Debates of 6 Feb 2008

MR. SPEAKER
PRAYERS 10 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker 10 a.m.
Order! Order! Item 3 -- Urgent Question.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs/
Majority Leader (Mr. A. O. Aidooh) 10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I understand he is on the way coming, I do not know whether we may take the motion.
Mr. Speaker 10 a.m.
Item 6, Motion.
Alhaji Karim Wumbei 10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the motion was stood down yesterday. We are still consulting one another on moving the motion.
Mr. Speaker 10 a.m.
Thank you. We shall adjourn this matter.
Mr. A. O. Aidooh 10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I propose we suspend Sitting for a few minutes. I understand the hon. Minister is coming by all means. I want to propose that Sitting be suspended for a few minutes. I am sorry for that but that is the best we can do.
Mr. Speaker 10 a.m.
How long?
Mr. A. O. Aidooh 10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, maybe, 20 minutes.
Mr. A. O. Aidooh 10:30 a.m.
The Sitting was suspended at 10.03 a.m.

Sitting Resumed.
Mr. Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Yes, hon. Majority Leader?
Mr. A. O. Aidooh 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the hon. Minister is now in. We apologise for the inconvenience; and if we may go to item 3 -- Urgent Question.
Mr. Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon. Minister for Transportation, Item 3 -- Urgent Question -- hon. Dr. Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed?
URGENT QUESTION 10:30 a.m.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION 10:30 a.m.
Minister of State (Mr. G. T. Bayon) 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, a number of factors contribute to the traffic congestion at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange. These include the following:
1. The congestion of the Spintex Road due to lack of alternative routes in the Eastern Corridor of Accra.
2. The ongoing construction works
on the Tetteh Quarshie Inter- change to Adenta Barrier Road.
The attribution of traffic congestion on the Spintex Road to the opening of the Accra Shopping Mall is minimal except for the rush traffic that was generated during the first few days of the formal opening of the Mall.
Currently some alternative solutions are being provided in the form of the widening of the La-Teshie Road from the Military Academy Training School (MATS) to link up with the Teshie Link. The widening of the road will provide space for additional vehicles. In addition, sections of the Teshie Link are under construction while the bridge over the rail line on the Teshie Link is also currently being built.
An interchange project on the Motorway to redistribute some of the traffic on the Spintex Road unto the Motorway is at the tender evaluation stage.
The congestion due to the ongoing construction works on the Legon road will greatly reduce with the completion of the works.
Future Programme
All the roads including the Teshie Link, Spintex Road, Burma Camp Road and the Baatsona Highway within the Eastern Corridor have been designed and funds are being sought to develop them. The development of these roads will greatly improve the traffic distribution within the Eastern Corridor and reduce congestion on the Spintex Road.
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed (retd): Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether he is
aware that the road reservation space that lies parallel to the Spintex Road has been re-demarcated for residential purposes and people have started building on them already.
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I am not aware because land allocation does not fall within the purview of my Ministry.
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed (retd): Mr. Speaker, the hon. Minister said that there is an interchange project that will take care of traffic over the Motorway linking the Spintex Road and I would like him to know that the space that has been reserved for that project is the one that I am talking about. So I do not know where the road is going to pass.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know whether he can tell this House that the space reserved for that protect is still available.
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, whilst not wanting to disagree with my hon. Colleague, I would want to say that definitely the Ministry will find the necessary space for the interchange.
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed (retd): Mr. Speaker, the hon. Minister also mentioned the bridge on the Teshie railline, I would like to know when that project will be completed.
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot tell my hon. Colleague, for sure, when it will be completed, but it is on course.
Mr. Albert Abongo 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister if he thinks that some good consultation went on before the siting of the shopping mall at its current location.
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have already mentioned that land allocation is not a prerogative of the Ministry of
Transportation. It is either the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) or some other agency.
So I cannot, for sure, stand in here and say that proper consultation was done.
Mr. George Kuntu-Blankson 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister the linkage between the AMA and his Ministry.
Mr. Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon. Member, this is not a supplementary question at all.
Mr. Kenneth Dzirasah 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether there is no inter-sectorial relationship between the AMA and his Ministry as far as planning and allocation of plots are concerned especially as regards roads.
Mr. Speaker 10:30 a.m.
This is not a supple- mentary question. If you have others, please go on and ask.
Mr. Stephen Hodogbey 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, in the Answer of the hon. Minister, he gave at least two reasons for the congestion on the road; one is the lack of alternative routes and the other is the ongoing construction works. The construction works started not too long ago. From the very birth of that road, the congestion started before the construction works on the Legon-Adenta Road.
Mr. Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Order! Order! Hon. Member, go on.
Mr. Hodogbey 10:30 a.m.
So my question is, will the hon. Minister consider reconfiguring the road to avoid the congestion on that
strip?
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I think my hon. Colleague has helped me to answer the question. What he has mentioned is part of the problem.
Mr. E. K. D. Adjaho 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether there was any discussion between the Management of Accra Shopping Mall and the Ministry of Transportation as to how to deal with the congestion as a result of the opening of the shopping mall.
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, in my Answer, I mentioned a number of steps that we are taking to solve the problem. Of course, I believe that when the AMA is supposed to undertake any project or they are giving permission for any project to be taken, definitely all stakeholders are often consulted.
Mr. Adjaho 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to know whether there was any discussion between the Management of Accra Shopping Mall and the Ministry. If there is no discussion, he should tell this honourable House that there is no discussion, and then we will follow up.
Mr. Bayon 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I believe there was a discussion because we are stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Item 4 -- Questions -- hon. Minister for Transportation. Question number 796 -- hon. Ernest Kofi Yakah, Member of Parliament for New Edubiase? [Pause.]
Quest ion number 797 -- hon. Richmond Sam Quarm, Member of Parliament for Gomoa East?
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 10:40 a.m.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Bayon 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, Fetteh- Ekotsi-Fawornanye-Kwanyako road is located in the Gomoa East of the Central Region. Fetteh-Ekotsi-Fawornanye- Kwanyako road consists of two sections.
They are the Fetteh-Ekotsi section which is 11km long and the Ekotsi- Fawornanye-Kwanyako section which is 17.3 km. The DFR has programmed the surfacing of Ekotsi-Fawornanye- Kwanyako feeder road in phases.
Current Programme
The Phase I contract for the surfacing of Ekotsi-Fawornanye-Kwanyako feeder road was awarded in October, 2007 at a contract sum of GH¢1.3 million.
The first phase contract involves the surfacing of the first 10 km. Contract for the surfacing of the first phase has been signed with Messrs General Construction and Development.
The project commenced in December 2007 and is expected to be completed in May 2009. The project is about 10 per cent completed.
Future Programme
The remaining 7.3 km has been captured under Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) programme.
Potsin-Amoanda-Akraman
Background
The Potsin-Amoanda-Akraman feeder road is 10.4 km long and is located in the Gomoa East of the Central Region. The Potsin-Amoanda-Akraman feeder road was awarded for surfacing in October 2007 at a contract sum of GH¢1.0 million.
Possession of site was given to the contractor Messrs Big Aidoo Construction Limited on the 1st of February 2008. The project will commence on the 15th of February 2008 and is expected to be completed in August 2009.
Kasoa-Nyanyaano
Kasoa-Nyanyaano lies on R15 and forms part of the Nyanyaano-Kasoa Bawjiase Road. The length of the road is 8.5 km: Five kilometres of the road is tarred and in good condition.
The tarred section was awarded on 1st October 2006 to Messrs Big Aidoo. Construction Limited at a cost of GH¢1.9 million and is still ongoing. The contract which was scheduled to be completed on the 31st December 2007 is now 87 per cent completed.
The contractor has completed all sealing works and is left with the construction of lay bys and U-drains.
The procurement process for the remaining 3.5 kilometres is ongoing.
Bonkro-Gyaneboafo-Mamfe Kporpe- Gavor Korfe, etc, Roads
Q. 831. Mr. Raphael Kofi Ahaligah asked the Minister for Transportation when the following roads would be constructed:
(i) Bonkro-Gyaneboafo
(ii) Aframso-Kwame Boy-Hlihadzi
(iii) Bumpata-Trebu
(iv) Mamfe Korpe-Gavor Korfe.
Mr. Bayon 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Bonkro- Gyaneboafo feeder road is 7.5 km long and is located n the Kwahu North District of the Eastern Region. The road is partially engineered.
Current Programme
The Bonkro-Gyaneboafo feeder road was awarded in June 2007 together with other roads totalling 74.5 km at a contract sum of GH¢154,000. Under this contract the Bonkro-Gyaneboafo feeder road will be reshaped.
The project is being executed by Messrs 48 Engineers Regiment and was expected to be completed in December 2007. The project which is about 35 per cent completed is behind schedule due to the slow pace of work by the contractor.
The contractor has been warned to expedite progress of work to ensure early completion of the project:
i. Aframso-Kwame Boy-Hlihadzi
ii. Bompata-Trebu
iii. Mamfe Korpe-Gavor Korfe. Background
These are all tracks and are all located in the Kwahu North district of the Eastern Region. All of them are un-engineered
and do not form part of DFR's classified road network.
The District Assembly may prioritize the roads and approach DFR for assistance in their future development.
Mr. Ahaligah 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I know the Bonkro-Gyaneboafo road is not engineered; I know the Asenyanso- Bonkro road is engineered. Therefore I want the hon. Minister to tell me when the construction of that road would start. That was my Question; my Question was very specific.
Mr. Bayon 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I think I have provided the Answer. I have outlined how it had been awarded to Messrs 48 Engineers Regiment, and it is 35 per cent complete. So that is the Answer; it is ongoing.
Mr. Ahaligah 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the hon. Minister has not given me the Answer. My Question is on the Bonkro-Gyaneboafo road, and he is talking of the Asenyanso- Bonkro-Maame Krobo road. I know that road is engineered. He is telling me the road I am asking the Question on is now engineered, and I know it is not engineered. So I want the hon. Minister to tell me when it will be engineered.
Mr. Bayon 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, this is the Answer that I have been given by my men on the field but if what he is saying is true, I will find out and let him know later.
Mr. Ahaligah 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I know the road is a very important road for my people that is why I am asking this Question in Parliament. Would the hon. Minister tell me when he will come back to this House to give me an Answer to the Question?
Mr. Bayon 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, at the least convenience I will be here.
Ms. Akua Sena Dansua 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask the hon. Minister if these roads are going to be part of those that
Mr. Bayon 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I think the roads are about five but I have listed those that are ongoing now. The other roads like Aframso-Kwame Boy-Hlihadzie, I have made it categorically clear that it is not on course now. The note says so -- [Laughter.]
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Question Number 840?
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd): Mr. Speaker, the hon. Member has asked me to crave your indulgence to ask the Question on his behalf.
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Hon. Member, when did he ask you? [Laughter.]
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd): Yesterday, when we closed.
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Go ahead.
Mafi Aloryi through Mafi Dugame to Bakpa Old Town Road
Q. 840. Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd) (on behalf of Mr. J. K. Gidisu asked the Minister for Transportation what steps the Ministry was taking to improve the road from Mafi Aloryi through Mafi Dugame to Bakpa old town in the Central Tongu constituency.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Mafi Aloryi-Mafi Dugame-Bakpa old town is 4.6 km long and is located in the North Tongu district of the Volta region.
Current Programme
The road was awarded for spot improvement in December 2006 at a contract sum of GH¢137,000. The project which is being executed by Messrs

Dobecks Enterprise Limited is expected to be completed in April 2008.

The project is about 28 per cent completed and works executed to date are the construction of ten culverts. Payment to date is GH¢24,500.

The project is behind schedule due to the slow pace of work by the contractor. The contractor has therefore been warned to expedite progress of work.
Mr. C. S. Hodogbey 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister if this road is funded by Government of Ghana (GOG) or from any external source funds. If so, why will 4.6 kilometre less of road take more than 15 months to be completed?
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Hon. Member, please, ask one question.
Mr. Hodogbey 10:50 a.m.
I would like to know from the hon. Minister if this road is funded by the GOG or by any external source.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the road is funded by the Road Fund.
Mafi Agorve-Avlavenu-Kpomkpe Road
Q. 841. Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd.) (on behalf of Mr. J. K. Gidisu asked the Minister for Transportation what programme the Ministry has towards the construction of Mafi Agorve-Avlavenu- Kpomkpo road in the North Tongu district.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Mafi Agorve-Avlavenu-Kpomkpo is 5 km long and is located in the North Tongu district of the Volta Region. The road is unengi-neered.
Engineering studies will be carried
out on the road this year and based on the availability of funds the necessary intervention will be carried out on the roads.
Dome to Hwanyaso-Nsogyaso and Dokoman, etc, Roads
Q. 844. Mr. Raphael Kofi Ahaligah asked the Minister for Transportation what steps the Ministry was taking to construct the following roads:
(i) Dome to Hwanyaso-Nsogyaso and Dokoman
(ii) Nsogya Anaafo-Kwesi Fanti
(iii) Akatsi Nsogya Anaafo.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Dome to Hwanyaso-Nsogyaso and Dokoman and Akatsi-Nsogya-Anaafo feeder roads are located in the Kwahu North district of the Eastern Region. They are 7.2 km and 3 km in length respectively. The roads are partially engineered.
Current Programme
The Dome to Hwanyaso-Nsogyaso and Dokoman and the Akatsi-Nsogya Anaafo feeder road were among a list of roads totalling 82 km awarded in December 2007 under the Feeder Road Improvement Programme (FRIP).
Under the project Dome-Hwanyaso- Nsogyaso-Dokoman feeder road and the Akatsi-Nsogya-Anaafo road will be rehabilited.
The project which is estimated to cost GH¢4.8 million is being executed by Messrs Big Aidoo Construction Limited. The project is about 22 per cent completed and the amount paid to date is GH¢1.9
million. The project is expected to be completed in April 2009.
Future Programme
After the completion of the 7.2 km Dome to Hwanyaso section of the remaining stretch from Hwanyaso- Nsogya-Dokoman will be programmed for rehabilitation.
Nsogya Anaafo-Kwesi Fanti
Background
The Nsogya-Anaafo-Kwesi Fanti feeder road is 17.5 km and is located in the Kwahu North district of the Eastern Region. It is captured in the DFR classified network as Nsuogyanafo- Kwesikumi.
Current Programme
The Nsogya-Anaafo-Kwesi Fanti- feeder road was awarded in June 2007 together with other roads totalling 74.5 km at a contract sum of GH¢154,000. Under this contract, the Nsogya Anaafo- Kwesi Fanti feeder road will be reshaped.
The project is being executed by Messrs 48 Engineer Regiment and was expected to be completed in December 2007. The project which is about 35 per cent completed is behind schedule due to the slow pace of work by the contractor. The contractor has been warned to expedite progress of work.
Mr. Ahaligah 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister, the Nsogya-Anaafo-Kwesi Fanti road was supposed to be completed in the year 2007 but they have not started work on that road. When are they going to start work?
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have indicated in my Answer that that road has been awarded alongside others. So the contractor could be on the other roads: But I believe the work would be done once it has been awarded and we would make sure we follow him to do the work.
Mr. Ahaligah 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, in the Answer to my Question, he said the work should have been completed in the year 2007; now he is saying they have warned the contractor. So when is the contractor saying he is going to complete the work? There must be a time schedule.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, we have warned the contractor and if we find out that he is not doing well, we may terminate and reaward the contract.
Mr. Ahaligah 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I know normally when letters are written to somebody as warning, copies are sent out and if he could give me a copy of that letter so that I can also go and inspect the work. Because it is in my constituency and I know that road is very important.
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
What is your question, please?
Mr. Ahaligah 10:50 a.m.
My question is, if it would be possible for him to give me a copy of that warning letter so that I can also contact the contractor and know when really the work would be completed.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I do not have a copy of the letter here.
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Question 845, hon. Member for Nkwanta South?
Mr. F. Y. Osei-Sarfo 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the hon. Member is in his constituency and has asked me to ask his Question on
his behalf.
Mr. Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Please go ahead.
Kacheibi-Alokpatsa-Kitare Road
Q. 845. Mr. Osei-Sarfo (on behalf of Mr. Gershon K. B. Gbediame) asked the Minister for Transportation which contractor was awarded the contract to rehabilitate the Kacheibi-Alokpatsa- Kitare road and why the contractor has not reported to site for more than two years now.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Kechibi- Alokpatsa-Kitare feeder rpad os 22 km long a nd is located inth Nkwanta District of the Volta Region. The Kecheibi-Alokpatsa- Kitare feeder road was programmed for rehabilitation in two phases.
The phase one contract involving the first 15 km stretch was awarded for rehabilitation in November 2006 and completed in October 2007 at a cost of GH¢280,000. The contractor who executed the project is Messrs Effasco Limited.
Future Programme
The remaining 7 km stretch will be programmed for upgrading from earth surface to gravel surface when funds are available.
Mr. Osei-Sarfo 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I want to know from the hon. Minister when he thinks funds would be available to complete the remaining 7 km to be tarred.
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, funds are available when taxes are paid or when we manage to procure a loan. So I cannot specifically say that funds would be ready
Mr. Bayon 10:50 a.m.


within this time. It is difficult to look for funds but we would endeavour to do so.

Nkwanta Township Road

Q. 846. Mr. Osei-Sarfo (on behalf of Mr. Gershon K.B. Gbediame asked the Minister for Transportation what was the cause of delay in the construction of the Nkwanta Township Roads.
Mr. Bayon 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Nkwanta town roads have been programmed for surfacing in phases. The first phase contract involving 3.7 km was awarded in July 2006 and completed in February 2007 at a cost of GH¢160,000 by Messrs Bugri Naabu Contract Works Limited.
The phase one contract was designed and executed up to base level. The second phase contract involving the tarring of the first 3.7 km was awarded in April 2007 and completed in September 2007 at a cost of GH¢392,000. The project was executed by Messrs Bugri Naabu Contract Works Limited.
The phase three contract which involves surfacing of additional one (1) kilometre stretch was awarded in September 2007 at a contract sum of GH¢647,000. The project was expected to commence in December 2007 and completed in December 2008.
The contractor Messrs Bugri Naabu Contract Works Limited is yet to commence works. The contractor has been warned to commence works to ensure early completion of the project.
Mr. Osei-Sarfo 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the tarring of the first phase which is said to
have been completed in September, 2007 has already started developing potholes. Would the hon. Minister consider having a second look or an inspection of the work so that he would assess the work done so far?
Mr. Bayon 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, we would verify the statement that he has made. But I also want to say that normally, we have routine maintenance of roads.
River Oti (Bridge)
Q. 847. Mr. Francis Yaw Osei-Sarfo asked the Minister for Transportation what plans the Ministry had to construct a bridge over the River Oti at Dambai to link Krachi West constituency and the Northern Region.
Mr. Bayon 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, River Oti is a crossing on the Regional Road No. R26 linking Dambai and Borae. There is no bridge across the river to link the two towns however, they are being served by a ferry operated by the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC).
Preliminary investigation for a possible bridge to be constructed over the river indicates that, a bridge of a total span of 8 km will be required. This will be the longest bridge yet to be constructed in Ghana.
Future Programme
Currently the Ministry has no immediate plans to construct this bridge.
Mr. Osei-Sarfo 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I want to know from the hon. Minister whether it is the length of the bridge that is scaring the Ministry from having any plans to construct that bridge.
Mr. Bayon 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, the length of about 8 kilometres definitely goes with
high cost - that is the problem. It is the length together with the cost. Thank you.
Mr. Osei-Sarfo 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that there are no immediate plans to construct a bridge over River Oti, would the hon. Minister consider liaising with the hon. Minister for Ports, Harbours and Railways to give a reliable pontoon service to Dambai?
Mr. Bayon 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I think that is a way out but the hon. Member who asked the Question together with me should liaise with the Ministry to secure a better service for them.
Mr. Mahama Ayariga 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, with your kind permission, this is not a Supplementary Question but to crave your indulgence because we did not have the opportunity to ask Question number 796, the very first Question.
Mr. Speaker 11 a.m.
He was not present.
Mr. Ayariga 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, he had earlier asked me to ask the Question but Mr. Speaker -- [Interruption] -
Mr. Speaker 11 a.m.
I am so sorry, you ought to have been vigilant.
Mr. Ayariga 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rose but
I did not catch your eye.
Mr. Speaker 11 a.m.
Minister for Transpor- tation, thank you very much for attending to answer the Questions. You are discharged. Item 7 - Committee Sittings - Leadership?
Mr. Osei Prempeh 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, may I move that proceedings be brought to an end and the House adjourned.
Ms. Akua Sena Dansoa 11 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I second the motion for adjournment so that hon. Members can attend the various committees.
Question put and motion agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT 11 a.m.