Debates of 29 Oct 2010

MADAM SPEAKER
PRAYERS 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Hon Members,
Correction of Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, 28th October, 2010.
Page 1 … 18 -
Dr Anthony A. Osei 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
on page 18 (vii), under “Attendance”, there is a hyphenated name there but my name is not hyphenated.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
“Dr Anthony Akoto-Osei.”
Dr A. A. Osei 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, it is wrong. There is no hyphen between “Akoto” and “Osei”.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
They are two different names?
Dr A. A. Osei 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, yes.
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Any other? [Pause.] Hon Members , the Votes and
Proceedings of Thursday, the 28th October, 2010 as corrected is adopted as the true record of proceedings.

Any corrections? [Pause] Hon Members, in the absence of any

corrections, the Official Report of Tuesday, 26th October, 2010 is hereby adopted as the true record of proceedings.

We now move to the Business Statement.
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 10:20 a.m.
Mr Samuel Kwaku Obodai (Agona West) 10:20 a.m.
To ask the Minister for the Interior how the disaster caused by the flooding in the Agona West District is being managed.
Questions --
*518. Mr Ben Abdallah Banda (Offinso South): To ask the Minister for the Interior what steps the Ministry is taking to deal with the accommodation problem faced by the police personnel in the Offinso South Municipality.
*519. Ms Grace Addo (Amansie West): To ask the Minister for the Interior when the Amansie West Constituency in the Ashanti Region will be provided with a fire station.
*520. Mr Augustine Collins Ntim (Offinso North): To ask the Minister for the Interior what measures are being put in place by the Ministry to provide Asuosu and Afrancho communities in the Offinso North District with police stations.
*521. Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi (Ashaiman): To ask the Minister for the Interior what immediate practical measures the Ministry has put in place to avoid the recurrence
Mr Samuel Kwaku Obodai (Agona West) 10:20 a.m.
Statements
Presentation and First Reading of Bills --
Tourism Bill, 2010
Laying of Papers --
(a) Declaration of Customary Law (Nkoranza) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1971).
(b) Declaration of Customary Law (Sunyani) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1972).
(c) Declaration of Customary Law (Lower Axim) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I.
1973).
(d) Declaration of Customary Law (Gonja) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1974).
(e) Declaration of Customary Law (Drobo) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1975).
(f) Declaration of Customary Law (Atebubu) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1976).
(g) Declaration of Customary Law (Navrongo) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1977).
(h) Declaration of Customary Law (Yeji) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1978).
(i) Declaration of Customary Law (Buem) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1979).
(j) Declaration of Customary Law
(Kaleo) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1980).
(k) Declaration of Customary Law (Prang) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1981).
(l) Declaration of Customary Law (Kpone) Traditional Council Instrument, 2010 (L. I. 1982).
Motion --
Third Reading of Bills --
Students Loan Trust Fund Bill,
2010.
Committee Sittings.

Urgent Question --
Mr Joseph Kofi Adda (Navrongo Central) 10:20 a.m.
To ask the Attorney- General and Minister for Justice what the outcome of the investigations by the United States Department of Justice is on the Kosmos and EO Group's affair.
Questions --
*753. Mr George Kofi Arthur (Amenfi Central): To ask the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice when the ‘Justice for All System', where members of the Judiciary move to the prisons and try remand prisoners, will be encouraged or adopted in the country.
*547. Mr Augustine Collins Ntim (Offinso North): To ask the Minister for Health what measures are being put in place by the Ministry to provide Nkwaakwaa and Serentiatia in the Offinso North District with Community Health
(Based) Planning Services (CHPS).
*548. Ms Shir ley Ayorkor Botchway (Weija): To ask the Minister for Health when Weija will have a proper municipal government hospital.
*549. Mr John Agyabeng (Agona East): To ask the Minister for Health what measures are being taken under the National Health Insurance Scheme to resolve claim management and other cost-control measures.
*550. Mr Kwame Anyimadu- Antwi (Asante Akim North): To ask the Minister for Health when the female hostel and the classroom block at Agogo Presbyterian Nurses Training College would be completed.
*551. Mr Stephen M. E. K. Ackah (Suaman): To ask the Minister for Health when staff accommodation will be provided for the new clinic built at Dadieso.
Statements
Laying of Papers --
Report of the Finance Committee on the Loan Facility between the Government of Ghana and the Government of Austria through Unicredit Bank AG (Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG) for an amount of €7,980,000.00 for the construction and equipping of 5 polyclinics in the Upper West Region.
Committee Sittings. Thursday, 4th November, 2010
Questions --
*325. Mr Stephen Kwaku Balado Manu (Ahafo-Ano South): To ask the Minister for Transport how many road accidents have been recorded at the Kunsu section of the Mankranso-Tepa road in the Ashanti Region and how many lives have so far been lost through those motor accidents.
*676. Mr Raphael Kofi Ahaligah (Afram Plains South): To ask the Minister for Transport when the ferries ordered for Agordeke and Ekye-Amanfrom would arrive in the country.
*677. Mr Simon Edem Asimah (South Dayi): To ask the Minister for Transport when the construction of a landing site at Dzemeni on the Volta Lake in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region will start.
*755. Mr Samuel Johnfiah (Ahanta West): To ask the Minister for Transport what effort the Ministry is making to ensure that the Boankra Port becomes fully operational to discharge the services it is mandated to perform.
474. Mr Benito Owusu-Bio (Atwima-Nwabiagya): To ask the Minister for Youth and Sports what measures have been put in place to maintain the four sports stadia which were constructed by the previous government.
*535. Mr Simons Addai (Techiman South): To ask the Minister for Youth and Sports what plans the Ministry has to assist the Techiman Municipal Assembly to complete the construction of a sports stadium which is at a standstill.
*754. Mr Justice Joe Appiah (Ablekuma North): To ask the Minister for Youth and Sports how much money was spent on the
Mr Joseph Kofi Adda (Navrongo Central) 10:20 a.m.
Statements --
Committee Sittings.

Questions --

417. Mr Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah (Fanteakwa): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the Begoro town roads will be paved and tarred.

*419. Mr Ben Abdallah Banda (Offinso South): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the following roads will be tarred:

(i) Abofour Kwapanin

(ii) Kwapanin -Agogo

(iii) Kwapanin -Asuboi.

*420. Mr Ben Abdallah Banda (Offinso South): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the following roads will be tarred:

(i) Offinso Kokote-Wawase

(ii) Apotosu-Nyankomase

(iii) Amanin-Nkasaasu.

*423. Mr Joseph Kwaku Nayan (Nkwanta North): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the Kadjebi-Damanko road will be constructed.

*424. Ms Esther Obeng Dappah (Abirem): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when works on Noyem-Amuana Praso and Afosu-Bogu roads, all in the Birim North District will be completed.

*425. Ms Esther Obeng Dappah (Abirem): To ask the Minister for

Roads and Highways when the Birim North town road projects in Pankese, Akuasi and Maamauso will be completed.

Statements

Motion --

Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Loan Facility between the Government of Ghana and the Government of Austria through Unicredit Bank AG (Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG) for an amount of €7,980,000.00 for the construction and equipping of 5 polyclinics in the Upper West Region.

Committee Sittings.

Madam Speaker, I beg to submit this Report for the approval of this House.
Mr Charles S. Hodogbey 10:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise up to question the Business Committee on the issue of the composition of the committees of the House. This issue was raised sometime last year and Madam Speaker, your office urged the Leadership to reconstitute that. Up to date, the reconstitution of the committees has not been done. Everytime they promise this House, “we are reconstituting it, very soon we shall come to the House to announce.”
Madam Speaker, I rise up not because I want to be only one particular committee but I always stand for fairness. Some people are only on one committee: Some are on nine, five, four and others, how long would the reconstitution take to address this issue?
My second issue is concerning the parking space for Parliament. I am an Hon Member of the House Committee. Madam Speaker, in all jurisdictions or in any other area, there are designated areas for parking by certain personalities -
Madam Speaker 10:20 a.m.
Hon Member, that is not in the Business Committee's Report. We are looking at the Business Committee's Report.
Leader, I do not know whether the reconstitution of the committees is also the Business Committee's business?
Mr Avoka 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker,we have conferred and the list is virtually ready. It will be put before the Committee on Selection and they will bring it to the Chamber for final approval.
But I want to correct this impression that some Members are serving on five, seven, eight committees and some people are serving on only one committee.
In fact, our regulations are very clear that you must serve on at least, one Select Committee and one Standing Committee. That is in the Standing Orders. Then the rest will be distributed in that way. I do not know how he came by this information that some people are serving on several committees and the rest on one. We are addressing the situation.
Of course, there are also some statutory representation. If you take the Leadership, the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader, whether we like it or not, we have to serve on certain committees -- and the Whips and that is not the making of those persons but it is the making of the Standing Orders. So, we appreciate the concern and we are addressing it.
Thank you.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Did somebody want

to make a -
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 10:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, it is not exactly relating to the Business Committee but it also has to do with the Business of the House. Madam Speaker, I have just seen the published University of Ghana Act which was passed by this House and I noticed that Section 8 is completely different indeed, it is contrary to the decision taken by the House. Of course, certain matters have been brought to our attention about that particular section. However, it is only the House that can change this decision when it comes to some of these matters.
So, this Act as published must be withdrawn. University of Ghana Act, 2010, Act 806, it must be withdrawn because section 8 is contrary to the decision taken by the House. Of course, I have been advised that there were some constitutional matters but I am saying that the responsibility of this House is to correct itself.
If for certain reason the President cannot assent to it because he holds a view that a certain section is contrary to the Constitution, that is not an administrative decision by the Clerk's Office or the Office of the President, it is a decision that must be taken by Parliament. I wish to bring this to your attention so that Madam Speaker, together with the Clerk's Office and of course, consultation with the Leadership, we see how to address this matter.
This is the first time I have seen this in my life as a Member of Parliament albeit brief, but it should never, never be repeated.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Yes, I think the Leaders and the Clerk's Office and the records would show. So, if that could be looked at first and we make sure that that was not what was agreed upon, then the necessary action would be taken. So, let us investigate it. You have records of the proceedings and that is the only place we can find the answer to this problem you
Mr Avoka 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, yes, I
agree with your decision.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Hon Prempeh, is it
anything to do with this topic?
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh 10:30 a.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker. Not to take us back but this particular issue, I fought against it in this House that the position the House was taking, I did not support, that the President should appoint and they voted against it about three times.
Hon Muntaka and myself, in your Hon Speaker's Conference Room, we said it could not be that the President should not appoint the Chairperson of the University Council.
Hon Doe Adjaho sat in your Chair and they talked about international best practices. These are some of the things that we are doing in this House that are not good. It is the President that should appoint and when sometimes people make amendments, people should say -
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Well, that supports, maybe, the view that we should look at, so, let us look at it. If what you are saying is really the case, it will appear in the records and the Hon Leader has undertaken to investigate it. Is that not so? I think we have to investigate and find that yes, that is true or not before we do anything else.
Thank you, Hon Members.
So, other than that, is there anything about the Business Statement?
Hon Muntaka, is it?
Alhaj i Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka: Madam Speaker, I am sorry to be drawing you a little back into this not in the controversial sense of it. I wanted to get your guidance on this, now that this has been published as an Act.
I remember very well that the concern raised by my Senior Colleague from Secondi is absolutely right. If we say we are going to investigate, are we saying that as it stands now, this is an Act or we are going to write to the Executive saying that look, we have an issue, therefore, the thing should be withdrawn while we investigate and ascertain the truth? If we do not do that now, it means that as of today, this is an Act that will be used by the University of Ghana.
But we believe that we have concerns that something in there, is not what we approved. What do we do in-between? Between now and the conclusion of the investigation, what happens to this Act? Madam Speaker, I want your guidance on this.
Thank you.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
The investigation is
not going to take more than a day or two but let me hear you Honourable.
Mr Joseph Y. Chireh 10:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, I think that no debate should be allowed again after you have made your ruling and I think we should - that investigation itself is very necessary and whatever information is available. On the other hand, what he is talking about, if anybody feels strongly that there is something wrong with this Act, the Report is there. But what I am saying is that let us do our own homework before we do that.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
Well, I have already
ruled, let us not go back to the point. We do anything until we find out -- the records are there, they are not somewhere else. We will look at them -- within a
question of a day or so, we will be able to - then we can move from there.
I have ruled except somebody has something to say about the Business Statement.
Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah 10:30 a.m.
Madam
Speaker, indeed, you have ruled but I think the Hon Member for Asawase made a very important observation. He was only seeking your guidance and I think it is important that we get that guidance clearly.
Now, as we speak, we have decided that a committee will look at it per Madam Speaker's ruling, however, the Act remains in force.
So, the question is, in the interim, what is the effect of the Act? And especially to the fact that even if we have to come back and have some corrective measure, is it simply to ensure that the actual decision of Parliament is given effect to and assented to by the President or do we come back and have some amendment when indeed, that was not the decision of the House?
Madam Speaker, if you go to certain Parliaments, they indeed have a standing committee that follows the Executive to ensure that decisions by this House are implemented in the way and manner that the House intended to.
Madam Speaker 10:30 a.m.
“Intended”? yes, the words are “as the House intended it to.” That is why we are finding out whether the House intended it to be so. I have not seen the Act; I have not seen the section and it is only a section he complains about and we are quickly going to find out. For all we know, the records may be that that is the decision of the House. If not, then we move on. You are asking me to pre-empt what is going to happen.
Mr Opare-Ansah 10:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
all I was seeking to do was that we take a cue from this and probably, institute a standing committee to actually monitor
not only pieces of legislation but even all decisions that this House takes which the Executive is empowered to execute, to ensure that they are executing them according to the actual decisions that this House took.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
That is a good suggestion because after you approve of all the sections, the Bill leaves you and then it is passed. So, probably, we could have a system of chasing to find whether what really happened here is what reflects in the Bill.
I will leave it to Leadership of which you are now acting as the Leader of the Minority to put your heads together within these few days -- hours. By Monday, you should have found something; the records are not far. So, can I put a time limit on it that by Tuesday, you should be able to tell us something? I hope the Leaders are listening and will act with the Clerk's Office.
Hon Leader of the House and the acting Leader of the Minority, by Tuesday, the House wants to know what has happened to this - quickly. The matter that was raised about the Education Bill or - yes.
rose
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Yes, is it on a
different matter?
Mr Hodogbey 10:40 a.m.
Yes, Madam Speaker.
I am not against your ruling but what the Hon Member for Asawase has said-- Legally, Hon Papa Owusu-Ankomah was supposed to move a motion to suspend the Act until the issue has been resolved.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 10:40 a.m.
I do not
know but if the Hon Member could advise the House by referring to the Standing Order that relates to this matter, I am sure Madam Speaker will take it into

consideration.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
I thank you .
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 10:40 a.m.
But I agree with Madam Speaker, this is unprecedented and I believe the step that you have taken is in the right direction.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Yes, we have
power where something is not legislated upon to bring our own procedure. So let us find the true fact before we decide on what to do. However, thank you for your intervention all the same.
Yes, Hon Members, any other matter on the Business Statement, otherwise I will take it that we have adopted it. So the Business Statement is adopted.
We have item 4 - Statements. I have received a Statement from Hon Alexander Asum-Ahensah, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture and I have permitted it.
Hon Member, if you are here, can you read your Statement?
STATEMENTS 10:40 a.m.
Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture ( Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah) (MP) 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to make a Statement on the celebration of the 2010 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC 2010) in Tamale, from 20th to 27th November, 2010.
The theme of the Festival is “NAFAC -- Promoting Unity, Technology and Wealth Creation for a Better Ghana: The Role of the Youth in Nation Building.”
The National Planning Committee adopted this theme after a lengthy and extensive reflection on the situation in the host region, taking into account the need for peace and unity to prevail for the
promotion of the government's agenda on the Savannah Accelerated Development Programme for job creation for the youth in the three northern regions.
Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) is a biennial flagship to celebrate and showcase Ghana's unity in diversity through artistic and cultural manifestations and also promote excellence and creativity in the Arts for wealth creation and development.
NAFAC also presents an opportunity for the nation to examine its cultural heritage in the context of globalization, particularly, regarding adverse cultural influences permeating our society. It also affords us the opportunity to renew and consolidate our treasured cultural values and norms as far as our identity, progress and development are concerned.
Madam Speaker, since government adopted NAFAC in 1967 as a national cultural event, it has gone through various changes both in structure and content. I am happy to state that the process of change continues to enable the festival to withstand the test of time and also assume a national character to underscore the critical role our diverse cultural manifestations play in the development of our country.
Whereas in the past, NAFAC promoted the performing arts for the entertainment and delight of the general public, today, the focus is shifting towards development and job creation opportunities for the unemployed Ghanaian youth from the grass-roots level to promote the government's development agenda for a better Ghana.
To this end, Madam Speaker, all the Regional Co-ordinating Councils, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have been actively involved in planning and organizing the District
and regional festivals to select the best to represent the regions at the National Festival in Tamale.
Our preparations towards this year's festival started in earnest with the composition of a 25-member national planning committee and a 23-member regional planning committee, which were jointly commissioned during a colourful ceremony to officially launch the festival and unveil its logo on 7th April, 2010 in Tamale.
As I indicated earlier, the national planning committee, which is under my chairmanship, is to ensure a successful planning and organization of the festival. Likewise, the regional planning committee, which is also under the chairmanship of my colleague for the northern Region, is to oversee the implementation of the decisions of the national planning committee for a positive impact of the festival on the people --
Madam Speaker, the Ministry attaches great importance to this year's festival because of its development-oriented focus with emphasis on job creation and skills training opportunities to harness the country's vast economic endowments.
We are of the view that focusing on job creation and skills training opportunities in the creative arts is not only a step in the right direction but also in line with government's commitment to create the requisite environment and empower the citizenry, especially the youth, who constitute a higher percentage of the total population of Ghana, to realize their potential and actively participate in building a better Ghana for all --
Act iv i t i es of NAFAC 2010 include: Exhibitions on appropriate technologies, inventions and innovations and visual art.
Regional day celebrations to
showcase the natural peculiarities and economic endowments to boost investment and job creation opportunities.
Colloquium on selected topics in line with the theme of the festival.
Open Forum invo lv ing the communities and the general public to share ideas emanating from the theme to encourage grass-roots participation.
Women and ch i ld ren's day celebration.
Youth day ce leb ra t ion and performances by professional and amateur groups.
Madam Speaker, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as key sectors and drivers of development, as well as research and technological institutions and organizations have been identified as stakeholders of the festival to showcase the outcomes of their good policies and programmes that they are pursuing to build a better Ghana through a national exhibition.
As part of the regional day celebrations, each region is expected to mount an exhibition to showcase the artifacts, appropriate technologies, photographs of the natural peculiarities, economic endowments and exotic traditional dishes.

Madam Speaker, the overall best region, as well as groups and individuals will be awarded for innovations, inventions and good presentation, which clearly portray the natural peculiarities and economic endowments with opportunities for job creation.

Madam Speaker, in view of the fact that all key sectors and drivers of development have been invited to participate in the festival to stress the cultural linkages, I wish to propose the endorsement of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) as a biennial platform for
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Thank you Hon Minister.
Mr Justice J. Appiah (NPP -
Ablekuma North): Madam Speaker, NAFAC was established in 1961 by the then Dr Kyeremateng, the father of the immediate past Hon Minister for Trade and Industry. He brought the idea of festivals, using different ethnic groups in Kumasi to perform duties in Kumasi in terms of cultural displays.
Madam Speaker, in 1967 the Arts Council of Ghana was adopted as a national cultural event to showcase our cultural diversities. In 1971 it was the first special festival of arts and culture to coincide with the Trade Fair. In 1994, Madam Speaker, at Cape Coast, of which I was part, it was such a splendid performance by our chiefs in Cape Coast. They performed wonderful performances and you could see how our institutions - the chieftaincy institutions work.
In 1998, at Bolgatanga, I was also part of the NAFAC and Madam Speaker, you could see the three northern regions and their cultural displays; they were so splendid.
Madam Speaker, if NAFAC has to be enforced, we need wealth creation. In fact, wealth creation means, we need money to help NAFAC to create more wealth in terms of patronizing “Made-in-Ghana” goods. People from the Diaspora and all over the world participated in the NAFAC.
Madam Speaker, our arts and culture; the goods that we produce in the Northern Region, in the Ashanti Region - the kente - when you go to the Volta Region, the kente stocks are so wonderful that if these “Made-in-Ghana” goods are patronized and NAFAC is given enough money, then wealth is going to be created. And Madam Speaker, this is going to help the nation and Ghana would be the first in the whole Africa.
Thank you very much.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
Thank you, Hon Member; thank you very much.
Mr Fritz F. Baffour (NDC - Ablekuma South) 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Statement made by the Hon Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture and also the contribution made by the Hon Member for Ablekuma North (Mr Justice Joe Appiah).
NAFAC is a very important and significant event in the annals of Ghanaian cultural history. It is also a major contributor to our quest for an effective national identity. We are all aware about the ethnic tensions and dissensions throughout the country which is caused by the fact that we have not looked at our national identity in a holistic way. And culture is a very important aspect of creating a national identity.
Secondly, cultural industries are now recognized throughout the world as an important factor in the investment and development of our country's agenda. Cultural industry is not just about displays and performances but the fact that if you imbue culture into everything that you
Mr Fritz F. Baffour (NDC - Ablekuma South) 11 a.m.
do, you would actually add value to that aspect of it.
Government and all stakeholders should take into cognisance, the importance of culture and the arts in the well-being of the country and that seems to be woefully lacking because when you look at the various institutions that manage our cultural industries and our culture and arts, you would find out that the investment into them is totally poor.
For example, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) which is responsible for the forts and castles of Ghana and all the heritage sites is actually not supported budgetary-wise and most of the money is used for payment of staff. But we need to invest in the heritage sites themselves. And this is an opportunity that when we look at the significance and the opportunity of NAFAC as an event, we should also look at the ancillary side of it; the things that actually make NAFAC into a viable and well-attended event.

Sometimes the emphasis is also on display and performance but that should not be so, because, when we look at the problems that were entangling with the youth, the fact that they do not have a national identity that they admire, because you see children with their trousers hanging below their waist, you see the kind of dressing and behaviour, the fact that drug addiction is on the rise, these are all against the value resource of Ghanaian culture.

So if we recognize that in searching for national identity, in looking at the way our nationals should behave or the expectations of Ghanaians or the youth who are very much the sapplings that will turn this country into a great country, then we have to take into consideration,

the fact that culture has got to receive the necessary investment and we the Hon Members of Parliament should hold that very, very high any time we are discussing a budget that has got to do with the creative industry.

With that, I would like to congratulate the Hon Minister and his planning team on the fact that the National Festival of Art and Culture (NAFAC) is going to come up again and this time, we hope that there will be no breaches or hitches.

I am done.

Thank you.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Thank you, Hon Member.
Mr Stephen K. B. Manu (NPP -- Ahafo Ano South) 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Statement made by the Hon Minister.
Madam Speaker, when we talk about
NAFAC, we are talking about cultural festival, and when we listen to the theme, it has to do with the youth and that is where my interest lies.
The youth in this country outnumber us the non-youth. Whenever we want to get the support of the youth, we give the impression that we are so much for the youth. But practically, when we go down, we do not see structures that are put down by governments to inure to the benefit of the youth. To the extent that, Madam Speaker, the youth, after completing their education in this country, have no employment. After the national service, we find them roaming about without any gainful employment.
Madam Speaker, the youth, we are saying we want the NAFAC to benefit the youth of the area where this is going to happen in the North. Yes, we know that the three regions in the North are
classified among the poorest of the poor in the country. Ipso facto, the youth there are among the poorest of the poor. What is it that we are doing practically to alleviate and ameliorate their suffering conditions in the three northern regions ? Madam Speaker, I want to place on record, that governments should stop and refrain from using the youth as a screen to achieve their selfish ends.
The time has come for governments to design viable programmes for the youth, so that the youth will enjoy their youthful days before they become old. The best days that anybody can enjoy is the youthful days. But we in Ghana appear to be joking and playing with the youth. We pay lip-service to the youth, but what can we say we have actually given to the youth?

Madam Speaker, I am saying we have paid too much lip-service to the youth, let us pragmatically demonstrate that we really care about the youth.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 11 a.m.
Thank you Hon Member.
Dr Ahmed Y. Alhassan (NDC - Mion) 11 a.m.
Thank you very much, Madam
Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to this Statement that has been ably made by the Hon Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture.
Madam Speaker, in the last two years, Northern Region has made some history and beginning to contribute to the development of the nation in terms of national events that are beginning to take place in the region. The 25th version of the National Farmer's Day was successfully hosted by the Northern Region in Tamale last year December and commentators put it as one of the best National Farmers Day's celebrations that has taken place in the country.
We have also seen the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority Bill (SADA) or Act which has been passed, indicating that some good things are being programmed for the Northern Region. It is interesting that the 23rd version of the NAFAC is also taking place in Tamale. That means that Tamale is beginning to rewrite its testimonial and positioning itself appropriately to contribute positively to the development of the nation.
Madam Speaker, it is good that the theme of the festival emphasises unity, technology, development and the youth, because we now live in a digital age and that has reduced physical distances between people across the globe.
There are numerous advantages because of the computer age and of course, some disadvantages, in particular, the negative influence of the internet on our youth. It can have physical display of our own culture, more frequently, and a big assembly such as we are going to have in Tamale. Perhaps, our youth would begin to look inward to be guided culturally rather than visiting the internet to look at things that are obscene and not helping to their development.
It is also heartwarming that technology invention and innovation will find space
Mr Isaac K. Asiamah (NPP - Atwima- Mponua) 11:10 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. As the Ranking Member for the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, I believe I owe it a duty to contribute to this wonderful Statement, ably made by the Hon Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, who has the lowest budget allocation every year.
Madam Speaker, culture, as it is defined, is the totality of the life of the individual. Therefore, it plays a vital role in whatever we do. So, whatever we do as a nation is underpinned by our cultural values, and it is important that we have this at the back of our minds.
Madam Speaker, it is incumbent on all of us to maintain our rich cultural values. We have a lot to learn, a lot to benefit from our rich cultural values. Therefore, it is important that we maintain and protect whatever we have as a nation.
Of late, some of us have criticised, maybe, the beauty pageants that have been held over the years.
But there is one pageant being shown today or being run today that I must commend the organizers for what they called “Ghana's Most Beautiful.” Madam
Mr Mathias K. Ntow (NDC -- Aowin) 11:10 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably made by the Hon Minister.
All of us in this country are aware of our rich culture. The chieftaincy institution is the oldest institution in this nation and nobody can deny the fact that it plays a very important role as far as the administration of this country is concerned. Before the white man brought his own type of administration, which we have copied up to this time, our chiefs and elders as custodians also took care of all litigation or petty issues that were brought up to them in the various communities in this country.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Constitution of this country actually gives room and even there is a budgetary allocation to the chieftaincy or the Ministry in this country.
But the problem is the numerous litigations that are manisfest in various communities especially in the traditional areas.
Madam Speaker, may I avail myself with this opportunity and appeal to the chiefs, especially the traditional councils to ensure that litigations in the various courts are actually brought down or reduced, settled amicably so that there will be peace and tranquility in the various communities.
Madam Speaker, before I take my seat, I want to appeal to the Hon Minister. If he wants us to grace that occasion in Tamale

Thank you, very much.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Thank you, very
much.
Mr Joe Ghartey (NPP - Esikadu/ Ketan) 11:20 a.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity to congratulate the Hon Minister on making all this important Statement.
Madam Speaker, fortunately, even though my Hon Colleague and Friend, Hon Asiamah, has reminded us that culture is the totality of our life, unfortunately, for more and more of us, when we talk about culture, we only think about the festivals, we think about the drumming and dancing and then we say our culture is rich.
Madam Speaker, if culture is the totality of our life, from the time that a Ghanaian is born to the time that he dies, the same value system is placed in him. For example, when a child is born in the villages, the child is given water and is given alcohol. And traditionally, he is told that this is water and this is alcohol. In fact, what they are telling him is that he should speak the truth all the time.
Madam Speaker, we are told that, for example, if you know how to wash your hands well, you can eat with the elders. All our ethnic groups -- Madam Speaker, I do not like using the word “tribes” because when they talk about Kosovo, they say ethnic groups but when they talk about Africa, they talk about tribes -- without exception, talk about the fundamental values of respect for the elderly, because,
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Thank you. I thought we had finished?
I thank all Hon Members who commented on it. This has been a very useful day in terms of the topic under discussion.
Hon Majority Leader, what is next on the list? It is the Commencement of Public Business -
Mr Avoka 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, we will take the Motion by the Hon Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
Mr J. B. Aidoo 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, before the Commencement of Public Business, I wish to draw your attention to a serious matter relating to the University of Ghana Act - [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Is that not what we did? [Pause.]
We have dealt with that problem.
Thank you.
Hon Members, the next item will be taken by the Hon First Deputy Speaker.
11.26 a.m. -- MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:20 a.m.
Hon Majority Leader?
Mr Avoka 11:20 a.m.
Mr Speaker, subject to your discretion, we shall take item 4, that
is the Motion filed by the Hon Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
MOTIONS 11:20 a.m.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah) 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I beg to move, that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80 (1), which require that no Motion shall be debated until at least, forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the Motion is given and the date on which the Motion is moved, the Motion for the adoption of the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana (Consolidated Fund) for the year ended 31st December, 2006 may be moved today.
Mr Gershon K. B. Gbediame (NDC - Nkwanta South) 11:30 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.

Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public

Accounts of Ghana (Consolidated Fund) for the year ended 31st

December 2006
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah) 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana (Consolidated Fund) for the year ended 31st December,
2006.
1.0 Introduction
The Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana for the year ended 31st December, 2006 (Consolidated Fund) was laid before the House on 27th May, 2009.
The audit was conducted in accordance with article 187 (2) and (5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the Auditor- General to audit the public accounts of Ghana and submit his report to Parliament.
The Report was referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for examination and report, pursuant to Order 165 (2) of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
To consider the Report, the Committee met with the Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Hon Seth Terkpeh, the Controller and Accountant- General, Mr R. K. Tuffuor, the Auditor- General, Mr Richard Quartey and the technical team from the Ghana Audit
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah) 11:30 a.m.


On the issue of:

11.30 A.M. P. 6

amounted to ¢67,422,517,067.78 and DM150, 000 as at the close of 2006.

Some MDAs that acquired some of the divested SOEs have not made any provision in their budgets to purchase it but rather made provision for the refurbishment of the properties. Furthermore, litigation and non-payment of landowners were also reasons for the inability of the various private investors to discharge the purchase considerations.

Recommendation

The Committee reiterates the Auditor- General's recommendations and further recommends that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice should take steps to ensure that cases in respect of divestiture assets are dealt with expeditiously.

Also MDAs that had acquired divested SOEs should ensure that provision is made in their subsequent budgets to discharge their commitments on the SOEs or the assets be taken from them.

5.3 Retention and Use of IGF

The Committee was informed that some MDAs collected, retained and used IGF that they generated without parliamentary approval amounting to ¢549.38 billion.

Even though some MDAs applied to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to be granted the permission to retain and use various percentages of their IGFs, these MDAs went ahead and used their IGFs before the Ministries (Retention of Fund) Act was passed at the end of the year.

There were instances for example where the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing used ¢4.05 billion, realised from the sale of GoG land at North Ridge, to finance a project involving
Alhaji Seidu Amadu (NDC - Yapei/ Kusawgu) 11:30 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion and by so, I wish to begin my comments with a few critical issues that have been raised by the Committee in their Report, which is before the House.
Mr Speaker, I think that one would actually appreciate the import of this Report, if one takes it in conjunction with the main Report as presented by the Auditor-General. It is there Hon Members would see the clear view of some of the serious issues that were detected during the audit inspection.
Having said that, Mr Speaker, I just want to limit myself to two or three comments as captured under the main Report and highlighted by this Committee.
Mr Speaker, if you look at the 2006 Report, particularly the one under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, you would realise that an amount of GH¢500 billion was deemed to have been expended without the supporting documents, like invoices, receipts and so on and it is sad that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning itself could be accused of such
an offence of big magnitude.
Mr Speaker, when we went round during the public hearing that was organised for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), one of the issues we detected was non-acquittal of vouchers. Expenditures were committed and yet there was no evidence to support those expenditures that were committed in terms of invoices, in terms of receipts and in terms of acquittal by officers who benefited from those expenditures.
If the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning itself is accused of this malfeasance, then you can imagine the type of example they are setting for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and MMDAs. I think that the Auditor-General needs to revisit that area and that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning also needs to be forthcoming.
Mr Speaker, one other critical issue is the utilisation of internally generated funds (IGFs) by the MDAs. As much as the law gives them the right to generate the internal funds, the same financial regulations do not permit them to utilise those funds without recourse to the appropriate authorities for approval.
But if you look at the Report, you would realise the MDAs continue to fall foul of this registration. I do not think that it is proper. Parliament needs to look at these recommendations seriously and sanction the various Ministries or MDAs that continue to fall foul of this particular financial regulation.
But Mr Speaker, the most serious one I want to comment on is the recommendation, paragraph (6) (iv), as captured in the Committee's Report; the issue having to do with non-performing Government of Ghana (GoG) investments and loans and poor loans recovery. Again, if you look at the schedule where these loans have been captured and if
you look at the individual profile, you would realise these were loans that were advanced to Ghanaian businessmen by the Ministry of Trade and Industry under the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) Programme, mainly to buy equipment and machinery to establish or run their factories and most of them have simply refused to pay back their loans.
The second one has to do with those in the road construction sector. Contractors that were given various loans to purchase equipment to improve their capacity to be able to deliver, also took the loans and most of them have failed to make good those loans that they benefited from.
Under the ECGD facility, that is the Export Guarantee Department of Britain, Ghana Government had a lot of assistance and much of these moneys were given to locally-based contractors to be able to purchase equipment to have the capacity to do their work. They have taken the money, they have bought the equipment, they have used the equipment, executed Government projects but have simply failed to make good the loans that were given to them.
Mr Speaker, these are companies that are still in existence; their managing directors are still alive; in a few cases, the managing director would have died but the company continues to exist. Why will we consider such loans as doubtful debts and for that matter, even consider the possibility of writing off the debts? In my view, Parliament should show a lot of interest in this, and I would be happy to see the report that the Auditor-General would bring and the recommendations as to which of these loans should be written off.
The few MDAs and State-owned enterprises that are defunct are no longer in existence legally and some of their loans have also stayed on the books for far too long, are those that I think Parliament should give a sympathetic consideration
Alhaji Seidu Amadu (NDC - Yapei/ Kusawgu) 11:40 a.m.
to but not to existing companies that are still up and doing; that are still working.

Mr Speaker, for me, I think there is a very simple solution to this problem. And the solution is this: Ghana Government also continues to owe most of our contractors a lot of money. When the contractor is also owing Ghana Government in terms of the loan that he has taken to purchase equipment and work and presented his certificate to government for payment, why do we not do a simple time clearing system, you owe me, I owe you, let us strike out the balances and see what actually is left and who is actually owing who? If we are able to do, this, then we will not have this on our account books such that every year it becomes an issue for the Auditor-General to raise.

Having said this, Mr Speaker, we are expecting the Auditor-General or Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to give us a detailed analysis of the profile of these loans so that Members can be better informed to see what relevant action to pursue on this.

Having said this, Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Report. I hope that Hon Members will approve the Committee's Report.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Question proposed.
Mr P. C. Appiah-Ofori (NPP - Asikuma/Odoben/Brakwa) 11:40 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. While I commend the Public Accounts Committee's Report and also commend the Committee itself, I oppose the Auditor-General's Report because it does not serve the national interest.
Mr Speaker, if you look at article 187 (5) of the Constitution, it is clear that the
Auditor-General shall audit the Public Accounts within six months after the end of the financial year and shall submit its report to Parliament. It goes on further to say that in his report to Parliament, the Auditor-General shall bring to the notice of Parliament irregularities that come to his notice.
Universally, it is the person to whom audit reports are submitted who may take remedial action to prevent a recurrence of irregularities brought to his notice. But in the Auditor-General's Report, he does not give reasons for variances; he does not give reasons for the irregularities and therefore, Parliament has no remedial action to take and the irregularities have been going on unabated.
In 2005, Mr Speaker, the Auditor- Genera l came out tha t Personal Emoluments were overspent by ¢865.6 billion. What caused it, we were not informed. In 2006, the over-expenditure rose to ¢2.4 trillion; we were not given reasons for that. In 2007, it was ¢1.24 trillion over-expenditure in respect of Personal Emoluments. And in 2008, it was ¢4.9 trillion.
What caused this, what brought about this? If it was as a result of payroll fraud, we should know it so that we take remedial action to prevent it. But we are told this, “these figures are published and what caused it is not given to us.” We have no remedial action and at the end of the day, we continue to lose this money and who is the loser, it is the young ones here.
The Government is not able to access enough money to prosecute programmes that will bring improved quality of life for the people of this country. Money is lost and you do not stop it. So if the Auditor-General is not prepared to give us reasons for these, so that Parliament will take remedial action, then we do not have to accept the Report. We must ask them to go back and do it again. So I invite the whole House to reject it in the strongest terms.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Member, what is the effect of rejection? The Motion is for the adoption of the Committee's Report.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
Yes, the Report is on the Auditor-General's Report. The Committee has not come to frame up stories has come out to recommend to us to adopt the Auditor-General's Report and if the Auditor-General tells us that, for example, in 2008, over-expenditures in respect of payroll amounts to ¢4.9 trillion and what caused it, is not known to us, what remedial action can Parliament take to prevent it so that it does not happen again?
In 2009, the over-expenditure is ¢2.2 trillion. It is going on unabated but it was our duty as Parliament to stop it. But we cannot stop it unless we have been given the reasons for that. So if the reasons are not coming, we finish the debate and then we close and the people continue to loot the country, can we continue to sit down unconcerned about this?
Dr Anthony. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I realised the concern -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Is it a point of order?
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Yes, because in trying to talk about over-expenditure on Personal Emoluments, he is giving a number for 2008 that is not what is given by the Auditor-General -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
In fact, we are even talking about 2006.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
I know but he was making a point of over-expenditure; at least, he should state what the Auditor- General said, not his own numbers for the records. The over-expenditure is not what he stated. So at least, he can correct that.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
I do not know whether he understands what I am saying.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Member, we are talking about 2006, that is the Motion. But if for any reason you want to use 2008 because the Report is before you to make an illustration, you should quote the right figure. That is the point the Hon Member is making.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the figures I have quoted have not been manufactured by me; they are in the Report.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
What figure did you quote for 2008, just for the record?
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
The figures I quoted, Mr Speaker, they are in Ghana cedis and I quoted in old Cedis, and what is wrong with it? We are not prepared to do the right thing, that is why we are in this mess in this country. We are not ready.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Member, all that the Hon Member for Old Tafo is saying is that, if you want to quote a figure, quote the figure that is in the Report. That is all. That is all and if you are quoting old cedis, you should tell us that you are quoting old cedis so that we know that you are quoting old cedis.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
I said so, Mr Speaker. I said so, that the figures I am quoting were in old cedis, and he is challenging me. They are in old cedis.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Kindly continue and wind up.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
Mr Speaker, these young men, I do not know what they are looking for. That is why we are in this mess.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
In 2008, we did not have old cedis.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
What about 2006?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Pardon?
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
2006?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
It was old cedis.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
So if I say it, am I wrong?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
You quoted 2008, Hon Member. You were talking about 2008.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
All right, let us go on.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
But limit yourself to the 2006 Report which is the subject matter of the Motion before the House.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:40 a.m.
All right 2006. All whatever it is.
What I am saying here is that, we should not play. Last time when we worked on this foreign exchange issue, I raised some issues and you said we were going to constitute a committee to look into them, has it been done? So Ghana, we export gold worth 1.6 billion and what comes to Ghana was 200 million, yet nobody saw anything wrong with it. Nobody saw anything wrong with it; so we are depleting our natural resources to buttress other people's economies.
We do not see anything wrong with it. What are we doing here? So what I am saying here is that, we in Parliament owe it a duty to prevent the causes of these adverse variances and we cannot stop this unless we know what has been the cause of it. And the Auditor-General must explain it to us in his Report so that we can stand on it and say it is as a result of a payroll fault, it is as a result of this or that.
I remember in 2001 when I raised a similar issue, Mr Yaw Osafo-Marfo was then the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning. As soon as we
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Mr Speaker, my Senior Colleague is pointing his finger and saying “You, you, you”! I do not know whether he is pointing to the Speaker or to me. But in this House, we do not say “you, you, you”. He has been here for long enough. I am an Hon Member just like him.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Member, you are absolutely right. If you want to make reference to an Hon Member, you know how to make reference to him.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I was making reference to -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
He is right. We do not make reference to Hon Members by saying “you, you” and by pointing fingers. He is right.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I withdraw and apologise to him. Are you all right Are you happy? [Laughter.]
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Make sure you do not become an expert in rendering apologies.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, we do not have to joke. Let us try and find a way to stop this silly fraud against the State. If the reports come here and we cannot take action to prevent the recurrence of these irregularities, they continue unabated to the detriment of the national economy. At the end of the day, it is the younger ones who would suffer than we the older ones.
So the Auditor-General should let us know what caused it so that we take action to stop it. As I said, we did it in 2001, Mr Osafo-Maafo did -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, I am having difficulty with your submission. Your submission is that you are commending the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for doing a very good job. But you are also saying that we should reject the Auditor-General's Report to this House for 2006. Now, the Committee is not making such a recommendation. So what are we rejecting?
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, if the Committee is not making that suggestion, nobody here is compelled to accept whatever has been published. We are discussing two Reports, the Public Accounts Committee's Report and the Auditor-General's Report. The Auditor- General's Report -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, there is only one Motion before us. You have two reports to use to debate that Motion but there is only one Motion before us. You can quote from the Auditor-General's Report for the period and you can quote from the Report of the Public Accounts Committee. But there is only one Motion before this Honourable House.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Public Accounts Committee itself reports of this adverse variance of GH¢2.402 million. It is there. For Personal Emoluments, it is there and I am relying on that. I am not cooking up figures. I am saying that accounting variances must be investigated so that remedial actions are taken but we cannot take action unless we know the causes of the variances.
So if we do not get reasons for this,
rose
Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, as much as I disagree with my Hon Senior Colleague, I think this august House -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Is it a point of order?
Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, yes.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
What Order?
Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, Standing Order 93.
Mr Speaker, the point is that, as far as I disagree with him, I believe that this is about moneys Parliament has approved for Government to spend over the years and let us look at the number of Members of Parliament here. I believe that we should treat this Public Accounts Report with the kind of respect and with the kind of urgency it deserves all the time. I do not think that Hon Members here indeed - I believe that we should defer the Report -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, you are out of order.
Hon Member, wind up.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, as long as we behave like this in Parliament, there is no hope for this country because it is our duty as Parliament to stop all these things. So if it is brought out for us to discuss and we get people to say that they do not agree, well, I do not care. I will not hide it. I will say what I think is wrong. If at the end of the day, I do not get any support, that is the end of it but posterity will judge all of us. It is our duty; it was brought to us; we have to take action to prevent it.
That is the duty imposed on us. That is why by article 187, the Auditor-General should report to us. If he reports to us, do we just read it and go away? If we have been told that something is wrong, we have to take action to prevent it. But we cannot prevent it unless we have seen the reasons for that and if he does not agree with me, I will leave it to -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, you are making a point. There are processes that you can use in this House to bring up the points that you are making. That is why I keep on asking you, “What are you calling upon the House to reject?” There are processes. Use the processes; use the rules of the House to achieve the purpose that you want to achieve. At the end of it, the House then would take a decision on yours or reject what you are saying.
But the way you are going about it, that is not the proper thing to do. If at the end of the day, you say they should reject the Auditor-General's Report, that is the Motion before us. It is the Motion of the Public Accounts Committee. You are not saying we should reject it. That is not the Motion. If you want to file an amendment to the Motion, that is a different thing; you are entitled to do so by using the rules and processes of this House to do it.
But the way you are going about it, it is not a matter of Members of Parliament agreeing or disagreeing with you. That is why I wanted to get the point you are making. You are supporting the Report which is the subject matter of the Motion but you are condemning the Report from the Auditor-General. So we are not too clear where you are standing.
Anyway, conclude. I think I have given you enough time.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 11:50 a.m.
In conclusion, what I am saying here is that, the Public Accounts Committee Report is based on the Auditor-General's Report which does not give us enough information for us to take action to prevent the irregularities brought to our notice. So the Auditor- General should go back and then come with a fresh Report explaining the causes of the variances so that we can do it.
I have finished.
Thank you. Alhaji Ibrahim D. Abubakari (NDC
- Salaga): Mr Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity. I rise to support the Motion but with a little modification.
Mr Speaker, I think what my Hon Senior Colleague is talking about is that, day in, day out, we always have these anomalies happening in all the Reports, but what action is the House taking to ensure that people who are responsible are punished? In that sense, maybe, I think the Public Accounts Committee could at least, bring out those who are responsible for these anomalies and why they are happening so that some punishment can be taken against these people in order to ensure that these things may not happen again.
Mr Speaker, I want to comment on the Balance Sheet of the 2006 Report -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, which Report are you talking about?
Alhaji Abubakari 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, 2006 Consolidated Accounts.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
The Auditor-General's Report or the Committee's Report?
Alhaji Abubakari 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on the Committee's Report on the Auditor- General's Report, Public Accounts Report for the year ended 31st December, 2006.
On page 6 of the Report, you would see the assets in the balance sheet which comprise cash, advances, loans and investment. When you look at this Report, you would see that the tangible assets like motor vehicles, furniture and fittings, land and buildings are not captured in the Report of the Controller and Accountant- General to be given to the Auditor-General and I wonder whether this reflects the actual assets of the country because if we are given a balance sheet and we do not have the tangible assets being captured, how can we be sure that reflects the actual assets of the country? Because we know that these tangible assets may consist of about 60 per cent of the assets of the Government. If we take motor vehicles that the Government owns, lands and buildings that the Government owns, furniture and fittings, et cetera which are not in the balance sheet, how can it reflect the actual assets that the Government has?
So I think this House should make it mandatory to the Controller and Accountant-General, so that when they are submitting accounts to the Auditor- General, all assets must be captured. When I say “assets”, I mean all assets including both tangible and intangible assets that should be captured in the balance sheet to reflect the actual assets of the Government and the country, and
in that way we will know --
For example, all these land problems we are experiencing, we may not even know the actual size of land the Government has but if this is captured by the Controller and Accountant-General and reflected in the accounts of the Government, we will know the actual tract of land and buildings that the Government has in this country.
With this short contribution, I think I support the Report and I thank the Public Accounts Committee for giving this Report.
Mr Yaw Baah (NPP -- Kumawu) noon
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity granted.
I have two short observations to make with regard to the Report by your Committee. I think an Hon Colleague of mine has already made a submission on it but I just want to extend the ambit. It is in reference to retention and use of IGF that is specifically on page 8 of your Committee's Report. That is paragraph
6 (3).
Mr Speaker, your goodself is aware that there is a procedure with regard to the approval for retention of funds by Departments, Ministries and Agencies (MDAs). But what we have realised is that there is always fragrant disregard and abuse of the process.
Mr Speaker, the procedure is that any agency or Ministry that requires this retention must make a formal application to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, but what we have been seeing since the passage of this Act, that is Act 735, in 2007 is most of the time -- If we look at the First Schedule of the Act, there were only 20 agencies and four Ministries that applied for this retention. And Parliament in its wisdom only approved of the agencies which were in distressed state
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Chairman of the Commitatee, you may wind up.
Mr Kan-Dapaah 12:10 p.m.
Thank you very much, Hon Speaker.
I want to take the opportunity to thank Hon Members for the very important contributions that they have made.
Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will want to commend on what Hon Appiah-Ofori said.
Much as I can agree with him in some areas, Mr Speaker, the Accountant- General of the Republic has a specific
function to perform under the Public Financial Management system in Ghana, and under what we call the budget cycle, he has a specific function to perform. This is spelt out in the Report.
In paragraph 3, it says that the Accountant-General is obliged by law to do certain things -- to provide a balance sheet, to provide a revenue and expenditure of the Consolidated Fund, to provide a cash flow statement of the Consolidated Fund and notes that explain those accounts.
The Hon Member is talking about things related to what we call a performance audit; it is a performance audit that will normally come out with some of the issues that he is talking about. What the law requires are these things and the Auditor- General is also obliged under the Audit Service Act to examine these financial statements and to give an opinion.
Mr Appiah-Ofori 12:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, what the Hon Member is saying is not wholly correct.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
But it is partially correct?
Mr Appiah-Ofori 12:10 p.m.
Let me grant him that. It is stated in the Act that the Auditor- General should give reasons -- explanations -- for any variances, it is clearly stated there. After he has done this, if there are any disagreements, if there are variances, he must give explanations, reasons for that. And so what he is saying
- 12:10 p.m.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Which law are you quoting ?
Mr Appiah-Ofori 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I did not bring it here -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Were you quoting the Constitution or the Act?
Mr Appiah-Ofori 12:10 p.m.
It is in the Financial Administration Act. I am sorry I did not bring a copy here but if there is a copy here, I will show you where it is.
Mr Kan-Dapaah 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Financial Administration Act, as far as it relates to reporting and to financial statements, is very, very clear and it is captured under 41 (1) (b), that the Accountant-General is supposed to produce these financial statements. The Report that he sent - the financial statements that we sent to the Auditor- General are in response to this and he has done his work.
He is asking for something to do with performance; how many were used in an economical manner, in an efficient manner, in an effective manner? He can call for that sort of audit. But as far as the law requires, the Financial Administration Act requires, under 41 (1) (b) that, in fact, has been achieved and what the Auditor- General has done is to express his opinion whether the accounts as compiled by the Accountant-General show a true and fair view.
So, yes, I can understand where the Hon Member is coming from but I think it will be out of place to say that the Auditor- General has not done his work well.
Mr Speaker, I also want to mention that what we are being called upon to do, as the Hon Appiah-Ofori again said, is to discuss the public accounts of Ghana and it is important that when we do it, we show the seriousness that it deserves on the floor.
I am happy that a lot of good
contributions have been made today which reflect the importance that this House attaches to the Auditor-General's Report.
On that basis, I want to thank all Hon Members who did make vital contributions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question put and Motion agreed to
Resolved accordingly.
Mr Avoka 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I will humbly plead that we take a Motion that we filed on the Addendum to the Order Paper for today. That is a short matter so that we can conclude that one before we come back to the Public Accounts Committee.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Very well. Then move the Motion first.
Mr Avoka 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the purpose of this Motion is to revisit the composition of the Members of this august House to the -- [Interruption.]
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Chairman, the Suspension of the Standing Order first.
Mr Avoka 12:10 p.m.
I just wanted to inform Hon Members about -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
You have to do the procedural that will allow you to talk.
Mr Avoka 12:10 p.m.
Very well.
Suspension of Standing Order 80
(1)
Chairman of the Committee (Mr Cletus A. Avoka) 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80 (1), which require that no Motion shall be debated until at least, forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the
Motion is given and the date on which the Motion is moved, the Motion for the approval of the nomination of eight (8) Hon Members to represent the Parliament of Ghana at the Community Parliament of ECOWAS in accordance with articles 5 and 7 (1) (ii) of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the ECOWAS and article 14 (1) (c) of the Supplementary Protocol A/ SP. 3/06/06 amending the Protocol relating to the Parliament may be moved today.
Dr Anthony A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly. Representation of the Parliament
of Ghana at the ECOWAS Parliament
Chairman of the Committee (Mr Cletus A. Avoka) 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the nomination of eight (8) Hon Members to represent the Parliament of Ghana at the Community Parliament of ECOWAS in accordance with articles 5 and 7 (1) (ii) of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the ECOWAS and article 14 1 (c) of the Supplementary Protocol A/SP. 3/06/06 amending the Protocol relating to the Parliament -- [ Interruption]
Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, looking round, I do not know whether we have the numbers for this important Motion. Therefore, I will plead that it should be stood down till Tuesday morning when we have the quorum so that it can be thoroughly debated because some of us have very serious concerns. So on the basis of lack of quorum, I believe that this should be stood down.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Very well,
they are two things you are suggesting. You are raising the issue of quorum and
you are asking me to stand it down. If you are talking about quorum, I have ten minutes so that they will ring the bell and after the expiration of the ten minutes, then a decision is taken. I have to ask the Clerk to know how many Hon Members are in the Chamber as of now.
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to second the Motion.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Motion moved and seconded. It is for the consideration of the House.
My attention has been drawn to the fact that today is the last day for taking this Motion by the Clerk's Office and that is why when they brought it to me, I thought we should take it. But I believe that if Hon Members have a very strong - because normally this is a consensus Motion in the name of the two Leaders. Hon Members, it is in the name of the two Leaders of the House. If there is a problem, there is a way of going about this so that we do not wash our dirty linen in public.
The only information that I have been given by the Clerk's Office is that today is the last day for taking this Motion; that is the information I have been given. And I have the acting Minority Leader there, I do not know why he is not speaking on this matter.
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker - [Interruptions.]
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Yes, Hon Member for Old Tafo -
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
The Chief Whip on this side and the acting Minority Leader is not able to speak on it because he is a nominee. But this morning, I was at the caucus meeting where I was informed that
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Members, order! You know that when the Motion is in the name of the Leaders of the House - When we have a Motion standing - Hon Members, when we have a Motion in the name of the Leaders of the House, we must be very, very careful, otherwise, the Chair would not know when to take your Leaders seriously and when not to take them seriously.
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
So when you are creating this precedent, you must be very, very careful as Hon Members of this House. When you are rebelling against a Motion, which is in the name of your Leaders -- must be very, very careful when you want to pursue that path.
Yes, Hon Kan-Dapaah, is it a point of order?
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I did not finish; I did not finish -
Mr Kan-Dapaah 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, a point of order has already - [Interruption.]
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I was coming to a suggestion. I was speaking -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
You have risen and seconded the Motion -
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Yes. In spite of what is going on, I want to report on what happened this morning - [Interruptions] - In the light of what is going on, I want to suggest - [Interruption] - Oh! Please,
let me finish!
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Members, order!
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if Hon Members would keep their tempers down -- I have not landed yet -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Members, the Protocol is very clear. The rules of this House are very clear on the matter.
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, on the basis of what happened there and what is happening here, I want to suggest that on this side, we take time and have another caucus so that - [Interruption] - Because most of them who did not come to the meeting, it may be useful for Leadership to explain what happened at the meeting, so we can come back.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Members -- Hon Kan-Dapaah, do you still want to make your submission or you would go to the caucus meeting and come back?
Mr Kan-Dapaah 12:10 p.m.
Yes, Mr Speaker, you have already ruled that we do not seem to have a quorum and therefore, a ten- minute adjournment will -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
I have not ruled -
Mr Kan-Dapaah 12:10 p.m.
And I was going to say that if, indeed, that happened, it would afford us the opportunity to have some consultations -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
In view of the fact that the Secretariat of the ECOWAS Parliament has informed this Honourable House that today is the deadline and we have to send a message to them at the close of today, I would suggest that the suggestion from the Hon Member for Old Tafo -- We would take a 20-minute suspension and come back . By the time I have here, the Speaker's

watch reads 12.28, so you will come back at 12.48 for us to take a final decision on this matter.

The House - Yes, Hon Majority Leader?
Mr Avoka 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, let me place on record that this side of the House has no problem with the list; we have no problem with our list -
Some Hon Members 12:10 p.m.
We have! We have!
Mr Avoka 12:10 p.m.
But we as a House, together, we agree to your suggestion that we would give them the opportunity to meet and come back - [Interruption.]
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Members, 12.50 p.m. you will be here. The House is accordingly suspended.
12.27 p.m. -- The Sitting was suspended
1.20 p.m. -- Sitting resumed
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Member for Old Tafo, for purposes of this matter,since you have been acting Minority Leader -
Dr A. A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I think
that for my side of the House and I wish to encourage the Majority side of the House to support us to step this down till next Tuesday. It might be in the interest of all the parties concerned; Mr Speaker, that would be my recommendation to the Hon Majority Leader.
Mr Cletus A. Avoka 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
think that we will, to the best of our ability, normally, arrive at decisions without consensus. If there are still some grey areas for the Minority side of the House to sort out with respect to the list, I will support the request made by my Hon
Colleague I therefore beg to move, that we now adjourn proceedings of the House until next Tuesday, 2nd November, 2010 when at that time we would have taken a decision on that matter.
I beg to move.
Dr Anthony A. Osei 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speakr, I beg to second the Motion to adjourn.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Before I put the Question, you must make sure that whoever represents this House outside represents the House. So where there is no consensus, I think that what we are doing is a wise thing to do.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT 12:10 p.m.