US embassy cable - 04ACCRA1232

UNCLAS ACCRA 001232 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT PASS TO AC/CB / EDNA SIDLER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PARM, AORC, ABUD, CWC, CBW, OPCW 
SUBJECT: GHANA'S PROGRESS ON CWC ARTICLE VII: DEMARCHE 
DELIVERED 
 
REF: STATE 125807 
 
1. On Wednesday, June 9, PolOff delivered reftel demarche to 
the Director of International Organizations in the Ministry 
of Foreign Affairs, John Kuleke, regarding Ghana's commitment 
to fulfill its national implementation obligations under 
Article VII of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). PolOff 
underscored USG concern that the GoG has not yet enacted 
implementing legislation in accordance with Article VII. 
 
2. Kuleke replied that Ghana viewed such legislation as "very 
important and pressing". Toward that end, he has written the 
Ministries of Finance, Environment and Science, and Defense, 
as well as the Attorney General, to request their assistance 
in moving forward on this legislation. Kuleke also said that 
these ministries would be interested to know what form the 
promised "technical assistance" from the US would entail. 
 
3. Comment. While Mission does not doubt Kuleke's sincerity, 
domestic priorities are likely to take precedence over CWC 
legislation. For the remainder of this year's legislative 
calendar, there are many important and some contentious 
pieces of legislation pending before Parliament, including a 
planned FOIA Act, Whistle Blower's Act, Disability Act, 
Foreign Entry Act, Long Term Savings Act, Domestic Violence 
Act, and Trafficking-in-Persons Act. End Comment. 
Yates