A five-member delegation from the Saudi Arabian Parliament has indicated their country’s readiness to help Ghana in the fight against illegal migration to Saudi Arabia by young Africans because of the lack of opportunities and economic hardships in Ghana and other African countries.

The leader of the five-member delegation stated that, the Saudi Arabian government is prepared and ready to help fight the root cause of illegal migration from the African continent to their country by creating better economic opportunities for the underprivileged youth.

At a courtesy call on the Ministry of Inner-city and Zongo Development, the delegation stated, “Saudi Arabian government recognizes the magnitude of the problems and will help to create better living conditions and standard for many of these youth who migrate to Saudi Arabia through support in addressing the root causes of poverty and Migration”.

Members of the Saudi Parliamentary delegation comprised of Dr. Ghazi Bin Faisac Dhagar (Head of delegation), Saud. L.Acroweky, Dr. Nanrah Abdul Rahaman Yousef, Fahd Ali Asharani, all members of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Abdallah Suliman Albacawi, the Director of Protocol, Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ghana.

The delegation is in the country to learn at first hand the progress the country was making with its Parliamentary development as well as to familiarize itself with policies, programmes and strategic direction of the Ministry of Inner-City and Zongo Development.

Present at the meeting between the Saudi delegation and the Minister of Inner City and Zongo Development were the leadership of the Parliamentary Committee on Ghana –Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship led by Mr. Mohammed Hardi Tuseini (MP Naton), Chairman, and vice Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Baway Braimah (MP, Ejura-Sekyeredumase).

The leader of the delegation in briefing the Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development stated that, his government is ready to assist the Government and people of Ghana in discovering and addressing the root cause for illegal migration to Saudi Arabia.

He also mentioned that, Saudi Arabia is aware that the issues concerning illegal migration have to do with the absence of the necessary amenities and resources necessary for socio-economic participation, and as such improving living conditions for the youth who engage in these dangerous acts of illegal migration is essential in curbing this menace.

In resolving these issues, his government will be willing to help not only in infrastructural enhancement, but will also support the development of the right character and role models that will help in addressing the root cause of poverty, illiteracy, poor health conditions and so forth. This can be addressed through support in technical skills development, and support for training in health related disciplines.

Concerning, the teaching of the Arabic language in Ghana, he mentioned that the government of Saudi Arabia will assist the Ministry in promoting its agenda of making Arabic language examinable in the country through the training of more Arabic tutors.

In relation to the subject of tolerance, Dr. Dhagar commended the country for its practice of tolerance when it comes to Christians and Muslims living together.

Dr Dhagar directed the leadership of the newly created Ministry to furnish his outfit with the programmes and models being used to solve the level of poverty and diseases in the Zongo communities so as to help his outfit in determining areas of collaboration between the two entities.

The Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development, Alhaji Abu-Bakar Saddique Boniface on his part reiterated the commitment of the Government of Ghana in resolving the development challenges peculiar to the Inner-City and Zongo communities in Ghana.

This, he stressed will help address the different levels of development in the country that in the past has led to the creation of pockets of poverty enclaves across the country.

Present at the meeting were officials of the Ministry of Inner-City and Zongo Development led by the Chief Director of the Ministry Mrs. Gifty Mahama Biyira; Dr. Kwadwo Ohene -Sarfo, Special Advisor to the Minister; Dr. Joseph Darmoe, Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management, Mrs. Amina Sammo, Director of Projects and Programmes, Mr. Mohammed Alhassan, Director of Policy Planning, Budget and Monitoring & Evaluation, and, Mr. Stephen Dapaah, Deputy Director of Policy Planning, Budget and Monitoring & Evaluation.