislatures, noting his re-election as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL).
The Speaker, she famous, had the privilege of addressing the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, the place he emphasised the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, mutual pursuits, and collaboration between the 2 nations. The delegation additionally engaged in an change of greatest practices in governance and policymaking with their Ivorian counterparts, reaffirming commitments to accountability, democracy, and citizen welfare.
Hon. Affo-Toffey shared insights from the delegation’s assembly with the Ghanaian diaspora in Côte d’Ivoire, describing the interplay as each enlightening and humbling. She highlighted the resilience and unity of the Ghanaian neighborhood, emphasizing their contributions to their host nation whereas sustaining sturdy ties to Ghana.
Key Concerns Raised by the Ghanaian Community
The MP introduced consideration to urgent points raised by Ghanaians dwelling in Côte d’Ivoire:
1. Voting Rights and ROPAL Implementation:
The Ghanaian neighborhood known as for the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Law (ROPAL), handed in 2006, to allow them to take part in Ghanaian elections from overseas.
2. High Passport Fees and Identification Documents:
Concerns have been raised about the price of renewing and changing Ghanaian passports, which at present stand at 80,000 CFA (roughly GHS 1,900) for renewal and 110,000 CFA (GHS 2,600) for alternative. The neighborhood urged Parliament to advocate for payment reductions and streamlined processes for buying passports, consular playing cards, and ECOWAS id playing cards.
3. Human Trafficking Along Border Areas:
Hon. Affo-Toffey highlighted alarming experiences of human trafficking on the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire border, notably a scheme known as “Q-Net,” the place people are lured with false guarantees of touring to Europe however find yourself in exploitative conditions. She urged Parliament to collaborate with authorities in Côte d’Ivoire to handle this problem.
Call for Support to Diaspora Communities
Hon. Affo-Toffey emphasised the important position of Ghana’s diaspora in nationwide improvement, calling on Parliament to prioritize insurance policies that tackle their wants. She praised the Speaker’s engagement as an important step towards sustaining sturdy connections with residents overseas and fostering collaboration between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
She urged her colleagues in Parliament to advocate for the welfare and dignity of Ghanaians dwelling overseas, noting that the outcomes of such engagements might function a basis for shaping insurance policies that profit the diaspora and strengthen bilateral ties.
“Let us continue to build on this momentum to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” she stated.
By Jeorge Wilson Kingson || ghananewsonline.com