The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has called on the government and Parliament to strengthen ties with neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.
This follows the recent visit of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, where he also engaged with Ghanaian citizens living there.
Delivering her maiden statement to Parliament on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Hon. Affo-Toffey described the visit as an “enriching experience” that provided valuable insights into the lives of Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire.
“The Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire is industrious and contributes significantly to the socio-economic fabric of their host country while maintaining strong ties to their homeland,” she stated.
During the visit, Speaker Bagbin addressed the Ivorian National Assembly and emphasized the need for parliamentary diplomacy, fostering legislative cooperation, and strengthening the historical and economic bonds between the two nations.
One of the most pressing issues raised by the Ghanaian diaspora was the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Law (ROPAL), passed in 2006 but has yet to be fully executed. The law, once implemented, would grant Ghanaians living abroad the right to vote in national elections.
The Jomoro MP relayed the concerns of the diaspora, stating, “Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire are eager to participate in the democratic process of their home country. They feel a deep connection to Ghana and want their voices to be heard through the ballot box.”
She urged Parliament to prioritize discussions on ROPAL’s implementation to ensure Ghanaians abroad can contribute to the country’s democratic growth.
Another major concern raised was the high cost of renewing and replacing Ghanaian passports. The Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire revealed that passport renewal fees stand at 80,000 CFA (approximately GHS 1,900) while replacing a lost passport costs 110,000 CFA (about GHS 2,600).
Many Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire, she said, find these fees to be a financial burden and have called on the House to advocate for a review of these costs.
She also stressed difficulties in obtaining other identification documents such as consular cards, Ghana Cards, and ECOWAS identity cards. The MP called for the streamlining of the documentation process to make it more accessible and affordable.
The MP also expressed concerns about human trafficking, commonly known as “Q-Net” and described the phenomenon as a serious criminal issue, where individuals are tricked into travelling to Côte d’Ivoire under pretences of securing jobs or opportunities to travel to Europe, only to be forced into fraudulent activities.
“This is a human rights crisis that must be tackled urgently. The Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire has called on Parliament and the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire to collaborate in addressing this issue,“ she said.
She urged law enforcement agencies from both nations to work together to clamp down on trafficking networks operating along the borders.
Dorcas Affo-Toffey commended Speaker Bagbin for his leadership and commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, noting that his visit reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to maintaining strong relations with Côte d’Ivoire.
“Our nations share a deep historical and economic relationship, and it is important that we continue to strengthen these bonds,” she stated.
The Jomoro MP also extended gratitude to the government and people of Côte d’Ivoire for their warm hospitality during the Speaker’s visit.
Hon. Affo-Toffey appealed to Parliament to act on the concerns raised by the Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire, emphasizing the need for policies that protect and support Ghanaians living abroad, stating: “As representatives of the people, we must advocate for the welfare and dignity of Ghanaians both at home and abroad. Their contributions to Ghana’s economy and international reputation must not be overlooked.”
She expressed hope that the outcomes of the engagement would serve as a foundation for strengthening collaboration between the Ghanaian government and its citizens across the world.
“The Ghanaian diaspora is an invaluable asset to our nation. We must do everything within our power to ensure their rights, welfare, and contributions are acknowledged and supported,“ she stated.
The focus now shifts to Parliament’s next steps in addressing these pressing concerns and reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to its citizens abroad with the Speaker’s visit serving as a catalyst.
