US embassy cable - 05ACCRA2335

UNCLAS ACCRA 002335 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, GH 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH MAJORITY LEADER AND 
SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT 
 
 
 1.  Summary:  On November 9, the Ambassador called on 
Ghana's Majority Leader (and Minister of Parliament) and 
Speaker of Parliament.  She emphasized the importance of 
parliament and good governance.  Both parliamentary leaders 
praised US-Ghana ties and hoped for more USG support.  The 
Speaker said the major legislation in the current 
parliamentary session are mining and whistleblower laws, the 
People's Representation bill, and the budget.  End summary. 
 
2.  On November 9, Ambassador paid separate courtesy calls 
on Ghana's Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary 
Affairs Felix Owusu-Adjapong and Speaker of Parliament 
Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes.   The Ambassador stressed the 
importance of parliament to Ghana's democracy and the 
promotion of good governance.  She thanked the parliamentary 
leaders for their support in passage of important 
legislation such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons bill. 
 
3.  USAID Director briefed on a two-year $900,000 program to 
strengthen the capacity of parliament by bolstering civic 
input into legislation, parliament's research capacity, and 
its budgetary oversight.  The Ambassador said we would also 
look for other ways to strengthen our support to parliament, 
such as through Public Affair's program such as the 
International Visitor's Program and through partnerships 
with organizations like the National Association of State 
Legislators. 
 
4.  Both contacts praised USG support for parliament and 
strong US-Ghana bilateral ties.  The Speaker elaborated at 
length on the depth of U.S. support for Ghana over the 
decades. 
 
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Minister for Parliamentary Affairs 
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5.  Minister Adjapong appreciated USAID's support for 
parliament's oversight of the budget.  He was fascinated by 
U.S. congressional vetting procedures and hoped to increase 
the parliamentary vetting committee's exposure to the U.S. 
system.  He saw his ministry as a bridge between the 
parliament and executive, reinforcing good governance. 
 
6.  He hoped for assistance with infrastructure, which is a 
major constraint for parliament, he said, noting the lack of 
meeting space.  He also hoped for support with workshops and 
other means to educate District Chief Executives about their 
role in Ghana's democracy. They do not realize their own 
power and responsibilities to their communities.  Too 
frequently District Chief Executives and communities turn to 
members of parliament for decisions, instead of trying to 
find local solutions.  The USAID Director described the 
USAID Government Accountability Improves Trust program that 
helps communities and local governments to work together to 
address development priorities.  In addition, Adjapong 
sought support in empowering civil society to make input 
into the drafting of legislation. 
 
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The Speaker of Parliament 
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7.  Speaker of Parliament Sekyi Hughes said priorities for 
the current session of parliament were mining and 
whistleblower laws, the People's Representation Bill (giving 
expatriate Ghanaians the right to vote), and the budget.  He 
was frustrated with Foreign Ministry controls on the 
processing of U.S. visa applications for parliamentarians. 
 
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Comment 
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8.  Parliament is a weak player in Ghana, under-resourced 
and heavily dependent on and influenced by the executive. 
The Minister and Speaker were eager for our support.  We 
will continue to look for ways to strengthen this key branch 
of government. 
 
LANIER