Debates of 9 Jul 2009

MADAM SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Hon Members, Correction of Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 8th July, 2009. Pages 1 - 11
-- 11 a.m.
Mr. D. T. Assumeng 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I am sorry to take you back to page 6. On page 6, number 16, Hon Joe Gidisu was here yesterday, but he has been marked absent, so I want it to be corrected.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Pages 1112 --
Mr. Justice J. Appiah 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, on page 12, item ix, the position of my names have not yet been changed, it is still written as “Mr. Joe Justice Appiah”. It should read “Mr Justice Joe Appiah”.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
“Justice” is the first name, it is not a title, it is just a name.
Mr. Appiah 11 a.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Thank you. Pages
13-15?
The Votes and Proceedings of
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 11 a.m.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM 11 a.m.
Minister for Tourism (Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah) 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Kakum National Park which is located in Twifo/Heman/Lower Denkyira District, in the Central Region, about 20 kilometres north of Cape Coast, is one of Ghana's prime tourist attractions and indeed, the only Tropical Forest in Africa with a canopy walkway. It is a major attraction for domestic and foreign tourists.
The Kakum National Park is not managed by the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission is responsible for the management of the Park.
At its meeting held on Thursday, 15th December, 2006, Cabinet gave approval for the sharing of revenue among various agencies and stakeholders as follows:
Central Government -- 10 per cent
District Assemblies -- 20 per cent
Traditional Authorities/Communities -- 20 per cent
Maintenance Fund -- 50 per cent
However, the implementation of the formula has not been put in place since its publication in 2006.
The Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust (GHCT), an NGO formed by the Ghana Government and USAID assist Ghana Wildlife Division to manage the Park. Sixty per cent of the revenue is allocated to GHCT for maintenance, administration, utility payments, et cetera, while the remaining 40 per cent goes to the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission. The Ministry of Tourism is consulting with the appropriate agencies to revisit the sharing formula for all stakeholders.
Rev. Donkor: Madam Speaker, from the Minister's Answer, she stated that the Kakum National Park is not being managed by her Ministry. In view of the fact that the thrust of the Kakum National Park is for tourism promotion, would the Minister not consider an arrangement where all tourist sites like the Kakum National Park would come under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism?
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe a lot of tourists go to these sites and they come under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism. But when we are talking about the conservation side, I believe that is the reason why the Kakum National Park comes under the
Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust and I believe it is in the right direction.
Rev. Donkor: Madam Speaker, may I ask the Minister, how does the current arrangement of 60 per cent to the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust, the 40 per cent for Forestry Commission, cater for the interest of the District Assemblies, the traditional authorities and then the communities around the Kakum Park? How does the current arrangement cater for these?
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, maybe, this answer comes under the purview of the District Assembly. I am saying the Kakum National Park is attached to the Ministry of Tourism mainly because of the visitors that go there. But the arrangement for the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust to take care of the Park, I believe, stays as it is.
It is now that we are trying to decentralize tourism and we would want the District Assemblies to participate a lot more in whatever products are in their districts. So I know that in future, the District Assemblies are going to have a lot more to do with taking care of the products that are in their communities.
Rev. Donkor: Madam Speaker, from the Minister's answer given, it is so glaring that the current arrangement or the formula
[REV. DONKOR] [MR. KYEI-MENSAH-BONSU]
is not the best. This is because the interest of the District Assembly, the traditional authorities and then the communities around the Park have not been catered for. Therefore, in her answer, she said she is consulting with appro-priate agencies to revisit the sharing formula for all stakeholders.
May I know from the Minister, how soon she is going to revisit -- [Interruptions] - How soon - and therefore, make sure that the interest of Hemang Lower Denkyira District Assembly, the traditional authorities and the communities around the national park have been taken on board?
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe the consultation is on- going. But one thing my Hon Member should take note of is that, the maintenance of this Kakum National Park is very, very critical. You can imagine what happens when anything goes faulty with the canopy. So the maintenance which takes 50 per cent is in the right place. But we are talking with the agencies, as I said, to really get it sorted out properly.
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed (retd): Madam Speaker, I would like to know from the Hon Minister whether she has any plans to submit this formula to Parliament for approval.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
The question again.
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd): Madam Speaker, I would like to know from the Hon Minister whether this formula would be submitted to Parliament for approval.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Hon Member, what
formula, which formula?
Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd): Madam Speaker, the sharing formula contained in the --
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Is it the 40 to 60 or the 10, 20, 20? The question -- we have some sharing and then another sharing, which sharing? Is it the former, so that the Minister would find her way clear?

Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd): Madam Speaker, the Hon Minister said that at a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, 15th December 2006, approval was given for the sharing of revenue among various agencies and stakeholders as follows:

Central Government - 10 per cent,

District Assemblies - 20 per cent,

Traditional Authorities/Commu- nities - 20 per cent and

Maintenance Fund of 50 per cent.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
All right.
Maj. Dr. (Alhaji) Ahmed (retd): Madam Speaker, my question is that, even though she was not the Minister then, will she consider bringing this formula to Parliament for approval?
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Yes, Hon Minister, the question needs an answer.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as I already stated, this formula, if one can call it that, was approved by Cabinet in 2006. So, if we are going to re-look at it, I believe we will do the same thing, take it to Cabinet. And if there is the need, we will bring it to Parliament.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I would want to enquire from the Hon Minister, on what basis she will be bringing this formula to Parliament. Since she knows that it is not a statutory

formula, on what basis will she be bringing it to Parliament?
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
I thought the answer was “if . . . ” -- [Interruptions.]
Hon Minority Leader, do you still want an answer to the question?
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, yes, I require an answer from the Hon Minister.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Minister, he wants an answer to the question.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I did not say I will bring the formula to Parliament. I said, “if there is the need --” [Interruptions.] I can decide not to bring it if there is no need. [Inter-ruptions.]
Mr. G. K. B. Gbediame 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, in the Hon Minister's Answer, she said and I beg to quote:
“However, the implementation of the formula has not been put in place since its publication in 2006.”
Can the Hon Minister tell this House what informed the Ministry for not implementing their own formula since
2006?
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Minister, do
you know, if you know tell them. Do you know why?
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, like most things, a lot of decisions can be taken but the implementation is the problem. So, since I am now the Minister, I said I would start by talking with the agencies so that we can revisit the sharing of the formula. And I can assure my Hon Colleague that we will definitely try and
do something about it.
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the formula, as has been indicated, is intended to address the concerns of the traditional authorities, the communities and then the District Assemblies.
Madam Speaker, I want to ask the Hon Minister when exactly the formula will be implemented. Because the formula has been approved by Cabinet and it is now at the stage of implementation. When is the Hon Minister going to implement the formula?
rose
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Yes, Hon Majority Leader.
Mr. Bagbin 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, this is a formula that was approved in 2006 and this is a Minister that took office a few months ago, this year, 2009. Now, how can one be holding that Minister responsible for a formula that has not been implemented since 2006?
That is why in her Answer, she said she is consulting -- “the Ministry is consulting with the other appropriate agencies to revisit the sharing formula for all stakeholders”. That is what she can do. She is not refusing to implement it. She has come to meet the failure of the earlier Ministry to implement it. And she is now finding the means, the formula, and the way out to implementing it. So, how can the Hon Member be asking her - that is not a fair question.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, with respect to the Hon Majority Leader, the way he finds himself answering questions on behalf of the Hon Ministers in the House is unacceptable.
Madam Speaker, he clearly did not come on any point of order. And this question is within the competence of the Hon Minister and yet he finds himself
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
I thought he was raising an objection to the question; not answering it.
However, what is the question again? Let us hear the question again.
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I
know the Hon Majority Leader is infallible in so many things, but on this occasion, I want to believe that he got it all wrong because --
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Member, ask the question.
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the specific question is, when is the formula going to be implemented?
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:20 a.m.
Madam
Mr. A. K. Agbesi 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to know from the Hon Minister when the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust (GHCT) was formed.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe this question needs notice. This is because if one realises, the GHCT does not come under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism.
Mr. Daniel Botwe 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I wanted some elucidation. Madam Speaker, when we ask questions, we want to be properly briefed. If in the Answer of the Hon Minister, she said, and I beg
Mr. Daniel Botwe 11:20 a.m.


to quote:

“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission is responsible for the management of the Park,”

I would have thought that immediately we should have suspended this issue and call in the appropriate Ministry to come and deal with the Questions. Because I do not see how the Hon Minister can properly answer these Questions when she has said right from the outset that it does not fall under her Ministry. That is my problem. And I wonder whether the whole House is not being thrown out of order.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Did you ask a question? [Laughter.] I am not sure whether you asked a question.
Mr. Botwe 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the question actually is, why is the House allowing her to answer the questions and whether the House is not out of order by continuing asking her the questions?
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Well, it may be a question to the House, but it does not follow from the Question filed. This is a question to the House or is it to the Speaker?
Mr. Botwe 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I was
seeking elucidation and asking whether the House is not out of order by continually asking her these Questions.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
Well, if she is
competent to answer it, can we stop her? If she is not, she will tell us and then we will stop asking questions on those lines. That is why the Question filed has been allowed. But if she objects that she needs notice and it is not under her Ministry, then
of course, the House would not force her to answer the questions.
Mr. Assumeng 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to know from the Hon Minister if she would consider the payment to the various organizations to take effect from the 15th of December 2006 when the formula was agreed upon.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe when the decision was taken in Cabinet to put the formula into operation, if by some reason the formula had not been implemented up till now, I cannot see us going back to pay the moneys accrued to the agencies to be backdated to 2006. I believe after my consultation with the appropriate agencies, we will start implementing and start on the date we have started.
Mr. Opare-Ansah 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Minister has stated in her Answer in the first paragraph and as a matter of fact, I beg to quote:
“. . . and indeed, the only tropical forest in Africa with a canopy walkway . . . ”
Madam Speaker, I am aware that in Rivers State, Nigeria, in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, where there is a rainforest, there is the Kache Bano Canopy Walkway. Would the Hon Minister, in the light of this information, agree that that portion of her Answer is factually incorrect?
Mrs. Azumh-Mensah 11:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I would like to thank the Hon Member for informing me that there is another canopy walkway in Nigeria. So I will definitely check that up and add it; wherever they are, I will probably check them.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
Hon Members,
the second Question stands in the name of the Hon Member for Techiman South (Mr. Simons Addai).
Sacred Fish Habitat on the Tano River (Development)
Q. 75. Mr. Simons Addai asked the Minister for Tourism whether the Ministry had plans to develop the spiritual sacred fish habitat on the Tano River as a tourist attraction.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, the Atweredaa Sacred Fish, which is found in parts of the Tano River that runs through the Techiman Market in the Techiman Municipality, has long been captured by the Ghana Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism in the 15-year National Tourism Development Plan (1996-2010) and has been advertised in the tourism brochures and other promotional materials since the late 1990s to date.
In June 2004, part of the fish stock was
poisoned due to unknown circumstances resulting in the drastic reduction in the fish stock.
Recent visit to Atweredaa Sacred Fish
habitat by my regional officers of the Ghana Tourist Board, revealed a gradual natural repopulation of the fish stock.
Madam Speaker, I have to stress that
any meaningful development of the fish pond would require careful planning so as not to disturb the sacred fish natural habitat.
In this regard, the Ministry through the
Ghana Tourist Board will work closely with the Techiman District Assembly to develop the Sacred Fish Pond and other attractions in the municipality.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:30 a.m.


I have to underscore here that, in line with the Ministry's tourism decentra- lization policy which seeks for a better co-ordinated, well-planned and developed tourism at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, the Ministry of Tourism will work closely with the Assemblies to ensure that tourism plans and programmes at the district level are incorporated in the overall annual district plans in order to make realistic budgetary provisions for their implementation.

This is in tandem with the recent briefing given by my Ministry to all the newly appointed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives at their orientation programme organized for them by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Mr. S. Addai 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the
Hon Minister has said that the fish stock is repopulating. Does she see the need or urgency to develop the habitat so that the fish stock does not suffer another poisoning?
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
Hon Minister, did
you get the Question? [Pause.] She says you should repeat the Question.
Mr. S. Addai 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I said,
now that the Hon Minister has indicated that the fish stock is repopulating, does she see the need or urgency to develop the habitat so that the fish stock does not suffer another poisoning?
Mrs. Azumanh-Mensah 11:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, it is in the policy of the Ministry to develop the habitat. However, since we did not know the people or how come the fish got poisoned in the first place, I cannot stand here and tell my Hon Member that we can prevent the poisoning.
We hope that with future organization of the area and then to decentralize tourism down the District Assembly, I am saying there would be a lot more observation of the fish pond so that we can have people patrolling the area to prevent somebody coming to poison the fish so that the fish stock can increase.
Mr. S. Addai 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, if an
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, normally, everything we do, when the Ministry itself has not got the technical people, we always do ask the people who are experts to come and help us, look at the problems that are on the ground so that they can assist us address the problem.
Dr. M. O. Prempeh 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, from the answers being given by the Hon Minister for Tourism, it looks like in this country, most of our tourist sites are not under her purview. It is either under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development or Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources like my Hon Colleague said. Would the Minister tell us what plans she has got to bring these tourist sites under her purview for a calculated and well-targeted tourist strategic view, to prevail to earn this country enough revenue?
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe this problem is widespread especially if we take examples like the forts and castles. When the forts and castles need repair or something is going wrong with them, they always call the Ministry of Tourism and since I have started in the Ministry, I have reinstituted an inter-ministerial committee.
At the committee level, we address issues that are not solely for the Ministry of Tourism and then with each other we address or try to brainstorm as to how we can get those products in the commu-nities that do not come under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism but another Ministry. So we do collaborate with each other.
Dr. F. B. Dakura 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the Hon Minister whether it is the pond that is sacred or it is the fish that is sacred. This is because it would be helpful to find out if it is the pond that is sacred, or it is the fish that is sacred, and what makes it sacred if it is the fish.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, in actual fact, as soon as I was in my Ministry, I was also curious to really find out why they call the pond sacred, whether it is the fish or it is the water but I was told it is the fish. The people in the surrounding communities believe that the fish that is in the pond are sacred and then if you dare eat that fish, maybe, you may be taken up with bad spirits. So this is the reason why they do not eat the fish. If one is caught eating the fish, one would be brought before the chief and elders.
Mr. Joe Baidoe-Ansah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, would the Hon Minister confirm whether the sacred fish were really poisoned?
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Actually, I did not get the question but if she got the question -- Did you get the question, then answer it then.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the time the fish or the water that they were in was supposed to be poisoned; I was not around but when I came I was told that they were poisoned. So if he knows anything behind it, he can
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.


inform me.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, we were there when this incident took place in 2004 and one could see clearly that the water was polluted by chemicals, DDT or whatever. But I would like to know, when she came to office whether she got information or a documental or proof -- whether a fact-finding mission was sent to the place to bring a formal report about what led to the poisoning in that sacred pond.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I said in my Answer that the Regional Tourist Officers went to the site and that was when they saw that the fish stock was increasing. So honestly, I cannot say that we brought in any technical person or any scientist to test the water for its chemical contents. Is the Hon Member suggesting that maybe that is the best way to deal with this since the fish is repopulating?
Mr. I. K. Asiamah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
paragraph 3 of the Hon Minister's Answer, and I would want to read to the hearing of the whole House:
“In June 2004, part of the fish stock was poisoned due to unknown circumstances resulting in drastic reduction in the stock.”
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe we all practise our English here and so “drastic” can mean “drastic”, depending on what you have taken. [Laughter.]
Mr. Kofi Frimpong 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I wish to know from the Hon Minister
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I have never had the opportunity to really find out, but now that he has posed the question, I think I will try to see if we can get one fish out and see if it is poisonous or not. And I think Hon Frimpong can be the one who can taste it for us. [Laughter.]
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Members, one last question and then we finish.
Mr. S. K. B. Manu 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, referring to the same paragraph quoted by Hon Asiamah. We have had occasions where the phrase “drastic reduction” has meant thirty per cent increase. May I understand this drastic reduction of the fish stock to mean there was or there is going be an increase of thirty per cent fish stock in the pond? [Laughter.]
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Last answer.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah 11:50 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, in my Answer, I said the fish are repopulating, there is a gradual -- I said gradual. In the beginning, it was drastic poisoning, reduction in population but now there is natural repopulation and so, I do not know where the thirty per cent is coming from. I am sure in future we will find out the population of the fish.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Thank you very
much, Hon Minister, for coming to answer our Questions.
Hon Members, we move on to the
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.


Commencement of Public Business -- Laying of Papers. Item 5, the Minister --
Mr. Gershon K. B. Gbediame 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning is unavoidably outside and he sent his Deputy to represent him and I want to take permission from the Chair and seek the indulgence of the House to ask him to lay the Paper on his behalf.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Members, he
is asking permission for the Deputy to lay the Paper.
Mr. I. K. Asiamah -- rose —
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, there
were two Questions --
Mr. I. K. Asiamah 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
last week when the Business Statement was read, my Question was programmed for today. I have a copy of the Business Statement for this week which was read last week. Mine was supposed to be the last one, Question 81.
It was supposed to go to the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare on when negotiations for upward adjustment of salaries of public sector workers could be concluded. As we speak, Madam Speaker, and as you are aware, workers are suffering, petroleum prices are on the rise, no petrol and so workers need upward adjustment of salaries. It was to go for today, billed for today, 9th July, it is here, I have a copy of that Statement. Nothing has been said, I have not been informed of the reason why this Question has been skipped, so I need an answer. As I said, workers, indeed, need upward adjustment because they are suffering, no petrol, food prices are on the rise.
This Question is so urgent that I demand an urgent Answer to it so that workers will be cushioned. [Inter-ruptions.] Workers need to be cushioned because they are suffering in this country and there is a
delay in the negotiation process. It has been stalled for no apparent reason.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Let me find out.
What is the position on that Question? The Question which was supposed to have been brought of the 7th? Unfortunately, the Leader is not here.
Mr. James K. Avedzi 11:50 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, the Order Paper for yesterday, 8th July, 2009 listed the Questions that would be answered by Ministers today. The Hon Member was in the House yesterday, yet he did not complain about the Questions that have been listed as the provisional Questions for today. He is now raising the issue which is belated and I do not think he should be entertained. We should move forward in the right direction. What he is doing is not right.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:50 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, this House is a serious House and business that is programmed for us is meant to be followed.
Yes, indeed, last week when we met, some business was programmed for today. If for any reason we cannot take Questions, we need to be told. Perhaps, the Minister is unavailable and maybe, the Majority Leader would be privy to that information, we need to be informed.
But for somebody to get up and say that the Hon Member did not complain yesterday so he cannot do so today, I cannot find space for that answer in this House. The Question was programmed to be answered today, Thursday, 9th July and today is Thursday, 9th of July. The Question has not been scheduled.
Why has the Question not been scheduled? We need to be told, as simple as that. I think that for the Chairman of the Committee on Finance to get up and say that the Member did not complain
yesterday and so we should just move on, Madam Speaker, with respect to him, it is unacceptable. The Deputy Whip is part of the Leadership and he should have the competence to respond to this matter, certainly, not the Chairman of the Committee of Finance.
The Member for Nkwanta is a deputy, he is part of the Leadership of the House, in particular, leadership of the Majority and I think he is competent enough to answer this Question. Certainly not the Chairman of the Finance Committee who is not a member of the Business Committee in the first place and also not part of the leadership of the Majority as far as this matter is concerned. Madam Speaker, may we hear the Deputy Whip to offer us some direction in this matter, if any.
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I am a Member of this House and entitled to the same privileges of speech just like any other Hon Member, so may you tolerate me -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker, Leadership has taken
cognisance of the concern which has been raised by the Hon Isaac Asiamah. This is not the first time a Question has had to be rescheduled, even when they were on this side. But we take responsibility in assuring the Hon Member that negotiations are far in advance. The Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, supported by the Minister for Employment and Social Welfare are in negotiations with organized labour on the issues - [Interruptions] Madam Speaker, may you call them to order? I am not responding to the Question.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
No! No! Let us hear
you and then I will hear the Leader.
Mr. H. Iddrisu noon
Madam Speaker, the Question will be appropriately rescheduled. But let them be assured that negotiations are far in advance, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, supported by the Minister for Employment and Social Welfare is dealing with the matter of public sector wages -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker noon
Hon Member,
thank you.
Mr. H. Iddrisu noon
Madam Speaker, and more importantly, issues relating to salaries and the Single Spine Salary Structure. So, be assured that it will be rescheduled, and the Hon Minister would response to this Question. Madam Speaker, let me also further assure Hon Members that Government respects the authority -- [Interruption.]
rose
Mr. Iddrisu noon
And mandate of this House. [Uproar] -- [Some Hon Members: Sit down! Sit down!] -- This is not the first time -- [Interruption.] -- Why? We have had Questions -- [Interruption.] When you were here, you rescheduled Questions. So it will be rescheduled. The Question will be rescheduled.
Madam Speaker noon
Hon Member, I have heard enough, that it will be rescheduled. Yes, Hon Member?
Mr. Kofi Frimpong noon
On a point of order. Madam Speaker, I stood on a point of order but I did not catch your eye early enough. Madam Speaker, the Hon Member who is a very good friend of mine, knows he was misleading the House.
Madam Speaker, this is a question posed by Hon I. K. Asiamah, who complained that his question has been skipped. So, in
Madam Speaker noon
Well, just as he said, he is entitled to speak, so he exercised that right. So if you take an objection to what he said, that is all right, but his right to speak, he was entitled to it.
Well, I think the issue is the Question. When will it be programmed? Why was it not pro-grammed? So that is all. And thankfully, the Hon Minority Leader is also a member of the Business Committee. Hon Member, can you give any reason why, being a member of the Committee?
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noon
Madam Speaker, this matter did not come to the Business Committee today, when we met. And that was why I felt that, maybe, now that it has come, we may have to find space for it, in the coming days. It did not come to the attention of the Business Committee; we can find space for it.
The Hon Minister for Communications is saying that this is not the first time it has happened. Indeed, it is true. This is not the first time this has happened. Whenever it has happened, plausible excuses or explanations have been offered, that is all that we require. It may not be the last time that it will happen; all that we are requiring is that when it happens, plausible reasons should be offered. That is all.
Madam Speaker, but the issue is, the
Hon Minister responsible for commu- nication, yesterday stood here, offered assurances with respect to the arrival of the President of the United States of
America (Mr. Barack Obama). Madam Speaker, just this morning on television, the assurances were being debunked -- [Interruption] -- The assurances were being debunked, so we should take it with a pinch of salt.
He is not a member of the Business Committee, and he is saying that he is assuring the House of this and that. Madam Speaker, we should be wary when he brings us gifts in this House. [Laughter] -- We should be taking them with a pinch of salt. The Hon Minister for Communications, happily, is not the Hon Minister responsible for Information, so we may excuse him. But we await the assurances from the Deputy Majority Whip.
Madam Speaker, notwithstanding, I believe that now that it has come to the attention of the House, I will liaise with the Hon Majority Leader, who is the Chairman of the Business Committee to create space for the Question, and then maybe, the Minister will come and appropriately respond to it.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr. J. K. Avedzi noon
Madam Speaker, the Hon Minority Leader (Mr. Osei Kyei- Mensah-Bonsu) earlier on made a statement and referred to me as “somebody”. He referred to me as “somebody”.
For the purpose of the record, I want to tell him that my name is not “somebody”. My name is James Klutse Avedzi, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, and the Chairman of the Finance Committee. [Hear! Hear!] So, if he does not know my name or he cannot pronounce my name, I want to give him that information. Next time, he should not refer to me as “somebody”, but refer to me as a member of a constituency or by my name.
Madam Speaker, thank you.
Mr. G. K. B. Gbediame noon
Madam Speaker, thank you. Madam Speaker, if you look at the Order Paper for yesterday -- [Interruption] -- We have the provisional arrangements for Questions -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker noon
Hon Member, I think the issue is, when will you reschedule that Question? Because, in the Business Statement for the week -- [Interruption.]
Mr. Gbediame noon
Madam Speaker, what I was going to say, in effect, is that arrangements are in place to bring the Hon Minister to answer the Question.
rose
Madam Speaker noon
Yes. Hon Member, well, he says there are arrangements to get the Hon Minister here to answer your Question. I think we will not lose sight of this Question.
Mr. I. K. Asiamah noon
Madam Speaker, my worry as a young Member of Parliament is that, this issue happened in the past, and therefore, its continuance is very bad for our democracy. This House should be taken more seriously -- [Interruption] -- Madam Speaker, as we speak, there are workers who have come all the way to listen to the Hon Minister address this fundamental issue, which was broadcast last week -- [Interruption.]
rose
Mr. I. K. Asiamah noon
Madam Speaker, some people have travelled all the way in anticipation of hearing something concrete from the Hon Minister -- [Interruption] -- And we are here, and the Hon Minister is not here to answer, and you tell me that

it happened yesterday and so it should continue?

Madam Speaker, this should not be accepted by this House. This House should be seen as more important, and it should be treated with the kind of respect it deserves. Madam Speaker, the situation whereby we programme ourselves and Ministers do not bother, do not care to come, and indeed, respond to issues that are of national importance should be done away with.

Mr. Felix Twumasi-Appiah -- rose
-- noon
Madam Speaker noon
Hon Member, that is enough. Your Question will be repro- grammed.
Mr. I. K. Asiamah noon
Madam Speaker, this matter touches the soul and the hearts of many, many workers of this country -- [Interruption] -- This Question touches the soul and the heart of many, many Ghanaians of this country, because workers are suffering due to the high cost of living, fuel shortage -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker noon
Hon Member, that is enough. It is enough.
Mr. I. K. Asiamah noon
Madam Speaker, so it is important that Ministers treat this august Parliament with the decorum, with respect, it deserves.
Mr. Twumasi-Appiah noon
Madam Speaker, I am once again -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker noon
Order! Hon Member, we are on reprogramming of the Question.
Mr. Twumasi-Appiah noon
Madam Speaker, I am once again tempted to make this observation. [Interruption] -- Madam Speaker, I heard my good Friend opposite always talking about the integrity and the respect that this House deserves -- [Interruption] -- Madam Speaker -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Order! Order, please! Let us hear the Hon Member. Honourable , the ques t ion under consideration is re-programming of that Question. Is that what you are going to talk on?
Mr. Twumasi-Appiah 12:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I thought you had made a ruling on that matter, the reprogramming of that Question, and I expected my good Friend who always talk of respect in this House -- [Interruptions.] Madam Speaker, there are rules of engagement on the floor of this House and I want to believe that only Madam Speaker had made a definite ruling. The Hon Member who so respects the integrity and rules of this House should have taken cognizance of that and not to make any comment challenging your ruling.
Madam Speaker 12:10 p.m.
I do not think he was challenging the ruling -- [Interruption] -- but we have had enough. Thank you, [Uproar.] Order! Thank you, Hon Members. The Question will be re- programmed as quickly as possible.
We are now on Laying of Papers and I think an application was made that the Deputy Minister will lay the Paper and it was agreed. Can he lay the Paper now, item 5?
PAPERS 12:10 p.m.
MOTIONS 12:10 p.m.
Chairman of the Committee (Mr. James K. Avedzi) 12:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Buyer's Credit Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and BNP PARIBAS Bank of Belgium for an amount of €67,608,000.00 for the construction of the Ada Coastal Protection Works to be undertaken on contract with Messrs Dredging International Services, Cyprus (DISC) and International Marine and Dredging Consultants (IMDC) of Belgium.
Madam Speaker, in doing so, I present the Report of your Committee.
1.0 Introduction
The Buyer's Credit Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and BNP PARIBAS Bank of Belgium for an amount of €67,608,000.00 for the construction of the Ada Coastal Protection works to be undertaken on contract with Messrs Dredging International Services, Cyprus (DISC) and International Marine and Dredging Consultants (IMDC) of
Chairman of the Committee (Mr. James K. Avedzi) 12:10 p.m.


Belgium was laid in the House on Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 and referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report, in accordance with article 103 of the Constitution and Order 171 (1) of the Standing Orders of the House.

The Committee met and considered the Agreement with the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Hon Albert Abongo, Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Hon Fifi Kwetey and technical teams from the Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning and Water Resources, Works and Housing and presents this Report.

2.0 Background

The International Marine Dredging Consultants (IMDC) on the request of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing investigated the coastal erosion problems in the Ada area and assessed the impact of the erosion.

Based on the impact assessment, the Consultants and contractors recommen- ded technical interventions needed to address the problem together with estimated cost. The estimated cost of the project (together with credit insurance premium) is set at €67,608,000.00 to undertake urgent measures to address the problem.

The long-term devastating effect of the strong tidal waves could be enormous if immediate pragmatic steps are not taken to bring the emerging catastrophe under control. There is, therefore, the need to protect the shoreline fronting the coast of Ada. 3.0 Purpose of the Loan

The purpose of the facility is to support the protection of approximately 14 kilometres of the shoreline fronting
Minister for Education (Mr. Alexander N. Tettey-Enyo) 12:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to contribute to the motion to approve the loan for the Ada coastal project and the estuary protection.
Madam Speaker, your Committee, the Finance Committee has submitted a Report which is very important to our
benefit from this loan.
What is even more important to note in approving this loan very quickly is that it is going to address 14 kilometres of a coastal line of 34.5 and therefore, this is just the beginning of finding a solution to a higher degree of challenge that is facing the country, in protecting the salt industry so that together with the oil discovery we can have a viable petro-chemical industrial development.
Therefore, we are appealing to the Government not only to take up this project immediately but to look at the various investment proposals that have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning so that we will look at the solution globally or holistically and deal with it to solve the problem along the entire costline of Ada Traditional Area.
If we are not able to do that, we are likely to face problems, arising from the fact that if you tackle only one ninth of the length of the coastal line, the 14 kilometres, you might push the strength of the waves to a greater extent along the other segment of the coastal line.
The other point is also that the contractor has been given the opportunity of re-exporting part of the equipment. In doing this, there are certain items involved in the execution of the project which the Government of this country must be interested in so that we maintain them permanently to help us solve the problems that will arise.
We are saying this out of the experience we have had from the Keta Sea Defence Project where the waves continue to ravage the coastal line because there is no permanent dredger in position to deal with the growing sand dunes that are created as a result of the movement of the waves.
I think we have all agreed that this is a project which is very necessary and very important and very beneficial not only to
of the Constitution, sections 3 and 7 of the Loans Act, 1970 (Act 335) and the Standing Orders of the House.
Respectfully submitted.
Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah (NPP -- Sunyani West) 12:20 p.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to second the motion on the floor.
The motion is requesting the House to approve of a loan facility of €67.6 million for the construction of the Ada Coastal Protection works. Madam Speaker, the loan is a commercial loan but I must admit that the terms of the loan are quite moderate and acceptable to members of the Committee.
Madam Speaker, as we have been told, the loan is for the protection of about 14 kilometres of shoreline fronting the cost of Ada. Madam Speaker, as we are all aware, Ada happens to be the place where the Volta River joins the sea; so it has a lot of tourism potential. Also, it is noted for its fishing and salt industries. It is our belief that when this project is undertaken it will help boost the economic activities of the people within the catchment area of Ada.
Madam Speaker, my concerns however are that the loan facility as we have been told is €67.6 million.
The value of equipment being im- ported to undertake this project is 94.93 million euros, meaning that the value of the equipment which is coming in is higher than the contract sum of the project.

Madam Speaker, what this means is that either the equipment will still have economic value after the construction of the project or the equipment will be taken
rose
Ms. Dapaah 12:20 p.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Chairman is trying to divert my attention but I will not mind him; it will not work.
Mr. Assumeng 12:20 p.m.
Madam Speaker, just as I said, this facility will save the coastline of Ada and the people of Ada will be very, very happy for this facility. Just as has been said, this facility will cover only 14 kilometres of the coastline and we have a longer range of areas to cover. And so we want to urge Government to source for more facilities of this nature such that areas like Akplamanya, Ahiam and then Prampram and Ningo will also be covered.
We want this project to be taken as a whole, in totality, such that we would be able to protect the coastline of Ghana. I think that this is a very good facility that must be supported. The people of Ada will be very grateful and we are also grateful to the Government and we pray that such more facilities would be sourced to save the coastline of Ghana.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity.
Several Hon Members -- rose --
Madam Speaker 12:20 p.m.
The last one from this side.
Nana Abu-Bonsra (NPP -- Fomena) 12:20 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute and to support the motion that is on the floor and to add my voice to the comments that have been made.
Indeed, today, it is not only the people
of Ada as “people who vote or people who stay there”. My Hon Senior Colleague knows that I have very strong interest in Ada [Interruption.] Explain what? Therefore, sometimes when we hear about the ravages of the sea against the coastal line of Ada, some of us -- [Interruption.]
Mr. S. K. B. Manu 12:20 p.m.
On a point of
order. Madam Speaker, we are here to understand issues that are discussed on
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Thank you Hon Member.

Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah (NPP --

Bantama): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to support the motion on the floor of the House.

Madam Speaker, I believe we can

all say that, indeed, the funding for this project is a great relief most especially to the people of Ada and to this nation as a whole. This whole programme for the project started a few years ago when I was an Hon Minister of State at the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing.

Madam Speaker, I also wish to

commend the Dutch Government. When we made an appeal to them to help us do feasibility studies, they gave us $2 million to undertake this study and that was what propelled the funding process. I think I would place it on record that we are indeed grateful as a nation to them.

Madam Speaker, we are all worried
Mr. D. T. Assumeng (NDC - Shai Osudoku) 12:30 p.m.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I will want to add my voice to this motion and urge the House to support massively by voting for this facility.
rose
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Is it a point of order?
Mr. Avedzi 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker, it is a point of correction. The technical know- how that my Hon Friend is talking about is neither here nor there. This is an issue about what the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House say. This is a loan agreement and therefore, must be referred to the Finance Committee, unless it is something that your goodself decides that it should be joint. So I do not think they should determine which committee should do the work. It is your goodself who determines who should do the work.
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
That is why they are asking that if in future they could be joint. They are asking and maybe, in future, I do not know, I will agree. I do not know. But they are perfectly entitled to ask that.
that our people because I have declared my interest. Our people will no longer come to the mercy of the sea.
Madam Speaker, while congratulating Governments, the previous ones, for the moves made to solve this problem, I think the point needs to be re-emphasized, that, in this House we know that the Committee on Works and Housing has the Constitutional mandate to monitor activities of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing and anything relating to water resources.
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Hon Member, kindly wind up. We have more who would -- [Interruption]
Nana Abu-Bonsra 12:30 p.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker, I will very soon be winding up. On page (4) of the Committees Report:
“. . . the Committee observed that the scope of works would include but not limited to the following;”
and it lists a couple of works that are to be done under this loan facility that we are securing. Madam Speaker, I can tell you that almost all of them would be supervised or be undertaken by the officials of Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, which officials we are supposed to monitor their activities and, therefore, for us to be taken out of the initial processes --
Madam Speaker, it does not only
expose us to the public; I have been privileged to be a member of this same Committee for the two terms that I have been in Parliament and sometimes we have visited project sites only for members of our Committee to be asking about the contract sum, the scope of work and things of that sort. And I believe that the impression it creates in the sight of the public is that the Committee is not diligent enough, which is most unfortunate.
Madam Speaker, once again, if you would permit me, I would like to refer you -- in my hand is the Auditor-General's Report on Ghana @ 50 Secretariat activities and in the transmital letter to your goodself, Madam Speaker, the Auditor-General in paragraph (3) said that:
“Parliament in approving amounts of US$20 million and US$11.8 million for disbursement by the Ghana @ Secretariat glossed over the fact that neither the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning nor the Secretariat presented budget estimates in accordance with article
. . . ”
And that is the point we are trying to emphasize, that, Madam Speaker, it would cost this House nothing by referring issues to the appropriate committees rather than always dealing with only just the Finance Committee and sometimes exposing us to this kind of reports.
Madam Speaker, I think in deference to the Chair, I would like to wind up.
Thank you very much.
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
I will hear two more from each side of the House and then we would -- [Interruption.]
Mr. W. G. Abayateye (NDC -- Sege) 12:30 p.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity given to me to support the motion on the floor and to ask all Hon Members of the House to vote massively for this facility. I happen to be part and I am part of the beneficiary of this project.
My constituency's boundary is being washed off and not only that, but the land size of Ghana is going off. A lot of tourist attractions have already been taken away by the devastation effects of the sea and I am calling on the House to support this.
Again, we are very privileged to His Excellency the President and his Cabinet and the Government of the day for negotiating for this loan to alleviate the hardship of the people of Ada and Ghana as a whole.
Madam Speaker, the effect of this project, if it is carried out, will result in effective salt production. We thank God that Ghana has discovered oil and the salt is needed in the petro-chemical industry to help us in our salt production. So we all need to vote massively for this thing.
I want to place on record, Madam Speaker, that the equipment cost about €98.9 million and if the equipment are to be added to the loan facility, would make the whole amount huge. The contractor is coming in with his own equipment and at the end of the day, he can use the equipment somewhere else.
I want to remind us of the project at Keta, when the work was finished, because the equipment belonged to the the contractor and were not part of the cost of the project, he had to evacuate his things away hence the cost of this. The equipment is the property of the contractor, they are not part of the cost of the project and at the end of it he will take his things away.
If we add it, it would be more; hence,
the floor of this House. The Hon Member has said he has an interest in Ada. Could he declare the interest so that we know? Maybe, it could be conflict of interest. So he should declare his interest.
Nana Abu-Bonsra 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker,
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
He wanted to know if there was a conflict of interest.
Nana Abu-Bonsra 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker,
no conflict of interest.
Nana Abu-Bonsra 12:40 p.m.
Madam Speaker,
we get worried when we hear about the ravages of the sea along the coastal line of Ada, moreso, when we think about the loss of lives and properties and the disturbance in their economic activities. As a country, we have set an agenda to fight against poverty and the greater part of our efforts is aimed at poverty alleviation and therefore, while we are trying to do our best to alleviate poverty among our people, we come face to face with the strength of nature, it becomes quite a disturbing issue for all of us.
That is why today I am saying that, well, thanks to technology, thanks to the moves that were initiated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government and which, as we mature along the lines of democracy, the present Government has also taken up the issue to ensure that our people over there -- and now I can say
Madam Speaker 12:40 p.m.
Thank you. The next Hon Member to speak will be Hon Atta Akyea.
Mr. S. A. Akyea (NPP -- Akim Abuakwa South) 12:50 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I am most grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the motion on the floor of the House.
This afternoon, I am elated by the comments of Hon Tettey-Enyo that this project, and the contract which has been signed predated this Government and that the NPP Government has done tremendously in terms of survey works and other things to bring about this project. And in trying to say a few things to support what Hon Tettey-Enyo said, I want to say, first of all, that when it comes to the development of this country, we should be apolitical.
The NPP Government has demon- strated that it is the development of this
country which matters and not issues of politics. Because as I sit here, I am beginning to see how the Government which has just gone was very serious and committed to the project in Ada. They did a yeoman's job and today, we have sourced such a huge sum of money to ensure that the people of Ada benefit.

Some people would not want to concede what others have done but I will say one more time, that the NPP Government demonstrated that when it comes to development, we do not have to play politics with it at all. If it would benefit the generality of the people of this country, let us go ahead and do it. And may I quote something from the Bible which I believe would help us in our developmental effort that:

“ . . . have planted, Apollo has watered and God gives the increase

. . .”

This is how we build the nation, we build the nation not on the basis of our tribal instincts or our tribal persuasions but we build the nation because there are some developmental issues that we should solve.

Madam Speaker, this is the little

contr ibut ion I want to make -- [Interruption.] Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.
Madam Speaker 12:50 p.m.
Hon Members, one
from each side of the House and we close the debate.
Mr. Moses Aduko Asaga (NDC -- Nabdam) 12:50 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I think a lot have been said about this facility of €67,608,000 for the construction of the Ada Coastal Protection Works. Madam Speaker, if you look at the loan facility, it is more of a buyer's credit facility and has a commercial nature.
But having said this, Madam Speaker, with your permission, I want to make a remark which is a bit general; it is not very specific to this motion but I think it is related.

Madam Speaker, anytime anybody rises to advance an issue which is relating to gender issues, specifically women issues, my Hon Colleague men in this House are very supportive of us but sometimes, they giggle and make faces showing disinterest -- I do not know -- but I think that it is not fair. They have been supporting us and I want them to even support this argument that I am making.

I think that my concern is very genuine and is only fair that sometimes some of these loans and grants also go to the Ministry. We know that the theme is cross cutting -- when we say gender, it is cross cutting, it cuts across but we have appended our signature to the Millennium Development Goals, especially the number 3, which says that we are promoting gender equality in the country. What it means then is that, we have to -- and we have also established the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs and so we should support it to deliver on its mandate.

I think that, in future, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning and also the members of the Committee on Finance should also consider giving some of these
Mr. Moses Aduko Asaga (NDC -- Nabdam) 12:50 p.m.


Madam Speaker, we all know that there is credit crunch in the system and it is very, very difficult for us to get financing from most banks in Europe and in America. The fact that we are now getting this facility means that there is confidence in the Government, that we would be able to use this facility for this venture.

Madam Speaker, this goes to speak a lot of volumes that the new National Democra t ic Congress (NDC) in Government is doing what it takes for the western communities to be able to support us with commercial facilities.

Madam Speaker, I would therefore, urge Hon Members here to vote massively for this loan, because it was not easy, the negotiation that went into it, there was a lot of dexterity to bring it into fruition.

I thank you very much, Madam

Speaker.
Madam Speaker 12:50 p.m.
The last Hon
Member to contribute will be Hon Gifty Ohene-Konadu.
Mrs. Gifty Ohene-Konadu (NPP -- Asante Akim South) 12:50 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to lend my support to the motion on the floor of this House and I wish to thank you sincerely for giving me the oppor-tunity.
Madam Speaker 12:50 p.m.
Hon Member, a
few minutes, please. [Pause.] Carry on, please.
Mrs. Ohene-Konadu 12:50 p.m.
But Madam
Speaker, I think that all the valid arguments have been advanced by my Hon Colleagues and I have very little to say. But I wish also to state that, I share the sentiment of my earlier Hon Colleagues who supported the motion.
Mrs. Ohene-Konadu 1 p.m.
Colleague, the Hon Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South (Mrs. Gifty Ohene- Konadu) was making her intervention, I thought that the focus was going to be on the gender strand, the gender involvement in the programme, we must be looking holistically at the project.
Madam Speaker, with the experience of the Keta Sea Defence Project, to draw from, one realises that the project was not only limited to the sea defence wall, other facilities then came on board. The construction of some infrastructure in particular schools, roads and so on.
We want to know whether they are part of this and if they are not part of this, then of course, Government would need to factor this into the project as immediately as possible otherwise, if we do not start looking at this and sourcing for the funds, it would become a problem when we finish with the project and then we would have to look for money to start this associated developmental projects.

Madam Speaker, I also think that one area that we need to consider and I have not seen it in this is the component of compensation.

Madam Speaker, again, with the Keta Sea Defence Project to guide us, one recollects that when we started the compensation element, at that time was 103 million cedis. In this House ,when we came to consider it, we then charged the Ministry that the component for compensation was woefully inadequate. It was to go to compensate 67 houses which had either been demolished or were to be demolished and that was inadequate.

The Hon Minister at the time insisted that, well, that was what the survey and the research had turned out and they were going to comply with that. Subsequently,

it had to be reviewed and the package had to be increased to allow for people who had lost property to be able to relocate. Madam Speaker, it also included construction of some housing estate. We may also have to look at this.

Madam Speaker, we do know the

benefits -- that it is going to first of all stop the encroachment of the sea into our lands, it is going to facilitate salt production, it is going to facilitate fishing.

Madam Speaker, but beyond that, I believe as a nation we should look to review our entire policy on coastal protection. It is so because immediately we finished with the Keta Sea Defence Project, the tidal waves then shifted downstream to Ada and once we finish with Ada it will also come to perhaps Tema and we need to look at this holistically, otherwise, we will only keep postponing the evil days.

So let us look at it comprehensively and have a comprehensive solution otherwise, if we employ these piecemeal solutions, these as they were, kneejerk solutions to the problems that we have, in my view, will only be postponing the evil days.

So Madam Speaker, I believe that we need to look at this holistically and find a lasting solution. Down south Takoradi when the port was also constructed, then it went down to Axim, Half Assini and they are now experiencing tremendous difficulties. What do we have to do to salvage the rampaging effects of the sea in these areas? Perhaps after Ada, the next port of call should be the communities in the Western Region which are going down under the sea.

The Hon Member for Nabdam (Mr. Moses Asaga), is urging me to mention towns in the Ashanti Region. Even though there is a project for an inland port there, there is not going to be any sea in the Ashanti Region. So we can rest assured

that we will not suffer this menace.

Madam Speaker, the important thing is to look at the project holistically and also be prepared to face the aftermath, the sequels of the project.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for your indulgence.
Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
Thank you,
Hon Member, last contributor, the Hon Minister.
Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing (Mr. Albert Abongo) 1 p.m.
Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to contribute to the motion. I must first of all thank Hon Members for their positive contributions towards the approval of this facility.
Madam Speaker, I must say that
Dredging International Services, Cyprus and the International Marine and Dredging Consultants of Belgium are very reputable organizations when it comes to coastal protection and dredging works. So if they come up with a facility for dealing with a problem that we have lived with over the years, especially for that problem in the Ada area, I think we should all be happy that we will definitely have the problem of Ada area solved once and for all.
I am happy that we have not touched on the reputation of these two international organizations which have had great experience in our sub-region in dealing with problems of this nature.
Madam Speaker, Hon Members have
said a lot about the benefits that will be derived from the execution of this project and I will not need to emphasize on that. Definitely, the benefits are enormous, ranging from the very fact that we are protecting our own natural resources and that the Ada project will also open up the area for other economic benefits.
Madam Speaker, Hon Members

Madam Speaker, with these few words,

I fully support the motion and I wish to thank you for the opportunity.
rose
Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
I think I will hear
the Hon Member and then the last one will go to the Minister. Hon Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu, we have just a few minutes and then we will close the debate.
Minority Leader (Mr. Osei Kyei-
Mensah-Bonsu): Madam Speaker, in rising to also lend my voice of support to this facility, I want to commend the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for their collaboration in this. I am told that the referral was made to the Committee on Finance and Committee on Works and Housing but I am told when the Committee met, they did not actually involve the Committee on Works and Housing.
It is important, Madam Speaker, when we come to consider such project facilities that the referral is made jointly to the relevant sector committees so that we have the full complement of the experience of the committees.
Madam Speaker, my joy arises from the involvement of the Dutch Government in the consultancy. The Netherlands is a country afflicted with coastal erosion and they have done tremendously well in land winning and land restoration from the seas. And so, if they should be partnering Ghana Government in this effort, I believe it is all the more commendable.
Madam Speaker, when my Hon
THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE 1 p.m.
H E R E B Y R E S O LV E S A S 1 p.m.
Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
Hon Minister, kindly wind up.
Mr. Abongo 1 p.m.
Madam Speaker, it has reached this stage that we are now going to execute the project and we are happy that this has come to fruition and with the experience that we have had in the Keta area, I think that this project will be well managed to the extent that it will be beneficial to the people of this country.
On this note, Madam Speaker, I thank you and urge Hon Members to approve this facility.
Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
Thank you Hon
Minister. The debate is closed and I will put the Question now.
Question put and motion agreed to.
Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
Yes, Hon Members,
we are moving on to item 7 -- Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, yes, can you move your Resolution now?
Mr. Seth Terkpeh 1 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I beg to move, Resolution No. 7 as showed on pages 2 and 3 of today's Order Paper be taken now. I so move.
Mr. J. K. Avedzi 1 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I
beg to second the motion.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, the plea from the Hon Deputy Minister was that we take the Resolution. I think that appropriately, he was to move that we adopt the Resolution. So if he would do so.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
Yes, Hon Deputy Minister, we are going back. Can you move properly?
Mr. Terkpeh 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, may I correct myself?
RESOLUTIONS 1:10 p.m.
Mr. J. K. Avedzi 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I beg to second the motion.
Question put and motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.
Mr. Gbediame 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, by
your kind permission, we want to defer motions 8 and 9 for tomorrow or a later date.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
Thank you. I accept.

Yes, in which case, any indication as to adjournment?
Mr. Gbediame 1:10 p.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker. Having finished the business for today on the Order Paper except for our committees meetings - we have Committee of the Whole. I wish to move, that this House do now adjourn and reconvene tomorrow at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I would have wished to second the motion, but motions numbered 8 and 9 on the Order Paper had been in the House for a number of days and the Hon Deputy Majority Whip moving that we do not consider these, should inform this House what informs this decision. He just does not get up and appeal to you that we should stand them down. What is the reason? We need to know.
Mr. Gbediame 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, our information is that some issues on the Minority side concerning the composition of the committees is still ongoing. And they have asked for a little time to put it in place. So I think that it is in that light that we are asking that they should be deferred. That is the information.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
Yes, having been given the information, are you going to second the motion now?
Mr. Opare-Ansah 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe we would have seconded the motion except the information as provided is disputable.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
Well, the motion has been moved and seconded. The question now is - [Interruptions.]
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, with respect, the motion has not been seconded.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
The motion has been moved.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
It has been moved. It has not been seconded.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
No, I thought you said you had seconded it.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I only said that we would have seconded it except -- and then I went on to seek for information --
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
And then he gave the information.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
We sought for an information and it has been proven that the information is inaccurate. Notwithstanding -- [Interruptions.]
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
I thought you were satisfied with that.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:10 p.m.
Not- withstanding, we second the motion for adjournment. But the information provided by the Hon Deputy Majority Whip is inaccurate. But we second the motion.
Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
Thank you.
Question put and motion agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT 1:10 p.m.