AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH MAJORITY LEADER AND

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