Read Comments Comments (9)

• Papadoc 11 years ago

  Mr f******* minister, you do not need to set up one task force after another. Create lasting public policies and institutions that can withstand the test of time. All these knee jerk responses are useless and a complete waste ...
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  Mr f******* minister, you do not need to set up one task force after another. Create lasting public policies and institutions that can withstand the test of time. All these knee jerk responses are useless and a complete waste of our time.

  reply
• James Mensah 11 years ago

  Remember what happened bw Ghana and Ivory Coast concerning the boarder u closed. Go ahead and do it lets see what happens. We are waiting.

  Remember what happened bw Ghana and Ivory Coast concerning the boarder u closed. Go ahead and do it lets see what happens. We are waiting.

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• Lagos Boy 11 years ago

  Those noise making trader are simply afraid of the competition. Well let wait and see the outcome brouhaha.

  Those noise making trader are simply afraid of the competition. Well let wait and see the outcome brouhaha.

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• Kwame VS. Kofi 11 years ago

  reserving parts of an economy for "nationals only" is anti-foreigner, anti investment, anti free Market -and rassist. I hope nations all over the worls will adjust accordingly and look into businisses held by Ghanaian Nationa ...
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  reserving parts of an economy for "nationals only" is anti-foreigner, anti investment, anti free Market -and rassist. I hope nations all over the worls will adjust accordingly and look into businisses held by Ghanaian Nationals aboad. According to the Chamber of Commerce in Germany Ghanians hold abou 2000 retail-related businesses in Germany alone. ...mostely Beauty salones, Afro-shops and cleaning services. The European Goverments are also adviced to stop the Outflow of Euro to African countries, aspecially Ghana; which do not allow the free flow of Cash! Sending money to Europe via Western Union for example is impossible from Ghana, whilst Billions of Euros are send to Ghana via Transfer Companies yearly. It`s time Ghana eats it`s own medicine!

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• Sidekick 11 years ago

  Mr minister, you don't need a task force to enforce laws, unless "taskforce" is a synonym for police. On the other hand, if it's difficult to enforce the law as written, then the law should be amended or scrapped.
  Don't was ...
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  Mr minister, you don't need a task force to enforce laws, unless "taskforce" is a synonym for police. On the other hand, if it's difficult to enforce the law as written, then the law should be amended or scrapped.
  Don't waste the People's precious resources and time on another committee

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• MENSAH. 11 years ago

  What happened to the TAX FORCE ON GALAMSEY OPERATIONS?
  
  Aren't the CHINESE back in business still?
  Our TAX FORCES DO NOT OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND COMPLETELY,BUT PARTIALLY,FOR SOME TIME.
  I have followed this for some time,a ...
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  What happened to the TAX FORCE ON GALAMSEY OPERATIONS?
  
  Aren't the CHINESE back in business still?
  Our TAX FORCES DO NOT OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND COMPLETELY,BUT PARTIALLY,FOR SOME TIME.
  I have followed this for some time,and can say with all boldness and certainty,that those TAX FORCES AND COMMITTEES,formed by the government,are all unnecessary, ineffective and a total waste.
  They have to make strict laws and make sure they are enforced vigorously and accordingly,so perpetrators are held responsible,for infringements.
  Without that,we would just be heading towards no where.
  IF ONE FIGHTS AGAINST FRICTION,SAIL UPSTREAM IN HIGH TIDE,IN FLOOD,NO WORK DONE.

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• Goose&Gander 11 years ago

  PROTOCOL A/P.1/5/79 RELATING TO FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS, RESIDENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT
  
  THE HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES
  
  RECALLING that sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph 2 of Article 2 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of ...
  read full comment

  PROTOCOL A/P.1/5/79 RELATING TO FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS, RESIDENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT
  
  THE HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES
  
  RECALLING that sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph 2 of Article 2 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States calls on Member States to ensure by stages the abolition of the obstacles to free movement of persons, services and capital ;
  
  RECALLING also that paragraph 1 of Article 27 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States confers the status of Community citizenship on the citizens of Member States, and also enjoins Member States to abolish all obstacles to freedom of movement and residence within the Community ;
  
  RECALLING further that paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States further calls on Member States to exempt Community citizens from holding visitor’s visa and residence permits and allow them to work and undertake commercial and industrial activities within their territories :
  
  CONVINCED of the need to spell out in this protocol the various stages to be undergone to accomplish complete freedom of movement as envisaged by sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS :
  
  PART 1
  
  DEFINITIONS
  
  Articles I
  
  In this Protocol :
  
  "Treaty" means the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Council of Ministers" means the Council of Ministers established by Article 6 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Executive Secretary" means the Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Community" means the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Member State" or "Member States" means a Member State or Member States of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "A citizen of the Community" means a citizen of any Member State ;
  
  "A valid travel document" means a passport or any other valid travel document establishing the identity of the holder with his photograph, issued by or on behalf of the Member State of which he is a citizen and on which endorsement by immigration and emigration authorities may be made. A valid travel document shall also include a laissez-passer issued by the Community to its officials establishing the identity of the holder.
  
  PART II
  
  GENERAL PRINCIPLES ON MOVEMENT OF PERSONS, RESIDENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT
  
  Article 2
  
  The Community citizens have the right to enter, reside and establish in the territory of Member States.
  The right of entry, residence and establishment referred to in paragraph 1 above shall be progressively established in the course of a maximum transitional period of fifteen (15) years from the definitive entry into force of this Protocol by abolishing all other obstacles to free movement of persons and the right of residence and establishment.
  The right of entry, residence and establishment which shall be established in the course of a transitional period shall be accomplished in three phases, namely:
  
  Phase I - Right of Entry and Abolition of Visa
  
  Phase II - Right of Residence
  
  Phase II - Right of Establishment
  
  Upon the expiration of a maximum period of five (5) years from the definitive entry into force of this Protocol, the Commission, based upon the experience gained from the implementation of the first phase as set out in Article 3 below, shall make proposals to the Council of Ministers for further liberalisation towards the subsequent phases of freedom of residence and establishment of persons within the Community and phases shall be dealt with in subsequent Annexes to this Protocol.
  
  PART III
  
  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRST PHASE : ABOLITION OF VISAS AND ENTRY PERMIT
  
  Article 3
  
  Any citizen of the Community who wishes to enter the territory of any other Member State shall be required to possess a valid travel document and an international health certificate.
  A citizen of the Community visiting any Member State for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days shall enter the territory of that Member State through the official entry point free of visa requirements. Such citizen shall, however, be required to obtain permission for an extension of stay from the appropriate authority if after such entry that citizen has cause to stay for more than ninety (90) days.
  
  Article 4
  
  Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 above, Member States shall reserve the right to refuse admission into their territory to any Community citizen who comes within the category of inadmissible immigrant under its laws.
  
  PART IV
  
  MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS
  
  Article 5
  
  In order to facilitate the movement of persons transported in private or commercial vehicles the following shall apply :
  
  Private Vehicles
  
  A private vehicle registered in the territory of a Member State may enter the territory of another Member State and remain there for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days upon presentation of the documents listed hereunder to the competent authority of that Member State:
  
  Valid driving licence
  Matriculation Certificate (Ownership Card) or Log Book.
  Insurance Policy recognised by Member States
  International customs documents recognised within the Community.
  
  Commercial Vehicles
  
  A commercial vehicle registered in the territory of a Member State and carrying passengers may enter the territory of another Member State and remain there for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days upon presentation of the documents listed hereunder to the competent authority of that Member State :
  
  Valid driving licence
  Matriculation Certificate (Ownership Card) or Log Book.
  Insurance Policy recognised by Member States
  International customs documents recognised within the Community.
  
  During the period of fifteen (15) days the commercial motor vehicle shall however not engage in any commercial activities within the territory of the Member State entered.
  
  PART V
  
  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
  
  Article 6
  
  Each Member State shall deposit at the Executive Secretariat specimen of travel documents defined in Article 1 in the present Protocol with a view to communicating them to all Member States.
  
  Article 7
  
  Any dispute that may arise among Member States regarding the interpretation or application of this Protocol shall be amicably settled by direct agreement. In the event of failure to settle such disputes, the matter may be referred to the Tribunal of the Community by a party to such disputes and the decision of the Tribunal shall be final.
  
  Article 8
  
  Any Member State may submit proposals for the amendment or revision of this Protocol.
  Any such proposals shall be submitted to the Executive Secretary who shall communicate them to other Member States not later than thirty (30) days after the receipt of such proposal. Amendments or revisions shall be considered by the Council of Ministers after Members States have been given one month's notice thereof.
  
  Article 9
  
  Member States undertake to co-operate among themselves by exchanging information on such matters that are likely to affect the effective implementation of this Protocol. Such information shall also be sent to the Executive Secretary for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.
  
  Article 10
  
  The provisions of this Protocol shall not operate to the prejudice of citizens of the Community who are already in residence and established in a Member State provided they comply with the laws in general and in particular the immigration laws of that Member State.
  
  Article 11
  
  A decision to expel any citizen of the Community from the territory of a Member State shall be notified to the citizen concerned as well as the government of which he is a citizen and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS.
  The expenses incurred in the expulsion of a citizen shall be borne by the Member State which expels him.
  In case of expulsion, the security of the citizen concerned as well as that of his family shall be guaranteed and his property protected and returned to him without prejudice to his obligations to third party.
  In case of repatriation of a citizen of the Community from the territory of a Member State, that Member State shall notify the government of the State of origin of the citizen and the Executive Secretary.
  The cost of repatriation of a citizen of the Community from the territory of a Member State shall be borne by the citizen himself or in the event that he is unable to do so by the country of which he is a citizen.
  
  Article 12
  
  The provisions of the present Protocol shall not affect more favourable provisions contained in agreements that have already been concluded between two or among several Member States.
  
  PART VI
  
  FINAL PROVISIONS : DEPOSIT AND ENTRY INTO FORCE
  
  Article 13
  
  This Protocol shall enter into force provisionally upon signature by Heads of State and Government of Member States and definitively upon ratification by at least seven signatory States in accordance with the constitutional procedures applicable for each signatory State.
  The Protocol and all the instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Executive Secretariat which shall transmit certified true copies of this Protocol to all Member States and notify them of the dates of deposit of the instruments of ratification and shall register this Protocol with the Organisation of African Unity, the United Nations and such Organisations as the Council shall determine.
  This Protocol shall be annexed to and shall form an integral part of the Treaty.
  
  IN FAITH WHEREOF, WE, THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOVENMLENT OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES, HAVE SIGNED THIS PROTOCOL
  
  DONE AT DAKAR, THIS 29TH DAY OF MAY, 1979 IN A SINGLE ORIGINAL INTHE ENGLISH AND FRENCH LANGUAGES, BOTH TEXTS BEING EQUALLY AUTHENTIC

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• Goose&Gander 11 years ago

  ECOWAS citizens in Ghana are not 'foreigners', Mr. Haruna Iddrisu. Check.
  
  PROTOCOL A/P.1/5/79 RELATING TO FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS, RESIDENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT
  
  THE HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES
  
  RECALLING that sub-paragrap ...
  read full comment

  ECOWAS citizens in Ghana are not 'foreigners', Mr. Haruna Iddrisu. Check.
  
  PROTOCOL A/P.1/5/79 RELATING TO FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS, RESIDENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT
  
  THE HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES
  
  RECALLING that sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph 2 of Article 2 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States calls on Member States to ensure by stages the abolition of the obstacles to free movement of persons, services and capital ;
  
  RECALLING also that paragraph 1 of Article 27 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States confers the status of Community citizenship on the citizens of Member States, and also enjoins Member States to abolish all obstacles to freedom of movement and residence within the Community ;
  
  RECALLING further that paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States further calls on Member States to exempt Community citizens from holding visitor’s visa and residence permits and allow them to work and undertake commercial and industrial activities within their territories :
  
  CONVINCED of the need to spell out in this protocol the various stages to be undergone to accomplish complete freedom of movement as envisaged by sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS :
  
  PART 1
  
  DEFINITIONS
  
  Articles I
  
  In this Protocol :
  
  "Treaty" means the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Council of Ministers" means the Council of Ministers established by Article 6 of the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Executive Secretary" means the Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Community" means the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "Member State" or "Member States" means a Member State or Member States of the Economic Community of West African States ;
  
  "A citizen of the Community" means a citizen of any Member State ;
  
  "A valid travel document" means a passport or any other valid travel document establishing the identity of the holder with his photograph, issued by or on behalf of the Member State of which he is a citizen and on which endorsement by immigration and emigration authorities may be made. A valid travel document shall also include a laissez-passer issued by the Community to its officials establishing the identity of the holder.
  
  PART II
  
  GENERAL PRINCIPLES ON MOVEMENT OF PERSONS, RESIDENCE AND ESTABLISHMENT
  
  Article 2
  
  The Community citizens have the right to enter, reside and establish in the territory of Member States.
  The right of entry, residence and establishment referred to in paragraph 1 above shall be progressively established in the course of a maximum transitional period of fifteen (15) years from the definitive entry into force of this Protocol by abolishing all other obstacles to free movement of persons and the right of residence and establishment.
  The right of entry, residence and establishment which shall be established in the course of a transitional period shall be accomplished in three phases, namely:
  
  Phase I - Right of Entry and Abolition of Visa
  
  Phase II - Right of Residence
  
  Phase II - Right of Establishment
  
  Upon the expiration of a maximum period of five (5) years from the definitive entry into force of this Protocol, the Commission, based upon the experience gained from the implementation of the first phase as set out in Article 3 below, shall make proposals to the Council of Ministers for further liberalisation towards the subsequent phases of freedom of residence and establishment of persons within the Community and phases shall be dealt with in subsequent Annexes to this Protocol.
  
  PART III
  
  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRST PHASE : ABOLITION OF VISAS AND ENTRY PERMIT
  
  Article 3
  
  Any citizen of the Community who wishes to enter the territory of any other Member State shall be required to possess a valid travel document and an international health certificate.
  A citizen of the Community visiting any Member State for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days shall enter the territory of that Member State through the official entry point free of visa requirements. Such citizen shall, however, be required to obtain permission for an extension of stay from the appropriate authority if after such entry that citizen has cause to stay for more than ninety (90) days.
  
  Article 4
  
  Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 above, Member States shall reserve the right to refuse admission into their territory to any Community citizen who comes within the category of inadmissible immigrant under its laws.
  
  PART IV
  
  MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS
  
  Article 5
  
  In order to facilitate the movement of persons transported in private or commercial vehicles the following shall apply :
  
  Private Vehicles
  
  A private vehicle registered in the territory of a Member State may enter the territory of another Member State and remain there for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days upon presentation of the documents listed hereunder to the competent authority of that Member State:
  
  Valid driving licence
  Matriculation Certificate (Ownership Card) or Log Book.
  Insurance Policy recognised by Member States
  International customs documents recognised within the Community.
  
  Commercial Vehicles
  
  A commercial vehicle registered in the territory of a Member State and carrying passengers may enter the territory of another Member State and remain there for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days upon presentation of the documents listed hereunder to the competent authority of that Member State :
  
  Valid driving licence
  Matriculation Certificate (Ownership Card) or Log Book.
  Insurance Policy recognised by Member States
  International customs documents recognised within the Community.
  
  During the period of fifteen (15) days the commercial motor vehicle shall however not engage in any commercial activities within the territory of the Member State entered.
  
  PART V
  
  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
  
  Article 6
  
  Each Member State shall deposit at the Executive Secretariat specimen of travel documents defined in Article 1 in the present Protocol with a view to communicating them to all Member States.
  
  Article 7
  
  Any dispute that may arise among Member States regarding the interpretation or application of this Protocol shall be amicably settled by direct agreement. In the event of failure to settle such disputes, the matter may be referred to the Tribunal of the Community by a party to such disputes and the decision of the Tribunal shall be final.
  
  Article 8
  
  Any Member State may submit proposals for the amendment or revision of this Protocol.
  Any such proposals shall be submitted to the Executive Secretary who shall communicate them to other Member States not later than thirty (30) days after the receipt of such proposal. Amendments or revisions shall be considered by the Council of Ministers after Members States have been given one month's notice thereof.
  
  Article 9
  
  Member States undertake to co-operate among themselves by exchanging information on such matters that are likely to affect the effective implementation of this Protocol. Such information shall also be sent to the Executive Secretary for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.
  
  Article 10
  
  The provisions of this Protocol shall not operate to the prejudice of citizens of the Community who are already in residence and established in a Member State provided they comply with the laws in general and in particular the immigration laws of that Member State.
  
  Article 11
  
  A decision to expel any citizen of the Community from the territory of a Member State shall be notified to the citizen concerned as well as the government of which he is a citizen and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS.
  The expenses incurred in the expulsion of a citizen shall be borne by the Member State which expels him.
  In case of expulsion, the security of the citizen concerned as well as that of his family shall be guaranteed and his property protected and returned to him without prejudice to his obligations to third party.
  In case of repatriation of a citizen of the Community from the territory of a Member State, that Member State shall notify the government of the State of origin of the citizen and the Executive Secretary.
  The cost of repatriation of a citizen of the Community from the territory of a Member State shall be borne by the citizen himself or in the event that he is unable to do so by the country of which he is a citizen.
  
  Article 12
  
  The provisions of the present Protocol shall not affect more favourable provisions contained in agreements that have already been concluded between two or among several Member States.
  
  PART VI
  
  FINAL PROVISIONS : DEPOSIT AND ENTRY INTO FORCE
  
  Article 13
  
  This Protocol shall enter into force provisionally upon signature by Heads of State and Government of Member States and definitively upon ratification by at least seven signatory States in accordance with the constitutional procedures applicable for each signatory State.
  The Protocol and all the instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Executive Secretariat which shall transmit certified true copies of this Protocol to all Member States and notify them of the dates of deposit of the instruments of ratification and shall register this Protocol with the Organisation of African Unity, the United Nations and such Organisations as the Council shall determine.
  This Protocol shall be annexed to and shall form an integral part of the Treaty.
  
  IN FAITH WHEREOF, WE, THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOVENMLENT OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES, HAVE SIGNED THIS PROTOCOL
  
  DONE AT DAKAR, THIS 29TH DAY OF MAY, 1979 IN A SINGLE ORIGINAL INTHE ENGLISH AND FRENCH LANGUAGES, BOTH TEXTS BEING EQUALLY AUTHENTIC

  reply
• Kwame VS. Kofi 11 years ago

  It`s not about foreigners, it`s about whites and asians!

  It`s not about foreigners, it`s about whites and asians!

  reply