By Amin Kef Sesay
Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, has received an outstanding traditional accolade from the President of the Effutu Traditional Council in Winneba, Ghana. The accolade came during Speaker Tunis’ courtesy visit to the Palace of Neenyi Ghartey VII to thank him for the extraordinary hospitality given him and his delegation while in Winneba.
Dr. Tunis, in his statement, thanked the traditional leaders of Winneba for the hospitality extended by the good people of Winneba, noting that the Parliament’s meeting was successfully conducted.
He added that this will not be the last visit to Winneba, revealing that the Parliament will consider the possibility of hosting its September Extraordinary session in Winneba.
Acknowledging the appreciation of the Speaker, the President of the Effutu Traditional Council, Neenyi Ghartey VII, presented two carvings to the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament; a seat symbolising that the Speaker and his delegation have a place in Winneba at any time and a carving of a mother carrying her child on her back and a pot on her head, which symbolises the invitation extended to the Speaker to support the fight against teenage pregnancy and uplift women and girls in Winneba.
He noted that teenage pregnancy is a major social challenge in that region and called on the ECOWAS Parliament to aid in their fight against it.
The President also decorated the Honourable Speaker with a traditional scarf and an African clothe as an expression of revered honour.
Speaker Tunis concluded by assuring the Traditional Council of the continuous collaboration and support from the ECOWAS Parliament, adding that the Parliament work closely with local authorities in the areas of women development, youth employment and social advancement.
