Pan African Parliament President in Ghana

The President of the Pan African Parliament, Dr. Gertrude Mongella, on Monday said there was the need to move the continental body from its current advisory role to a legislative body to speed up the development of Africa through common laws. She said the Pan African Parliament, as it stood now, had only advisory responsibilities but could not continue with that role since the body needed legislative functions and powers to harmonise national laws across the continent by giving legal backing to decisions taken by African Heads of State, as Africa prepared to have a united continent just like the European Union.

Dr. Mongella, who was speaking during a courtesy call on the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay in Accra praised Ghana for entrenching democracy, saying the country was a "big brother" in democracy. She expressed the hope that Ghana would maintain its lead in ensuring a peaceful 2008 general elections.

Mr Blay, on his part, touched on the need to harmonise national laws across Africa to ensure free trade and common ties in various areas of cooperation to push the development of the continent forward. Alhaji Alhasan Malik Yakubu, Second Deputy Speaker, who is also a member of the Pan African Parliament, said a strong continental parliament was needed to deal with conflicts and bad governance across the continent.

He praised Dr. Mongella for pushing hard to make the Pan African Parliament meet its desired target of becoming a body with legislative powers to entrench democracy across Africa. Dr. Mongella is expected to call on African Union Chairmn, President John Agyekum Kufuor to brief him on developments within the organisation.

Source:

GNA

My Year of Action

I try not to make personal comments on this blog because I have dedicated it to news. I will therefore keep my New Year's Message very brief.

I wish all who have made it a habbit of reading my posts a happy New Year and one that would see them rise beyond their fears. To all those who contributed directly to the sucesses I have chalked in the year, I say God bless. Its my hope and prayer that you will find your fulfillment in 2008 and beyond.

This blog will continue to be an important hobby of mine and I promise to keep all informed on important issues as I get them. May this year see all of us taking bold and winning decisions! Goood Luck

News of Ghana captain's injury excites die-hard Nigerian fans

Some die-hard Nigerian football fans do not seem to share the disappointment in Ghana at the news that injury problems have ruled Black Stars' captain Stephen Appiah out of the forthcoming Nations Cup, to be hosted by the Ghanaians.Some of the fans interviewed by PANA here Saturday described the news that Appiah would be out of action for two months as ''sweet music'' to their ears, since Ghana is seen as one of the obstacles to Nigeria's quest for an elusive third African Nations Cup title.

Nigerian newspapers also gave a big play to the news, almost to the point of gloating about it.''Well, it is sad, but anything that will weaken the Black Stars is welcome,'' said Ojo Akinola, who described himself as an avid supporter of the Super Eagles.''We (Nigeria) didn't cause Appiah's injury, but if we can benefit from his absence (at the Nations Cup), why not,'' he added.Another fan, Johnson Ajewole, said since Nigeria and Ghana could meet as early as the quarter finals, it would be nice for the Ghanaians not to be in the best form for the competition.

''The Black Stars are a formidable team, and one of the most successful in the history of the Nations Cup. Therefore, no team can afford to underrate them,'' he said.Ghana is in group A of the 26th edition of the four-yearly competition, billed for 20 January-10 February 2008, while Nigeria is in group B.But the two age-long soccer rivals may possibly meet right after the preliminary round (quarter-finals), when the winner of group A is slated to meet the runner-up in group B.

Ghana has a formidable Nations Cup record, having won the competition four times (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982), second only to Egypt with a record five victories.On the other hand, arch-rival Nigeria has only won it twice (1980 and 1994).

Appiah's Contract To Be Suspended?

According to the Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Fenerbahce has asked for permission from the Turkish Fotball Federation to suspend the contract of Stephen Appiah on health grounds.

The Turkish club is already planning to bring in another foreign player, for next season, to replaced the Ghana national team captain.

Appiah is expected to undergo surgery for a potentially career-threatening injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for at least 3-months.

The Black Stars ace arrived in Turin, last week, for further tests on complications from the surgery he had on his knee five months ago.

Speculation are rife that he might not participate in the African Cup of Nations next month.