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ECOWAS pushed to deploy its protocol
Accra, April 1, Ghanadot/GNA - Mr Chris Kpodo, Deputy
Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
has said that the Economic community of West African States (ECOWAS)
provides a lot of opportunities and hope for the people of the
sub-region.
He said the myriad of problems confronting the sub-region could
be curtailed if the ECOWAS is able to implement the laudable
ideas enshrined in its protocol, which is geared towards the
integration, cooperation and development of the people of West
Africa.
Mr Kpodo made these observations when he appeared before the
Appointments Committee of Parliament on Wednesday.
He said it was unfortunate that most member countries pay lip
service to the good plans set out in the ECOWAS Protocol, which
has hindered the expected benefits of the regional economic
grouping.
He suggested a strategy that would fast track the integration of
the sub-region and the removal of barriers and strengthening of
mechanisms that would facilitate the implementation of goals by
ECOWAS.
On Ghana's missions abroad, Mr Kpodo said currently Ghana has 53
embassies abroad and that their performances would be assessed
to see their efficiency and whether they are bringing in the
necessary results expected of them.
He said diplomacy was an expensive activity, which needed to be
resourced and that those that are not performing efficiently
would have to be closed down.
On the bad treatment of Ghanaian immigrants in Libya, he said,
there was the need for Ghana to investigate the allegations and
if found to be true must seek readdress with the Libyan
authorities.
Mr Kpodo however said there was the need to educate the youth
about the dangers of such adventurous journeys, adding that
irrespective of whether they have the required documents or not
the Ghana's mission should always assist such persons.
On the frustrations of Ghanaians trained in Cuba's Isle of
Youth, he said, they should not be treated as "outcast" and
rather given the necessary recognition to contribute to the
development of the nation.
He recalled the frustrations of Ghanaians trained in Soviet
Union during the Nkrumah regime who also went through the same
predicament after the 1966 coup.
He said if given the nod he would assist the Minister to help
build the capacity of the institution and that the staff would
also benefit from such programmes.
Mr Kpodo said he would take stock of the situation and retrain
and reorient staff members where necessary.
Mr Kpodo, 63, was instrumental in the opening of a mission in
Namibia, South Africa and was also Ghana's Deputy High
Commissioner to London from 1997 to 2001 and Ambassador to
Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003.
He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1973 and has worked
also in Mali and Cuba. He retired from the service in 2006.
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