The US state department has been directed by President Donald Trump to begin moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The US’ decision is viewed as having hefty consequences because of the standing of Jerusalem to Israel and the Palestinians; two counties that have been in conflict for decades.

Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem has never been recognised as all countries situate their embassies in Tel Aviv.

East Jerusalem, was annexed by Israel after the Six Day War of 1967 and has not been recognised as part of Israel until the US’ decision.

In an interview with Israeli media network, i24NEWS on Tuesday in relation to these developments, Prof. Oquaye said Ghana would abide with Israel’s wishes on the standing of Jerusalem because “whatever Israel wants, we in Ghana will go by that, because that is essentially an internal decision.”

The Speaker was in Israel as part of the “Power Africa” initiative where he also alluded to the strong “historical ties between Israel and Ghana.”

But with the knowledge of the volatile nature of Israel-Palestine relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration stated that the comments made by Prof. Ocquaye did not reflect Ghana’s foreign policy.

“While appreciating the interest taken by Rt. Hon. Mike Ocquaye, the Foreign Ministry wishes to emphasize that it is a personal view to which the Rt. Hn. Speaker is entitled,” a statement from the Ministry said.

The ministry emphasized the government’s neutral stance on the matter saying that “Ghana has always supported the position that the Palestinian-Isreali conflict should be resolved peacefully between the parties themselves and all the stakeholders involved. It is therefore important to all stakeholders and observers to remain neutral until final resolution by partners.”

The statement also noted that Ghana has generally called “for a fair and comprehensive resolution of the conflict.”

“While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration does not wish to stifle debates on this issue which is of international concern, the Minister will appeal to all well-minded persons to take cognizance of the sensitivity of the issue.”

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Prof. Oquaye’s comments on Jerusalem his personal view – Gov’t appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The former two-term Dome-Kwabenya constituency MP was accepted by the National Democratic Congress minority in parliament without any difficulty.

This became necessary after the life of the sixth parliament was dissolved on the midnight of Saturday January 7, 2017.

The motion for the election of Professor Oquaye was moved by the new Majority leader Osei Kyei Mensa-Bonsu, who gave a brief profile of the new speaker, and implored the House to approve him in the interest of the country.

The Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood then led the new speaker to swear the oath of office amidst cheers from the chamber.

The new speaker promised to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana, and vowed to protect and defend the constitution of the republic of Ghana.

After he was sworn-in, the new speaker then delivered a speech on how he intends to steer the affairs of the House, before he later led the newly elected MPs to take their oath of allegiance, and the oath of the member of parliament.

Prof. Oquaye’s political life

Mike Oquaye served as the Second Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament between 2009 and 2013.

He also was Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya constituency, a stronghold of the NPP, from 2005 to 2013.

From 2001 to 2004, Oquaye served as Ghana’s High Commissioner to India. In February 2005 he became Minister of Energy, and later he was moved to the post of Minister of Communications.

Mike Oquaye is a professor of Political science at the University of Ghana, (Legon), and was previously the Head of the Department of Political Science and member of the University’s Academic Board, the highest authority at the level of the faculties.

He received his Ph.D from School of Oriental and African Studies in London, as well as winning the Rockefeller Senior Scholar Award in 1993 and the Senior Fulbright Scholar Award in 1997.

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By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Mike Oquaye sworn-in as speaker of Ghana’s 7th parliament [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.