|
MPs call for trans-border efforts to
tackle alga spread
Accra, July 4, Ghanadot/GNA - Members of Parliament on
Wednesday called for joint efforts between Ghana and Cote d'
Ivoire to deal with havoc caused by the spread of a greenish
silky material along portions of the western coastal lines
of the two countries.
According to them, the material now identified as algae
bloom, has resulted in massive destruction of the livelihood
of fisher folks in the Jomoro District of the Western
Region.
The MPs were contributing to a statement on the havoc caused
by the greenish substance made on the floor of the House by
Mr Lee Ocran, (NDC-Jomoro).
Mr Ocran said the algae surfaced in 1993 and Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) investigated the matter in 1995.
He said studies indicated that the "bloom drifts from the
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire into Ghanaian waters. During the
past two years, however, monitoring activities of the EPA
reveal that the bloom has become almost persistent
throughout the year."
"The EPA in 2000, had requested through the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs a meeting of technical personnel of the two
countries to discuss the problem and develop a joint
solution to it. Unfortunately, the political disturbances
that began in Cote d'Ivoire led to an indefinite
postponement of the meeting.
“Mr Speaker, I wish to recommend that diplomatic efforts be
resumed to reconvene the meeting to find a solution to the
problem," Mr. Ocran said.
He said the bloom had severely constrained fishing
activities in the district thus deepening poverty in the
area.
He also called on NADMO to provide relief items to fishermen
whose livelihood had been affected.
Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker, in his contributions,
touched on the gravity of the situation and said the Finance
Ministry should provide funds to help address the issue.
Mr Saddique Abubakar Boniface, Minister of Manpower, Youth
and Employment, said there was the need for investigations
to find out whether the algae bloom was toxic since the
substance emitted strong offensive odour.
In a related development, the women in parliament have
called for greater recognition of women's contributions to
nation building.
They said more leadership roles should be given to women to
guarantee their contributions to the development of the
nation.
They were contributing to a statement on "Ghana @ 50 - A
Woman's Perspective" made on the floor of the House by Mrs
Agnes Chigabatia, (NPP-Builsa North).
Ms Akua Sena Dansua, contributing, said as the nation gears
up for election 2008, women should not only be seen as cheer
leaders clad in party T-shirt on the campaign trail, only to
be left out of political appointments when a party wins the
elections.
GNA
|
