The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)has tasked governments of Member States on decisive steps to tackle corruption which has been a serious encumbrance to the economic growth of the sub-region.
Speaker of the Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis, made the call at the opening of Parliament’s High-level Seminar in Lome, Togo with the theme “Application of the power of the Parliament in light of the restructuring of the ECOWAS Commission”.
Tunis in his address also admonished Parliamentarians to increase their commitments and understanding of their institutional roles and responsibilities.
The High-level Parliamentary Seminar seeks to explore and discuss the parliament’s approach to the new administrative restructuring of the ECOWAS Commission.
This is in line with the Article 27 (2) of the Supplementary Act relating to the enhancement of powers of the ECOWAS Parliament’s mandate as well as boost the understanding of the institutional role and powers granted to the regional lawmakers by the Act.
He urged the lawmakers to remain sensitive to the challenges confronting regional integration, especially those brought about by the global economic crisis and internal conflicts and COVID-19.
“Corruption continues to undermine our development and slow down economic growth in ECOWAS Member States. The Time for accelerated action is now, Tunis said.
“As we meet today, the gains we have painstakingly made as a region are being threatened.
“ Threats to democracy and the rule of law, combating corruption, the realisation of the African Free Trade Area, eradicating poverty, promoting human rights, and advocating for gender equality, loom across the region,” Tunis said.
He noted that as the sub-region confront these daunting challenges, it would require innovative strategies that ensure each community institution performs its role in line with the competencies conferred upon it.
He said that in doing so, the ECOWAS Parliament, which reflects the full representation of the peoples of all 15 ECOWAS Member States, is the ideal platform to share experiences about workable ways by which solutions can be found.
“It is expected that this seminar will increase the understanding of Members of Parliament of the extent of their enhanced powers and take full ownership of them
“It is also expected that Members will be informed about the institutional reforms currently ongoing in the ECOWAS System, particularly at the ECOWAS Commission, and how it directly affects their work.
“I also expect that this Seminar will move this Parliament to seek greater competencies, one that allows the Parliament to play its full role in the discharge of its political and diplomatic duties.
“I wish to remind each of us that our Parliament remains envy across the African Continent and as such, Africa and the region look up to us for leadership, as well as political and economic development.
“We must ensure that we live up to those expectations and take ownership of the peace, security, and governance of our region.
“We must continue to strengthen our engagements and work hand in hand for the good of the people we serve, By so doing, we would have left behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come,” Tunis added.
