CRC Meets Liberians in Ghana
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MONROVIA, March 25, 2014- Members of the Constitution Review Committee left Monrovia on Saturday, March 22, 2014 for the Republic of Ghana and met with Liberians in Ghana yesterday, March 25, 2014 at the Buduburam Refugee Camp to discuss the review of the Liberian Constitution. The Liberians were overjoyed that the Liberian Government have remembered them and deemed it expedient to include them in this significant and historic process.
The Liberians made several proposals to the Committee which included the economy, rights of Liberians, tenure of offices of elected officials, land and property rights among others. According to Rev. Dr. Jasper Samuel Ndaborlor who is Chairman for the CRC Subcommittee on Media and Civic Education, the Liberians have proposed the following:
1. That there should be amendment of the constitution for Liberians to take over the economy and be in control of the commerce and industrial activities of their country instead of foreigners.
2. That there should be a national character placed in the constitution which will identify Liberians from foreigners. This would make national identity compelling by the issuance of identity cards.
3. That there should be election of superintendents, and other local leaders.
4. That the tenure of office of the President, Vice President, Senators and Representatives be reduced.
5. That property ownership extends beyond the surface to include a percentage of minerals found beneath the land.
6. That Liberianization policy be a constitutional provision.
7. That persons of disabilities be given equal opportunities and not be discriminated against.
The CRC delegation also met with the Ghana Constitution Commission yesterday to share experiences. According to the CRC delegation, the meeting was fruitful. The delegation leaves tomorrow for Kenya to interact with the Kenyan Constitution Commission and to draw from their experience.
Prior to their departure from Liberia, the CRC completed phase one of its consultation activities in Lofa, Bong, Nimba, Maryland and Grand Kru Counties. The Southeastern Region team headed by Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott and co-headed by Rev. Kennedy Sandy visited three districts in Maryland County and two districts in Grand Kru County. The Citizens of the two counties from the various districts expressed their delight in the process and submitted their proposals which centered around tenure of office, land and property rights, election of superintendents among others.
Upon their return from the Diaspora, the CRC Consultative Teams will be completing in part, their nationwide consultations to focus on Montserrado County which stands by its self as the a region before the holding of a national conference. It can be recalled that the Montserrado process began shortly before the nationwide tour of the CRC.
Members of the CRC delegation to the Diaspora are Cllr. Gloria Musu-Scott, head of delegation, Rev. Dr. Jasper S. Ndaborlor, CRC Member, Dr. D. Elwood Dunn, CRC Member, Hon. Amelia Ward, CRC Member, Hon. Soko V. Sackor, CRC Member, Mr. Losine Sanyon, Office Manager and others.
SIGNED:
D. Wa Hne, Jr.
DIRECTOR, MEDIA AND CIVIC EDUCATION, CRC