Debates of 29 Oct 2009

MADAM SPEAKER
PRAYERS 10:10 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 10:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Hon Members, Correction of Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 28th October, 2009. Pages
1, 2 …. 7?
Prof. (Emeritus) Samuel Kwadwo
Amoako: Madam Speaker, on page 7, paragraph 5, (vii), yesterday, the correction was proposed but it has not been corrected. It reads:
“Page 12, item 2, paragraph vii, delete and insert ‘Mrs. . . .'”
It should be “delete and insert ‘Ms'”. It is “Ms” that should be inserted, not “Mrs.” And again, on the same page. Madam Speaker, under paragraph 6, it says:
“. . . held on Tuesday, 27th October, 2009 as corrected was also adopted as true recod of proceedings.”
The “record” is wrongly spelt.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Thank you. Page 8?
Prof. [Emeritus] Amoako: Madam
Speaker, on page 8, item 8, the one in dark print and it reads:
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
You want to know whether there is a relationship?
Mr. I. K. Asiamah 10:10 a.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Yes, Hon Minister, I think that question, you can answer. Is there a relationship?
rose
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Were you going to say something different from what I have said?
Mr. Akologu 10:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, with due respect, I am not challenging your decision to allow the Minister to answer the question. But I just want to observe that the Hon Member's question is a major Question and it is so different from talking about salaries and wages as a result of price increases on fuel.
The Single Spine Salary Structure is a different policy. If he wants to get any information on it, he should come by way of a substantive Question, Madam Speaker. But as I said, if it is just about relationships, fine - [Interruptions.] You have asked him to answer, I have no problem, but the Hon Member should confine himself to the Question on the Order Paper.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Well, I agree, but I think the question was about relation-ships and I think the Minister can tell us.
Mr. Kwao 10:10 a.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker, indeed, there is a relationship between the Single Spine Pay Policy and the current salaries for 2009. They both deal with salaries for public sector workers. Meanwhile, I think I would need a substantive Question to come with details on the Single Spine Pay Policy. I have a lot to tell my brother but he should come
at a better time.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Yes, any more questions?
Mr. I. K. Asiamah 10:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, since my Question is also based on the increases in fuel prices Madam Speaker, I filed this Question way back in March and I am told this negotiation was concluded in July or so. Madam Speaker, we are told that 1st November there is going to be another upward adjustment of fuel prices in this country -- [Some Hon Members -- Who told you?] -- So is it not true?
No, tell us -- [Interruptions] Madam Speaker, so there would be no fuel price adjustments? If they are bold to tell us that there would be no fuel price adjustments, then I will be all right, it is on record -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Hon Member, your question.
Mr. I. K. Asiamah 10:10 a.m.
My question is, since there is going to be -- it has been said by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) boss -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
No, you cannot state facts when you ask questions, it is against the rules. He is not the Minister for Energy and your question is straight- forward, so you are not here to state facts and arguments. Ask a question.
Mr. I. K. Asiamah 10:30 a.m.
Will the next adjustment in wages and salaries be based on increment in fuel prices? That is my question.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon Minister, do you know? He has asked you a question. Tell us.
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, salaries
are based on negotiation between the social partners, government and a team
of experts from Government on one side and organised labour on the other. So, depending on the micro economic situation in the country this tripartite team would come together to fix salaries. So, as and when salaries would be fixed depends on the tripartite members, that is government and organised labour. And I believe when there is the need to adjust salaries, it would be done appropriately.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Have you finished
with your questions? I have to go to the other side.
Mr. Charles S. Hodogbey 10:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I would like to know from the Hon Minister if it is mandatory to adjust salaries anytime there is fuel increase or cost of living increases.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon Member, I
thought he had answered that question. The last question he answered took care of this question. You are asking him whether it will be taken into account and he has answered already to say that circumstances will show the social partners how to -- and I think that is the answer to your question.
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the reason
why I am asking the question is that we have had several increases in fuel prices but there have never been commensurate salary increases in that regard. That is why I am asking that question.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon Minister, can
you answer that question for him?
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, perhaps,
for the information of my brother. Normally, salaries are based on certain factors; we have external and domestic factors.
On external factors, we talk of the global economic crises and other impact and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and revenue mobilisation. When you come
to domestic, the ability of government to pay to ensure sustainability in the pay system and the wage bill, the need to avoid inflation to ensure that workers' real incomes are not eroded and then the desire to maintain the current micro-economic stability to avoid any adverse impact on exchange rates and interest rates.
These factors are considered any time salaries are fixed. I think that is what government and the social partners come to discuss.
Dr. A. A. Osei 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I
want to congratulate the Hon Minister for successfully concluding these negotiations; since in his Answer - 7th July 2009 - it would have been useful though if this House was given the information about the exact increase to these various groups and whether or not if the Hon Minister is aware that these increases have been paid at all to the workers of Ghana, I know Members of Parliament have not got any adjustment in salary since 2007. So, is the
Hon Minister aware if these salaries that he has successfully concluded have been paid and the quanta of those increases on the levels? It is very important.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon Minister, he
said when will conclusions be reached and --
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
I thank the Hon Member for his question and I have an answer for him. The rate of increase for the various beneficiaries are as follows; public service workers, that, is organised labour, had an increment of 17 per cent. Then Health Services Workers group had 10 per cent; Ghana Medical Association had 10 per cent. All these are over the 2008 salary levels.
Thank you, very much.
Dr. Osei 10:30 a.m.
My question was not fully
answered whether he is aware if these increases have been paid or not.
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
I am sure -- I want to
assure my Brother that they have been paid. Some people -- [Interruptions.] -- They have been paid -- [Uproar.] Not to Members of Parliament;
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
I want to know from the Hon Minister whether the new salary level covers the Parliamentary Service Staff?
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Parliamentary
Service Staff or Members of Parliament?
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 10:30 a.m.
Parliamentary Service
Staff.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Whether it covers
Parliamentary Service Staff?
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, so far as
Mr. J. K. Adda 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as a
former Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment, as well as a former Minister for Energy, I know for a fact that when salary increases have been negotiated they have always reflected increase in petroleum prices when that increase proceeds the negotiation process.
What percentage increase relative to petroleum price increase has been reflected in the increase in salaries he is
announcing today? He has announced that with regard to the Ghana Medical Association and those professional groups, they have increased salaries by 10 per cent.
But we know that the increase in petroleum price has been far in excess of the 10 per cent. I repeat, what percentage of increase in salary reflects the percentage of increase in the petroleum prices if that factor was considered in the negotiation process?
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
I do not know
whether he needed time to answer percentages because he has to be very specific.
So, Hon Minister, they are asking you
for a certain percentage, are you prepared to --
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I would
advise my Hon Colleague to bring a substantive Question on this issue.
Mr. Adda 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker -- [Inter-
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
I think Hon Member,
you have had an answer to your question, so we will move to the next person.
Yes?
Mr. T. T. Chaie 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I
want to find out from the Hon Minister what accounted for the very successful nature in the salary negotiations.
Mr. Kwao 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, thank
you very much and I thank my Hon Colleague for noticing the peaceful industrial atmosphere in the country. And the secret is that we are promoting very good tripatism. That is, the members of the Tripatite Committee are working
together -- government, organised labour and Ghana Employers Association. We are closely in league and that is the secret for the peaceful industrial harmony.
Thank you, very much.
Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah 10:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, can I find out from the Hon Minister whether he is aware that given the current inflation rate of 18 per cent and above, the increases that they have given to the various sectors, 17 per cent for the public sector, 10 per cent for the health sector, he said - and 10 per cent for the other sector does not, in fact, constitute any increase? In fact, it is a negative increase; below the rate of inflation.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon Minister, I
Mr. Kwao 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the statement from my Hon Colleague is not true. In 2008, increment was 15 per cent and in 2009 it is 17 per cent; two percentage increment. So, there is an increment, at least, on the 2008 level. When you look at the doctors, in 2008, they were given seven per cent, this time they have been given 10 per cent; it is three per cent increment. So, there is an increase, please.
Thank you.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
I need a main Question -- [Laughter.]
Dr. Osei 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, on a point of order! I am sure he was not listening. He was not asking him to compare the relative
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
I could have stopped that statement. It was a statement and not a question. At that level, even I could have stopped it but he turned it into a Question and he said he thought it was an increase. That is an answer. Otherwise, we will be debating here, Hon Members.
rose
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Member, you want a second bite?
Mr. Kan-Dapaah 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think it would be useful if I clarify the question so that the Hon Minister can give a more precise answer.
Madam Speaker, the Answer that is on the Order Paper is that yes, they have awarded salary increases to the various sectors and my question to him was that, to the extent that the rate of inflation is over 18 per cent, does he recognise increases below the inflation rate -- 17 per cent and 10 per cent, does he consider these to amount to an increase in pay rate? Because clearly, Madam Speaker, there has been no increase. There has been a negative increase and I think it is important we have that one on record.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Member, I would allow the question if you make it very clear. Just to say that does he consider it as an increase, what do you mean by that? Are you saying that does he consider it adequate or not?
Mr. Kan-Dapaah 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
What you mean is that does he consider it adequate?
Mr. Kan-Dapaah 10:40 a.m.
And would he concede that given these facts, there has been no real increase in the rates?
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Minister, I think this question, you can answer it?
Mr. Kwao 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think I had earlier answered a similar question. And I based my answer on the factors considered when fixing salaries; it is not only inflation.
Moreover, we have partners who
negotiate the salaries. Salaries are negotiated; they are not fixed by the Government. So, when all the parties agree that this is what is best for now, that is all. And that is what we have done.
Thank you.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to know from the Hon Minister, I know for sure -- [Some Hon Members: If you know why ask.] I know for sure, that you inherited backlog of unpaid salaries from the previous administration. Now, you have given a percentage increment -- just recently, doctors and other health workers were crying for unpaid salaries for two years. And for sure, even when this current administration came -- [Interruptions.]
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Let him finish asking the question.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim 10:40 a.m.
This current administration came to inherit these unpaid salaries. I want to know whether you have paid all those backlog of unpaid salaries before these current increments were made.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Member, just ask your question. Can you ask your question?
Dr. M. O. Prempeh 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Ask your question.
Dr. Prempeh 10:40 a.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker, my question is that if the Hon Minister introduces English words into our lexicon here -- [An Hon Member: Tripartism.] and we allow it go, it confuses people in the gallery.
Madam Speaker, is the Hon Minister telling us -- he should come back to the Dispatch Box -- that the 19 per cent salary he has given the Ghana Medical Association is an accepted salary increase because they have a point that they have not accepted that. So, why is he not telling the House the truth?
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
No, I would not like the ‘truth' there but you can ask the question.
Dr. Prempeh 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, let the Hon Minister come back to the Dispatch Box and tell us whether the Ghana Medical Association has accepted the 10 per cent salary increase he has announced.
Mr. Kwao 10:40 a.m.
The answer is a positive yes. And to tell you the facts, you know initially, I said salaries are based on negotiations. We negotiated to a level where the doctors said no; they were taking entrenched positions, Government said it could not afford. So, the matter had to be referred to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission
They went there, they invited the doctors there and the Government went there to defend its position and finally the matter was resolved and the doctors had to agree to the 10 per cent. So, it was agreed -- [Interruptions] -- The Fair Wages and
Salaries Commission has the mandate to oversee salaries and wages in the country. They are mandated.
So, when they went there, they resolved it -- [An Hon Member: Or Labour Commission] -- Sorry, it was the National Labour Commission. So the doctors were impressed upon at the National Labour Commission to accept the 10 per cent based on the explanation from Government. And they accepted it. That is the situation now.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Last question.
Mr. J. K. Avedzi 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the Hon Minister, even though his Ministry does not see to the salary of Members of Parliament does he per chance know why Members of Parliament were not given salary increase in the whole of 2008?
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
The question is ‘“does he know”. So --
Mr. Avedzi 10:40 a.m.
Does he per chance know why Members of Parliament were not given salary increase in the whole of 2008?
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Minister, do you know why?
Mr. Kwao 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I am one of the affected ones, so I am aware.

Madam Speaker, I do not know the reason why Members of Parliament were not paid. All that I know is that the salaries delayed. That is all.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Yes, Hon Minority Leader.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, in an answer to a supplementary question, the Hon Minister informed this House that in negotiating the salaries, they look at the microeconomic situation in the country. He also said that at the end of it all, they want to ensure that real incomes do not suffer erosion. I am quoting his words. “At the end of it all”, that is at the negotiations, they ensure that real incomes do not suffer erosion.
Now, the question is giving the depreciation of the Cedi this year alone by 34 per cent at the beginning of the year up to now and in particular inflation which is over 18 per cent, does he consider giving 10 per cent increment as a commensurate increase? Does he not consider that real incomes in the situation have suffered erosion?
Mr. Kwao 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think all
that I have said was meant for 2009. We are now preparing for the 2010 Budget and salaries and wages of 2010 will be factored in the new Budget. Based on the inflationary percentage increment that he is talking about, I think all those issues will be factored into the 2010 Budget. But what we are talking about now is the 2009 Budget which was based on the previous inflationary figures.
I think as I said from the beginning, all the parties got together and decided that what would be best for that time was what came out. Considering all factors, inflation, microeconomic situation and all that were considered and the parties agreed that this is what should be given for workers this time.
If the situation changes, things may change, the salaries will change, definitely, based on the situation at hand. So I think we are talking about 2009 which was based on 2008. Starting from 2008, then
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, is the Hon Minister telling us that in fixing salaries which they ensure that real income does not suffer erosion? Is he telling us that fixing salaries for 2009, they do not look at the economic conditions of 2009 but they look at the economic conditions in 2008, is it what he is telling us?
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Hon Minister, were you there at the time? [Laughter] The period he is asking the question?
Mr. Kwao 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, we have a team that works on negotiations -- salary negotiations and I mentioned earlier that it is the government team, some experts and then organised labour, they negotiate. The Minister is not part of that team. They only come to tell me this is what they have got for salaries. What I am saying is, they considered all the factors that we talked about before they came out with the salary. I am not a member of that team. We have a Government team that represents me and the President but I am not a member of the negotiating team. That is it.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Well, I thought that was the I called last question but I will give you the last question even though you --
Dr. Osei 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, a point of information. The Minister ,in his own statement said that at the end of it, workers should not suffer an erosion in real income, he said that. He also said that for example, the Ghana Medical Association got 10 per cent. The question from my Leader is that, if inflation is 18 per cent and you give a nominal increase
of 10 per cent, is that not a reduction in real Income. That is the question.
He gave 10 per cent, inflation is 18 per cent, he also said, his objective is not to erode income but the erosion is 8 per cent. So he is asking him -- is he aware that, that means erosion? The question is clear - [Interruption] --
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Honourable, just answer the question for them.
Mr. Kwao 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the fact is that salaries are not based on inflationary trends alone. You are only looking at inflation and that is not the only basis for fixing salaries. Other factors are considered as I mentioned earlier; the domestic, the external factors, I mentioned them. So if you are looking at inflation alone, you may be missing the point and as I said, we have a team working together to fix salaries and they come out to agree that this is what is best for now. This is what is best for now and that is what we have.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Yes, I think we go on to the next Question. You cannot be satisfied. You can never be satisfied but we will take the answers that we get. We have a lot of Questions here. Already thirty minutes --
Mr. Kan-Dapaah 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think it is important we clear this particular issue. We are not just being very difficult with it because Madam Speaker, the Hon Minister says in the written Answer that one of the reasons they have given this increase is that they can motivate public sector employees to give off their best. We are suggesting to him that in fact they have not increased it. There has been no real increase, so how does he achieve this objective of motivating them to give off their best? There is a problem there that needs to be clarified.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Hon Minister,
I think they are asking for your own opinion. All the answers have been official, they are now asking you that in view of this, what do you think? I think that is the question, is it not?
Mr. Kwao 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to convince my Colleagues that the unions which matter in the negotiations of salaries have accepted it. They have accepted it. Judging from the circumstances that prevailed at that time, they have accepted the 17 per cent, so they do not have a problem. They are happy with it.
Thank you.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Yes, no more questions, we have the answer, we have to take it as it has been given.
Dr. Osei 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the real difficulty we have is the use of the concept ‘real income' which he used. We did not use it, that is why - if he wants to take back the words ‘real income' we would not have a problem. But he said “erosion of real income” and we are saying that factually he is misleading this House. That is all. If he withdraws the words ‘real income' then we do not have a problem. He used it when he was speaking, Supplementary Answer, he stated it.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
So Hon Minister, we thank you very much for acceding to our request to come and answer Questions.
Our next Question stands in the name of Hon Robert Sarfo-Mensah (Asunafo North). Question 127, can you ask your Question.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Akologu 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Minister for Energy is not available to answer this Question but in his place, I want to ask your permission and the indulgence of the House to allow the Deputy Minister to answer the Question for the Member.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Honourable, it is a simple, so yes, we will - Hon Deputy Minister, Question 127.
Deputy Minister for Energy (Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah) (On behalf of the Minister for Energy): Madam Speaker, Asukese, Berekum, Aworokrom, Fianko, Gyasikrom, Mfama, Anwiawia, Nkwanta, Kumaho, Akwaduro,
Mr. Ofori-Kuragu 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I would like to know from the Hon Deputy Minister what criterion is used by the Ministry to select communities for the various phases of the ongoing Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP 4) as electricity was supplied to these communities at least three years ago.
Mr. Buah 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the National Electrification Project, as you know was started in 1990. It was a 30- year project. The SHEP is what the Hon Member asked.
The Self-Help Electrification Pro- gramme was a complementary programme to the National Electrification Scheme. The criterion was that, communities within twenty kilometers of an existing national grid that can provide their own voltage poles would be connected to the national grid. And that is the criterion.
Mr. Ofori-Kuragu 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I would like the Hon Deputy Minister to know that the communities mentioned have their low tension poles ready and would be grateful if he could send his technical team to check this up.
Mr. Kofi Frimpong 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, in the Answer to the Question, the Hon Deputy Minister said among other things that the communities would be considered under subsequent phases of the National Electrification Programme (NEP) when funds become available. Is the Hon Deputy Minister aware that the previous Parliament approved a $350 million facility for rural electrification and could those funds not be used for such purposes?
Mr. Buah 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as we speak, this House approved the $350 million facility and also an additional $170 million making up a total of about $520 million. The project assessment has been done and a lot of these communities would be benefiting from the project.
Mr. Frimpong 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, can he be precise as to when the whole project will start because this amount of money has been approved by Parliament? So can he tell us when the money will come and for that matter when the project will start?
Mr. Buah 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the $170 million project by the China Water, the take-off has already taken place, they are already in the field making the assessment and this month, as we speak, they have already started the project; - the $170 million. And the $350 million project is also completed, the drawings are being done and in the coming months, it will also be started.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Deputy Minister has submitted that these feasibility studies relating to these amounts have been completed and the communities have already been selected. Then he just told us that some of these communities would be considered. Can he tell us those specific communities that would be considered in these two programmes?
Mr. Buah 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as we speak, we have done initial studies on how much or how many communities will benefit. We have estimated that with the $350 million about 1,200 communities roughly, should benefit and with the $170 million, about 800 communities -- a total of 2,000 communities should benefit.
We undertook a comprehensive study; nineteen years after the National Electrification Scheme to really understand
the impact of the scheme and I am happy to inform the House that we have made a lot of progress. We started the project when we had only 480 communities and as of January, 2009, 4,100 communities had benefited from the scheme. I am talking of the National Electrification and the Self-Help. With the two projects that I am talking about, it will give an additional 2,000
We are still identifying the towns by name; we have identified by region in terms of accessibility and what we have realized is that, as we move along some regions are really behind. We have for example, regions that are at 30 per cent, others that are above and what we are trying to do is to make sure that all regions benefit on the national average of 60 per cent as we stay. And I would be very happy to provide the specific communities once it is ready.
Mr. Ofori-Kuragu 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I want to know from the Hon Deputy Minister any time electricity is extended to various communities there is something called the - drawings of the base maps. May I know who pays for the drawing of the base maps?
Mr. Buah 11 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Once the contractor who has the contract for the project is given, or the contract is signed, they are then sent out; the Ministry of Energy working with project supervisors which are Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Volta River Authority (VRA) will then identify the locations, the contractor will go to the communities to undertake the bid drawings and they are the ones responsible.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Thank you Hon
Deputy Minister. We have not finished

with you. We are moving to the next Question which stands in the name of Hon Dominic Nitiwul.

Connection of Electricity to Bakpaba, Lanja, Bincharantanga, et cetera

Q.128 Mr. Dominic Nitiwul asked the Minister for Energy when the following towns will be connected under the Rural Electrification Programme:

(i) Bakpaba (ii) Lanja (iii) Bincharantanga (iv) Juase (v) Nakpa (vi) Dipa (vii) Juanayili (viii) Taali (ix) Sabonjida.

Deputy Minister for Energy (Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah): Madam Speaker, the Bakpaba, Lanja, Bincharatanga, Juase (Juashega), Nakpa, Dipa, Juanayili, Taali and Sabonjida communities form part of the on-going SHEP-4 Phase-1 Project.

Construction of High Voltage (HV) and

Low Voltage (LV) networks and Substation works have been completed at Bakpaba, Lanja, Bincharatanga, Taali and Sabonjida and customer service connections are on- going in these communities.

The installation works for High Voltage

(HV) and Low Voltage (LV) at Juasheya, Nakpa, Dipa and Juanayili are on-going and scheduled for completion by March 2010. However, Nakpa and Dipa are yet to provide the Low Voltage (LV) poles required for their electrification projects. The planned completion schedule of the projects for these two communities may be adversely affected if they do not provide
Mr. Nitiwul 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I thank
the Hon Deputy Minister for the assurance that the project will be completed by March, 2010. But Madam Speaker, just a short question as a follow up.
Is the Hon Deputy Minister aware that in many of the villages that have been mentioned, Bakpaba (ii) Lanja (iii) Bincharantanga (iv) Juase (v) Nakpa (vi) Dipa (vii) |Juanayili (viii) Taali (ix) Sabonjida, and Nakpa that the work is supposed to have been completed and progressed the work catchment within the villages is less than 50 per cent?
Mr. Buah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as I said,
these projects are on the radar of the Ministry and they will be completed on schedule as stated.
Mr. Nitiwul 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Deputy Minister said that the provision of low tension poles for Dipa and Nakpa - the completion will be affected if provision of low tension poles is delayed. Madam Speaker, I want to know from the Hon Deputy Minister whether he will consider supporting these villages with some 200 poles so that they met the completion date as my resources are depleted.
Mr. Buah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as I stated
earlier one of the criteria for qualifying for the Self Help Project is to provide the L.V. Poles for completion. I think that is the procedure but obviously, there have been instances where the Ministry has So I will be happy to talk to the Hon Member after this Sitting.
Connection of Electricity to Subriso, Nyamebekyere on Oppon River,
et cetera to the National Grid
Q. 129. Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo

asked the Deputy Minister for Energy when the following towns would be connected to the National Electricity Grid:

(i) Subriso (ii) Nyamebekyere on Oppon River (iii) Abotareye (iv) Campon Oppon Valley Road.
Mr. Buah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the
Nyamebekyere on Oppon River and Abotareye communities have been earmarked to benefit under SHEP-4 but do not form part of the on-going SHEP-4 Phase 1 Project. The communities will be considered under subsequent phases of SHEP-4.
The Camp on Oppon Valley Road
community is earmarked to benefit from the Ghana Energy Development and Access Project (GEDAP) being funded by the World Bank and other development partners. Construction works are scheduled to commence by June 2010. The project will be executed over a period of 18 months.
Subriso, on the other hand, does not form part of any of the on-going electridication projects being undertaken by the Ministry. The community will, therefore, be considered under subsequent phases of the National Electrification Programme when funds become available.
Mr. Boahen 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the four
communities mentioned, that is Subriso (ii) Nyamebekyere on Oppon River (iii) Abotareye (iv) Camp on Oppon Valley Road were jumped over in the previous electrification projects and therefore, they lie under the national grid. The communities have also procured their low tension poles. Will the Minister consider including them in the on-going electrification project, that is SHEP IV Phase I?
Mr. Buah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the
communities as I stated we have undertaken a comprehensive review across the country and we have identified the district of the Hon Member and that district level as being on 22 per cent and what the Ministry is doing is looking at the accessibility across the country in trying to bring the communities to the 60 per cent average and so, as we review, I am sure that if the communities have this low threshold they would be considered.
Mr. S. K.B. Manu 11:10 a.m.
rose.
Madam speaker 11:10 a.m.
Now, we move to the
next Question which is -- [Laughter] -- well you are wearing white and standing behind the white pillar so forgive me if I did not see you. But ask your last question.
Mr. Manu 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the refrain that has greeted the Questions this morning has been “when funds are available”. May I know from the Hon Deputy Minister what efforts the Ministry is taking to ensure availability of funds for these very important projects.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Would he know?
Yes, do you know?
Mr. Buah 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the
Ministry of Energy really understands clearly the importance of meeting the goals of universal self-electrification by 2010. I talked about the five hundred and twenty million dollars that has already been approved by this Honourable House.
Since we assumed office, we have sent a total of three hundred and eighty seven million dollars loans to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and it has indicated the acceptability of the concessionary terms. We are currently working on those packages to send them to Cabinet and I am sure in due course it will come to this Honourable House.
We project that we could have additional 1,500 communities adding to
Mr. Buah 11:10 a.m.


the 2000. So really, the Ministry is doing a lot to make sure that in the medium term by 2015 we shall reach eighty per cent and then we will reach hundred per cent by 2020.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Yes, can we move
on now to the next Question? Question numbered 130 Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo.

Connection of Electricity to Nkonya, Saa, Abenabena et cetera

(National Grid)

Q. 130. Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo asked the Deputy Minister for Energy when the following towns would be connected to the National Electricity Grid:

(i) Nkonya

(ii) Saa

(iii) Abenabena

(iv) Pewako

(v) Babianiha

(vi) Dompaase

(vii) Ntwintwina

(viii) Priciso-Ataase

(ix) Huntaado

(x) Akoreso

(xi) Epom

(xii) Akrofereim

(xiii) Abrokyiri-Krobo.
Mr. Buah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, Saa, Dompaase and Abokyiri-Krobo commu- nities are earmarked to benefit from SHEP-4 but do not form part of the on- going SHEP-4 Phase -- 1 Project. These communities will be considered under
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Member you question.
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, first of all let me thank the Hon Deputy Minister for the Answer given. But then also to draw his attention to the fact that the communities mentioned namely, Nkonya, Saa, Abenabena, Pewako, Babianiha, Dompaase, Ntwintwina, Pricio-Ataase, Huntaado, Akoreso, Epom, Akrofereim and Abrokyiri-Krobo were previously considered under the China Water Project and the Project in my constituency had ended up to some point, so I was thinking that now that funds are available under the China Water Project as you have admitted this morning, I was thinking that they would be considered in the ongoing projects. Could the Hon Deputy Minister, please, come again?
Mr. Buah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the goal is that, ultimately, all the communities in Ghana should have access to electricity. We are looking at the feasibility rate as I said earlier and I am sure that as we move along we will consider those communities that are below the threshold to bring them to the national and average if that community is within that then they will probably benefit from the programme.
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Deputy Minister has informed this House that by the Ministry's assessment,

my constituency is around 22 per cent far below the accessibility threshold. So will he consider keeping them on board and be more specific?
Mr. Buah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, as I said, what we have done is to make sure that there is transparency and fairness as we provide electrification and that is why we are undertaking this comprehensive review. And we are doing that based on communities that do not meet the threshold that are very low, I can say that communities for example, in the Northern and Upper East are way below the threshold and we have identified that and are tackling that. Also obviously, I mentioned his district as being below the threshold and I am sure that we are also going to make sure that they meet the same test to bring fairness and equity in the process.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Can we move on to the last Question 131, Hon J. B. Aidoo?
Connection of Electricity to Adonnoi, Dawurapon, Suhyenso et cetera (National Electrification Grid)
Q.131. Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo
asked the Deputy Minister for Energy when the following towns would be connected to the National Electricity Grid:
(i) Adonnoi
(ii) Dawurapon
(iii) Suhyenso
(iv) Mansiso
(v) Akodaakrom
(vi) Grumisa
(vii) Tweapease
(viii) Maafo
(ix) New Somanya.
Mr. Buah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker,Adonnoi, Dawurapong, Suhyenso, Mansiso, Akodaakrom, Grumisa, Tweapease, Maafo and New Somanya do not form part of any of the on-going electrification projects being undertaken by the Ministry. The communities will be considered under the subsequent phases of National Electrification Programme when funds become available.
Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the trend is the same. I know these communities were last year captured under the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) projects. Since funds are now available, I am only praying that the Hon Deputy Minister considers the Ministry's position to take all these communities on board.
Mr. Buah 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think that we have talked about the funds that we have, we have talked about the funds that the Ministry is working with. Right now, it is with Cabinet, and it will ultimately come to Parliament. I am sure that once we get funds, we are going to use a very transparent criterion and as I said once, since we know that those districts and communities are below the threshold, they will ultimately be considered.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
I think that is the end of Question time and we will thank the Hon Deputy Minister for attending to answer the Questions. Thank you.
Mr. Akologu 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, today is Cabinet meeting day and all the Cabinet Ministers are at the meeting as at now.

However, I want to ask your permission and the indulgence of the House to allow the Hon Deputy Minister for Energy to perform the simple duty of just presenting these Papers for the First Reading today.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
All right permission is granted. So Hon Deputy Minister can you present them? Item (5a).
BILLS -- FIRST READING 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Now, we have an addendum, I think you have been served with them. We are going to take that now - Laying of Papers.
PAPERS 11:20 a.m.
Mr. E. K. D. Adjaho 11:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, we have very limited copies of the Papers which are ready. I do not know what the position of the House is. I have my copy here; I have managed to get a copy for you and for the Hon Majority Leader and Hon Minority Leader. They are printing the rest of the Papers. It is not a controversial report but if it is the will of the House that we take it tomorrow, I have no objection but if we think that because it is not controversial, we should take it today too, I am ready to move it.
In fact, I have spoken to the Hon
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
That is why I am
asking you to move your motion.
Mr. Adjaho 11:30 a.m.
Very well.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
Item two on the
Order Paper -- Addendum. Move your motion 2.
Some Hon Members 11:30 a.m.
No copies.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
Oh, no copies of
the Report?
Some Hon Members 11:30 a.m.
No.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
I thought you said
you had given them copies?
Dr. A.A. Osei 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, he
said they are coming but we do not have
  • [MADAM SPEAKER
    • Mr. Adjaho 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, I am subject to the will of the House. [Interruption.] Very well. Madam Speaker, it is not yet 12 ‘O'clock, if we can take some 30 minutes suspension, I believe that everybody would get a copy of the Report, then we can move and dispose of this matter.
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    Few minutes? Let us say so, otherwise, we leave it till tomorrow.
    Mr. Akologu 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, I do not intend to go against the spirit of the discussion that took place but this is a very important matter. Getting judges to the Supreme Court is so important and Hon Members would want to at least make an input. If we would be given the copies after 30 minutes and we would not be able to read them and then make our input, I do not think it is going to serve any purpose. Since it is not controversial, it can be the first thing tomorrow at Public Business and we would just dispose of it. So, Madam Speaker, I think that we take an adjournment then.
    Mr. Adjaho 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, I say I am subject to the will of the House. It is not a position I am pressing but if tomorrow morning I have no objection.
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    Yes, I think that is a better thing because they have not received the Report yet and if you say 30 minutes and we come back and they still have not received it -- So you have laid the report, I am sure they would get it today and then we move on tomorrow. I think that is the will of the House.
    Some Hon Members 11:30 a.m.
    Yes.
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    In which case,
    now, we do not have much except to ask, Hon Akologu what is the indication for today's --
    Mr. Akologu 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, under the circumstances, the next item will be committee sittings. As we have just resumed, most of the committees are meeting to programme their activities for the Meeting and then a number of such committees have been listed for their meetings today. So I would beg to move, that this House do now adjourn till tomorrow at 10.00 a.m. to enable the committees go into session I beg to move.
    Mr. B.K. Ayeh 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, I beg to second the motion.
    Question put and motion agreed to.
    ADJOURNMENT 11:30 a.m.