Week of events including sending chickens to parliament

ISODEC, General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the TUC, Third World Network, MAPRONET and others are working closely with small-scale producer groups and associations to understand the impact of national/regional/global trade policies on their lives and to advocate for trade policies that work for the poor.

During the Global Week of Action they aim to make trade an election issue and reactivate the trade debate at all levels, in particular ensuring that the ECOWAS integration process and EPA negotiations are people-centred.

Campaign launch in GNAT Hall, Accra - 11 April
The week will be launched at a press conference by eminent persons who will deliver short speeches and lectures. Before the week of Action Banners will be placed at all entry and exit points of five major cities.

Sending Chickens to Parliament in Accra - 12 April
Focus on the poultry sector and send chickens to each member of parliament, highlighting the enforced liberalisation of the poultry sector in Ghana and the continuing harmful effects of EU dumping.

• Across the country ten flat-bed articulated trucks and five brass bands will be involved in disseminating messages – this will be farmer-led.

• Representatives from all the regions will be invited to Accra to carry placards bearing messages specific to the region.

• A procession will deliver specific messages targeting Parliament, IMF/WB, Ministry of Trade and Industry and then end at a rice tasting bazaar, where local and imported rice as well as tomatoes will be cooked and the public and media invited to sample and make comments.

• At Parliament, chickens wearing necklaces with messages will be presented together with a calabash of local rice.

Mobile Human Adverts in Accra - 13-15 April
Messages will be printed on the bodies of persons who will spend the day walking in traffic thereby spreading the message.

Radio/TV discussions - 13 April
Radio talk shows in Accra, Kumasi,Tamale and Bolga, engage DFID/EU reps in discussions on EPAs.

Bicycle procession from Tema to Accra - 14 April
The procession will start from Tema and ride to Accra. Flyers printed for the purpose will be distributed along the route.

Concert - 15 April
A public concert at the Independence Square to round off the week - messages to be delivered by musicians.

Location

Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Bolga

Organiser

Mapronet, ISODEC, Send Foundation, Peasant Farmers Association

Contact

Mohammed Issah, Emmanuel Abeliwine and Ibrahim Akalbila