Debates of 14 Dec 2010

MADAM SPEAKER
PRAYERS 10:40 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Hon Members,
Correction of Votes and Proceedings of Monday, 13th December, 2010.
Page 1 … 16 -
Mr Joseph B. Aidoo 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, page 16, “Committee on Communications” -- they met at “12.00 a m”. I believe it should be 12.00 p.m.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Page 17 … 19 --

The Votes and Proceedings of Monday, 13th December, 2010 as corrected is adopted as the true record of proceedings.

Now, we move to the Official Report

of Monday, 29th November, 2010.

Hon Members, in the absence of any corrections, the Official Report of Monday, 29th November, 2010 is hereby adopted as the true record of proceedings.

There will be no Statements, so we

move straight to Presentation of Papers.
PAPERS 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Item 4 (b), Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
Mr Cletus A. Avoka 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker,
the Chairman of the Committee has informed me that he has to consult the Ranking Member before they lay it. So item 4 (b) is ready but he wants to consult his Colleague the Ranking Member.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
So we stand it

Yes, this Report, item 4 (a) has been

presented and it is referred to the Special Budget Committee for consideration and report. That is item 4 (a), the Estimates.

Item 4 (b) is not ready. What about

item 4 (c), Leader? Item 4 (c) - Chairman of the Committee on Mines and Energy?

Yes Leader, item 4 (c)?
Mr Avoka 10:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, we will
defer this and then I think that we get confirmation from - in fact, item 4 (d), (f) and (g) are ready to be laid. The rest are not yet ready. And then we will go to the Motion number 5 on page 3.
Madam Speaker 10:40 a.m.
Yes, so you are moving on to (f)? What are you laying now, (d) first - Yes, Chairman of the Committee?
By the Chairman of the Committee --
Report of the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and
State Enterprises on the Annual Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare for the year ending 31st December,
2011.
Mr Avoka 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, (e) is
also ready.
Madam Speaker 10:50 a.m.
All right. Yes, Chai rman of the Commit tee on Employment and Social Welfare --
By the Chairman of the Committee --
Report of the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises on the Annual Budget Estimates of the National Labour Commission for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
By the Chairman of the Committee --
Report of the Committee on Defence and Interior on the Annual Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Defence for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
By the Chairman of the Committee
Report of the Special Budget Committee on the Annual Budget Estimates of the National Media Commission (NMC) for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
By the Chairman of the Committee --
Report of the Finance Committee on the Annual Budget Estimates of the National Development Planning Commission for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
By the Chairman of the Committee --

Report of the Finance Committee on the Annual Budget Estimates of the Ghana Revenue Authority for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
CONSIDERATION OF ANNUAL 10:50 a.m.
ESTIMATES 10:50 a.m.
Minister for Communications (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 10:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity.
I b e g t o m o v e , t h a t t h i s Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢29,547,558.00 under the sector's account code number 26 of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework Estimates for the Ministry of Communications, to enable the Ministry and its agencies carry on with its activities towards the development of a reliable and cost- effective communication and technology infrastructure and services, for the year ending December, 2011.
Madam Speaker, in doing so, I am happy to inform this august House that Ghana, thankfully, was re-elected to the Council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). I had the privilege of being supported by the Hon Prof. Mike Oquaye, Hon Fritz Baffour, the Chairman of the Committee and Hon Dan Botwe to secure the glory for Ghana. And for the first time, Ghana secured the second highest vote, accompanying Kenya in sub-Saharan Africa.
Madam Speaker, in conveying the
commendations of the ITU Secretary- General, which was a demonstration by Ghana, that we were unanimous in using information and communication technology as a time-enabler and facilitator of development.
Madam Speaker, for the period 2011,
Minister for Communications (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 11 a.m.
the Ministry of Communications will continue with other policy initiative. I am happy to note finally that by the end of June, 2011, mobile number portability would have been operationalized.
The telecom companies through a very open and transparent process, determined Porting Access BV of The Netherlands to shepherd the implementation of the programme. This is facilitated by an earlier initiative by the Government to allow for the registration of SIM cards in Ghana. This is an ongoing process.
Madam Speaker, it came to the notice of Government that many other unsuspecting Ghanaians became victims of anonymous text messages; sometimes very insulting text messages and it is important that we establish ownership of all those who own SIM cards in order to facilitate our migration to mobile number portability.
Madam Speaker, the Nat ional
Communications Authority would continue to monitor and further enhance the impact of delivery of quality of service, particularly inadequate service coverage in many areas of our country. I understand that it is even contributing to the commission of crime in other parts of the country. Issues of network congestions, network unavailability, high call drops rates and delays in calls setup rates.
Madam Speaker, for 2011, the Ministry has the approval of Cabinet to embark on a national digital migration process. The ITU set 2015 as the deadline for transition from analogue to digital television. It means that once we are able to migrate and as a country, we set ourselves 2014 as the deadline to facilitate the migration in Ghana, and that would lead to an improvement in audio quality and visual

quality in terms of pictures and also for us to benefit from source spectrum dividend.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry also

initiated the international call verification process. I understand even this morning, some telecom operators are raising protests. Madam Speaker, we are a sovereign country and we would determine how Government eliminates fraud associated with the termination of all international inbound calls to Ghana.

Madam Speaker, through that particular initiative, we have been able to generate, beginning from June, US$3 million per month to support Government revenue, and that cumulatively would work out to some US$30 million within a six-month period.

Madam Speaker, I can understand the protest of the telecom operators because what they hate is transparency, and what they hate is for Government to know why they are unjustifiably terminating international calls as if they were domestic ones. If you get a foreign call in Ghana today, it comes on 026, 020, 027 or 024. That is unacceptable. Our international code is +233, 21 or 24 or 27.

Madam Speaker, what they do is to terminate these calls as domestic calls because domestic calls rates are cheaper than the international call rates. We came to this august House to set a minimum ceiling of .19 cents of US dollars as our minimum. Madam Speaker, in Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso, minimum termination rate is 0.23 cents of an euro, not even a US dollar.

We continue to monitor and I am happy to inform this august House that within the last four weeks, we have arrested nine persons, all of them associated with illegal termination of international calls. Only yesterday, I requested the National Security to hand over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) an American and seven other Ghanaians who were arrested with over

eight SIM boxes and over 5,000 SIM registration cards, which lead to revenue leakages, both to the telecom operators and to the Government. Therefore, our decision to do the verification was not just to eliminate fraud, but to enhance Government revenue. We will continue to strengthen the anti-fraud unit and the National Communications Authority to be able to undertake strict monitoring of our international gateway.

Madam Speaker, we have commenced the construction of a National Data Centre and may I at this juncture, plead that -- Madam Speaker, I am urging this House that the Minister for Communications, like other Ministries, should not be perceived as small Ministries which do not require adequate funding.

If we want to make any progress in terms of job creation, the Ministry that will assure us of sustainable jobs, is the communications sector. But it appears that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning is interested in investing heavily in some five Ministries of the country - such is affecting the growth of the communications sector and my plea is that, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) should be given its pride of place.

When you are building modern infrastructure, it is not about energy and it is not only about roads. We need a modern ICT infrastructure for better delivery of education services, better delivery of health services, better delivery of commerce. And I think that the amount of money that has been approved for the Ministry of Communications is not sufficient to support its activities. I urge this Honourable House to make a strong case so that when there is an opportunity

for supplementary estimates, we would be given our fair share.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, we were able to supply Members of Parliament with laptops; that is just the beginning of it. We have initiated three major interventions. It will soon be accompanied by modems so that we will be accessible to your constituents and it would improve the delivery of your services.

Madam Speaker, I had the rare privilege to travel with her Ladyship, the Chief Justice to undertake a study tour of Turkey, to study the delivery of Justice within the Turkish system and she was astonished at the development in Turkey regarding the development of a modern Judicial Service. We soon would be advertising for expression of interest for a comprehensive e-Justice system that would enable the use of ICT in the delivery of justice in this country.

We are doing same for the Parliament of Ghana. Indeed, we advertised but there was no expression of interest in respect. And finally, an e-Immigration system was also introduced.

Madam Speaker, finally, we would be establishing an ICT park in Tema and we would want to support our business process out-sourcing industry.

With these comments, I urge this Honourable House to approve the sum of GH¢29,547,558.00 for the services of the Ministry of Communications for the period ending 31st December, 2011.

Question Proposed.
Chairman of the Committee (Mr Felix Twumasi-Appiah) 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I support the Motion ably moved by the Hon Minister, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢29,547,558.00 for the Ministry of
TABLE 11 a.m.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Hon Member, we
are arranging to tutor everyone of you. So that is clear.
Nana Akomea 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I
also like to comment on the provision of broadband services. The availability of broadband is what determines access to the internet and to the world wide web and we know that in this contemporary world, if you do not know or you do not have access to the internet, to the world wide web, then you are in the stone age.
And the availability of access to world wide web largely depends on availability of broadband.
The major provider of broadband services in this country is Vodafone. They have the control on the national fibre backbone; it does not look like Vodafone is living up to its responsibility to ensure that broadband is available to promote the use of the internet in this country.
I have a personal experience in this matter. I live in an estate off the Spintex Road, an estate of over 400 houses. We have applied to Vodafone to supply us with broadband services for which we will pay. The application was made over six months ago; we have not even got an acknowledgement of our application. So, I will urge the Hon Minister to engage with Vodafone to ensure that the targets and the benchmarks that have been set in providing broadband are met by the company, otherwise, the whole country will be drawn back.
Madam Speaker, quality of service is a
major feature in the Report. The quality of service in terms of mobile telephony. We complain everyday of the quality of service that we get from the mobile telephone companies. The citizens do not seem to have any redress; you may have two phones in front of you; you will call the other phone and it tells you that it has been switched off.
The responsibility for ensuring that standards are met lies with the National Communications Authority (NCA), which is an agency of the Ministry. The NCA seems to be doing some work in ensuring that the mobile phone companies meet the standards, but the ordinary citizen does not seem to know. They say that in the Report, it has been captured that they issue penalties against the mobile phone companies, when they do not meet the
standards and they even publish this in the local papers.
But members of the Committee were not even aware, so the NCA should be more proactive in ensuring that standards are met and in showing that it is doing its work and that ordinary citizens can complain to the NCA. And they should have trust and faith that the NCA will deliver in ensuring that standards are met by the mobile phone companies --
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
Yes, ten minutes.
Nana Akomea 11:10 a.m.
Madam Speaker, Oh!
It looks like I have finished [Laughter.] It is all on paper. So, Madam Speaker,
I need my laptop to be operational so that I stop using the paper.
With these few comments, I support the Motion and I thank you.
Madam Speaker 11:10 a.m.
I thank you, Hon Member for keeping time.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Tain) 11:20 a.m.
Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity given me to speak to the Motion. I rise to support the Motion and want to speak on one or two issues.
The first one is on the schools, connectivity project. Looking at the performance of the Ministry of Communications -- concerning the Schools Connectivity Project in 2010, I would think that the Ministry deserves better commendation. This was one sector that the Ministry did very well and I believe, if we should continue that way, the idea or the national programme of one laptop per child will come to fruition.
However, if we do not tackle it from that way, the programme of one laptop per child will become a mirage and one best example is the one that has been cited by the Ranking Member for the Committee
Mr Joe Ghartey 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, on a point of order.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
We do not know the circumstances, whether somebody was pinching him or not.
Mr Ghartey 11:30 a.m.
Pardon?
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
We do not know the reason for the “hey!” Do we? [Laughter.]
Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang (NPP - New Juaben North) 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I am impressed by the work that is being done by the Ministry of Communications but I am more disappointed also at the quality of control. The regulatory authorities are just not doing their job. I am not bothered about mobile portability, number portability. That is not the important thing. The important thing, Madam Speaker, is ICT and its extension to the villages, to the rural areas so that we can all be in the 21st Century.
I have built about four ICT resource centres in my constituency and sometimes, in some places, I have to use it via satellite and it is very expensive -- Hon Minister, are you listening? -- It is very expensive and I cannot afford to pay that money, so the people who must benefit from this are not benefiting.
Madam Speaker, I have a feeling, just like the banks, these companies -- there are how many of them? They are six or seven. They have become a cartel, so everybody is saying his call is 8 pesewas, 7.5 pesewas. We are being ripped off completely. The quality of service that we get is not the amount of money that we pay. If you go to London and you buy local Mobile, you pay 20 pounds, they give an extra 20 pounds. That means they are making plenty of money there.
Here, we are not doing it. So, Madam Speaker, I know that my Hon Minister, whom I know is very dynamic, should be
able to look at that particular aspect of it.
Madam Speaker, for example, our Ranking Member said we should all have computers. Madam Speaker, for six weeks, I have paid but I cannot have access to the internet because you go to the service provider, it tells you the problem is with Vodafone; you go to Vodafone, it tells you it is the service provider. As I speak now, since 10th November, 2010, I have not been able to access my email. So where are we going? And people think that they have communicated to me and I have not been able to react to it. We do not run a nation that way.
I believe this business of them coming together to sponsor big things should be a thing of the past. Rather they should concentrate on reducing the charges, so that the people in the constituencies and the rural areas can have access. I cannot afford to pay US$400 almost for each ICT centre that I have in my rural areas. It is expensive.
So, I believe that the Hon Minister will also, just as was said by our Ranking Member, tell the regulatory bodies to be up and doing and then be able to come to us with a report as to what is being done. I know that they are supposed to have blackboards where every call which is cut is recorded almost like an aircraft. I have never seen a report in any newspaper, in any publication saying who has been sort of brought to book because these things are not working.
So, Madam Speaker, I believe that if we want to go into the 21st Century, which we are, and a middle income country, which governments before this one have been able to achieve, then there is absolute need to make sure that we speak boldly against these companies, most of which are foreign. Any way, they are all foreign companies. I do not know of any, maybe, I do not know the share structure, but whatever money they make, it all goes out.
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
I think the Hon Minister should wind up now. It is almost 12.00 noon. Maybe, let us take one from each side of the House, five minutes each and then we wind up. It is almost twelve and we have not even done one Motion.
Dr Anthony A. Osei (NPP - Old Tafo) 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, before the Hon Minister winds up and before the Hon Deputy Minister also answers, he should get off the phone.
Madam Speaker, we are decrying the fact that the Ministry's budget is woefully inadequate. Madam Speaker, if you go to page 2, the agencies under the Ministry, the first one is National Communications Authority (NCA). Madam Speaker, NCA has much more money than the entire Ministry's budget. It is nowhere here. It is not here, it is a mystery. So you go to page -- the Report talks about getting the agencies to use their internally generated funds (IGFs), how much is the budget of the NCA? It is not recorded here.
Madam Speaker, how can you approve the budget for an agency under his Ministry that is not even noted here? The Report is completely incomplete. Madam Speaker, I am sure NCA is worth more
than GH¢29 million but it is worth an agency under the Ministry and there is no mention of it here. [Interruption.] So, the question is, where is it? --
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
Well, he will answer.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, it will not be wise for us to approve this budget for the Ministry without speaking to the budget of NCA, which is an agency under the Ministry. It is not here, it is a mystery. It is not in the Budget Statement, neither it is in the Committee's Report. So we need to know how much money is being spent at NCA just like all these other agencies. This Parliament will not be found to be very responsible if we do not know this amount. The numbers are not small Madam Speaker, I can assure you and we need an answer to it --
Madam Speaker 11:30 a.m.
I think, maybe, the Hon Minister, in winding up will answer that question.
Mr H. Iddrisu 11:30 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I like to thank Hon Members for their inputs but just to indulge me to respond to three major issues: one, the very last point made by the Hon Ranking Member for the Committee on Finance (Dr Anthony A. Osei).
T h e N C A i s a d e - s u b v e n t e d organisation and have long been weaned off government budget. Therefore, it is not a requirement that we should subject their budget to scrutiny in this House.
It is de-subvented - [Interruptions] -- it is weaned off government's budget. Government is not funding NCA; they are subsisting on their internally generated funds and that is permissible. This is not the first time -- even when he was a Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the NCA budget never came to this House unless he wants to reinvent history; it never came to this House under the eight years that shepherded the budget of this.
NCA's budget has never come to this House for approval. [Interruptions.] They are de-subvented, they are weaned off government, budget - [Interruption]
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Let us hear him out.
Mr H. Iddrisu 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, can I make it?
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Can he finish?
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, what he said is not true. Why I know is that, we knew what it was.
The licences they issue out - The Hon Minister is saying that NCA relies on their internally generated funds (IGF), therefore, this Parliament should not scrutinise it. They are public funds. NCA is just like all agencies.
Madam Speaker, he knows better. Maybe, the Ministry forgot to put it there. It does not mean that it is disaffected. We should know.
rose
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Let us hear from the Hon Deputy Minister.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, there is no agency that we should not know about --
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Deputy Minister, could you help us?
Mr Terkpeh 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, it is not questioning the authority of Parliament to look at the accounts of statutory bodies as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). But the Hon Member is aware that we have levels of

accountability and accounting systems within the government sector.

There are institutions that subsist entirely on the Budget, like the Ministries and some Departments whose budgets come to the House. There are Authorities, State-owned enterprises and other agencies that are self-accounting in nature and the Legislative Instruments require that they prepare full accounts that are submitted to their Boards and which the Auditor- General audits and has an obligation to submit to the House, through the Public Accounts Committee.

We account for those through the subventions, if any, that we provide to the agency. But to the extent that their full accounts are submitted, then there is a mechanism for doing that through the Board to the appropriate agency and the Auditor-General audits those accounts and presents his reports accordingly and they appear before the Public Accounts Committee.
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Thank you for the elucidation.
Mr H. Iddrisu 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the NCA submits an annual report to this House which provides details of their financial activities and other operational activities. I am aware that one of their latest reports has been submitted to this House.
The other issue I would like to respond to is on the subject of e-Voting. Hon Catherine Afeku raised the matter of e-Voting, and with all honesty, Ghana is not ready for biometric voting in 2012; at least, for 2012, we are not ready. We do not have the requisite infrastructure. The Electoral Commission does not have the capacity. But Government accepts the responsibility to work with the Electoral Commission to prepare them, maybe,
rose
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Member, let us hear him out and then we will come back to you.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, Appendix 15, page 290 of this Budget Statement --
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Minister, he is referring you to page 290.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, he should advert his mind to it. The issue is not that NCA - [Interruption] -- What is therein?
Some Hon Members 11:40 a.m.
Read.
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Let us clear up this issue.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, with your permission, I beg to read:
“Communications
NCA (Wiremax) - - 2 0 1 0 Projections - 29,000.00;
MoC/NCA (International Gateway)
-- 53,500.00.”
And then when you go to 2011, there are other amounts mentioned.
Madam Speaker, the issue is not whether their IGF - and it is a hundred per cent. The issue is that, in reporting in the Budget, all agencies must report even if they get back to use it, so that we know. And if it is missing in this part, it is not here, it is a problem. This is because they came under it and it should be reported fully, so that we know how much they are going to spend.
NCA makes much more money than this. They may do the auditing for the Auditor-General but we as Parliament, must know how much is it that we are giving to them. Even the Electoral Commissioner's budget comes here; the President's budget comes here. Why are we talking about a small body like the NCA that we should not know? Let us know exactly -- These amounts are minimal.
The reason is that, two or three years ago, their amounts were so huge; we had to write them a letter to pay back some money to Government and we should know. This House should know.
rose
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Yes, Hon Deputy Minister. We must clear up this matter.
Mr Terkpeh 11:40 a.m.
Madam Speaker, Appendix 15 is with reference specifically for non-tax revenue and I did make the point that, to the extent that an agency contributes to the Budget or is provided some subvention from the Budget, we account for those either revenues or expenditures in the Budget.
But the issue I am addressing is that, to the extent that they have to do a full accounting as a self-accounting or semi- accounting agency, then I am saying that the Legislative Instrument that sets them up requires that they prepare an account which would incorporate these very items in addition to others to the Board and these
would be presented in separate reports just as we do with other agencies.
Madam Speaker, indeed, the same non- tax revenue Appendix provides us -- and even under “Export Revenue” for example, the contribution from COCOBOD to the Budget, but it does not require that we bring the entire COCOBOD accounts into the Budget. The COCOBOD has a mechanism for reporting through the Board.
rose
Madam Speaker 11:40 a.m.
Hon Members, you have raised a matter. They have answered that there is a Legislative Instrument which directs this course of action. I do not know what else you want us to do.
Mr Joe Ghartey 11:40 a.m.
On a point of order. Madam Speaker, with the greatest of respect, I think that what the Hon Deputy Minister is saying raises a lot of problems, especially constitutional matters.
Madam Speaker, the question is not a Legislative Instrument. The question is whether the fund is a public fund. Madam Speaker, article 175 of the Constitution, page 116, if you are holding the big Constitution, says that, and with your permission, I beg to quote:
“ The public funds of Ghana shall be the Consolidated Fund, the Contingency Fund and such other public funds as may be established by or under the authority of an Act of Parliament.”
Madam Speaker, when we go to article
179, indeed, it is noteworthy that the Constitution never mentions the word, “Budget”. The “Budget” is something we have used as a convention. But what we are doing is governed by article 179 of the Constitution, which says that, and Madam Speaker, with your permission, I quote:
“179. (1) The President shall cause to be prepared and laid before Parliament at least one month before the end of the financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the Government of Ghana for the following financial year.”
(2) The estimates of the expenditure of all public offices and public corporations, other than those set up as commercial ventures -”
So the only exception, if NCA had been established as a commercial venture, then the Constitution under article 179 (2) says that it does not come under this exercise we are doing today. Otherwise, no Legislative Instrument can take NCA out of the ambit of article 179 of the Constitution. And it is not a commercial venture.
Madam Speaker, it is worrying for me if the Hon Deputy Minister whom I have a lot of respect for, is justifying this because it is his responsibility; it is the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning which is the agent of the President for purposes of fulfilling the constitutional duty set out under article 179 of the Constitution. So if it is an omission, we can take it in good faith, but to justify that and come later - But to say that we can decide by Legislative Instrument or by nature of how the Auditor-General deals, by taking some -- It means that the oversight responsibility of Parliament is being undermined.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Yes, Leader, what do you say? There is a disagreement and subject to hearing from you, I was thinking we should stand it down for the parties to agree. What do you say to that?
Mr H. Iddrisu 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I can respond to the non-tax issue which has been raised by the Hon -
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Let me finish this consultation with the Leader.
There is no agreement, that there is something wrong constitutionally, and when the Constitution comes in, I would stand it down for both sides to go and decide on the matter. We are not fighting over it, we want to do the right thing. If you come back and say that, yes, you have agreed on this, that is what I am thinking now.
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, the issue of the Constitution does not come in as of now. It does not come in at all.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
But he referred to -
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
With the greatest respect, Madam Speaker, at the end of the day as indicated by the Hon Deputy Minister, it will come -- [Interruption] - that is your opinion.
His opinion cannot be the judgment of this place -- [Interruption.] He cannot be talking “bi-heart” like that; he should just be patient.
Several Hon Members - rose --
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Yes, let us all be patient.
Yes, let us hear him first.
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
At the end of the day, Madam Speaker, the same accounts

will come before the Public Accounts Committee and from there it will come here. So that that would be the stage within which we would have the oversight responsibility, not at the Budget hearing. Madam Speaker, this is not the first time, all these years, we have done what we are doing today. All these years - is that a new development?
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Well, if it is a mistake, we do not have to repeat it.
Yes, all right Minority Leader, before I come in .
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I think the point being canvassed is not whether or not it has been done before. If it has not been done and maybe, we realize that all these years we were not doing the right thing, then nothing prevents us from going back to do what is right.
Madam Speaker, we have been told that it has been done before. Beyond that, Madam Speaker, I would refer us to oversighting the National Communications Authority (NCA). How is it to be done if in reality we are not aware of their incomes and expenditures? How is Parliament to do it, if we are not aware of their income and expenditure? Madam Speaker, I would refer us to Order 184 (2) (b) of our Standing Orders:
“(b) It shall also be the duty of the Committee: . . .”
In this case, the Committee on Employment and responsible for State- owned enterprises -
“to examine the income and expend i t u r e o f any pub l i c corporations and State enterprises,
. . .”
Madam Speaker, I would want to suggest that NCA falls under this. So if we have not done it before, it would be neither here nor there. So Madam Speaker, it is well situated in our Standing Orders and I would want to suggest that if the point is
being canvassed that well, it has not been done, so let us see how to do it in a neater way, that would be more acceptable. This is because the oversight responsibilities of Parliament would be taken away if we are not placed in a position to know the incomes and expenditures of NCA. And that finds expression in Order 184 (2) (b) and there cannot be any prevarication about that. Which is why Madam Speaker, I am surprised when the Hon Majority Leader, in addressing the issue, says that nobody can talk “bi-heart” here. No, I think that language is, with respect to him, unacceptable.
We should understand what we say here. But if somebody disagrees with you and you say he cannot talk “bi- heart” here -- No, I am sorry, Majority Leader, you do not have to do that. In any event, I am drawing your attention to Order 184 (2) (b) and how can you say that the person making reference to it is talking “bi-heart”? We should be mindful of our language and you are the Leader of the House, you are supposed to set a better example. You cannot do that -- [Interruptions.] It is not filibustering. It is not filibustering, the person - somebody is raising an issue and then you say you cannot talk “bi-heart”. You are supposed to show a better way -- please, do not do that.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Order! Order, please! Yes, I do not think I need to hear any more. I have seen that there is disagreement about these sections guiding it and I will stand this down for the Committee to re-look at it -- [Interruptions] - I will not put the Question on a matter like this.
My order is that we should go back and look at it and bring it back. We have finished the debate more or less except for this point and before I put the Question -- [Interruptions] -- My order is that I stand this down.
Shall we move to the next Motion? Go
and thrush this out and when you come and it is all agreed - why should we have disagreement in a matter like this? This is not a contentious matter; both sides are agreed, we have passed the Budget. But if they say we have to look at the sections and others, let us go and look at them and come back - nobody will win when we come back; we will only rectify what has been raised.
Yes, Leader, I think this is the best practice?
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, I just wanted to allude to what the Hon Minority Leader has referred us to, the Order 184 (2) (b). It talks about the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises. Is that the Committee that has presented this Report?
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, I have ruled that I am not going to rule on these -
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
It is not relevant as of now.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Well, go there and say so before the Committee and come with your Report.
rose
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Members, I have finished with Motion number 5 -
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, with respect, I believe the Hon Majority Leader is minded to have this House move forward --
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
That is what I thought.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:50 a.m.
But if he does not appreciate what somebody else says, he should take his time to study what the Standing Orders say. The Standing Orders put all State enterprises in the
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
I think I have already ruled and we should carry on. I am not going to go back. I say go and re-look at it, all of you, and come back. I will not tolerate any dissent on this -- [Hear! Hear!]
Let us move to Motion number 6 - Leader, Motion number 6.
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, can we have a clear perspective of your ruling? Who are -- [Interruption.]
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
There is no perspective - there is no perspective, Hon Leader.
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, may I know who are to meet and look at the matter and report to this House? I want to be clear so that from here we would know which committees or which bodies are supposed to meet. I want to be clear on that.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Which committee brought this Report? The Minister is there, the Committee is there, both sides are there, Leaders are there, why do you not put your heads together? No, you do not have to convince me here. I will not rule on these matters. I say go and find out and form a committee to bring your report. I do not think I should be challenged this way and I expect the Leader to defend me - [Uproar.] I expect the Leader rather to defend me on this matter -
Mr Avoka 11:50 a.m.
Madam Speaker, if I do not understand who are to do the work by your ruling, I should not find out?
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
This is not the first
time a matter has been referred back to the Committee. So Leader, please, defend me; I think that is your work here and accept the ruling. Go and come back if it is today, tomorrow. Let us agree before I put the Question. I will not put a Question when there is so much disagreement and dissent on a matter which is not contentious like this.
Madam Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Leader, shall we move on?
rose
Madam Speaker noon
If it is on the same matter, we have passed it. Yes, what other matter?
Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah noon
Madam Speaker, I thought what I heard was that the Leader was simply asking Madam Speaker - [Interruptions] -- She gave me permission to speak. The Leader was simply asking Madam Speaker to clarify the ruling; he was not sure of the ruling and only asked for you to clarify what you just talked about. That is what the Leader asked. He was not defending you; he wanted to defend what you had ruled on and wanted you to be clear about the ruling.
Madam Speaker noon
Hon Deputy Minister, why do you not leave the Leader to say what you have said? You do not talk for the Leader here. He is the Leader of this House, you know.
Mr Avoka noon
This is what I asked; I said I wanted to know clearly your ruling, that which committees have you taxed to be able to go and look at this and report to you. Is it the Committee on Communications, is it the Committee on Social Welfare and Employment, is it the Committee or which committee? I wanted to be clear so that we can bring back the Report to you. As of now, it is
ambiguous.
Madam Speaker noon
Any committee you think will have an input into resolving this matter. I say bring your heads together - Leaders, committees. Let us have an agreement on this matter before I put the Question. I do not think this is too difficult a ruling.
Leader, are we carrying on? Shall I adjourn at this stage?
Mr Avoka noon
Madam Speaker, we will take the Motion on Education.
ANNUAL ESTIMATES noon
Minister for Education (Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo) noon
Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢1,983,217,447.00 for the services of the Ministry of Education for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
Madam Speaker noon
Oder! Oder!
Mr Tettey-Enyo noon
GH¢1,424,529,713 f o r p e r s o n a l e m o l u m e n t s ; GH¢30,120,410,42600 for administration; GH¢288.150,977.00 for services; GH¢150,125,832.00 for investment. This provision is to meet the requirements of the Ministry itself and twelve departments - [Interruptions.]
Madam Speaker noon
Order! Order!
Mr Tettey-Enyo noon
-- under the Ministry to enable them executive major national and international programmes including the Free, Compulsory, Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), the Millennium Development Goals, the Education for All Programme, the Youth Skills Training, the Girl-Child Education and Adult Functional Literacy Programmes. Madam Speaker, all of us are aware that education is the key to the overall development of the nation and this requirement of Budget is to make it possible for the sector to play its mandatory role in moving the country forward in the right direction.
The sector is a major area of hope for Hon Members of this august House in getting the various projects and programmes run in their constituencies to turn the fortunes of their political endeavours. We are therefore, expecting that this provision would be made without much debate in this House. And looking at the submission made by the Ministry itself, the agencies and the departments, what we are asking for, is reletively small, it is just a modest request.
We are looking forward that the provisions, when approved, would be made on a timely basic to the Ministry, the departments and the agencies . We are also expecting that Government, designing and assigning a major role to the Ministry in terms of job creation, would find other means to supplement the provision that we are seeking to approve this morning.
Madam Speaker, I, therefore, hope all Hon Members of this august House would approve the Estimates for the sector to enable it discharge its duty.
Question proposed
Chairman of the Committee (Mr Mathias A. Puozaa) noon
Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion of the Hon Minister requesting this House to approve the sum of GH¢1,983,217,447.00 for the Ministry's operations during the 2011
SOURCES noon
IGF -- noon
SIP -- noon
DONOR -- noon
GRAND TOTAL -- noon
Madam Speaker 12:20 p.m.
Yes, wind up now.
Prof. Fobih 12:20 p.m.
Madam Speaker, within the universities, we found that there were some discrepancies here and there. If you take one example, the application form fees, University of Ghana, Legon is able to generate one million, five hundred and forty-eight thousand, nine hundred and sixty-seven Ghana cedisGH¢1,548,967.00 The other universities, UCC and UDS also have comparable figures but when you come to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), there is nothing indicated in the IGF. It means that no form was sold but this is not possible. So, it means that there are certain records which are not indicated and they are hidden. So, I think the Ministry must open its eyes very well to check those abuses.
Then one critical thing which I think needs to be addressed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning is, in my opinion releases from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to the GETFund statutory account --
Madam Speaker 12:20 p.m.
Hon Member, wind up now. Your ten minutes is up, wind up.
Prof Fobih 12:20 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I am almost finishing.
-- is the release from Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to the GETFund account. We found that in 2010, out of the targeted figure of GH¢327,693,000.00 into the GETFund account, only GH¢120,321,484.00 was released into the Fund. This is about one-third of the actual money that was supposed to go into this statutory account. So, one will ask, did we not collect VAT? Were there no taxes collected? And this is a statutory payment by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
So, where did the money go that they stabbed GETFund from honouring its obligations to many of its clients? So, contractors are not being paid, not because GETFund is not willing to pay but because the money is kept somewhere and it was paid into the account. So, I think this anomaly should be corrected to empower GETFund to be able to perform its functions and obligations to clients.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, we
do know very well that teaching and management accountability continues to plague the Ministry of Education in its quality delivery of education; and this will require much resources to be able to eliminate this persistent challenge. So, I plead with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning here again that if there should be any supplementary estimates in 2011, the Ministry should be seriously considered to address those challenges that I have enumerated, so that come 2012, the Budget will show positive signs in those areas that I have commented on.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker 12:20 p.m.
Yes, can we have one there and one here?
Mr Theophilus T. Chaie (NDC
-- Ablekuma Central): Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion, that this House approves the sum of GH¢1,983,217,447.00 for the services of the Ministry of Education for the year ending 31st December 2011. In supporting the Motion, I would like to touch on three issues.
First of all, I would like to look at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). This is an institution that plays a very significant role in assessing the quality of teaching and learning in this country. For some years now, this institution normally generates a lot of its own funds (IGFs) to support its activities. Support from Government is nothing to write home about.
In our last meeting with the Council members, it came to light that reasons attributed to examination leakages and other malpractices in our examination are as a result of absenteeism of examiners, lack of commitment on the part of supervisors and invigilators leading to increased examination malpractices. And then funding to teachers or supervisors who normally come and make sure our examinations are conducted.
It is my humble opinion or view to the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning that we should try as much as possible and then help this organisation to succeed. Currently we are all on the WAEC as to some of the results that normally come out when these children go to sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) , and then the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and they have to pay these invigilators to do quality work.
But then, if they are least supported, definitely, these supervisors will find other means of achieving that goal, Therefore,
I urge the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning to actually sit down with this Council and ensure that whatever that we need to do to support this institution despite the huge IGF that they generate -- We need to support them so that they can also handle this aspect of our educational programme successfully, so that our certificates that normally come out will be recognized and appreciated. If this is done for the WAEC, it will go a long way to uplift the standard of education in this country.
I will also like to commend the Government for increasing the loan amount to the Student Loan Trust Fund. In fact, this is a very noble achievement of Government, in the sense that most of our poor students find it very difficult raising money to even support themselves in school. And if Government can go a step further to increase the amount of funding, I think it is a good thing on the part of Government and we need to commend the Ministry for embarking on this particular project.
Madam Speaker, I have a very big challenge in the Ministry of Education, which we discussed with the Education officials and it is ably captured here. That is the provision of durable furniture for schools. This is one area that Government loses a lot of money and it is as a result of some of our contractors who are contracted to procure furniture for our schools. The sort of furniture that they provide for our schools are nothing to write home about and therefore, the huge investment that Government always pumps into the provision of furniture goes to waste.
Sometimes, even the furniture that they buy before they enter the classroom, they are all in disrepair and these are areas that we urge the Ministry to look at so that the little resources that we have for education will be harnessed and used profitably to
enhance educational standards in our schools.
Currently, some of the schools are without furniture. You go to some of our schools in the metropolis and you see school children sitting on the bare floor to write but then the little investment that we have, the little money that we have in procuring furniture, we do not do the right thing and I think the Ministry will take this recommendation very seriously and then act on it. It is not only tables and chairs but the cupboards and other things that the teachers need to actually do the work.
Ms Beatrice Bernice Boateng (NPP - New Juaben South) 12:30 p.m.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to add my voice to the appeal for Members to support the approval of the amount of GH ¢1,983, 2l7,447.00 for the services of the Ministry of Education, year ending 31st December, 2011.
Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate the Minister and for that matter, the Chairman for the presentation of the Budget.
Madam Speaker, I will just want to observe a few things, that in the Report, the Chairman mentioned the agencies that fall within the Ministry of Education. I do not think they are there for nothing. They are there to support education to achieve its goals, and they can only do this if much attention is given to them in terms of financial support so that they can also help in their own way to enable us achieve our aim. So I want to plead with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to, like my earlier Hon Member said , support them financially to ensure that they are able to do what is expected of them.
Madam Speaker, having said this, I just want to remind the Hon Minister that there is so much to be done. Last year around this time, we sat down to approve a budget of this sort. A lot of things have been put
forward as things to be done within the year, but if you look at the Report, some of these things have not been mentioned as being achieved and the question is, where did the money budgeted for them go?
Probably, Madam Speaker, to make it clearer, basic education for that matter, pre-school education is a major policy that falls within the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), that was incorporated into the formal system to ensure that education achieves the quality that it deserves. In 2009, there was an outlook of it, that some infrastructure will be put up for formal education and for that matter, pre-school.
In 2010, we had the same thing but when you come to see the achievements of the 2010 Budget, nothing is mentioned about pre-school as having taken it seriously as it requires. Again, when we talk about senior high schools (SHSS), it was mentioned in the 2009 2010Budget that infrastructural development were going to be provided. You look at the achievements in the Report and nothing of that sort has been said.
The question is, do we say something today and tomorrow nothing is said about it? This is becoming a common feature of the education budget. Whatever is said in 2009 is reviewed in 2010 for us to know that whatever we requested this money for, has been done or has been achieved.
Madam Speaker, I want to seriously say that we are talking about abolishing the shift system. A sort of it has been done in Accra but what we saw was that it was just abolished and in abolishing them, hoping that we will have quality education; it is rather the opposite. Why am I saying this? A lot more children have been moved from the afternoon shift into the morning shift, thereby increasing the enrolment in our classrooms.
I have gone round a bit and there are some classrooms which have more than 6070, others 85 children in the classroom. What effective teaching can be done even
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Hon Member, wind
up now.
Ms Boateng 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker, in the
2010 Budget, they said they were going to provide enough furniture. I know a lot of classrooms without furniture. What are we doing? Two years. Two years of this administration. Where are we heading towards?
Madam Speaker, I want to implore the
Minister - [Interruption] - that whenever we had an outlook, we set our targets at things that we want to do, we should ensure that when the budget is given, these things are tackled so that the ensuing year, when we come, they are able to give a correct review of whatever has been done, so that we will have the urge to encourage that the new budget is also approved of.
Madam Speaker --
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Thank you - wind
up now - last sentence.
Ms Boateng 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker, let
me wind up and reiterate that it is not for nothing that pre-school and for that matter, kindergarten (KG) has been incorporated into the system. They need infrastructure, it should be done. The teachers need to be trained. Right now, they have brought some trained teachers for the primary schools and they have left vacancies in there.
Again, there are yawning classrooms; teachers are not found in these classrooms. These are the things that make quality education? So we want to implore the Minister that we need to see these things live so that we are sure of our future if we think that education is a pivot under which all development revolves.

Thank you very much.
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Thank you very
much. I think the Minister should wind up.
Mr Tettey-Enyo 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker, at this stage, I only wish to thank all my Colleagues in this House for their useful contributions in getting the whole House to understand that we need to support this Motion massively and get the appropriation of the sum mentioned
in this Motion duly approved for us to move forward.
I thank all of you for your contributions.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved:
That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢1,983,217,447.00 for the services of the Ministry of Education for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Leader, what other Motion should we take?
Mr Avoka 12:30 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I am
reliably informed by the Hon Minister for Communications that further to their directive, there have been consultations on the matter and they have come to a consensus. They have resolved the matter. So, you may invite him to wind up and we will take the vote.
Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Well, can he answer it for the benefit of all of us?
Hon Minister, you know the Hon Member raised a point?
ANNUAL ESTIMATES 12:30 p.m.
  • [Resumption of debate from Col. 3062]
    • Mr H. Iddrisu 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, once again, I thank Hon Members for their contribution except to add that we currently have a bandwidth capacity of 7,160 gigabytes and Vodafone has no monopoly whatsoever over it because Glo 1, Name 1 and the West Africa Cable System have all landed. And the issue of page 290 that the Hon Akoto Osei referred to, has to do with auctioning of WIMAX in anticipation of revenue from the International Gateway Project.
    The NCA will account for it to the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic
    Planning. But section 23 of the NCA Act, Act 769 provides for detailed reporting including their financial reporting which will be submitted to this House.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, the
    consultations included the Hon Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning. I think we acknowledged a practical problem and we agreed that the Hon Minister will ask NCA to, at some point in time, submit a report on estimates of revenue and expenditure to this House, just so we can move forward.
    So, the Hon Deputy Minister agrees, we all agree that there is a constitutional problem but for the purposes of moving ahead, we should resolve it this way.
    Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
    I thank you, Hon
    Members. That is the way forward. So, I can now put the Question.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved:
    That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢29,547,558.00 for the services of the Ministry of Communications for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
    Mr Avoka 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, earlier in the day, while laying Papers, we deferred item number 4 (f) concerning the Ministry of Defence. The Chairman is available and their Report is ready for laying.
    With your kind permission, I pray that we can take the presentation of that Paper.
    PAPERS 12:30 p.m.
    Mr Avoka 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, also, item 4 (c) involving the Ministry of Energy.

    By the Chairman of the Committee -

    Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Annual Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Energy for the year ending 31st December,

    2011.
    Mr Avoka 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, with your kind permission, we take Motion numbered 6.
    In this respect, may I kindly ask for permission for the Hon Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing to move the Motion on behalf of the Hon Minister. Madam Speaker, the Hon Minister is engaged in the exercise of signing the STX Agreement, I understand.
    Madam Speaker 12:30 p.m.
    No objection?
    I do not find any objection to Motion numbered 6.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, there is no objection. But since the Hon Majority Leader has taken liberty to announce to this House that the STX Agreement is being signed, and since we have been told that there were legal and technical problems that they have corrected, Madam Speaker, this House would have to be furnished with the Agreement that is being signed.
    ANNUAL ESTIMATES 12:30 p.m.
    Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources, Works and Housing (Mr David T. Assumeng) 12:30 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I wish to support the Motion and also urge the House to support it wholeheartedly.
    Madam Speaker - [Interruption] -- projects in the water, works and housing sub-sectors are capital intensive and provide important physical and social infrastructure - [Interruption.]
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:50 p.m.
    On a point of order. Madam Speaker, I clearly do not understand what my Hon Colleague is doing. He gets up and says that he expresses a wish, a desire to do something and then he goes on reading a text. What is he telling us? Is he seconding the Motion or not seconding the Motion? [Interruption.] He said he wishes to do that and wishing to do something does not mean you are doing that. Can he tell us what he wants to do?
    Madam Speaker 12:50 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member, do you second the Motion or not?
    Mr Assumeng 12:50 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I rise to second the Motion. [Hear! Hear!] Just as has been said, today is a great day and so I am so excited and I wish to presernt the Report of the Committee.
    1.0 Introduction
    The Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, in fulfilment of article 179 of the 1992 Constitution, presented the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for the fiscal year ending 31st
    December, 2011 to the House on Thursday, 18th November, 2010.
    In accordance with Orders 140 (4) and 180 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Rt. Hon Speaker referred the Annual Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to the Committee on Works and Housing for consideration and report.
    The Committee met with the Hon Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin, his Deputy, Hon Maj. (Dr) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed (retd.) and officials from the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, its departments and agencies. The Committee is grateful to the Hon Minister and his team for their assistance.
    2.0 Reference Documents
    The Committee availed itself of
    the following reference documents during deliberations on the Budget Estimates:
    a. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana;
    b. The Standing Orders of the House;
    c. The Budget Statement and Economic Pol icy of the Government for the 2011 Financial year; and
    d. Report of the Committee on Works and Housing on the 2010 Annual Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing.
    3 . 0 M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t o f the Ministry
    T h e M i n i s t r y o f Wa t e r Resources, Works and Housing exists to formulate and implement policies and programmes for the provision of adequate housing, other landed properties, potable water and development of infrastructure facilities in the areas of water and
    Mr Assumeng 12:50 p.m.
    A total amount of GH¢1,053,240.00 has been provided for the programmes and activities

    of the Hydrological Services Department for the 2011 financial year.

    The Committee observed that there is a 14 per cent decrease in the Administration vote from GH¢61,390.00 in year 2010 to GH¢53,001.00 for year 2011. The Committee noted that the department has a high component of field work that involves a lot of travels, vehicle maintenance and the use of fuel and lubricants which are all catered for from the Administration Vote. The Committee therefore recommends that Administration vote for year 2011 should be increased to the year 2010 level to enable the Department carry out its field activities.

    The Committee further observed that there has been a substantial decrease in Investment allocation from GH¢1,140,540.00 in year 2010 to GH¢570,270.00 for year 2011. The 50 per cent reduction in Investment Vote will pose a serious challenge to the department considering its activities for the year.

    The Committee recommends that MoFEP should allocate additional funds to the department should there be a supplementary budget to enable it undertake its investment activities.

    8 . 4 G h a n a Wa t e r C o m p a n y Limited (GWCL)

    The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has been allocated an amount of GH¢224,276,869.00 for the 2011 fiscal year.

    The Company in year 2011 will continue with the fencing of the Weija Dam Catchment area, pipeline extension works countrywide, ATMA Rural Water Supply project and the expansion of the Kumasi Barekese water treatment plant,

    among others.

    The Committee noted that GoG Investment allocation to the Company has been reduced from GH¢2,041, 359.00 in year 2010 to GH¢1,028,369 for year 2011. Approximately, the 50 per cent reduction in the Investment allocation for year 2011 will hinder the smooth execution of projects by GWCL. The Committee urges MoFEP to consider providing extra funds for GWCL in its supplementary budget.

    8.5 Department of Rural Housing

    The department has been allocated a total budgetary amount of GH¢671,450.00 for its operations in year 2011. It will among others undertake to:

    i. rehabilitate some office buildings, stores and bungalows nationwide;

    ii. continue with the construction of training/production workshops in nine regions which are at various stages of completion; and

    iii. train youth to acquire employable skills in construction and in the production of improved local building materials.

    The Commit tee observed that inadequate funding for Investment activities resulted in the department's inability to achieve its target for year 2010. A 50 per cent reduction in the Investment Vote from GH¢354,066.00 in 2010 to GH¢177,033.00 for year 2011 will have serious repercussions on Investment activities.

    The Committee, therefore, appeals to MoFEP to consider providing extra funds to the department for its Investment expenditure.

    8 . 6 P u b l i c S e r v a n t s H o u s i n g Loan Scheme Board

    SPACE FOR TABLE 1 & 2 -

    12.50 P.M. - PAGE 4
    Mr Assumeng 1 p.m.


    meaning the Ghanaian economy. And looking at that, the money or the funding allocated to the Ministry is woefully inadequate.

    As the Hon Deputy Minister said, the GoG component is only GH¢29 million, while the donor component is GH¢529 million, which in that case, is even meant for projects, I believe, in the water sector.

    Madam Speaker, looking at the rural water situation, we have in the Budget presented by the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning that the outlook for 2010 in the rural sector, which was projected to produce, under projects, 1,474 boreholes, only 64 boreholes were drilled. And looking at the report of the CWSA, we can see that their budget even for this year has been cut.

    The Hon Minister, even at the Committee meeting, when we were considering their budget said that they intended to drill 20,000 boreholes in the year 2011. I do not know by what magic or voodoo magic or whatever this figure is going to be achieved. I remember raising these concerns at the meeting, that looking at the rates of delivery in that sector, the realistic figure could only be 800, and I will reiterate that.

    He did admit that there might be a mistake in the figure but as we speak, it is still 64 boreholes in the Report. If it is indeed, a mistake, they need to rectify that. This is because it gives the impression that the delivery is very, very lethargic and that is unacceptable.

    Madam Speaker, when you look at sanitation, for instance, this very morning, I heard from the news on air that the Hon Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing was expressing his concerns over the fact that 80 per cent of Ghanaians

    do not have access to decent, dignified places of convenience. And I believe that this backlog needs to be looked at and remedied.

    This is because sanitation, indeed, gives dignity to all of us and I believe Ghanaians deserve to have better conditions for their private sanitation problems. The bye-laws need to be enforced, yes, but the Ministry also needs to do a lot in that area with regard to sanitation.

    Madam Speaker, if we look at the urban sector and its water delivery, despite all the efforts that have been previously put in place, there are still areas around the country, especially in the urban areas where we have shortage of water or water rationing. And their budget, looking at it, has been halved. I do not know how they are going to carry out their programmes this year.

    One area that also needs to be taken is protecting our water bodies. I know that there is a pilot project for the Weija Dam. The project has been stalled because residents in the area are harassing the contractor and the workers from undertaking their contract and I believe this does not augur well for our water bodies.

    This is because when the intakes are not protected, some pollution or poisoning can be effected to the detriment of residents and we shall all be at risk. So I will urge the Ministry to seriously tackle this problem to make sure the contractor is given free access to carry out his work.

    Madam Speaker, one area that also irks me is that, as we speak, Ghana Water Company Limited has it on record that only 400,000 Ghanaians are registered as water users and are paying for their water usage. This same figure was quoted two years ago, last year and this year. Does it mean that people are not being connected to new water lines? I want to find out. So I believe the Ministry needs also to look

    at this. I believe there are people who are illegally using our water without paying and they should be made to pay and where they are found wanting, they should be made to pay with penalties.

    Madam Speaker, a look through

    all the budgetary allocations shows that almost all the agencies under the Ministry's budget, for instance, Ghana Water Company Limited, the budget has been halved, Department for Rural Housing --they have only a third of their budget as compared with last year; Public Servants Housing Loan Scheme Board, they have been given only 45 per cent of their demand, et cetera. I believe, as I have already stated, their programmes would be hampered. I believe they should put in an application and they would receive our support for the mid-year allocations.

    Madam Speaker, there is also an item

    under Table 2 - Hon Minister, I think the Chief Director needs to look at this. There is a figure of GH¢273 million under General Administration. I think it is anomalous; it should be under Investment . I think it is a Chinese loan, so the placement should be looked at.

    Madam Speaker, when we were at the

    meeting, it came up that most of the heads of the agencies are in acting positions and I believe this is a disincentive to them and this needs to be rectified either from the Head of the Civil Service or from the Boards of Directors that are in place or from the Ministry itself. I hear the Chief Director himself is in an acting position and this is not good enough --
    Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
    Yes, wind up now.
    Ms Dapaah 1 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I want
    to touch on the Rent Control Department. I believe it is the only agency that acts as an intermediary between landlords and tenants and these tenants tend to be our workers who normally are at the mercy of our landlords. The Rent Control Act that is being reviewed needs to be quickened so that we can have it in place to protect those of us who rent places of abode.
    Madam Speaker, I just want to touch
    lastly on the internally generated funds (IGF) by the Public Works Department (PWD). They could not tell us at the Committee level, how much they were generating and this is not also good enough. They should be open and transparent with the Minister and his Directors so that they can monitor what they are doing.
    Madam Speaker, I would urge all Members to adopt the Committee's Report and support the Motion to approve the Estimates of the Ministry.
    Alhaji Seidu Amadu (NDC - Yapei/
    Kusawgu): Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the Motion --
    Madam Speaker 1 p.m.
    Let us make it five minutes.
    Alhaji Amadu 1 p.m.
    -- to approve the
    sums of money as indicated in the Order Paper for the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing.
    Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing and its affiliate departments and agencies continue to play a very crucial role in the provision of infrastructural facilities that go to support the economic development of this country.
    Unfortunately, this year, allocations made to most of the departments and agencies are half the level that were given in the year 2010 and one wonders how these agencies and departments are going to deliver on what they are supposed to do
    Mr Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi (NPP -- Asante Akim North) 1:10 p.m.
    I also rise to support the Motion on the floor of the House.
    With the greatest respect, Madam Speaker, in the Budget, we are told that there were some affordable houses which the previous Government poorly planned and funded and that Government is going to look into th is implement it.
    Unfortunately, the previous Govern- ment had done about 70 per cent completion of these affordable houses. The well planned achievements of the previous Government, with respect, have been neglected by the present Administration, and we would urge the Ministry to actually look into this
    and push for this affordable housing in addition to the STX Agreement that has already been executed today.
    Madam Speaker, in the Budget, mention was made of tax holiday that was previously enjoyed by the Ghana Real Estate Developers (GREDA). The effect of this group, that is, GREDA, which aims at developing low income housing, they are now going to pass on the cost of development to the ordinary person which would make things hard for the citizenry. I, therefore, urge the Government to look into this tax holiday that they had given a condition that unless GREDA partners with the Government, they are not going to allow them to enjoy the tax holiday.
    We also find, with the greatest of
    respect, that a total amount of GH¢340,227 was given to Public Servants Housing Loan Scheme under Investments. Madam Speaker, if there is anything to go by, that is the cost of the STX Housing Project, which is estimated at about GH¢50,000 per house; this would mean that the GH¢340,000 can only construct about five houses and this is woefully inadequate.

    If you look at the Hydrological

    Services Department, Ghana, Accra especially, is faced with flooding every year. And like the proverbial vulture, every year the Government keeps on postponing the solution to this problem. An amount of GH¢570,270.00 was given to Hydrological Services department under services. The main aim of this Department is to do construction and whatnots and therefore after services, I do not know what else they would do.

    The Government has yet earmarked a lot of projects in the Budget, which

    the Hydrological Services Department is going to go through. One wonders whether the department would be able to go through what had been outlined. Further, Madam Speaker, CWSA is playing a very important role in the country. What we would look forward to is that Accra or the cities must be well defined.

    If we can give geographical locations of the cities, then the CWSA can supplement whatever is left because they are doing a very good job. Unfortunately, we do not have clear maps for the cities. CWSA that is doing a great job, unfortunately, their budget has been reduced by about 60 per cent from the previous year's allocation and this is not acceptable. We pray that the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing would look into this, review this and give CWSA the resources to actually help in alleviating some of the problems in the country.

    I would want to touch on Rent Control

    Department -
    Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
    Try and wind up
    now.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 1:10 p.m.
    Rent Control
    Department; it is heartbreaking, with the greatest respect, to note that they need about 30 rent officers in the country in order to actually complement whatever they are doing. Rent Control Department is a very important department because it helps in arbitration of rent cases as well as valuation of accommodation and giving realistic figures. We would pray that Government would support this very important department in solving the problems of the country.
    Lastly, Madam Speaker, the Architects
    Registration Council, a law has recently been passed to actually regulate building
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 1:10 p.m.


    activities in the country to solve the problems that we are facing in building. Unfortunately, if you go through the Budget and if you compare it with last year's Budget, a decrease of 27 per cent has been made, when they are now to implement a law that has just come into operation. We pray that this would be reviewed in order to actually support the Council in achieving its objectives.

    Mr Edem Asimah (NDC -- South

    Dayi): Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion on the floor of Parliament and also to urge my Hon Colleagues to do same so that the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing would be able to deliver on its mandate.

    Madam Speaker, before I continue, I want to say that the performance of the sector in 2010 has been very commendable and I want to put on record that at the meeting that we had with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency and the Ministry, it was made clear that they made a mistake in writing 64 boreholes. Actually, they said they drilled 150 boreholes. I just want to make that correction which was made at the Committee level.

    Madam Speaker, I am saying that the

    sector has done a very good job. This is because in 2010, 58 small towns have been connected with water supply and in addition to this, there have been a lot of other activities carried out in the area of housing. The Borteiman-Nungua affordable housing scheme as well as Kpone/Tema Housing Scheme, including the Asokore, Mampong, Tamale and Koforidua housing schemes are all on course and the Hon Minister made it clear that funds are being sourced for these

    projects to continue under the affordable housing scheme.

    Madam Speaker, additionally, about

    225 houses have been built by the Public Servants Housing Scheme and have been given to public servants, and these are the reasons for which I am saying that the 2010 performance of the sector has been very commendable.

    In 2011, Madam Speaker, it has been said that the Weija Dam catchment area would be fenced and we all know that it is the main source of water for the western parts of Accra and some parts of Central Region, and if this area is not fenced and protected, in no short time, we may have problems with the quality of water in the Weija Dam and that would call for more treatment and the money that would be spent in treating the water would be very huge. I, therefore, want to congratulate the Ministry for actually coming out to protect the Weija Dam.

    Madam Speaker, it is also said that

    in 2011, there would be extension of pipelines throughout the country and we all know that, as we speak over here, there are a lot of communities that do not have access to potable water. And for this Budget, it has been said that pipe connection would be done throughout the country. If this is done, my Hon Colleagues and myself would be relieved because the pressures that we have from our constituents to make water available to them are very huge and I therefore, commend the Ministry for coming out with this pragmatic approach of making water available to the people.

    More importantly, Madam Speaker, it is the Cape Coast Water Supply System which is to be connected to the Nkyaaban Water Supply System which would lead to the supply of water to Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis. You all know that with the oil find, water is one of the key issues that would be confronting the people of the Western Region and for that matter, Takoradi/Sekondi areas.

    To connect these communities to the water system, I think it is a very laudable thing and we must all applaud the Ministry for doing that. Equally important is the STX Housing Scheme. Madam Speaker, you know that this STX Housing Scheme is going to be the stimulus package for employment generation in this country. The fitters, the steel benders, mechanics, masons, carpenters would all have work to do. In addition to this, the supply of cement and all the iron rods and all those things would lead to the increase in job creation for this beautiful country of ours. Job creation, you all know, has been a matter that we have all been fighting for. And I want to urge the Ministry, having signed the agreement, to speed up the process so that come 2011, jobs would be created for the people of this country.

    Madam Speaker, I want to touch a little -
    Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
    Wind up now.
    Mr Asimah 1:10 p.m.
    I want to touch a little on the coverage of water.
    With all these things, it is said in the Budget that 65.8 per cent water coverage would be achieved by the close of 2011. But I want to say that this is far below the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and I want us to speed up the delivery of water throughout the country so that we would be able to meet the MDGs.
    Equally important is the area of sanitation. We are very much far below in the area of sanitation and if I would not be mistaken, it is about 3 per cent, which is woefully inadequate and I want the Ministry to collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to accelerate the delivery of sanitation in the sector.
    Madam Speaker, in the area of the
    budget, it has been clear that there has been considerable reduction in the -
    Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
    Yes, wind up.
    Mr Asimah 1:10 p.m.
    And I would want
    to urge the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning that these money, when they are prepared and brought in their supplementary form, we should all do well to approve the supplementary budget for this Ministry to work as it should.
    Thank you very much for the opportunity.
    Madam Speaker 1:10 p.m.
    Thank you, Hon
    Member.
    Yes, Minority Leader.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I was really minded to make a contribution but if you would indulge -[Interruption.]
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Well, I will indulge you.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:20 p.m.
    I will
    yield my place to one of the Committee members, considering the fact that about four people have spoken. Just to yield my place to -
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    I think two from each side spoke.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, inclusive of the Hon Minister, I think four people -- and only two have spoken. So I will yield my place to a member of the Committee and then I will not make any contribution.
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Since he is the last Hon Member to speak, I will allow.
    Yes, do not be too long. We are already getting to 2 o'clock and we have not done much.
    Mr John Duoghr Baloroo (NPP - Lambussie) 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion on the floor of the
    rose
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Yes, is it a point of order? What is it?
    Alhaji D. Iddrisu 1:20 p.m.
    On a point of order. Madam Speaker, it appears my Hon Colleague on the other side is not speaking to the Motion. We are talking about Budget Estimates for a Ministry and he is talking of NDC Manifesto. Madam Speaker, I do not think it is necessary here. He should talk on the Budget approval for the Ministry. But to talk of NDC Manifesto, they said this, they did not do that, Madam Speaker, I think the Hon Member should speak to what we are discussing now.
    Thank you, Madam Speaker.
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Well, I do not think you have a legitimate point. He can refer to it.
    Go on.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I am on the right track. [Interruption.]
    Madam Speaker, I expected to see in the NDC Manifesto progress concerning slum upgrading - [Interruption] - I expected to see in the Budget slum upgrading -- in the 2011 Budget. The NDC told the good people of Ghana -
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Your time is running now.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    The NDC told the good people of Ghana that they were going to upgrade slums but in the 2011 Budget, I have not seen anything that is being done to upgrade the slums -- the zongo people. And if you would permit me to read -
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    No, I will not permit you; you are reading what? What are you reading, Hon Member?
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker --
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    I would not permit you to read the Manifesto -[Laughter.]
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, strong support in slums and - [Interruption] - the NDC as a party, with strong support in slums and in sprawling shanty towns including the zongos --
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member, your time is almost up.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    -- will add an upgrading in place. Approach consisting improving the existing infrastructure related to the tenor, satisfactory standards including addressing related economic growth --
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Member, wind up now.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    I have not seen anything like that in their Budget, meaning the NDC Budget is not pro-poor as you people are saying. And I am actually interested in seeing the woes of the rural folks being relieved and you people have asked Ghanaians to vote for them- [Laughter] - vote for them based on these pro-poor projects from which they have deviated completely - [Interruption.]
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Order! Order! Please, wind up, your time is up.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, on rural water - [Interruption.]
    rose
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    I expected to see a “Better Ghana Agenda” concerning rural water but in the Budget, nothing of that sort is mentioned --
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Member, let me take a point of order.
    Mr Asimah 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, my Hon Colleague over there said “you people”. I want him to tell us who he is referring to us “you people”.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, I am talking about the NDC Budget - [Laughter] - 2011 Budget.
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Yes, wind up now.
    Thank you, Hon Member.
    Mr Baloroo 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, on rural water, in the 2011 Budget, the NDC Government is proposing 20,000 boreholes. That, if they are achievable, I believe , would serve the rural people. But unfortunately, 2010, they were only able to build 64 boreholes. Can you convince us that in 2011, you would be able to drill twenty thousand boreholes? Meaning, the Budget is not achievable. [Interruption.] No, they cannot.

    Question put and Motion agreed to.

    Resolved:

    That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢558,890.00 for the services of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
    Mr Avoka 1:20 p.m.
    Madam Speaker, with your kind permission, we will take Motion number 11 - Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture.
    Madam Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Members, the Chair would be taken by the Hon First Deputy Speaker.
    1.28 p.m. - MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Majority Leader -
    Mr Avoka 1:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I was just indicating to Madam Speaker before she left that we would do Motion number 11; but with your kind indulgence, if you would permit, we will take Report number 4(b) - a Report from the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The Report is ready for laying. First page, item 4(b) on the Order Paper, then after that we would take Motion number 11 - Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture.
    Thank you.
    PAPERS 1:20 p.m.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:20 p.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, which Motion?
    Mr Avoka 1:20 p.m.
    Motion number 11 - Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, page 4.
    ANNUAL ESTIMATES 1:30 p.m.
    Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture (Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah) 1:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢15,039,993.00 for the services of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
    This is to enable the Ministry and its agencies undertake the planned programmes for the year under reference. Mr Speaker, in so doing, I wish to state that the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is the youngest of all the Ministries and therefore, it is saddled with so many problems. I, therefore, wish to appeal to this Honourable House to help approve this budget to enable us execute the programmes of the Ministry.
    In the year under reference, the Ministry wishes to review the legal framework regarding and regulating the mandate and activities of the National Commission on Culture, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, the National Theatre of Ghana, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Bureau of Ghana Languages and the National Symphony Orchestra to streamline the law
    to reflect their current status.
    Mr Speaker, the Ministry also intends to continue with the research to codify the lines of succession of the traditional areas and then to develop them into laws. The Ministry also intends to complete the construction of the Museums, Science and Technology building and two other regional theatres as well as commence the construction of security walls to protect the Ministry's acquired land at Kawokudi.
    Finally, the Ministry also wishes to install Local Area Network (LAN) at the National and the three National Houses of Chiefs to improve internal and external communication of this institution.
    On the basis of these, I wish to appeal to this august House to massively approve an amount of GH¢15,039,993.00.
    Question proposed.
    Chairman of the Committee (Mr
    Stephen M. E. K. Ackah): Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion ably moved by the Hon Minister and in so doing, I present your Committee's Report.
    1.0 Introduction
    Following the presentation of the 2011 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Hon Kwabena Duffuor on Thursday, 18th November, 2010, the Annual Estimates for the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture was referred to the Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture for consideration and report in accordance with Orders 140 (4) and 187 of the Standing Orders of the House and article 179 of the Constitution.
    In considering the referral, the Committee met on 7th December, 2010 to examine the Estimates. Present at the meeting was the sector Minister, Hon Alex Asum-Ahensah (MP) and his team from the Ministry led by the Acting Chief
    Director.
    The Committee is grateful to the Hon Minister and all the officials for their kind assistance.
    2.0 Reference Document
    Reference documents used by the Committee during its deliberations were:
    i) The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana;
    ii) The Standing Orders of the Houses.
    iii) The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2011 financial year;
    iv) 2011 draft Annual Estimates of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture; and
    v) 2010 Committee Budget Report.
    3.0 Mission Statement
    The miss ion s ta tement of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is to develop an effective interface between Government and society on matters relating to chieftaincy and culture for the promotion of peace, good governance and international partnership for the overall development of Ghana.
    4.0 Objectives for 2011
    In order to realise the above mission, the Ministry has set for itself the following objectives to be realised in the fiscal year
    2011:
    i. strengthen the regulatory and the institutional framework for the development of national culture;
    ii. strengthen the National/Regional Houses of Chiefs and all Traditional Councils;

    iii. deepen ongoing institutionalisation of policy formulation, planning, monitoring and evaluation systems at all levels;

    iv. increase the capacity of the legal system to enhance speedy and affordable access to justice;

    v. to ensure the reduction of HIV/ AIDS/TB transmission, its proper management and promote healthy lifestyle;

    vi. Promote sustainable and responsible tourism in such a way to preserve historical, cultural and natural heritage; and

    vii. develop Eco-tourism/Cultural/ Historic sites in five regions.

    5.0 Performance of 2010 Allocation

    The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture was allocated a total sum of fifteen million, two hundred and fifty thousand, five hundred and sixty-five ghana cedis (GH¢15,250,565.00) to enable it and its agencies undertake their planned programme in t fiscal year 2010.

    The breakdown of the allocation in the year under review was as follows:

    1. Personal Emolument -- 9,988,452.00

    2. Administration --

    2,385,153.00

    3. Service -- 67,085.00

    4. Investment -- 696,275.00

    5. IGF -- 1,395,584.00
    Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture (Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah) 1:30 p.m.
    6. Donor -- 718,016.00
    Total -- 15,250,565.00
    The actual expenditure of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture in the year under review as at the end of September 2010 was as follows:
    Table 2 Expenditure Returns for
    2010
    6.0 Achievements of the Ministry
    The Ministry was able to achieve the following in the year under review:
    Mr Speaker, your Committee was informed that the Ministry was able to successfully organise and celebrate the bi-annual National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) in Tamale and promoted the richness of our cultural diversity to the admiration of foreigners and Ghanaians. Indeed, the people of Tamale and the nation at large benefited immensely from the economic activities generated by the festival.
    Compilation of Customary Laws
    The Committee was further informed that the Ministry collected and documented data on 100 Paramountcies in the country and 21 of these were converted into draft customary declaration laws for the respective stools. Twelve (12) out of the twenty-one (21) customary declarations were submitted to Parliament for passage into Legislative Instruments (L.I.s) to regulate succession to the respective stools and skins. The 12 Paramountcies concerned are Nkoraza, Drobo, Sunyani, Prang and Atebubu in the Brong -Ahafo Region, Also, Kpone in the Greater Accra Region, Kaleo in the Upper West Region and Navrongo in the Upper East Region
    were covered. The rest are Gonja in the Northern Region, Lower Axim in the Western Region and Buem in the Volta Region.
    Codification of Customary Laws:
    The Committee was also informed that the first phase of the research work into customary land law and family laws were completed.Two traditional areas in each of the ten regions of Ghana were covered, bringing the total number of traditional areas covered to 20.
    Adjudication and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
    The Judicial Committees of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs determined about 320 cases and disposed of 33 while 287 cases were still pending. Also, about 352 cases were successfully determined by the ADR mechanism in the Ashanti Region.
    Chieftaincy Bulletin
    The National House of Chiefs issued the first edition of chieftaincy bulletin which is expected to serve as the official mouthpiece of the House to report on matters affecting the chieftaincy institution in Ghana.
    7.0 Outlook for 2011
    Looking forward into the year 2011, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture set out to undertake the following planned programme of activities:
    i. to review the legal framework regulating the mandate and activities of the National Commission on Culture, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, National Theatre

    of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Bureau of Ghana Languages and the National Symphony Orchestra to streamline the law to reflect their current status.

    ii. continue to research and codify customary lines of succession laws and its usage at the traditional council level and develop them into laws in the 30 traditional areas.

    i i i . organise cultural exchange programmes and joint commissions in 2011.

    iv. complete the construction of Museum of Science and Technology building and two regional theatres as well as commence the construction of security walls to protect the Ministry's acquired lands at Kaokudi.

    v. install Local Area Network (LAN) at the National and three Regional Houses of Chiefs to improve internal and external communication.

    8.0 Provision for 2011 Budget

    In order to realise the above set of objectives, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture and its agencies have been provided with an amount of fifteen million, and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-three Ghana cedis (GH¢15,039,993.00) for the year 2011. The amount is made up of GoG component of thirteen million, sixty -six thousand, nine hundred and ninety three Ghana cedis (GH¢13,066.993.00) and with an expected Internally Generated Fund (IGF) of one million, nine hundred and seventy-three thousand Ghana cedis

    (GH¢1,973,000.00).

    The breakdown of the allocation is as follows:

    1. Personal Emolument -- 10,288,106.00

    2. Administration -- 2,102,915.00

    3. Service -- 327,835.00

    TABLE 2 - 1.30 P.M. - PAGE5
    Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture (Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah) 1:40 p.m.
    funds. The institution has managed to establish a Youth Orchestra in order to ensure that orchestras would be available to fill in the gap when resources are eventually made available for people to be employed.
    The Symphony Orchestra expressed its worry about the unwillingness of the State to even use the existing expertise and good performance at State functions. The good work and performance of the Orchestra is recognized by some private individuals who invite them to perform at their private functions.
    The Committee therefore wishes to remind the State Protocol to patronize the activities of the National Symphony Orchestra whenever State functions are being organized. Proceeds realized from the hiring of their services could help develop the Orchestra and also reduce the high cost of hiring private artists.
    9.6 Abibigroma Theatre Company
    The group complained about the rate at which it is losing its performers to the more lucrative private groups. At the moment, the group can only boast of only 28 members. The group is therefore compelled to hire private performers to augment the existing number whenever there is performance. This brings additional expenditure to bear on the cost of production.
    The group also lacks basic logistics such as transport and computers to help move members to the regions to carry out educational campaigns through performance and to enhance administrative work.
    The Committee, therefore, wishes to call on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to consider making funds available to the group to enable
    them travel to the hinterland to educate and inform people about Government policies and programmes by the use of theatre arts.
    9.7 Museums and Monuments
    The Committee was informed that the inadequate allocations to the Investment items over the past few years has led to the inability of the institution to continue works on accommodation facility the construction of which started years ago. In the year 2011, the situation is unlikely to change as allocation to the investment item of the institution cannot allow them to do the work.
    9.8 Cultural Initiative Support Programme
    The Committee observed the Cultural Initiative Support Programme under the auspices of the National Commission on Culture and funded by the European Union is about to come to a halt in the first quarter of 2011.
    The activities of the programme has been closely monitored by the Committee as the directorate of the project continually gave an account of their stewardship to the Committee for the last three years.
    The objective of the project is to collect data on the cultural heritage of Ghana and to harness and add value to the cultural products of Ghana for higher socio- economic values in both the domestic and international markets.
    The programme has created a lot of value addition activities in the Kente industry of Ghana and trained Ghanaian artifacts producers in management skills to be able to better package their products to meet international standards.
    The results of their achievements in preserving, marketing and promotion
    of value activities in Ghanaian artifacts industry has led to the decision of the Committee to recommend to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the Government of Ghana to endeavour to find an alternative source of funding for the continuation of the programme.
    The Committee is of the view that the programme holds the key to the opening of yet another most reliable source of foreign exchange for the development of our dear nation.
    10.0 Conclusion
    Considering the relevance and the contribution of culture to the socio- economic and political development of our nation, the Committee wishes to recommend to the House to adopt its Report and approve the total sum of fifteen million, thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-three Ghana cedis (GH¢15,039,993.00) for the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture for the financial year 2011.

    Ranking Member of the Committee (Mr Isaac K. Asiamah) : Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion on the floor and in doing so Mr Speaker, I think it is very important that as a country, we place our priorities right.

    Why am I saying this, Mr Speaker? Culture, which is supposed to be the totality of life of the individual, whatever we do, we are shaped by our culture but most unfortunately, Mr Speaker, the budget allocation for Culture has been woefully inadequate over the years.

    Mr Speaker, just a little comparison. Mr Speaker, I have gone through the Budget carefully and it is so stricking and shocking that I have put together about ten Ministries and their budgets and strangely enough, they have not matched the amount that has been allocated to the Office of Government Machinery, the Castle alone. Mr Speaker, about ten Ministries here, put together, the amount is just about GH¢256 million as compared to GH¢292 million. Where lies our priorities? --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Hon Member, you know you should not deviate from the rules of the House. What is Government Machinery? You know that -- you know what Government Machinery says; it is not Castle alone.
    Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh 1:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I want to be guided.
    Can Mr Speaker raise a point of order against a an Hon Member?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Yes, you can call a Member to order under the rules.
    Mr Osei-Prempeh 1:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, under which section?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Order
    99 (1),
    “Any Member deviating from these Orders may be immediately called to order by Mr. Speaker . . .”
    Mr Osei-Prempeh 1:40 p.m.
    I do not want to argue with Mr Speaker.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Hon Member, you are misleading the House to say that the money is for Castle alone. It is all the Regional Co-ordinating Councils, and all those things are involved in Office of Government Machinery.
    Continue.
    Mr I. K. Asiamah 1:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think I mentioned Government Machinery,
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Thank you very much, Hon Member.
    Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh (NPP - Nsuta/Kwamang/Beposo) 1:40 p.m.
    Thank you Mr Speaker, for allowing me to add my voice to the Motion on the floor.
    Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is one of the most under- funded Ministries. Any time you meet the President of the Regional House of Chiefs or any of the Chiefs, what they tell you is that, “please, Parliament, fight for us because we are being staved of funds.”
    If you look at the figures provided on
    page 3, it means that their budget for last year, less than 50 per cent was released to them but they have very important functions to perform especially in the chieftaincy institution.
    Mr Speaker, about two weeks ago, this House passed L.I. 4 for 11 paramountcies, in trying to streamline and codify the House of Chiefs and the respective succession lines were an issue, which brought so much controversy and conflicts in our society. The report says that they have worked on 100 but as of now, they have been able to work on 12.
    Mr Speaker, looking at it, if every year they are going to do 11 or l2, it means that it is going to take more than a decade for the House of Chiefs to perform a function given to them by the Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act and I believe it is not proper Therefore, there is the need for Government to make very cautious effort to fund this Ministry especially the chieftaincy sector.
    Mr Speaker, I know that this Ministry needs more funds but looking at it, I asked a question, do we still as a nation need the National Symphony Orchestra and the Abibigroma Theatre Company? These were established after independence when we did not have private theatre companies, private orchestra companies.
    Now, Agya Koo and others are there and they are performing the functions. Even the private sector is better in this regard while the State still have a theatre company. I believe that they have outlived their usefulness and they must be disbanded so that the meagre funds can be channelled to areas where they will be more profitable for the Ministry.
    Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye (NPP - Ayensuano) 1:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I want to support the Motion on the floor by appealing to my Colleague Members to approve an amount of GH¢15,039,993.00 for the services of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
    Mr Speaker, I have a little concern about the Vote that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning gave to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture. As my Ranking Member put it, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture happens to be among the Ministries that get the lowest Vote in the discharge of their duty; not that alone, but also the release from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning -- I find it difficult to understand. It is because the Ministry does not put in the request for the release or the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning finds it very difficult to release the money to them.
    Mr Speaker, as the Ministry is finding it very difficult to get money to complete a number of projects that they want to embark on, if you look at Investment, out of GH¢696,275.00 that was budgeted for, only GH¢406,000.00 has been released, making fifty-nine per cent of the amount that they were supposed to get in the discharge of their duties. This is making it very difficult for the Ministry to embark on some of the projects that they are supposed to do.
    But as we all should agree, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is a very important Ministry that we all should pay attention to. If that is done, Mr Speaker, we are going to improve upon our tourism industry since more people would be travelling from outside the country to come and examine or witness some of our cultural festivals we have in this country.
    Mr Speaker, the chiefs that we have in this country, because some of them do not have enough funds to support their cultural activities, they do not celebrate the festivals at all. Others look on governments to support them and in doing so, politicians take advantage of this, and
    at a point in time, make it difficult for us to experience the colourful cultural activities that we used to see when we were children.
    I quite remember, when I was a young boy, I followed my grandmother to the Odwira Festival in Akropong. Mr Speaker, you would go there and you would see cultural activities like drumming and dancing, and the way the people dressed when they went to such festivals.
    Mr Speaker, today, when you go to the Odwira Festival, all what we see is the brass band music. The usual fontonfrom, atumpan that we used to see, is giving way to the brass band music simply because we are trying to allow foreign culture to overtake our local culture that we have, which is even more beautiful.
    Mr Speaker, culture also ought to do with the way we eat. If you look at the mission of this Ministry, if you go to our normal way of eating our local dishes, Mr Speaker, it also has to do with culture and that also improves the health of the people in this country.
    So, I will suggest to the Ministry that this time, they should make proper use of the money; they should put in the request at the appropriate time so that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning would also release the money for them to support some of these cultural activities in this country.
    Mr Speaker, when they do that and they support the paramount chiefs and other chiefs for their cultural activities. The usual system that we see where political leaders of other political parties will attend cultural festivals, and the organisers of such programmes will not recognise them, when a concern is raised, you would see government functionaries trying to explain why those people are not recognised.

    When chiefs are well resourced for them to take charge, take control of their cultural festivals, some of these things will stop.

    I also want to advise the Ministry to assist the Museums and Monuments Board so that they will go to our local people. We are looking at government buildings, like the castles that they want to preserve for us. But Mr Speaker, when you go to the rural areas, some of the people are trying to pull down their family homes and put up new structures. Very soon, by the next century, if care is not taken, we are not going to see these old structures for our children and grandchildren to come and have a look at them. So, we should try and preserve some of them.

    When you travel to countries like Libya and other places, you can see that as they move from old site to new site, they also preserve the old structures so that people who come later would see that this is where our forefathers lived before they moved to the new site. When this is done, it will also help improve the tourism industry in this country.

    With these few words, I say that we all should support the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture to move this country forward.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:50 p.m.
    Hon Members, that brings us to the end.
    Hon Minister, do you want to wind up?
    Mr Asum-Ahensah 1:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would like to thank all Hon Members who contributed for their contributions and I assure them that we will take them on board.
    Mr Speaker, I will like to react to one of the statements made by Hon Asiamah that the sixth programme which is scheduled to -
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:50 p.m.
    Hon Members, having regard to the state of
    business, I direct that the House Sits outside the prescribed period.
    Hon Minister, kindly continue with your winding up.
    Mr Asum-Ahensah 1:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I just want to say that that issue was perfectly explained at the Committee meeting. I would like to assure him that a delegation including myself and then officials from the Ministry went to the EU Resident Ambassador on this very issue, but he stood his grounds that it was a contract signed with us and therefore, at the appropriate time, they would call us for another one to be signed. Meanwhile, there are other avenues for us to exploit before that time.
    On this note, I thank all Hon Members
    who have contributed and the whole House for supporting this Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved:
    That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢15,039,993.00 for the services of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture for the year ending 31st December, 2011.
    Mr Avoka 1:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this brings us to the end of the Motions that are available and ready for adoption today. Many Hon Members are already in Committees and I want to urge committee Chairmen and Ranking Members that they should try to use the opportunity that we have this afternoon to expedite action with regard to the committee reports.
    Mr Speaker, we appreciate that tomorrow is a big day because of the inauguration of the oil fields. But we want to emphasise that there will still be normal Sitting. So if any Minister is not going to be available to move his/her
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:50 p.m.
    Are you telling us that the Deputy “must” or the Deputy Minister “will”?
    Mr Avoka 2 p.m.
    Well, if the Hon Minister has an obligation to travel with His Excellency the President to Takoradi, the Deputy Minister does not have that obligation, so their obligation should be to this Parliament. But all other Ministers who are not likely to go to Takoradi with the President and who have not yet taken their Motions, we encourage them to try to be here tomorrow.
    Mr Speaker, I am saying so because Thursday and Friday are dedicated to the debate on the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill. We intend to take the debate on Thursday and Friday.
    In fact, I know we are not many in the Chamber now but we have been trying to conscientise ourselves whether Saturday may not be a day for us to look as some of these Estimates that may not be taken on Thursday and Friday. If there are any outstanding ones, we may have to consider discussing them during the course of the week and see what we can do. Otherwise, rising on Tuesday, 21st of December might be a mirage. So we just want to sell the idea out to Hon Members that if they are programming themselves, they should try and take note. If they are programming themselves for the weekend, they may wish to take note and then, maybe, by tomorrow or the next day, we will confirm our fate on Saturday.
    I thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, what are the challenges we are facing that we cannot Sit beyond the normal two o'clock? If we are able to Sit deep into the - as we used to do - till six o'clock, seven o'clock, we should be able to clear -- If there is any challenge, let us know because it is just two o'clock and we are closing. By Madam Speaker's clock, it is one minute after two o'clock. We want to know what the challenges are so that all of us can help resolve this matter.
    Mr Avoka 2 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is the readiness of the reports. If the Hon committee Chairmen and Ranking Members had laid their reports, we would have taken them; we would have been here up to five o'clock. We have taken four; we could have taken four more. Some of them are really bad. They have to discuss and agree, so the challenge is the availability or the readiness of the committee reports.
    We are ready to Sit but nothing is here.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    So the question is not even whether we come on Saturday or not? When we come and the reports are not there -
    Mr Avoka 2 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I expect that by then all the reports would have been laid. I expect that latest by tomorrow, almost all the committee reports would be laid.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, the challenge we have now is the availability of the reports. If we have five reports, we can take them and leave here. So I think that you and the Hon Minority Leader may have to - You are in charge of the business of this House in terms of the Business Committee.
    You may have to get the Hon Chairmen and the Ranking Members to operate within the Business Statement that was
    adopted by this House. You may have to put some pressure on the Hon Chairmen and the Ranking Members of the various committees; otherwise, we will run into difficulties. We may come on Saturday and still run into difficulties.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 2 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we all recognise that these are not normal days. The situation has been compounded by the fact that even though this is supposed to be primarily a Budget Meeting, we have very important Bills to consider alongside the time we are considering the Budget.
    Unfortunately, because the Budget also did not come early enough, space for its consideration itself is constricted because after the one week when we did nothing about the Budget and then consulted the experts on it, we then came to discuss the principles of it. And then, thereafter, it went to the committees; so we have just two weeks.
    Mr Speaker may recollect that Parliament at the outset was programmed to adjourn this coming Friday. Then we had to extend by two days, that is Monday and Tuesday. So it is really a difficult enterprise. I thought that last week when we met, the intention which was expressed was to do half day Budget, half day Bill. Unfortunately, it does appear that the rules of engagement were changed along the line --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    Because of your absence yesterday?
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 2 p.m.
    Well, I do not know what that entails, Mr Speaker. But I thought that was the arrangement.
    Tomorrow is also a peculiar day. We may not extend beyond, maybe, 3, 4 o'clock, given the fact that in the evening we have a special event at the forecourt of the House - the Carols Night -- so we may have to

    break a bit earlier, which then will mean that we have Thursday. Fridays are not normal days. That is the difficulty in the situation that we are experiencing but when we get there, we will see what can be done under the circumstances.

    It is good the Hon Majority Leader has intimated the possibility of us Sitting on a Saturday. But Mr Speaker, you threw a question to the Hon Majority Leader that if there were challenges he should also let us know.

    Mr Speaker, he knows that beyond all these rhetorics, there are serious challenges. He knows that there are serious challenges and not until the embers are sufficiently stoked to send out the flame, we will still be left in the quagmire, so he should take a cue and address the challenges.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, when we were doing the Appointments Committee under very trying moments, we were waiting very late and getting our reports. We were leaving here, at times, 12 midnight and I do not know why other committees cannot see the urgency of it. Otherwise, we will be spending Christmas here. Yes, otherwise, we will be spending Christmas here - the rate at which we are going. Or we postpone Christmas?
    Hon Majority Leader, the Hon Minority Leader says you know what is the -
    Mr Avoka 2 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I can read the underlyings. I appreciate the challenges that he is referring to. They are outstanding and they are fair challenges that we will try to surmount.
    I just want to appeal to Hon Colleagues that notwithstanding the challenges, we will continue to work; we will surmount
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 2 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, knowing the problem that we have, is a bold step towards solving the problem. The Hon Majority Leader says that they are fair challenges. I disagree. There are monumental challenges.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    Hon Members, on that note, the House is adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
    Thank you very much for your support and co-operation.
    ADJOURNMENT 2 p.m.