By Abdulrahman Abdulrauf
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, will continue to deploy the instrument of parliamentary diplomacy to address any challenges faced by the Nigerian business community in Ghana.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, gave the assurance in Abuja when he received the new justices of the ECOWAS Court of Justice led by its President, Hon. Justice Maria Do Ceu Monteiro Silva, who were on a familiarization tour to the Parliament in Abuja.
Fielding questions from reporters, Senator Ekweremadu explained that past interventions by the Community Parliament were helpful resolving issues relating to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, expressing hope that such matters would not get to the level of judicial pronouncements.
He said: “As a Parliament, we have had cause to intervene at certain times on this matter and I am happy to stress that the Government of Ghana has always responded positively to these interventions and the matters were resolved.
“We do not want a situation where certain things that have to do with freedom of movement and freedom of establishment of citizens of member States will now go to the Community Court of Justice with two member States contending. That will not be good for our relationship.”
He, however, stressed that the Parliament would continue to collaborate with the Community Court of Justice to deepen democracy in the sub-region and promote compliance by member States with the verdicts of the Court as a platform for the peoples of the sub-region who feel unjustly treated to seek redress.
In her remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Maria Do Ceu Monteiro Silva, emphasised the need for the Parliament and the Community Court of Justice to continue to work together to promote the interest of the ECOWAS citizens.
She pledged the support of the Court to the quest for the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, noting that it was vital for the integration process and development of the sub-region.
