Debates of 18 Nov 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 and the Offical Report. We are on the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 17th November, 2009. Page 1…..5
Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu 10:10 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I was present in the House yesterday, but my name has appeared absent. Kwaku Agyeman- Manu, Dormaa West.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
That is page 5
number what?
Mr. Agyeman-Manu 10:10 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, number 4, sub item 10 on page 5.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Okay, thank you.
Any other correction on page 5? Page 6…
Dr. Kojo Appiah-Kubi 10:10 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I was also present yesterday, but my name has been marked absent. I am Appiah-Kubi from Atwima-Kwanwoma.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Yes,
Dr. Appiah-Kubi 10:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
the number 21.
Prof. [Emeritus] S.K. Amoako --
rose --
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Thank you. Yes, Hon Member.
Prof. [Emeritus] Samuel Kwadwo
Amoako: Madam Speaker, I was also present yesterday; I was on assignment with the Special Budget Committee, that is attested to on page 17 item number 6, but I have been marked absent.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
What is the
number? Let me see if it was correctly -- [Interruption] --
Prof. [Emeritus] Amoako: Madam
Speaker, page 6, number 18; and my name appears on page 17 under Roman numeral (vi) as having attended the Committee meeting of the Special Budget.
Alhaji Seidu Amadu 10:10 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I was similarly marked absent on page 6, number 15. Madam Speaker, I am a member of the Public Accounts Committee, and if you look at page 10, I have been marked as one of the members who attended upon the duty of that Committee under Roman numeral (xiii), so I want the correction to be effected, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Okay, noted. Page
6, any more corrections on page 6? Page
7… 9
Mr. Ben Abdallah Banda 10:10 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, yesterday, Sitting was suspended at 1:35 pm for the House to go into the Committee of the Whole. Madam Speaker, this has not been captured in the Votes and Proceedings. I would like to find out why this is palpably absent from the records.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Are you referring to
page 9 or page 8?
Mr. Banda 10:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I am
referring to page 9.
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
Page 9 -- Sitting was suspended 1:35 pm; Sitting resumed too. What corrections were you suggesting?
Mr. Banda 10:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, yesterday
Madam Speaker 10:10 a.m.
You just correct it,
so it will be corrected then. That is what we are doing now, we are correcting it so if you suggest we should put it there, it would be corrected.
Mr. Banda 10:20 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. All that I want the Clerks-at- Table to do is to have it captured . Thank you very much - [Hear! Hear!]
rose
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Hon Opare-Ansah, I thought you were standing?
Mr. Opare-Ansah 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I believe yesterday you suspended Sitting for the House to go into the Committee of the Whole. However, I believe what is causing this problem is that I am sure the Clerks must be in a difficulty as to how to capture the proceedings after Sitting was suspended. We actually debated at length here as to exactly what we were doing. But we were informed then by the Hon Majority Leader that we were not in a Committee of the Whole and so I believe that is why the Clerks did not report it as a Committee sitting and that is probably why my Hon Colleague is also worried.
But indeed, since you told us that we were going into a Committee of the
Whole as it was correctly advertised as Item Number 10 on yesterday's Order Paper. However, during the meeting we were informed that we were not really in a Committee of the Whole and we were really in a fluid situation as to exactly what we were here doing. So I am sure you have to try to clarify what we did yesterday so that the Clerks will be out of this difficulty and the Votes and Proceedings of yesterday could be appropriately amended.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Any more correc- tions on page 9?
Prof. (Emeritus) Samuel K. Amoako (NPP - Akim Abuakwa North) 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, my name is on page 12. On page 12 I attended the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee and my name is conspicuously missing as a Member in Attendance. I remember I even asked a few questions but my name does not reflect - [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Thank you, it will be corrected. Page 10?
Mr. George Kofi Arthur (NDC -- Amenfi Central) 10:20 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. On page 10, item number 2 (xii) and 2 (xiv) they seem to capture the same person, “Alhaji Ibrahim Dey”; so that must be cancelled. And Hon E. T. Mensah and Hon John Tia Akologu were also present at the Public Accounts Committee meeting. So their names must be added. And on page 11, 3(xv), it must read “Mrs. Charity B. Kelly” instead of “Mr. Charity B. Kelly”.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Still on page 11, any other corrections?
Mr. Alfred W. G. Abayateye (NDC) - Sege) 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I was present
at the Public Accounts Committee meeting on Monday but my name is conspicuously missing. My name is Alfred Abayateye, Sege and I am a Member of the Public Accounts Committee. I was present at the meeting on Monday but my name is omitted here on page 12 and it must be corrected.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
It will be corrected. And we are on page 13.
Mr. Aquinas Quansah (NDC - Mfantsiman West) 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I was also present at the Public Accounts Committee sittings but my name is missing from the Monday and Tuesday lists. My name is Aquinas Quansah, Mfantsiman West.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Noted.
Mr. Kofi Frimpong (NPP - Kwabre East) 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, it looks as if so many names are always missing and it is due to the fact that some of our Hon Colleagues attend such meetings late and when they go they do not get their names signed. So we intend to blame the Clerks- at-Table for our own negligence. Madam Speaker, I wish to appeal to Hon Members that any time when they attend meetings they must make sure that their names are recorded - [Interruptions.]
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Order! Order! Except I have not heard from this side I think it is a proper intervention, however.
Mr. John T. Akologu 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think a Colleague across there wanted to speak for me but I think that the recording that I see here is correct because I was not present on Monday at that sitting, the Public Accounts Committee sitting; I was not there. So when I saw that my name was not there I said, all right if it is 16th it is true; but if it is yesterday, Tuesday,
Mr. Frimpong 10:20 a.m.
My good Friend John is being too personal. This is an observation -
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
I do not think you are addressing each other properly in this House.
Mr. Frimpong 10:30 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. But Madam Speaker, I think he is far from right because it had been the practice of Members, especially on the other side of the House that when they attend meetings they do not record their names.

And so it is evidenced by the number of my Hon Colleagues from the other side who are complaining of their names not being recorded. So Madam Speaker, I think my Hon Colleague has not been fair to me.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Except to say that to circumvent this problem when you attend make sure your name is recorded in the register, whether you are a bit late or not and then it will be properly captured. Any other corrections?
Mr. Bagbin 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, just to draw the attention of Hon Members to the practical difficulty in recording Members as present who do not show up on the floor of the House. I heard
Dr. Akoto Osei 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think that I agree with what my senior Colleague is saying but there is another problem. If we go to page 3, I am fully aware that my senior brother Hon Kofi Jumah is at this moment in China but he is recorded as being present in the House. So that is also a problem. I think we need to watch this very carefully - [Inter- ruptions.]
Mr. Bagbin 10:30 a.m.
Madam speaker, yes, I think that we are having these problems because of another ruling which stated that the only document recognized for the purposes of our constitutional provisions and our Standing Orders is this Votes and Proceedings. We used to have an attendance register placed in the mails
room where members used to indicate - [Interruptions] their attendance by signing but because of that ruling some Hon Members decided not to because he said that was of no consequence. So for me, since that ruling I have never appended my signature to that book because it is of no consequence -- [Interruptions.]
That was the ruling. And because of that the Clerks were compelled to be observing the attendance to the House and try to capture that on the Votes and Proceedings and that is why there is the practical challenge. But now I am told that for the name of Hon Kofi Jumah appearing on the Votes and Proceedings, it is spiritual - [Laughter] - I am not competent to talk about spiritual matters. So I will desist from going into that area.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, a propos what has been stated by the Hon Majority Leader, it is a problem; but it is a problem that as a House we should solve. Fact is that we do not have any attendance register recognized in our Standing Orders. If we consider the Attendance Register to be important then of course we ought to recognize it in our Standing Orders which is being amended.
We always have practical problems because Hon Members could sign and never enter the Chamber; others would enter the Chamber participate - the official records would even recognize that they participated yet in their names will not be there. But it is important that we have an Official Register and we ought to recognize that as we amend our Standing Orders. Having said that, Madam Speaker, indeed, there is an urgent need for us to work on our Standing Orders. We have had a draft for so long but because the leadership of this House plays a prominent role in terms of our Standing Orders and they are so busy we are unable to meet. So I am appealing to leadership to try and
Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Majority Leader said that the system now is for the Clerks- at-Table to observe and to see who is in the Chamber. Madam speaker, I think that is a very dangerous way of recording attendance. I can say for a fact that I personally have been often confused with our lady, Hon Cecilia Dapaah and she has often been confused with me. So I believe that that system -- [Interruptions] - I am speaking with all seriousness. They send my invitations to her and her invitations come to me. Sometimes the confusion is fine but for the purposes of recording the attendance I do not think it is a good way of doing it because they cannot be mistaken. Even our Hon Colleagues here sometimes confuse us.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Yes, Hon Majority Leader can you reply to what Hon Papa Owusu-Ankomah said that you have no time to revise?
Mr. Bagbin 10:40 a.m.
Well, I take the comments made by Hon Papa Owusu-Ankomah seriously. We have as leadership been trying to get the Standing Orders reviewed. The second edition is ready. We have extended it again to other civil society organizations to assist us. They have submitted their responses. We scheduled a meeting to do it, but as he said, rightly, we were caught up by other commitments. So early next year we intend focusing on the review of the Standing Orders. The case of my sister, Hon Akosua Fremah
Osei-Opare and her sister Cecilia Dapaah is a difficult thing because we may have to do some change of faces - [Interruptions] - or heights - [Laughter.]

The resemblance is real, the sizes, the heights, the shapes are the same [Laughter.] [Interruption.]
Ms. C.A. Dapaah 10:40 a.m.
On a point of order.
Madam Speaker, I strongly object to the descriptive analysis vividly being given this morning by the Hon Majority Leader. I believe we are two distinct human beings with specially endowed features from God - [Laughter.] And indeed, we are sisters. So if he is getting confused by people he should not give a charade of shapes and sizes and heights and the bumps and whatever.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Majority
Leader, can you finish?
Mr. Bagbin 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I am
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
It is the same thing,
is it not? Is it not the same thing?
Mr. Bagbin 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, we
may in the Standing Orders consider how to capture attendance to the work of the House and clarify the issue for the application of the Clerk and the officers at the Table. I think it is important because it has been causing a lot of confusion and sometimes some hon. Members are so unhappy that in spite of their attendance and even contribution on the floor they are not captured as being present. So we would take a second look at it and then improve upon the situation.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Thank you, Hon Majority Leader. I think it was an important point and just by judging by the faces may present problems. So like you suggested, it is better signed but it is
Mr. S.E. Asimah 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
item 3, In Attendance, I think all the staff listed over there are staff of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency and I think the visit was actually to the Hydrological Services Department so I am sure this correction would be effected.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Page 16, any other
corrections? [pause] Then we move on to page 17, 18?
Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu 10:40 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I am very, very sorry to take you back a little bit but I think it is very important. Page 12, “The Committee met on Monday 16th November, 2009 at 10.10 p.m.” Madam Speaker, I think that should be “a.m.”
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Yes, I agree, it is.
Thank you, Hon Member. We are on page 18, page 19, [Pause] The Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 17th November, 2009 as corrected be adopted as the true record of proceedings.
We move on to the Official Report
of Friday, 13th November, 2009. Any corrections in the Official Report? [Pause] Hon Members, in the absence of any corrections, the Official Report of Friday, 13th November, 2009 is hereby adopted as the true recorded of proceedings.
Hon Members, I have already spoken to the Hon Leaders about my intention
to come on under Order 53 to change the order so in place of item 3 - Statements, we will take motion numbers 5 and 6. Hon Member, can you move your motion now?
MOTIONS 10:40 a.m.

Mr. A. P. Dery 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I beg to second the motion.
Question put and motion agreed to.
Fifteenth Report of the Appointments Committee
Chairman of the Appointments
Committee (Mr. E.K.D. Adjaho): Madam Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Fifteenth Report of the Appointments Committee on the President's nominations for Ministerial appointments.
1.0 Introduction
His Excellency President, J.E.A. Mills communicated to Parliament for prior approval of the nomination of the following persons for appointment as Ministers pursuant to article 78(1) of the Constitution. They are:
1. Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor

--Minister-Designate of Health

2. Hon. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo --Minister-of-State Designate at the Presidency

In accordance with Order 172(2) of the Standing Orders of the House, the nominations were on Tuesday 27th October 2009 referred to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report.

The nominations were subsequently published in the media in accordance with Order 172(3) and memoranda were invited from the public on the nominees.

Reference Documents

The following served as reference documents to the Committee during deliberations and public hearings of the nominees:

1. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana

2. Standing Orders of the Parlia- ment of Ghana

3. Curricular Vitae of nominees

2.0 Procedure

On appearing before the Committee, nominees subscribed to the oath of a witness and answered questions relating to their records of office, the positions to which they have been nominated and issues of general national concern.

4.0 Observations and Recommendations

4.1 Dr. Benjamen Kunbuor -- Minister-Designate of Health

Background

Dr. Benjamin Bewa-nyog Kumbuor, a Barrister-at-Law, was born on 15th July 1957. He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) between January 2001 and January 2009 and served as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Finance and Committee on Defence and Interior. He was also a Member of the Committees on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Subsidiary Legislation, Judiciary and Standing Orders. Between 2002 and 2008, he was a part-time lecturer at the Ghana School of Law. He was appointed Deputy Minister for Health in April 2009.
rose
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Hon Member, I want to take your comment.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, there is so much murmuring and I believe Hon Members are rather confused as to what the Hon First Deputy Speaker is doing. This is because he said he wanted the Hansard Department to capture the entire Report, so I thought he was going down to the Recommendations instead of reading the Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Hon Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor who is very well known. I am sure Hon Members are a little bit confused. That is all.
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, at least, it is important to know who the nominees are. It maybe recalled that I started with the “Introduction”, I skipped “Reference Documents”, “Procedure”, and at least, it is important to mention who the nominees are one then I move on. [Interruptions.]
He was appointed Deputy Minister for Health in April 2009.
Experience at the Ministry
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.


Dr. Kunbuor informed the Committee that so far his experience at the Ministry has been very exciting. He observed that the job of a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Health is very challenging.

Vision for the Ministry

On his vision for the ministry and the health of the people of Ghana, the nominee explained that his idea was to team up with leadership at the Ministry to ensure the delivery of quality and affordable healthcare to Ghanaians nationwide.

Wa Regional Hospital, Manhyia Hospital, Bremang Community Clinic etc

The nominee, in a response to a question, indicated to the Committee that the Wa Regional Hospital project was still very much a priority for the Ministry. He informed the Committee that the Capital Investment Unit of the Ministry was working assiduously to ensure the successful implementation of that project. In respect of the Manhyia Hospital, Bremang Community Clinic and others, the Minister-Designate assured that the Ministry would work very hard to upgrade facilities and ensure the completion of those others not completed in the shortest possible time.

Maternal Mortality

Dr. Kunbuor informed the Committee that the issue of maternal mortality was also a priority on the Ministry's agenda. He opined that maternal mortality was usually caused by three different “delays”. The first was the delay in deciding whether the expectant mother was to have the delivery at the health facility in the first place. The second was the delay in transporting the expectant mother to the health facility in time; and finally, the

delay that occurs at the health facility itself once the patient arrived.

He added that only 35 per cent of pregnant women were able to have access to the services of qualified midwifes for delivery.

National Health Insurance Reforms

The nominee considered the National Health Insurance scheme as a huge national project which most Ghanaians were passionate about. He identified the transfer of funds and the payment systems as areas that posed challenges to the administration of the scheme. He called for national support and public confidence in the scheme.

Dr. Kunbuor reaffirmed his belief in the possibility of the one-time premium payment saying it is “attainable and sustainable”. He observed that only 5 per cent of premiums collected from the insured actually went into the provision of healthcare to clients and therefore called for the plucking of loopholes in the system for the sustainability of the scheme.

Millennium Development Goals

On the bearing of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on the health of the populace, Dr. Kunbuor indicated that MDGs 4 and 5 were the ones that directly impacted on the health sector. He however acknowledged that due to poverty implications on health status, the MDGs 1,4,5 and 6 were all critical to the health sector.

On HIV/AIDS, Dr. Kunbuor considered vertical transmission, ie from mother to child as the major problem which the Ministry would tackle with all seriousness if given the nod. He also pledged his commitment to deal with malaria at
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.


all levels of treatment to the level of prevention by use of insecticide treated mosquito nets.

Fees at Nursing Training Schools

Regarding the above matter, the nominee informed the Committee of his receipt of a very strong worded letter from some Members of Parliament expressing dissatisfaction with the exorbitant fees charged by some health training institutions in the country. He informed the Committee that he had personally issued letters to all the health training institutions instructing them to reduce the fees to previous levels. He therefore assured members that the issue is being addressed with all seriousness.

Mental Health

The nominee informed the Committee that work has been concluded on a draft Mental Health Bill which the Attorney-General's Office was currently studying and assured the Committee that government would make every effort at its passage by the House in due course.

Recommendation

The Committee took note of the nominee's excellent performance and clarity of thought.

4.2 Hon. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey- Agbo -- Minis ter-of -State designate at the Presidency

Background
Mrs. Elizabeth K. T. Sackey 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, on a point of order. Madam Speaker, I believe strongly that names identify who the person is. The Hon Member on the floor mentioned the Hon Joseph Nii Laryea's name and he said Hon Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agboo. It is not Afotey-Agboo” In Ga “Agboo” means death but this one is Hon Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo meaning “big” so please, he should take note. [Uproar.]
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I can assure you that if I ask the Hon Member to pronounce my name she will never get it right. [Interruptions.] The most important thing is that - [Interruptions.]
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Hon Member, I think the best way is that she should pronounce your name correctly. Hon Member, what is his name? [Interruptions.]
Mrs. Sackey 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, his name is Doe Adjaho. [Hear! Hear!]
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, it is true that she opened an account for me, at that time she was a very small girl. [Laughter.]
rose
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Last word from you.
Mrs. Sackey 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, she is the wife of a school mate of mine, so she is a big woman. [Laughter.]
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Thank you for the clarification. Can we move on then?
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.
Hon Afotey-Agbo has held several positions including serving as the production manager of Ericdai Enterprise Limited and the Public Relations Officer of the Katamansu Divisional Council between 1996 and 2000. He founded the JNL Afotey-Agbo Farming Ventures in 2001 where he worked until he became a Member of Parliament in January 2005.
He is a Christian and is married with six children.
Earlier Comments on the Minister for Information
Responding to earlier comments he made in the media about the Information Minister, Mrs Saba Zita Okaikoi, Hon Afotey-Agbo informed the Committee that the position he expressed in the media on the Information Minister was very clear and that as a politician, he had to listen to the people on the ground in order to come out with comments. He explained that he took a “principled position” to ask for the resignation of the Information Minister and that he “still stood by it”. He stressed
before the Committee that “it was nothing personal” and assured that he remains a good friend of the Minister and bore her no grudge.
Schedule as a Minister-of-State
The nominee indicated that he was yet to be assigned and therefore could not tell what his specific schedule at the Presidency would be. He however stated that he understood that a Minister-of-State with no portfolio is required to be very versatile.
Pressed for his area of competence and interest, he indicated his interest in “conflict management” where he believed he had some practical experience and expertise.
Appointment to “tame the Lion”
Responding to the perception that the President was appointing him a Minister- of-State to stop him from his outbursts and frank expressions about the government, the nominee indicated that he could not proffer any opinion on the matter since he was not the appointing authority. He however added that if the intention of the appointment was to tame and prevent him from “roaring”, then he “could not take it well”.
Recommendation
The nominee was advised to bear in mind that the country operates a Presidential system and that the President has the final say in all executive matters.
The Committee recommends Hon. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo by consensus to the House for approval as a Minister-of-State at the Presidency.
5.0 Conclusion
Mr. Adjaho 10:50 a.m.


The Appointments Committee has carried out its duty faithfully in accordance with the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House with respect to the nomination of Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor and Hon. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo as Minister of Health and Minister-of-State at the Presidency respectively.

The Committee is satisfied that the nominees have fully met the requirements of the Constitution and therefore respectfully recommends their nomination to the House for approval by consensus.

Respectfully submitted.
rose
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Are you seconding the motion? Has it been seconded?
Majority Chief Whip (Mr. E. T. Mensah) 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to support the motion and in doing so, to raise a couple of issues with Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor - [Interruption.]
Mr. Moses Asaga 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, on a point of order. Madam Speaker, I thought we were going to second the motion and we have just said it was by consensus, by consensus means both sides of the House. So I am still at a lost why the other side are still not seconding it. [Interruptions.]
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Well, I think any Member of the Committee can second the motion.
Mr. A. P. Dery 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to second the motion, and in doing so I intend to profit from the experience of the
mover. I do not want to get into trouble, he courted trouble and got trouble; he set out by reading the profiles of the nominees but on the second nominee he chose not to read - It was because of such possible contradictions that we thought that the best thing was for him to be guided by the advice of Hon Papa Owusu-Ankomah.
So I second the motion and in doing so it is my hope that Hon (Dr.) Benjamin Kunbuor will bring his experience as Deputy Minister and his rich record to solve the numerous problems in the health sector, and I want to remind him of the Wa Hospital in particular. I second the motion.
Question proposed.
Mrs. G. E. Kusi (NPP 11 a.m.
None

Nsuaem): Madam Speaker, I support the motion and I am so happy to read that the Minister Designate for Health has said during the vetting that he is going to take on the problem of maternal mortality and also look at the fees being paid at the nursing training institutions. As we speak now, statistics from World Health Organization (WHO) says that one woman dies every minute through complications and child birth -- [Interruptions] [An Hon Member -- Where?] - In the world, that is the statistics.

So Madam Speaker, I would be very happy - governments have tackled these problems and we still have the problem. At the moment, maternity fees are scraped and women are giving birth free, thanks to the NPP Administration -- [Interruptions] - Therefore, I would want to take him by his words that he would also do something about it.
Dr. O. M. Prempeh (NPP - Manhyia) 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to support our Committee's recommendations but bring to note that when Dr. Kunbour was asked for his vision for the Ministry of Health,
Dr. O. M. Prempeh (NPP - Manhyia) 11 a.m.


which is a very very important Ministry in governance in this country, he said that he was going to team up with the leadership of the Ministry to ensure the delivery of quality and affordable health care to Ghanaians nationwide.

Madam Speaker, I wish he was here to hear. He is going to be the leader, he should provide the leadership in the Ministry. So considering that he was an excellent nominee from the way he answered the questions, if he decided to become part of the team in the Ministry, Madam Speaker, we would not attain our fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 5) - [Interruption.] - [An Hon. Member - kasa, kasa] -- We will not attain our fifth MDG because we need leadership in our Ministries.

The reason why we want to go forward and we want a better agenda for Ghana is to provide the quality leadership in the various Ministries and the Presidency -- [Interruption] - [To an Hon Member: I hope you get there soon and you talk like that]
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Order! Let us hear
the Hon. Member. Yes, Hon. Prempeh?
Dr. Prempeh 11 a.m.
So we wish him well and he should understand that the Ministry of Health has a lot to do with achieving our social goals in this country and if he wants to be part of it, we would all support him at delivering the goals in the NDC Manifesto for this country.
Madam Speaker, my very good Friend
from Kpone-Katamanso, Nii Afotey- Agbo - I happened to have met in one of his answers, he says he likes the area of conflict management. I happened to have met Hon Afotey-Agbo the first time under a conflict situation in Kumasi and the way
his displayed his prowers in making sure the conflict was subdued, myself and him, I think that if he is put at the right place - [Interruption] - If he is put at the right place - [An Hon. Member - Interior] - If he is put at the right place, if he is not left to rot at the Presidency and he is put in the right place,he can help the many conflicts going on in this country. We support him, thank you.
Mr. Kojo Adu-Asare (NDC - Adenta) 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to also support the motion on the floor and in doing so,I would like to zero in on my Colleague, Hon. Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo. I know him, he is a very resilient personality and I think that for this position he would be an asset to this nation. He is a team player, a strong personality and I hope that he would remain that nice person he has always been.
Mr. Kofi Frimpong 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, my Colleague is seriously and copiously reading from a prepared script that was why he did not notice you asking him to stop reading - [laughter.] Madam Speaker, he should refrain from that, and if he says he knows “Lion” the way I know him he should speak from his head and let us see that he knows him.
Mr. Adu-Asare 11 a.m.
Well, unfortunately
for my Colleague I am not reading.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Well, I am glad
this point has come up and the leader is
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.


here. I have watched proceedings in other Parliaments especially the United States of America and people were reading. But when I come here I am told you do not read - [An Hon. Member - It is in the Standing Orders] - It is inm the Standing Orders but now that we are calling upon them to hurry up probably it is a matter that some people would like to advance. If they say you have one minute and you read is it not better?

Anyway, this is just by the side, I did not know the reason for not reading. But if you have five minutes or one minute then maybe it would be better to jot your points down and read it. But this is by the way. As the rules stand, please can you speak extempore?
Mr. Adu-Asare 11 a.m.
Thank you very
much, Madam Speaker. Unfortunately for my Colleague, I was not reading, I was just referring to the points I had made.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Yes, you can refer,
just refer to the notes.
Mr. Adu-Asare 11 a.m.
Thank you very
much, Madam Speaker. All that I wanted to advice my Colleagues was that the position of a Minister - my understanding of the word “Minister” is a “servant.” Most of the time people rather take this position to mean a boss and for me that is where the problem is. Some of our Colleagues are doing very well, they open their doors and they are doing creditably well.
But others too have assumed some kind of airs which for me defeats the purpose of servanthood. So I believe that on this occasion, these two Colleagues of ours would look at this position as an opportunity to serve the country and to serve all of us as a nation. And I know,

Several Hon. Members - rose -
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Yes, one of you.
Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang (NPP - New Juaben North) 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I just beg to underscore a very important point that our Hon Colleague made. It is most unusual for people looking for positions or who have been nominated to positions to state clearly what is supposed to be against the grain. But here was a gentleman who, in front of the Committee, in an answer to a question by the Hon Chairman, said “I stand by what I said that the Minister for Information must be removed.” This is captured in the Report of the Committee and I can only take off my hat for him.
I hope he will continue to be objective in everything that he does and that he will continue forever carry that conviction that whatever is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. And I hope he will make sure that he contributes effectively to the running of the government.
So, I beg to support -
Mr. Moses Asaga 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, Hon. Owusu-Agyemang - [inaudible] - and we were all in the Christ the King, just said he was removing his hat and doffing his hat. But I did not see his hat and even the hair on his head. So, I do not know where the hat is coming from. Maybe it is spiritual hat.
Mr. Owusu-Agyemang 11:10 a.m.
Maybe, my friend whom we used to call Asaganomics knows economics but does not know English - [Laughter.] -- He
Mr. Owusu-Agyemang 11:10 a.m.


is linguistically challenged. When I said I took off my hat, without much hair -- maybe I need to have a hat when I go in the sun - I USED a figure of speech.

Madam Speaker, that was very commendable. Again, he said if the intention was to tame the lion then he was begging to say that he would not be tamed and that he will be roaring from wherever he is. If he does that then we are beginning to see changes within the whole gamut of political thinking in this country. And I believe that he needs all the support that he can get from this House to keep roaring and to keep making sure that when he puts his ears on the ground, and he says he has, he will be able to give the proper advice.

Indeed, as a side joke, maybe his special schedule will be to recommend, after he has put his on the ground where the lion must roar. We are supporting him with all our hearts and we wish him well.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Thank you. The last speaker.
Mr. E. T. Mensah (NDC - Ningo/ Prampram) 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, on the comments about the question that was put to Hon Kunbuor as to what his vision was, I know that Hon Kunbuor knows that the vision of every Minister at the Ministries is the vision of the government. And he said he was going to work with the team as a team leader. There is no captain of a team without a team. He would work as the team leader. It is said that any leader without a team of followers is only on a walk. He is going to work with the team based on the vision of the government. That was exactly what he said. And I do perfectly agree with Hon Kunbuor.
Madam Speaker, on Hon Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, I just heard my father in-law (Hon Owusu-Agyemang) stressing that he should go and roar and take a certain
position. He knows, as a politician that he is going to be part of a team, and that is why in our recommendation we drew his attention to the fact that he was going to work with a team and that the President of the Republic of Ghana has a final say in everything. When you look at article 76(1) and (2) it is clear that even Cabinet is there to assist the President make decisions, not to insist on issues.
So, we advised our young man that it is easy when you are out there. But when you come face to face with the team, you play according to the tactics of the team manager and not just go wayward. So, Madam Speaker, we still stand by the advice that was given by the Committee that the nominee should know that we are practicing a presidential system and that the President of the Republic according to article 76(1) and (2) has the final say in everything.
I thank you, very much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity.
Mr. Joe Ghartey (Esikadu/Ketan) 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, thank you very much for your indulgence.

Madam Speaker, but the interesting thing is that I recollect when I had the opportunity to be made a Minister, Dr. Kunbuor was on this side and he also rose to congratulate me. For the many people who are watching, that is the beauty of

politics. We have just been told this morning that the First Deputy Speaker has a relationship with my colleague - [Uproar.] - a banking relationship with my Hon Colleague here and her husband is also a friend.

Madam Speaker, we must all realize in this country that even though we may belong to different political parties we are simple just one people, that when we take our passports what is written in it is merely “Ghanaian”; it is not “Ghanaian” this, Ghanaian that. As we progress politically we shall begin to realise that one day you are here and the next day you are there, and therefore, we shall start respecting each other more and more.

Madam Speaker, I am sure next time, they will be here and we will be there. [Uproar].

Madam Speaker, in conclusion I mentioned my friend Nii Laryea whom I met here in Parliament, is a very impressive character. I wonder why he is called lion because he is more like a poodle. To me, he is a gentleman. He is a gentle lion, if there is anything such as that.

And if I may also comment just on what the last speaker said, indeed , the Hon E. T. Mensah has confirmed to me what was always my view, that when you look at article 76 of the Constitution, the President has executive power. Indeed, what he said contradicts, unfortunately what a Court of Appeal Judge said recently that the President did certain acts without consulting people, not taking into account article 76. Madam Speaker, I speak about the Report on Vodafone and the recommendations of Justice Addo. I recommend to Justice Addo the Hansard of today and the statement made by Hon E. T. Mensah.
Mr. Charles S. Hodogbey (NDC - North Tongue) 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, Dr. Kunbuor is a very brilliant gentleman, but I would like to make the following observat ions. There are several uncompleted health facilities all over the country, some founded by Saudi Fund and other funds. Some of these are not completed. I have one at Juapong which is now serving as a den of criminals where ladies are raped. I would appeal to him, if he could see to these uncompleted facilities to be completed.

Minister for Women and Children Affairs (Ms. Akua Dansua) - rose -
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Yes, is it a point of order?
Ms. Dansua 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, my colleague has just told us that there is an uncompleted clinic in his constituency where ladies are always
raped. I am wondering why up to now he has not reported the case to the Police. Is he an accomplist in the matter?
Mr. Hodogbey 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I will try to ignore the statement made by the Hon Minister, and continue. I was talking about doctor-patient where certain deprived areas including the northern regions are included. I want to ask the in-coming Minister to ensure that there should be a special package designed for health workers to attract them to certain areas where the doctor-patient ratio is so low.
The third issue is concerning the
Mr. Hodogbey 11:20 a.m.


National Health Insurance Scheme. If you look at the National Health Insurance Scheme it does not cover all areas which are very critical including even maternal health. So I would like the Hon. Minister, when he comes in to look into it. I know there is a Government of onetime payment. The issue is, I am not against the Government policy, but the issue is the funding of the Service. So when he comes he should look into it critically and advise the Government accordingly.
Mr. K. Frimpong 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the Hon Member made mention of maternal health not being covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. Madam Speaker, I want to point to him that now, pregnant women go to hospital free of charge, courtesy the former President, President Agyekum Kufuor of the Republic of Ghana. [Hear! hear!]
Mr. Hodogbey 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think the Hon Member is referring to a different programme all together.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Thank you. I think the debate concludes now. Hon Members - [Pause] I think I should have called on the Hon. Member to sum up, but - [Interruption]
Mr. Adjaho 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I really have nothing to say, but to thank both sides for the House for the support they have given to the motion. Thank you very much.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
After this, I think I am permitted to put the Question.
Question put and motion agreed to.
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Members, the House has accordingly approved the following nominees for appointment as
Ministers of State in accordance with article 78(1) of the Constitution. They are 11:20 a.m.
1. Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor - Minister-designate for Health
2. Mr. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey- Agbo -- Minister-designate at the Presidency.
Hon Members, may I take this opportunity to congratulate the nominees, especially the Member of Parliament for having received parliamentary approval for appointment as Minister of State. Thank you.
Hon Members, we now move back to the motion number (4).
Deputy Majority Leader (Mr. John
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Members,
the Hon Minister will be conducted in presently.
rose
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Yes, Hon Member, we are moving on to item (4) and the Hon Minister is about to walk in.
  • [Majority Leader escorts Minister for Finance and Economic Planning into the Chamber]
  • Some Hon Members 11:20 a.m.
    [Hear! hear!]
    Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Leader,
    Item (4)?
    Majority Leader (Mr. A. S. K.
    Bagbin): Madam Speaker, the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning himself is available, he is
    Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
    Hon Minister for
    Finance, you may move your motion.
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    Hon Minister for
    Finance can you move your Motion 4 please?
    The Government's Financial Policy for the Financial Year 2010.
    Minister for Finance and Economic
    Planning (Dr. Kwabena Duffuor): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this august House approves the Budget Statement and the Economic Policy of the Government for the year ending 31st December, 2010.

    With your permission I would like to present to the House this morning, an abridged version of the full Budget Statement. The Hansard Department, therefore, is kindly requested to capture the entire Budget Statement and Economic Policy tabled circulated for information and action.

    Madam Speaker, His Excellency the

    Mr. Frederick Opare-Ansah on a

    point of order.
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    Is that a point of
    order?
    Mr. Opare-Ansah 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, exactly so. It is very important that we advise the Minister to do the right thing so that the Hansard captures the correct thing. The motion as it appears on the Order Paper is different from the motion that the Minister moved. The motion you realize in quote says:
    “That this Honourable House approves the Financial Policy of the Government of Ghana for the year ending 31st December 2010.”
    It is not the same as the Minister read so if the Minister wants to amend the motion as found on the Order Paper, I am sure there are procedures and rules to amend the motion so that he reads the appropriate motion as he did. As the motion stands on the Order Paper and what he read, there is clearly a world of difference between the two.
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    Hon Minister, can
    you just go according to the wording of your motion. I think that is all they want.
    Dr. Duffuor 11:30 a.m.
    Madam Speaker, I know that my Colleague Dr. Akoto ……….-Madam Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the Financial Policy of the Government of Ghana for the year ending 31st December 2010. [Hear! Hear!]
    Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
    Thank you Hon
    Minister, can we hear your statement?
    1. Dr. Duffuor: Madam Speaker, on 5th March this year, I presented to this House the first Budget Statement of the Atta Mills Presidency. The Government was barely two months old and had just began the process of assessing the true state of the economy we had inherited. In August, I appeared before this House to present a supplementary budget. The supplemen-tary budget was drawn up against the backdrop of established facts that indeed all was not well with the economy we inherited on 7th January,
    2009.
    2. His Excellency the President has set out the government's vision of creating a ‘Better Ghana'; through a transformed and prosperous nation providing opportunities for a better life for all Ghanaians. It is this vision and the broad policy framework which defines his economic and political philosophy. Rather than engage in rhetoric on the state of affairs, we embarked on well thought out policies and actions designed to address the downward trend.
    3. Madam Speaker, in the course of my presentation, I will highlight some of the critical challenges we have faced.
    4. By way of a quick summary, the truth that must be told is that, the Government inher i t ed a d i s t r essed economy characterised by huge twin deficits. The fiscal deficit alone stood at GH¢2.6 billion at the end of 2008 when NPP left office compared with GH¢260 million registered at end 2000 when NDC left office.
    5. The accumulation of the huge arrears in 2008 threatened the execution of the 2009 budget since most of the arrears were not detected and budgeted for during the preparation of the 2009 budget. The NDC Government has managed to pay a sizeable proportion of the arrears but there are still outstanding ones to be taken care of in the 2010 budget. There is also the possibility of uncovering new arrears which MDAs have not disclosed to Government and these will have to be dealt with as and when they are uncovered.
    6. Madam Speaker, of particular concern is a large portion of arrears which arose from contracts that were in clear breach of the procurement law. There is an on-going audit to determine the extent of the malfeasance and our course of action will be determined upon its completion.
    7. MDAs have been directed to fully comply with existing rules and regulations that govern the award of contracts to avoid the reoccurrence of this problem.
    8. Madam Speaker, one of the burdens that this government has had to carry is a huge judgement debt. How did this judgement debt come about? It is the result of the failure of the NPP Government to honour contractual obligations and the flagrant disregard to pay even when judgements had been given by both local and foreign courts and arbitration panels. In the circumstance, at the end of September this year, the judgement debt outstanding was about GH¢560.0 million, which converts to over US$ 380.0 million.
    9. Madam Speaker, faced with these critical challenges, Government's 2009 budget was designed to focus on ensuring macroeconomic stability and fiscal consolidation within the context of the national medium-term goal of sustained and accelerated growth.
    10. Madam Speaker, our prudent fiscal management continues to be a major factor behind our economic resilience. Indeed, because of our prudent economic management, our fiscal targets for 2009 are largely on track. We are also building up our foreign reserves, and we have contained our external and domestic indebtedness. The successes achieved so far are by and large, the result of sound, well-crafted and purposeful policy- making.
    11. Madam Speaker, with the fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability achieved through the implementation of bold and sound economic policies, coupled with the understanding and support of our people, the 2010 Budget ushers in, the government's growth strategy framework towards a ‘Better Ghana'. This framework identifies a

    comprehensive set of policies to support Government's Medium Term Growth Strategy.

    12. With the solid foundation, due to the implementation of the 2009 budget, this second budget of the NDC Government with its theme ‘Growth and Stability' focuses on a progressive programme of development through job creation intended to improve the quality of life of our citizenry.

    13. Madam Speaker, the tools for achieving the objectives of this ‘Growth and Stability' budget are:

    Sustenance of the macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline achieved in 2009;

    Posi t ioning the country for a sustained growth through the modernisation of agriculture, provision of key infrastructure development, oil and gas projects, ICT and private sector development; and

    Delivery of social programmes targeted at poverty reduction.

    14. Madam Speaker, it is evidently clear that the financial turmoil has imperiled the world's economy and precipitated a severe decline in both business and consumer confidence. Indeed, even the once vibrant economies such as China and India have all been affected.

    15. The majority of countries have faced steep declines in remittances and revenue from tourism; reductions in financing including foreign direct investment and grants, and rising debt and unemployment.

    16. In the case of Ghana, we have had to

    turn to the IMF/World Bank for financial support due to the huge resource gap in government finances and the balance of payments weakness.

    SECTION TWO: W O R L D
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND 11:30 a.m.

    OUTLOOK 11:30 a.m.

    IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBAL 11:30 a.m.

    DEVELOPMENTS FOR GHANA 11:30 a.m.

    M A C R O E C O N O M I C 11:30 a.m.

    OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC 11:30 a.m.

    PERFORMANCE 11:30 a.m.

    PUBLIC DEBT MANAGEMENT 11:30 a.m.

    MACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK 11:30 a.m.

    FOR THE MEDIUM-TERM 11:30 a.m.

    MEDIUM-TERM POLICIES AND 11:30 a.m.

    STRUCTURAL REFORMS 11:30 a.m.

    MACROECONOMIC POLICIES, 11:30 a.m.

    STRATEGIES AND TARGETS FOR 11:30 a.m.

    REAL SECTOR 11:30 a.m.

    RESOURCE MOBILISATION 11:30 a.m.

    GDP 11:30 a.m.

    GDP 11:30 a.m.

    GDP 11:30 a.m.

    MONETARY POLICY, EXCHANGE 11:30 a.m.

    RATE POLICY AND FINANCIAL 11:30 a.m.

    SECTOR ISSUES 11:30 a.m.

    PERFORMANCE AND OUTLOOK 11:30 a.m.

    ECONOMIC SECTOR 11:30 a.m.

    FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 11:30 a.m.

    LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES 11:30 a.m.

    INVESTMENT PROMOTION 11:30 a.m.

    INVESTMENT PROMOTION 11:30 a.m.

    ENERGY 11:30 a.m.

    REGIONAL CAPITALS STREET 11:30 a.m.

    LIGHTING PROJECT 11:30 a.m.

    ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND 11:30 a.m.

    TECHNOLOGY 11:30 a.m.

    INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR 11:30 a.m.

    WATER RESOURCES, WORKS AND 11:30 a.m.

    HOUSING 11:30 a.m.

    BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 11:30 a.m.

    TRANSPORT 11:30 a.m.

    ROADS AND HIGHWAYS 11:30 a.m.

    M I L L E N I U M C H A L L E N G E 11:30 a.m.

    COMMUNICATIONS 11:30 a.m.

    EDUCATION 11:30 a.m.

    YOUTH AND SPORTS 11:30 a.m.

    EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL 11:30 a.m.

    WELFARE 11:30 a.m.

    HEALTH 11:30 a.m.

    ACCOUNTABILITY 11:30 a.m.

    AFFAIRS 11:30 a.m.

    DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES COMMON 11:30 a.m.

    PUBLIC SERVICES MANAGEMENT 11:30 a.m.

    PERFORMANCE MONITORING 11:30 a.m.

    AND ACCOUNTABILITY 11:30 a.m.

    NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION 11:30 a.m.

    PROGRAMME 11:30 a.m.

    PARLIAMENT 11:30 a.m.

    TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS 11:30 a.m.

    CIVIC EDUCATION 11:30 a.m.

    FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND REGIONAL 11:30 a.m.

    INTEGRATION 11:30 a.m.

    NATIONAL 11:30 a.m.

    DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 11:30 a.m.

    OUTLOOK 11:30 a.m.

    GHANA EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES 11:30 a.m.

    TRANSPERENCY INITIATIVE 11:30 a.m.

    NATURAL RESOURCES AND 11:30 a.m.

    ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE 11:30 a.m.

    CHIEFTAINCY AND CULTURAL 11:30 a.m.

    AFFAIRS 11:30 a.m.

    PUBLIC SAFETY 11:30 a.m.

    INTERIOR 11:30 a.m.

    PRISONS 11:30 a.m.

    JUSTICE 11:30 a.m.

    TENANCE OF PEACE 11:30 a.m.

    HUMAN RIGHTS 11:30 a.m.

    AND ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE 11:30 a.m.

    REDUCTION EXPENDITURES 11:30 a.m.

    A N D P R O G R E S S T O WA R D S 11:30 a.m.

    ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM 11:30 a.m.

    DEVELOPMENT GOALS 11:30 a.m.

    P R O G R E S S T O WA R D S T H E 11:30 a.m.

    MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT 11:30 a.m.

    GOALS 11:30 a.m.

    INITIATIVES 11:30 a.m.

    REVENUE MEASURES 11:30 a.m.

    SOCIAL PROGRAMMES 11:30 a.m.

    INVESTMENT PROMOTION 11:30 a.m.

    ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND 11:30 a.m.

    TECHNOLOGY 11:30 a.m.

    IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES 11:30 a.m.

    CONCLUSION 11:30 a.m.

    LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS 11:30 a.m.

    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Order!
    Some Minority Members: Ye wu oo!!

    Some Majority Members: Aba mu awie.
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Members, order now! Order! Order! [Interruptions.]
    Thank you, Hon Members. Order! Order, please.
    At this stage, may I thank the Hon Minister and ask the Hon Majority Leader to second the motion.
    Mr. A. S. K. Bagbin 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 81 which says and with your kind permission, I read:
    “Unless otherwise provided in these Orders, every motion unless made at the Second Reading or Consideration Stage of a Bill, must be seconded, and if not seconded shall not be debated or entered in the Votes and Proceedings.”
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Order!
    Mr. Bagbin 1:20 p.m.
    And also in accordance with Standing Order 86 (4) ( c) and with your permission, once again, I read:
    “No Member shall speak more than once to any Question except --
    (c) in the case of the mover of a substantive motion wishing to reply,
    except that any Member may second a motion or amendment by rising in his place and saying ‘Mr. Speaker, I beg to second the motion or (amendment)' without prejudice to his right to speak at a later period of the debate.”
    So Madam Speaker, I beg to second the motion without prejudice to my right to speak during the course of the debate of this motion.
    I beg to second the motion.
    rose
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu, the motion has been seconded. Yes, is it a point of order?
    Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, clearly when you have a very lethargic presentation and a very morose and melancholic Hon Majority Leader trying to conjure something from nothingness, Madam Speaker --
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu, we have three days to discuss the Budget. We have to adjourn it for three days and I think the time will come. Since you did not second it - Maybe, if you had seconded it, then you would have passed your comments.
    Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:20 p.m.
    Madam
    Speaker, with respect to the Chair, I do not intend to commence debate. Madam Speaker, indeed, there has been a convention in this House. The Order quoted by the Majority Leader - Order 81 says:
    “Unless otherwise provided in these Orders . . .”
    Madam Speaker, it means that there could be exceptions to this rule. Madam
    Madam Speaker, whenever a motion -- and with your indulgence, I want to quote 1:20 p.m.
    “Whenever a motion ‘That this House approves the financial policy of the Government for the year ending . . . . . . . . 19 . . . . . . . .”'
    Madam Speaker, Order 140 (3) --
    “Whenever a motion ‘That this House approves the Financial Policy of Government for the year ending . . . . . . 20 . . . . . .' has been moved by the Minister responsible for Finance, the debate on it shall stand adjourned for not less than three days.”
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Members, I cannot hear.
    Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, it is my humble submission that the Order here which we have adopted, and by convention, allowed, Madam Speaker, does not allow for a secondment of the motion. Indeed, what we have normally done is for the Chairman of the Finance Committee to second the motion and that has always been done when he comes to present the Report of the Finance Committee.
    Madam Speaker, that has always been the convention. If we have to amend our
    rose
    Madam Speaker 1:30 p.m.
    Hon Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu, I called upon him to second the motion because there is nothing here which says that it is the Finance Committee which should second the motion. So I called upon him that as the Leader, since it needed to be seconded, he should second it. So unless I am quite wrong and the rules are quite against it -- [Interruptions] - If it is in order, shall we move on then?
    Mr. Bagbin 1:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, just for the edification of all of us, it is true that we have normally, so far, been seconding the motions that are moved by the Ministers for Finance and Economic Planning to place before us the financial policies of Government. We have had a serious - [Interruption.]
    Papa Owusu-Ankomah 1:30 p.m.
    On a point of order. Madam Speaker, the Hon Majority Leader is totally out of order. Madam Speaker, he seconded the motion. The Hon Minority Leader rose, made certain comments - he indicated that he agreed on the matter. Will the Hon Majority Leader want to provoke another unnecessary debate on this matter by trying to educate us? [Interruptions.]
    Madam Speaker, we know the rules of this House. We operate according to our Standing Orders. It is not for the Hon Majority Leader to purport to edify us on our rules and procedure, particularly when
    you have ruled on the matter.
    Madam Speaker, what is left for this House is to be adjourned. The Hon Majority Leader should start the process and call upon you to let this House adjourn instead of trying to educate us - [Hear! Hear!] It is very presumptious on the part of the Hon Majority Leader to be edifying us on our rules when you have ruled on the matter -- [Hear! Hear!] - That is my objection. He is totally out of order.
    Madam Speaker 1:30 p.m.
    I will rule on your objection. Hon Member, I have on a number of occasions called upon you yourself to edify us and if that is what he is doing then I always - [Interruptions] - At this stage let us move on.
    Hon Leader, it has been seconded and if I may make my comment - Hon Members, in accordance with Standing Order 140 (3), debate on the motion shall stand deferred for not less than three days. I also direct that part of the Budget relating to the Ministry shall stand committed respectively to the committees responsible for the subject matter to which the Heads of Estimates relate for consideration and report in accordance with Order 140 (4).
    Furthermore, any part of the Budget relating to revenue and expenditure shall stand committed to the Finance Committee in accordance with Order 140 (5).
    Now Hon Leader, we have finished with our Order Paper for the day or any - [Pause.] So now I give you the floor. Any indication?
    Mr. Bagbin 1:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I just need to thank Hon Members for their understanding and co-operation in handling the business for today - [Interruptions.]
    I beg to move that we will adjourn till tomorrow. But just to reiterate clearly that
    the referrals to the Finance Committee and the other committees should be taken immediately so that by the weekend when we are going to have the post-Budget workshop, Hon Members would have at least apprised themselves of the basics in order to make meaningful contribution at that workshop. Copies will immediately be made available to Hon Members.
    I beg to move.
    Madam Speaker 1:30 p.m.
    Do you second the motion for adjournment?
    Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I rise to second the motion.
    Madam Speaker 1:30 p.m.
    The motion for adjournment has been moved and seconded.
    Question put and motion agreed to.
    ADJOURNMENT 1:30 p.m.