Odekro | What has your MP done for you?

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, communication from His Excellency the President.
“15th March, 2013
RT. HON SPEAKER

1. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine -- Ministry of Justice and Attorney- General's Department;
2. Barbara Serwaa Asamoah -- Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources;
3. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa -- Ministry of Education; and
4. Felix Kwakye Ofosu -- Ministry of Information and Media Relations.
Kindly accept, Rt. Hon, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Sgd.) JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

Mr Dan Botwe

Mr Speaker, when Members of Parliament hear the nominations through the media so many days before we receive official communication -- I would want your guidance on it.
Again, also for you to confirm whether this communication is from the Jubilee House, Jubilee Flagstaff House -- [Interruptions] -- or wherever it is coming from and then the date of the communication.
It is important that Hon Members are reassured that after Mr Speaker has given this message, no other communication would come where we would need the Minister for Information and Media Relations to come and confirm or deny; it is important, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, really, I do not know, but communication to the House comes from the President and that is what comes to me; what happens in the media, I do not know. This letter dated 15th March, 2013 was received in my office yesterday -- the received stamp indicates that it was received yesterday.

Mr Mahama Ayariga

Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, we can take item 4(b), (d), (e), (m) and (q) and subsequently, the Motions.

Mr Speaker

Very well.

Mr Speaker

Item 4(q) -- By the Chairman of the Committee -- Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture --

Mr Speaker

Hon Asiamah --

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker, this is strange; my Hon Chairman knows that we have not discussed anything on the -- we have not even met. We have not even met; so, how can he produce -- ask him; we have not even met -- [Interruption.]

Hon Chairman, you need to work with your Hon Ranking Member, so that as much as possible, if there are any grey areas or any areas of conflict, they can be resolved.
Yes, Hon Member for Akwatia --

Hon Members, I will defer the laying of the Report for some few minutes. Hon Chairman, you just do the necessary consultation and come back and let us have the Paper laid. We do not have time.
Several Hon Members -- rose --

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, I have already ruled. If anybody disagrees with my ruling, they know what to do.
Hon Members, let us make progress. Any time you are done with the consultation, I will suspend whatever we are doing and have the Paper laid.
Hon Majority Leader, what Motions are ready for us to take?

Mr Speaker

All right.
Hon Members, item number 5 on the Order Paper --

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the reform of the Executive Board and the increase in quotas of member countries.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present your Committee's Report.
Introduction
The ratification of the amendment to the Articles of Agreement on reform of the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and increase in quotas of member countries was laid in the House on Friday, 1st March, 2013 and referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report in accordance with article 75 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Order 169 of the Standing Orders of the House.
The Committee met and considered the amendment to the Articles of Agreement with the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr. Seth E. Terkpeh and officials from the Ministry of Finance and hereby, presents this Report to the House pursuant to Order

161(1) of the Standing Orders of the House.

Reference documents

The following documents served as reference guide during the Committee's deliberations:

1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

Standing Orders of the House.

Memorandum on the ratification of the Amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on reform of the Executive Board and the increase in quotas of member countries.

Articles of Agreement on reform of the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and increase in quotas of member countries.

Background to the review of quotas

In its discussions on the Fourteenth General Review of quotas, the Executive Board assessed the Fund's need for resources over the medium-term in order to carry out its functions. The Executive Board stressed the need for the Fund to remain a quota-based institution, notwithstanding the recent large increase in its borrowed resources.

The Executive Board further noted that a range of indicators show that the relative size of the Fund has declined substantially since the last general quota increase 12 years ago and recognised that the distribution of quota shares should reflect the relative weights of the Fund's members in the world economy, which have changed substantially in view of the

strong growth in dynamic emerging market and developing countries (EMDCs).

In addition, recent events have highlighted the fact that global financial crisis can have broad dimensions, potentially affecting a wide group of member countries, while the recent reforms of the Fund's facilities could potentially expand the range of members that may seek the Fund's support in the future.

Given these considerations, the Executive Board proposed to the Governors that the total of Fund quotas agreed in the context of the 2008 quota and voice reform be increased by 100 per cent from approximately SDR 238.4 billion to approximately SDR 476.8 billion.

To give effect to the above, the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a package of far-reaching reforms of the Fund's quotas and governance on 15th December, 2010. These reforms represent a major re- alignment in the ranking of quota shares that better reflect global economic realities, and to further strengthen the Fund's legitimacy and effectiveness.

The Board of Governors also supported an amendment to the Articles of Agreement that would facilitate a move to a more representative, all-elected Executive Board.

Purpose of the reforms

The purpose of the reforms is to re- align the ranking of quota shares to better reflect global economic realities, and a strengthening of the Fund's legitimacy and effectiveness. It also completes the 14th General Review of Quotas with an unprecedented doubling of quotas and a major realignment of quota shares -- a shift of more than 6 per cent for over-

represented to under-represented members and, a more than 6 per cent quota shift to dynamic emerging market and developing countries. The reforms also protect the quota shares and voting power of poor members.

Observations

The Committee made the following observations during its deliberations:

Current position of the proposed amendment and justification for Government action

The Committee noted that in order for the proposed amendment on reform of the Executive Board to enter into force, acceptance by three-fifths (3/5) of the Fund's 188 members (or 113 members) having 85 per cent of the Fund's total voting power is required. As of March 1, 2013, 133 members having 70.82 per cent of total voting power had accepted the amendment.

For the quota increases under the 14th General Review of Quotas to become effective, the entry into force of the proposed amendment to reform the Executive Board is required, as well as the consent to the quota increase by members having not less than 70 per cent of total quotas (as of November 5, 2010). As of March 1, 2013, 148 members having 77.42 per cent of total quota had consented.

Therefore, since the amendments effectively constitute a modification to an existing international law, it is necessary that appropriate domestic legal steps are taken to make the acceptance effective, and this requires the prior consent of Cabinet and ratification by Parliament.

Financial implications and benefits to Ghana

The Committee observed that the ratification of the Agreement does not impose any immediate financial obligation on Ghana.

The Committee was however, informed that the 14th General Review of Quotas which doubled the quotas and realigned the quota shares of member countries would mean that Ghana's current contribution to the Fund will double. This also means that Ghana would be entitled to access more credit of about US$738 million as compared to the current figure of US$369 million.

Ghana's constituency in the IMF

The Committee was informed that though Ghana functionally operates within the African Department of the IMF, it is currently in the constituency of the North African and Asian countries, namely the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Algeria, Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia. This situation denies Ghana the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board of the Fund where major decisions are made.

The Committee however, calls on the Government to analyse the benefits or otherwise of Ghana's position in this constituency. This will enable Government to decide on whether to remain or leave the current constituency.

Conclusion and recommendation

The Committee, having carefully examined the amendments, noted that they are consistent with the 1992 Constitution and accordingly recommends that the House adopts its Report and ratifies by Resolution, the proposed amendments to the Articles to the Agreement on the reforms of the Executive Board of the IMF and the increase in quotas of member countries in accordance with article 75(2) of the Constitution.

Respectfully submitted.

Dr Anthony A. Osei(NPP -- Old Tafo)

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion and in so doing, I would want to bring Hon Members, attention to your Committee's Report on pages 3 and 4 about the observations.
Mr Speaker, on page 4, the Committee observed that the ratification of the Agreement does not impose any immediate financial obligation on Ghana. Mr Speaker, the Committee was however informed that the 14th January review of quotas has doubled quotas and realigned the quotas shares, so that our current share, which was US$369, by this ratification, will go up to US$738; so that when we want to borrow, we have up to that ceiling.
Mr Speaker, the more important thing is on the next observation. By a historical accident, when Ghana joined the Fund, we found ourselves in a constituency which consists of North African nations and Asian countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia.
Mr Speaker, at that time, not too many African countries had joined, so, we thought that it was strategic to locate ourselves in this constituency. And for your information, one of our former directors, the late Amon Nii Quaye became an Executive Director. But times have changed and we still find ourselves in this constituency.
Mr Speaker, the Committee is inviting Government to take a relook at this position, to ask whether or not -- where we are currently located is strategic to us.
Mr Speaker, Liberia and Sierra Leone, which find themselves in an African constituency, have become Executive Directors -- and look at the time we joined. Now, the best we have is an advisor in the office of the Executive Director -- an adviser. Mr Speaker, by
the way, this position also affects our constituency in the World Bank. A nation like Ghana should be looking towards being an Executive Director, not an adviser in the office of the Executive Director.
So, I think that we invite the Government to seriously examine the position. Not that I have anything against these so-called North African and Asian countries -- they can stay there for operational purposes anyway, while Ghana is considered under the African division.
So, it is a bit odd and it is about time Government relooked at this constituency and saw if it would not be better in our interest to shift constituencies, so that our esteemed Minister for Finance or somebody can be found to become an Executive Director, because the Executive Directors take the important decisions.
But that notwithstanding, Mr Speaker, the previous -- Usually, we have found that the Iranian Executive Directors have been very, very good to us. But it should not be personalised because we had a personal relationship.
With those few words, I urge all my Hon Colleagues to approve the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.

Minister for Finance (Mr Seth E. Terkpeh)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that
WHEREAS by the provisions of article 75 of the Constitution any treaty, Agreement, or Convention executed by or under the authority
of the President in the name of Ghana is made subject to ratification either by an Act of Parliament or by a Resolution of Parliament, supported by the votes of more than one-half of all the Members of Parliament.
IN ACCORDANCE with the said article 75 of the Constitution, the President has caused to be laid before Parliament, through the Minister responsible for Finance, the amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the reform of the Executive Board and the increase in quotas of member countries on 1st March, 2013.
NOW THEREFORE, this Honour- able House hereby resolves to ratify the said amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the reform of the Executive Board and the increase in quotas of member countries.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.

You know he was trying to draw attention to a newspaper publication with regard to these appointments. The truth of the matter is that, those newspaper publications that we are referring to, the communication to this House, as a House, did not mention those matters at all to us.
The communication did not mention those things that were put in the media and therefore, in my view, in my view, it

is those that were officially communicated to me; those were the ones that I dealt with. But you have a point there. You have a point and people are listening.

Prof. George Y. Gyan-Baffour

Mr Speaker, I think that clarity is necessary but since we do not have it yet, the only Minister who is a member of the Commission is the Finance Minister, the ex-officio member of the Commission. He is the one nearest to the Commission. So, I think presenting it here at this point, will be all right but there is the need for the Presidency to be clear on who actually oversights it.
But I think that as of now, he is the only one who is so close to the Commission and he can actually do a presentation like that.

Mr Speaker

That is very useful information you have provided to the House.
Hon Members, let us deal with the estimates. For today, we are dealing with the estimates; so, let us as much as possible limit ourselves to the estimates.

Dr A. A. Osei

Yes, Mr Speaker, I raised the matter in a positive way because it came up during the Committee. The non- clarity of the supervisory role for the NDPC is creating problems for the Commission. In any case, if the Minister is a member, then it would not be wise for him to be judge and jury in his own -- But he was at the Committee --
The NDPC claims that certain times they do not get enough of their budget because they do not have an advocate in Cabinet. You have rightly pointed to us that now, the Special Adviser who is the Chairman is there. In fact, the Committee -- it is not reflected in the comments -- recommended that the Chairman of the NDPC might be invited to sit in Cabinet, so that the views of the NDPC -- This is

Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin (NDC -- Nadowli/Kaleo)

Mr Speaker, the issue of lack of funds for the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has been with us for a long time. Mr Speaker, I recall in National Democratic Congress (NDC) 1, the NDPC was clearly under the purview of His Excellency the President. Today, we are following the example of NDC 1, where the NDPC was totally under the Office of the President.
Mr Speaker, during the time of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NDPC was under the President but some of the policy activities were also incorporated into the Ministry of Finance. So, we had the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. So, the economic planning aspect was taken to the Ministry of Finance.
Today, we have a Ministry of Finance. The Economic Planning aspect has been taken away and I believe given back to the NDPC.

Mr Speaker, the fate of the Commission clearly depicts our view of the Commission. We are not putting priority on the work of the Commission and that is why it is suffering. So, I do not believe that we should be talking to the Minister for Finance because the budget itself is not for the Minister for Finance; it is a budget from the Presidency.

So, we should be talking directly to the President, that we should take the NDPC serious and not only give it enough funds to operate but make sure that it gets the full complement of its human resource requirements.

We are having a lot of problems with development planning because of this. Mr Speaker, we have been able to have only the medium-term development plans, but we have not been able to get a long-term development plan. Even from Vision 2020, we were able to iron out only a few short- term development plans up to 2000. That was the first phase, and then after that we have been somersaulting with some poverty reduction.

Now, we are having Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA); these are all medium-term ones and where are we getting this medium- term from if there is no long-term development plan? It is when you have a long-term development plan that you divide it into medium-term development plans and then translate that into annual budgets. But because we are not taking it serious, the vision of the framers of the Constitution is lost.

So, I would support the call, that we should as much as possible submit to His Excellency the President, strong words of the view of this Arm of Government -- Parliament -- to refocus on resourcing the

NDPC.

It is true that as of now, the Chairman of the NDPC, in the person of Mr P. V. Obeng, is a Senior Advisor to the President. That is a position that gives him a lot of leverage; but without resources, there is no much he can do. So, I support that we approve the estimates subject to the fact that His

Mr Kwaku A. Kwarteng (NPP -- Obuasi West)

Mr Speaker, I would like to support the point earlier speakers have made, that the staffing of NDPC is boosted. But Mr Speaker, it also came up during our deliberations that the appointed Commissioners for the Commission were quite a number, and that for 2012, the meetings and allowances alone came to something in the neighbourhood of GH¢1.4 million. Mr Speaker, that is really big.
Obviously, if this amount would be reduced, the savings could be put into recruiting more technical staff who do the work really, anyway. It would require that the law that forms the NDPC is amended, Mr Speaker, to cut back the number of appointed commissioners. The Director- General did concede at the discussions that suggestions in this regard have already been made to the Constitution Review Commission. But Mr Speaker, really, what we require are legal amendments, not really a constitution review.

Minister for Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Akwasi Opong- Fosu)(MP)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this House approves the sum of GH¢447,495,901 for the services of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, the sector allocation as provided within the medium-term expenditure framework for the 2013 financial year is detailed as follows: GoG GH¢162,684,507; donor contribution, GH¢ 189,811,394, ABFA, 5,000,000; social intervention programmes, GH¢90,000,000. Mr Speaker, the objectives, output and activities of the Ministry are captured in the medium-term expenditure framework for the 2013/2015 fiscal years and the budget estimates for the 2013 financial year.
Mr Speaker, as part of Government's commitment to deepening democracy and rural development, 46 new districts were created and in order for the districts to operate effectively, they will be supported with logistics. In addition, the Local Government Service will ensure that all the 216 MMDAS and their departments are adequately staffed.
Mr Speaker, the Ghana School Feeding Programme will continue in 2013 with the aim of attaining the key objectives of contributing to poverty reduction and improving food security in deprived communities. Mr Speaker, the Local Enterprises and Skills Development Programme (LESDEP) will be expanded to cover 60,000 beneficiaries.
The Environmental Health and Sanitation Units will support MMDAs to acquire treatment and disposal sites and facilities as well as facilitate the review of bye-laws of MMDAS with their enforcement. Under a PPP arrangement, two waste-to-energy plants will be established in Kumasi and Cape Coast.
Mr Speaker, I humbly request that the House approves the sum of GH¢447,495, 901 for the services of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for the 2013 fiscal year.
I beg to move accordingly.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah)

Mr Speaker, before I proceed to present the Report of the Committee, let me humbly request that on page 6 of the Report, table (c) items on wages and salaries should read GH¢116 not GH¢1121; there is an omission of the “6”. It is GH¢116,121, 205.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah)

Introduction
On Wednesday, 5th March, 2013 the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth Emmanuel Terkpeh, in accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and Order 140 (1) and (2) of the Standing Orders of the House, laid before Parliament, the estimates of revenue and expenditure of the Government of Ghana for the 2013, fiscal year.
Mr Speaker, in accordance with Order 140 (4) of the Standing Orders referred the draft annual estimates of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development for consideration and report.
The Committee met on Thursday, 14th March, 2013 and considered the annual estimates of the sector Ministry, which is in accordance with article 179 of the Constitution and Order 181 of the Standing Orders of the House.
Acknowledgements
During the deliberations on the estimates, the Committee met with the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, the Chief Director, heads of the various departments, agencies and projects of the Ministry and officials from the Ministry of Finance. The Committee is grateful to these persons for their invaluable contributions.
References
In discussing the estimates, the Committee made reference to the following materials:
a. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
b. The Standing Orders of the House.
c. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2013 financial year.
d. The 2013 draft annual estimates of the Ministry of Local Govern- ment and Rural Development.
e. Report of the Committee on the 2012 Annual Estimates of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Mission of the Ministry
The Ministry is mandated to ensure good governance and balanced develop- ment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) through the formulation of policies on governance, decentralization, rural development and environment and draws guidelines on the acquisition and use of human resources by Assemblies.
The Ministry is further authorised to design and deliver systems that would set targets and monitor the performance of the Assemblies. It also developes, monitor sector plans and provides management advisory services to the Assemblies.
Broad policy objectives
The Ministry has outlined the following as its broad policy objectives:

1. Ensure effective implementation of the Local Government Service Act.

2. Strengthen and operationalise the sub-distr ict structures and ensure consistency with local government laws.

3. Ensure efficient internal revenue generation and transparency in local resource management.

4. Enhance civil society and private sector participation in go- vernance.

5. Strengthen functional relationship between Assembly Members and citizens

6. Promote well-structured and integrated urban development.

7. Promote resilient urban infras- tructure development, mainte- nance and provision of basic services.

8. Create an enabling environment that will ensure the development of the potential of rural areas.

9. Accelerate the provision and improve environmental sanita- tion.

10. Adopt a sector-wide approach to water and environmental sanitation delivery to ensure effective sector coordination.

11. Mainstream the concept of local economic development into planning at the district level.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah)

22. Develop and implement com- prehensive and integrated policy, governance and institutional frameworks.
23. Ensure sustainable development in the transport sector.
24. Develop adequate human resources and apply new technology.
25. Foster social cohesion and enhance the participation of people in leisure activities as a way of improving healthy lifestyles.
26. Improve sector institutional capacity.
27. Increase equitable access and participation in education at all levels
28. Ensure the reduction of new HIV and AIDS/STIs/TB Trans- mission.

29. Bridge the equity gaps in access to healthcare and nutrition services and ensure sustainable financing arrangements that protect the poor.

Review of 2012 budgetary allocation

6.1 In the year under review, Parliament approved an amount of two hundred and twenty three million, two hundred and seventy-two thousand, one hundred and twenty-seven Ghana cedis (GH¢223, 272,127.00) from a combination of Government of Ghana (GoG), donor and social intervention sources for operations of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

2012 Allocations as reviewed

The breakdown of the budgetary allocation for the sector Ministry for the 2012 fiscal year is indicated below in Table A. The 2012 expenditure breakdown by cost centre is indicated as appendix 1.

Actual releases and expenditure for 2012

The breakdown of the actual expenditure for the sector Ministry for 2012 is indicated in Table B below: -

Table B

Budgetary allocation for 2013

The breakdown of the budgetary allocation for the sector Ministry and by cost centres for the 2013 fiscal year is indicated as Tables C and D below: -

Table C

SPACE FOR TABLE ‘A' - PAGE

5 - 12.20P.M.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah)

Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit
The Committee was informed that the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit completed two (2) engineered landfills in Tema and Sekondi-Takoradi. Also completed in the year under review was the Adjen-Kotoku compost plant in the Ga West District which was built in partnership with Zoomlion Company Limited.
Centre for Urban Transportation
The Committee was informed that the Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Urban Development Unit helped to develop the Road Traffic Regulation. The Centre also facilitated the formation of Urban Passenger Transport Units as well as their integration into the participating Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) as Transport Departments under L.I. 1961.
Urban Poverty Reduction Project
The project was able to complete the preparation of 60 community business and development plans and also trained three hundred and sixty representations of local government institutions, civil society and the private sector to contribute to employment-oriented public-private- partnerships. Additionally, 15,000 properties of 14 MMDAs were re-valued by the project.
Furthermore, 236 socioeconomic infrastructure projects were completed and handed over to beneficiary communities.
Ghana Social Opportunities Project
(GSOP)
9.10.1 The Committee was informed that 36 sub-projects under the GSOP made up of 17 social infrastructure projects, 1 feeder road, 6 rehabilitated dams and 12 climate

change interventions were completed. In addition, 145 others made up of 23 social infrastructures, 35 feeder roads of total length 114.2 kilometres and 83 climate change interventions are ongoing.

Local Enterprises and Skills Development Project (LESDEP)

In the year under review, LESDEP provided 44,735 unemployed persons with skills training in vocational, entre- preneurship and business development services. The beneficiaries were provided with set-up equipment and have established businesses in various trades.

Food Security and Environment Facility

(FSEF)

In the year under review, FSEF supported 930 farmers to adopt soil improvement methods. 550 farmers were assisted with farm inputs, such as maize and soya beans in East Mamprusi, Builsa, Garu and East Gonja Districts. 422 were trained in production and post-harvest management of onions. Additionally, about 90 farmers from Sapeliga, Saka and Nagbere were sent to Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) for demonstration on two main onion varieties: Bawku red and the hybrid almi.

Outlook for 2013

Local Government Service

The Committee was informed that the Local Government Service in pur- suit of its mandate, shall ensure that the 216 MMDAs are staffed with sub- stantive Co-ordinating Directors and heads of department.

Co-ordinating Directors and heads of department will also be appointed for merged and established departments under Schedule I of L.I. 1961.

In addition, the Service will establish regional human resource departments, 150 MMDAs HR units and District Works Department in all MMDAs. It will also integrate departments under Schedule II in L.I. 1961 into the MMDAs and develop sector-wide results based on M&E system for all RCCs and MMDAs to establish baseline indicators as well as implement the report on LG legislations review.

The Committee was further informed that the Service will establish Management Information System (MIS) in the LGSS and HR database Management System (HRDBMS) to be linked with 10 selected MMDAs as a pilot programme and the subsequent incorporation of the of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Database (IPPD) into the LGSS management in at least, 5 MMDAs.

Procurement of equipment for 50 MMDAs for the EU-Human Resource Support Programme (HRSP) is also on- going while terms of reference and request for proposal for human resource database update will be completed.

District Development Facility

10.2.I The Committee noted that, a total amount of US$66.30 million will be mobilised and allocated to MMDAs based on 2011 FOAT Assessment. The secretariat would also recruit consultants to conduct 2012 FOAT assessment for both DDF and UDG.

Ghana School Feeding Programme

The Committee was informed that the National School Feeding Policy will be launched and implemented. The programme will also collaborate with the

National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to introduce other food commodities other than rice.

Department of Community Development

The Committee learnt that the Department of Community Development as part of its mandate, shall transfer employable and sustainable skills to 6,000 youth through TVET. The scholarship programme would be extended to additional 300 girls from poor households in 59 selected District Assemblies. Again, vocational and entrepreneurial skills training will be provided for 800 rural community groups.

In addition, the Department will organise income generating activities for 400 rural community groups and train 120 community educators at the Rural Development College.

Births and Deaths Registry

The Births and Deaths Registry would continue to provide vital statistics by way of demographics data for development planning. It will also improve registration coverage in the country and expand the Community Population Register Programme. Additional registration centres in rural communities will be established and the computerisation programme of the Registry completed.

Department of Parks and Gardens

The Committee was informed that the Department, with its improved budgetary allocation, would continue to promote landscape beautification of built and natural environment and collaborate with MMDAs to develop programmes for floral beautifi-

Mr Speaker

How did you arrive at the 80 pesewas? That was what you were told?

Mr Speaker

Very well.

Hon Chairman of the Committee, the Hon Member said they were told at the Committee -- you are the Chairman of the Committee, for that reason, when you got up, I called you to clarify the position.

Mr Speaker, I cherish the directive you have given, that probably, we would need to go into that matter in much detail, so that we know the spending areas of the GH¢16 million.
I am grateful.
Mr Speaker, with regard to Local Enterprises and Skills Development Programme (LESDEP), we are told that for last year, 2012, 44,735 people were employed by the Programme or given skills or training. That was made possible out of GH¢84 million allocated. And this amount was paid in full. The allocation was GH¢84 million, expenditure was GH¢84 million and that enabled LESDEP to recruit, train and impart skills to about 44,735 people.
In this budget, Mr Speaker, an allocation of GH¢75 million has been made

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, he is quoting from a source; he is quoting from a document. Nobody is contesting the document from which he is quoting from. And he is doing his analysis; you may disagree --

Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh

Mr Speaker, I am concluding.

Alhaji Ibrahim Dey Abubakari (NDC -- Salaga South)

Mr Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to contribute to this Motion.
Mr Speaker, a lot has already been said so I will not take much of your time. I would like to talk about two departments under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and that is the Births and Deaths Registry. Mr Speaker, we all know the importance of the Births
and Deaths Registry. When one looks at the Budget Statement, the allocation made to the Births and Deaths Registry is GH¢3,796,956 and I deem this to be woefully inadequate, knowing the importance of this particular department.
Mr Speaker, the restructuring of this department has begun. But I think it is long overdue and I think the Ministry would take it more important, so that the restructuring comes to completion. Why do I say so? The Births and Deaths Registry contributes a lot to our economy in terms of planning, economic benefits and other social benefits. Mr Speaker, let us look at what this particular department has registered in the year 2012.
According to your Report, at page 10, we are told that the Committee was informed that the Births and Deaths Registry recorded 715,271deaths. Assuming the registration fee is even GH¢20 per person, when you multiply this by 715, you would get about GH¢40 million. Mr Speaker, if this department can raise GH¢40 million and the amount given to it is only GH¢3.7 million, in my view, do not see the importance of that department.
We know that when the Births and Deaths Registry is well structured, even in our budgeting process, we would know the number of people at any time in our economy.
Two, when you take our population at the moment, it is 24 million and assuming 3 per cent growth in the population, that is about 720,000 annually. When you multiply this by GH¢20, you would get almost GH¢14.4 million annually as a contribution from the Births and Deaths Registry.
I would therefore, urge the Hon Minister in charge of Local Government and Rural Development to try as much as he can, to at least, set the process of this department, maintaining their internally
generated funds (IGFs). If they cannot get 100 per cent of it, at least, 50 per cent of what they raise should go to this department, so that the restructuring process they have begun -- I quite remember when the Hon Chairman was making his contribution, he stated that when you go to their office, it is so deplorable and so disgraceful to see that such an important department as head office.
When they maintain the IGFs, at least, they can have very beautiful buildings and they can also complete the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) process that they have begun, that would help at least, the department to grow.
Another department -- When you take for example, the Civil Aviation Authority, in those days, when the Government used to take all the money and nothing was retained, everybody saw what happened at the Authority. When the Government passed the law and allowed them to retain all their money, today, when you go to the airport, you can see what Civil Aviation Authority has done. This can equally be done to the Births and Deaths Registry, by allowing them to maintain the IGFs and then they would be able to increase their offices in the districts.
We all know that our lives begin at birth and ends at death. When the Births and Deaths Registry is restructured, even the local government can anticipate the number of children that are in their locality and planning for kindergarten, planning for primary school, they would know the total number that would help to go on, hence the importance of restructuring this department.
The last one I would want to talk about, is the Department of Parks and
Gardens. This is another department, I can say, when restructured well, can be a cash cow, it can bring a lot of money to help. As I am talking, people wonder whether that department is still living, if it is not dead. But when we met them, they said that they were still living and kicking.
Unfortunately, what is happening is that, most of the contracts that Government should have given to this department are given to private organisations and hence Government is not contributing to bring this department to livelihood. As I am talking, even our own beautification of Job 600, which should have been given to this department, I learnt it was given to a private contractor.
With your permission, I beg to quote, Mr Speaker.
“The Department also undertook works and maintenance of lands, pavements of roundabouts, road medians and road shoulders in our city entirely. The Castle gardens, State House, Flagstaff, Asomdwee Park, et cetera.”
This shows that if this particular department is given an adequate amount -- When we met them, they said that they were given GH¢1 million, of which they were very happy about. But GH¢1 million is woefully inadequate if we want to maintain this particular site. Therefore, I am urging the Government and for that matter, the Ministry, to make sure that, at least, enough money is given to this department to ensure that our cities, our road shoulders and all areas that should be beautified are done.
With this, I would want to urge all Hon Members to support the annual estimates for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Thank you for the opportunity.

Where is Hon Asiamah?

Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah

Mr Speaker, I believe you gave the Chairman and the Ranking Member an assignment --

Mr Opare-Ansah

Mr Speaker, precisely my point. He is an Hon Member and we trust him, so --

Mr Speaker

I have verified from the Chairman and the Ranking Member but I would want it to be placed on record, that is why I called him and I was also going to call the Ranking Member to confirm before I make him lay the Paper.
Hon Ranking Member, Youth and Sports, have you resolved the matter?

Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah

Mr Speaker, rightly so; we have resolved the matter.

Mr Speaker

Hon First Deputy Speaker to take the Chair.

Minister for Communications (Dr Edward Omane Boamah)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢56,968,314 for the services of the Ministry of Communications for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
This is to ensure effective and efficient management of the information commu- nication technology (ICT) and Telecommunication sector of our country. Through this, we would be able to pursue the eastern corridor fibre optic broadband back-bone infrastructure, which is stretching from Ho, all the way to Bawku and then Tamale to Yendi.
We also intend to pursue-Application programmes such as e-Justice, e- Parliament and e-Immigration. Research development which is linked to job creation in the area of business process outsourcing, will also be pursued.
Thank you.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

Mr Speaker, I present the Report to the Motion moved by the Minister for Communications.
Introduction
The budget estimates of the Ministry of Communications for 2013 were referred to the Select Committee on Communications for consideration and report in accordance with Orders 140 (4) and 182 of the Standing Orders of the House. This followed the presentation to Parliament of the 2013 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government by the Minister for Finance, Mr Seth E.Terkpeh, in accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and Order 140 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House.
The Minister for Communications, Hon Edward Omane Boamah, and a technical team from the Ministry and its departments and agencies, assisted the Committee during its deliberations.
Reference documents
The Committee consulted the following documents:
The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
The Standing Orders of the House.
The Budget Statement and Econo- mic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2013 financial year.
The Budget Statement and Econo- mic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2012 financial year.
Report of the Ministry of Communi- cations on the actual releases and expenditure of the Ministry of Communications for 2012.
1.2 Vision and mission of the Ministry
The vision of the Ministry of Communications (MoC) is to take advantage of the emergence of information communications technology (ICT) to facilitate the creation of a knowledge economy founded on technological excellence to promote rapid socioeconomic growth and wealth creation, and to improve upon the overall global competitiveness of the nation.
Its mission is to facilitate the development of a reliable and cost- effective world-class communications infrastructure and services, driven by appropriate technological innovations to enhance economic competitiveness in a knowledge-based environment.
In order to realise its mission, the Ministry has set out strategies aimed at furthering various policies, aims and objectives. These are targeted at achieving specific results.
Objectives, policies and strategies
Objectives
The broad objectives are to develop policies, programmes, regulations and laws that will help integrate commu- nications technologies and public information systems for national development, and also harness the full potential of resources for effective communication. The objectives include:
i. to promote rapid development and deployment of the national ICT infrastructure;
ii. to strengthen the institutional and regulatory framework for managing the ICT sector;
iii. to promote the use of ICT in all sectors of the economy;
iv. to facilitate the provision of quality meteorological data and forecasts in support of weather sensitive sectors of the economy;
v. to promote e-Government and e- Governance activities for transparency in government business;
vi. to promote and encourage the expansion of postal and courier services for the social and economic development of the country;
vii. to invest in and strengthen the institutional and human resource capacities for quality service delivery; and
viii. to ensure that modern infor- mation and communication technologies are available and utilized at all levels of society.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

Pursuant to the mandate of the Ministry, these agencies have the responsibility for handling specific operational functions of the sector, which have substantial impact on the private sector industry players and the nation as a whole.

2012 in retrospect

TABLE 1 -- 2012 ACTUAL EXPENDITURE OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNI-

CATIONS .

In 2012, the communications sector of Ghana witnessed significant transforma- tion -- it expanded in scope as well as in technological excellence. Ghana was acknowledged by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as one of the countries in the developing world with the fastest growing ICT industry. As per the summarised table above, the Ministry exceeded some of its budgetary allocations while in some cases, the releases were not forthcoming.

Telecommunications

In the area of telecommunications, the total telephone subscription for both cellular/mobile and fixed lines, in Ghana, as at December, 2012 was 25,903,408 yielding a tele-density of 105 per cent. This does not mean that every single Ghanaian owns a telephone line. It may rather be attributed to the fact that some subscribers own multiple lines because some areas have no network access whatsoever. Be that as it may, this is still a marked improvement from the December 2008 figure of 11,713,699, representing 52.4 per cent tele-density.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

There has been an improvement in average porting time from 5 hours, 21 minutes as at July, 2011 to between 7 and 8 minutes towards the end of 2012.

National Subscriber Identity Module

(SIM)

In 2011, the Ministry, through NCA, implemented the policy of national registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and by the end of December 2012, approximately 100 per cent of Ghanaian phone users had been properly

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registered. The essence of the registration is to generate a database to facilitate the battle against crime.

Managing fraud in international telephone traffic to Ghana

Under the verification exercise undertaken by the National Communi- cations Authority (NCA) that formally began in June, 2010, the number of ‘SIM Box Fraud' numbers detected reduced across most of the networks. The operation led to the arrest and conviction of ten (10) illegal SIM Box operators in

2012.

This accomplishment in checking phone termination fraud, led to increase in revenue from the sector. Coupled with the implementation of the Electronic Communications Amendment Act 2009, Act 786, Government received revenue amounting to US$89 million from the telecom sector within two years (2011 & 2012). Ghana's experience subsequently has become the best practice, which other countries are emulating to benefit from the non-taxable revenue from international telephone traffic.

Digitisation of manual records

One of the milestones achieved thus far in this area is that, five million manual records of the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) are being digitised and indexed. In addition to the BDR, a considerable amount of records of the Ghana Registrar General (GRD) have been digitised. By the end of January, 2013, over 70,000 companies had had their manual records digitised and the same is ongoing at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Government e-Payment/e-Commerce Platform (GEPP)

The set-up/installation of GEPP has been completed on the Virtual Server

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

Environment provided by NITA at the Pilot Data Centre to host the GEPP e- Commerce platform. GEPP domain (epay.gov.gh) and secure web has been provided with all the requisite certificates (SSL Certificates).
Development of National Portal
NITA built a national portal where access to e-Services can be accessed. A pilot to test this service was ran with 11 agencies consisting of Passport Office, NCA, GTA, NIA, Mineral Commission GPS-CID, NITA, FDB, and Births and Deaths. The Ghana Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) also runs on this e-Government Network. Currently there are about 70 MDAs nationwide connected to this platform through the e- Government network.
e-Immigration
The aim of the Ghana entry system for visitors is to manage the growth of visitor numbers in a cost-effective way through the use of cutting edge technology and to deliver a level of service consistent with the expectation of today's travellers.
The deployment of an integrated e- Immigration system, capable of regulating entry into and exit from Ghana, will not only provide a case management system for permit processing, but will also meet the current and future needs of the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as improve on the quality of service they offer to the public. This will also help regulate and monitor the activities of foreigners in relation to employment and residence.
Bid documents for the automation of the Airport, the land borders of Aflao and Elubo, as well as the Ghana Immigration

Service Headquarters had been evaluated awaiting feedback from the World Bank.

Deployment of Ghana Online Services

To enhance Ghana online services, a portal infrastructure was deployed to provide a platform for content management, document management, e- Forms and service integration as well as information and application security for the various Government agencies.

The pilot phase of the project commenced in August, 2012 with Government agencies like the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Passport Office, National Information Technology Agency (NITA), National Identification Authority and the Minerals Commission. Additional MDAs that benefited from the pilot project are the Births and Deaths Registry, the Police CID, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Tourist Authority, National Communications Authority (NCA) and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

Pilot data centre infrastructure and network operating centre

The construction of the pilot data centre which started in August, 2012 has been completed with the installation of all network and data communication equipment finalised. Integration of internet into the network core for redistribution to the MDAs had also been successfully done.

The data centre and network operating centre (NOC) are supporting the Government network that will connect all MDAs, regional centres and district offices, hospitals and the Police. NITA provided 24 MDAs with e-Mail services. Additionally, 156 MDAs, regional centres and districts had also been connected to the internet.

Data Protection Commission

The Ministry, in 2012, established the Data Protection Commission subsequent to the enactment of the Data Protection Act, 2012, Act 843. It is expected that the Commission will build confidence in Ghana's ICT deployment and its application for electronic governance and cyber-security management.

Internet Registry

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Global IPv6 Forum established an IPv6 Test Laboratory and innovation centre at the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT. The main objective is to prepare for the eventual migration to the internet addressing space when it becomes imminent. This way, data networks and systems across the country can enjoy a smooth transition without damages/ interruptions.

Review of National ICT for Accele- rated Development Policy

In response to technological and contemporary global developments, the Ministry reviewed the National ICT Policy to include issues of broadband policy; cyber security policy, ICT, environment and climate change policy; and geo- information policy through an all- encompassing stakeholder consultation. The updated policy document was subsequently finalised and is ready for implementation in 2013.

National Digital Broadcasting Migration

In compliance with the Geneva 2006 (GE06) Agreement, a contract has been awarded for the implementation of the

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Network Infrastructure. In addition to this, the National Digital Broadcasting Migration Committee (DBMC) has completed the development of the Final Draft Minimum Specifications for the Free to Air (FTA) (DTT) Receivers (i.e. digital decoders and integrated TVs) to guide companies interested in investing in digital receivers and also prevent the importation of inferior products.

Ghana Meteorological Agency

(GMET)

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) modernised its weather observing systems at the airports by installing state- of-the-art Automatic Weather Surveillance Rader, which was inaugurated on 13th June, 2012 at the Agency's Headquarters by His Excellency the President John Dramani Mahama, then Vice President.

Additionally, the Ministry continued its consultation process with the Attorney-General's Department for the review of Act 682 to empower Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) to charge fees for commercial services rendered to the aviation industry to generate funds internally and become financially self- sustaining.

ICT Skills and Human Resource Development

The Ministry, in collaboration with the EU, through AITI-KACE sponsored PASCAL Network of Excellence and Jozef Stefan Institute to establish an artificial intelligence laboratory which will support research and development at the university level in Ghana and the West African sub-region.

Expansion of Universal Access

To promote the policy of the availability of postal communications, as universal service rights of the citizenry in the country, the Ministry, through Ghana Post

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

management, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the automation of revenue agencies through a PPP arrangement to help generate adequate revenue for Government. In addition, the project will ensure that the --
system installation of e-Immigration reaches an advanced stage of completion;
system designs for e-Parliament, e- Justice, e-Procurement to be initiated;
e-Services are up and running in eleven selected agencies; and
e-Payment for selected Government services is operational.
In all its discussions, it was clear that the Ministry has delineated four thematic

areas which it believes will enhance performance in the sector -- putting people first, a strong and resilient economy, expanding infrastructure and transparent and accountable governance. It is the sector's position that this focus can best be facilitated through the deployment and utilisation of ICT as an enabler and driver of its entire agenda. Accordingly, the policies and programmes of the MoC have been structured in such a way that they will rapidly help to promote the advancing of “Better Ghana” and sub- region.

Allocations for 2013

For its 2013 activities, the Ministry has been allocated a total amount of fifty-six million, nine hundred and sixty-eight thousand, three hundred and thirteen (GH¢56,968,313). This is made up of GH¢ 9,998,894.00 from GoG, GH¢898,880.00 from internally generated funds, and GH¢ 46,070,539 from donor funds.

Table 1-2013 BUDGET ALLOCATION AND SOURCES OF FUNDING

Observations and recommendations

Budgetary allocations and releases

The Committee observed that though the Ministry had requested an amount of GH¢3,973,400.00 for the compensation of employees in 2012, the amount of GH¢8,118,696.00 was released by the MoFEP and all of it was used.

The Minister attributed this inflation of the compensation figures to the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). He informed members that staff of the Ministry had finally been migrated onto the SSSS and, apart from the new salaries they received, were also paid all their arrears from 2009. Since the arrears have been settled, it is not expected that such a figure will be repeated this year.

Internally Generated Funds (IGFs)

The Committee observed that the communications sector had generated a lot of funds for the State, with the revenue from the clamp down on illegal termination alone, amounting to about eighty-nine million dollars ($89,000,000). The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation has also not been allocated any GoG funds, which means that it is now basically self- sufficient with its internally generated funds.

Meteorological Services

In the light of generating enough funds internally to ensure independence and less reliance on GoG allocations, the Committee noted that GMet could make a lot of money from the services it renders to various entities, especially the aviation sector. The Agency used IGF in the amount of GH¢689,649.00 but the

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Committee observed that backed by dynamic legislation, the GMet was in the position to make much more which will wean it of its dependence. There is, however, an urgent need to review and amend the Ghana Meteorological Agency Act, 2004, Act 682, to strengthen the Agency and, more importantly, compel its key stakeholders and clients, like the Ghana Airport Company Limited, to fulfil their financial obligations once the Agency has rendered them the vital services needed to ensure their smooth operations

Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT

The Committee observed, yet again, the immense potential of the Centre of Excellence to generate IGF having made more than GH¢ 541,227.00 during 2012. The Committee, however, noted that the Centre is not allowed to use any of the funds for its operations except if items on which it is to be spent are income generating functions. Otherwise, all its IGF goes to the Consolidated Fund.

The Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, Ghana's first advanced information technology institute was established in 2003 and has been engaged in capacity building to bridge the ICT human resource gap between academia, government and industry.

This state-of-the-art facility provides a dynamic environment for market- oriented training of ICT professionals and also for developing the capacity to apply research and innovative technologies for socioeconomic development within West Africa and beyond.

The Committee, therefore, recom- mends that as a matter of urgency, the Ministry must lay before Parliament and

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

facilitate the passage of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in Information and Communication Technology Bill to guide the legal status of KACE.
Postal and Courier Service Regula- tory Commission (PCSRC)
The Committee also observed that the MoC, in pursuance of its postal sector reforms and the objective to create a more liberalized and competitive postal and courier service environment, promoted the establishment of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission under the PCSRC Act, 2003 (Act 649), with the responsibility to license and regulate the operations of postal and courier services in Ghana.
The passage by Parliament of the Postal and Courier Sector Regulations will therefore, strengthen the Commission in making the industry more dynamic, effective and competitive especially in this era of technology application in postal service delivery.
In essence, the Committee is of the view that the communications sector is doing well and improving by leaps and bounds in this age of information. It is however, vital that the requisite laws and regulations are put in place to ensure dynamism and optimal performance by all departments and agencies. It is for this reason that the Committee recommends that the MoC must, as soon as possible, lay the necessary Bills and Regulations before Parliament to ensure the smooth running and sustainable growth of the sector.
Conclusion
In the light of the foregoing, the Committee recommends that the House approves the total sum of GH¢56,964,314, made up of GH¢9,999,894 from GoG,
GH¢898,881 from internally generated funds, and GH¢46,070,539 from donors, for the implementation of the strategies and policies of the Ministry of commu- nications for the 2013 financial year.

Ranking Member of the Committee (Mr Ken O. Agyapong): Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion from the Hon Minister and the estimates from the Hon Chairman.

In spite of all these, I also have reservations and would want to urge the Government to assist the Ministry. This is because during our deliberations, we realised it is an important Ministry, that if, indeed, is given the help or the amount needed, they would be able to do well for the country by way of revenue mobilization.

Why I am saying this, is that Mr Speaker, in 2012, a budget of GH¢74,989,589 was approved for the Ministry but in 2013, it was dropped, reduced or cut drastically to GH¢ 56 million. In a situation where the donors are giving GH¢46 million in 2013, one would realise that in 2012, less amount was contributed by the donors and about GH¢26 million from the internally generated funds (IGFs) in 2012, was what actually helped the Ministry to raise US$89 million revenue for the Government.

Mr Speaker, you would be surprised to know that this year, the IGF given to the Ministry is GH¢898,800. I feel it is very small and therefore, if the Ministry would ask the Ministry of Finance to come back again and give them more money -- This is because we have realised that if they are given more money, they would be able to raise enough revenue to help the Government.

But if a Ministry raises US$89 million for Government through internally generated funds, through the SIM card

faults and later when they are asking for more money to support the work they do at the Ministry, they are rather given GH¢898,800 compared to the 2012 Budget where they were given an IGF of GH¢26 million --

That is the argument I am raising; that it is an important Ministry and we would want to urge the Hon Minister for Finance -- Fortunately, he is sitting by the Hon Minister for Communications -- He should take note of what we are saying, so that in July or November, if he comes for a supplementary budget, he would take into account the importance of the Ministry of Communications and assist them.

I also observed that the Ministry submitted GH¢1.924 million as employee compensation and the Ministry of Finance approved GH¢449,990. Mr Speaker, the question is, how are they going to pay these workers? I feel employment compensation in any business is called fixed cost. It is something we cannot do away with.

So, if they cut the budget drastically and it affects employee compensation, we do not know how the Ministry and other agencies are going to pay the workers. So, we are asking the Ministry of Finance -- [Interruption] -- to assist because I know, definitely, it is going to create problems when it gets to the middle of the year, around June, July. The Ministry is going to suffer because they would not know where they are going to get it.

Another point, I realise is that, the Ministry might not be overspending but because they cut their budget, when they give them a supplementary budget and they go beyond it. This is because they do not have enough; it would appear as

if they have overspent the budget that is given to them. So, instead of the Ministry of Finance cutting this budget -- It is even more than half; it is about two-thirds of it. I expect the Hon Minister for Finance to capture this, let him know that this is a cost that at all cost, he is going to pay. So, he should not just tell us that “I have cut this and I am coming back in July to ask for more.”

When he does that, the figures would not tally. Sitting back, I would say that the Ministry has overspent but in actual fact, they have not because it is a fixed cost that they have to take care of.

Mr Speaker, I believe we also have the broadcasting emigration. I think it is about time the Ministry started the education. We know the level of education of Ghanaians in this country. If we plan to go into digital migration in 2014, I believe by now, they should have started educating the people that in 2014, we are moving from analogue to digital -- But if we do not do that and we wait till 2014, I am afraid, even some of our Hon Colleagues will not even understand.

So, I think it is about time that the Hon Minister collaborated with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and started the education. If not, I believe, in 2014, if we start educating people, it will be too late and there will be problems.

With these few words, I support the motion.

Thank you.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

One more from each side.

Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Banda)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity given to me to support the Motion.

Mr Speaker, yes, it is true that the Committee or the House passed a law to fix the international pricing
of the incoming calls. Mr Speaker, what I am saying is that, now, the NCA says just that one will not give them the enablement to be able to check the SIM- box fraud and that is why we need to further amend the law and that is clearly the point I am making. When the time comes, this House will do a diligent job by making sure that the law is necessarily amended to give them that power to check the international calls traffic.
That is the point I am making and my Hon Colleague, who is a member of the Committee, knows very well and I believe he is setting the records straight and it is part of the job that I seek from Hon Colleagues.
Mr Speaker, my main concern is about the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence. I think as a matter of urgency -- We could not pass that Bill last term. We have come back and I believe when the time comes, we should come together to make sure that we give them the necessary support, the legal backing to pass that law, so that they can use most of their IGF to raise it to an international status whereby it will be one of the best centres of excellence in the West African sub-region.
Mr Speaker, I think one important issue that I cannot sit without raising is the issue of the state of the art radar that we installed at the Kotoka International Airport. Mr Speaker, you remember in 2012, the Ghana Meteorological Services was using manual ways of checking the weather forecast and other things and one pathetic thing was that at times when they said it was going to rain heavily, it ended up not raining at all and when they predicted sun shine, it ended up raining. And because of that, in June, 2012, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who was then the Vice President, inaugurated the state-of-the-art radar at the Kotoka International Airport and that has given

the enablement. The only problem, however, is that according to the Ghana Meteorological Service, that radar is not able to reach the place where we are drilling the oil and therefore, their request is that we should make sure that we extend coverage to that part , so that they can give us a good weather forecast to the point where we drill the oil.

With these few words, Mr Speaker, I beg to support the Motion.

Thank you very much.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Thank you.
The last contribution.

Mr Sampson Ahi

Mr Speaker, we would want to suspend Sitting for now and reconvene at 3 o'clock.

Mr Nitiwul

Mr Speaker, I think there was a pre-agreement for suspension of Sitting for at least, one hour. So, I support the application.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Majority Leader?

Dr Kunbour

Mr Speaker, if we could go back to the presentation of Papers and then take item 4(k).

Minister for Finance (Mr Seth Terkpeh)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢9,900.203 for the services of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justicce (CHRAJ) for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, in so doing, I wish to stress the importance of the Commission which is highlighted in the Report, including its mandate, which is to promote and protect the fundamental human rights of all persons in Ghana, ensure the administrative

justice through investigative mechanism and serve as an anti-corruption agency, which is also tied to investigations on instances of alleged and suspected corruption, conflicts of interest and misappropriation.

Mr Speaker, these remain laudable objectives and it is for this reason that the performance of the CHRAJ was evaluated and the provision made for the appropriation for which we are seeking the mandate of the House to enable the Ministry disburse the funds in the course of the year.

Question proposed.

Prof George Y. Gyan-Baffour (on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee)

I am here to present the Report of the Committee.
Mr Speaker, this Committee is actually headed by the Majority Leader and I am deputising for him here because he was busy when the Committee sat. So, I am doing this on his behalf. Therefore, on my side here, we would expect that two people would speak because I am just going to give you the Report.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

I understand.

Prof Gyan-Baffour

So, Mr Speaker, the Report --
Introduction
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for the year ending 31st December, 2013 was presented to Parliament on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013 by the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth E. Terkpeh, in accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution.
Pursuant to Order 140(4) of the Standing Orders of the House, the Speaker referred the draft annual budget estimates for the Commission on Human Rights and
Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to the Special Budget Committee for consideration and report.
The Committee met with the Deputy Commissioners of CHRAJ, and officials from the Commission and the Ministry of Finance and discussed the draft budget estimates. The Committee acknowledges the input of the Commissioner and other officials and wishes to extend its appreciation to the personalities who attended upon the Committee.
Reference documents
The following documents were referred to:
The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana;
The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana;
The Budget Statement and Econo- mic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2012 financial year.
Mandate of the Commission
The mandate of CHRAJ is three-fold. They are as follows:
A national human rights institution, which promotes and protects the fundamental human rights of all persons in Ghana.
A Public Services Ombudsman, which ensures administrative justice, by the investigation of complaints of administrative injustices, abuses of power and victimisation in the public sector.
An anti-corruption agency for the public sector, by the investigation of all instances of alleged or suspected corruption, conflicts of
interest, misappropriation of public funds by officials and breaches of code of conduct of public officials.
Performance in 2012
In 2012, the Commission made a substantial contribution towards en- hancing good governance, integrity in public office, improving public service delivery, and entrenching the culture of respect for human rights and human dignity.
Under its anti-corruption mandate, the Commission led a multi-sector stakeholder group to develop and submit the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) to Parliament for consideration and adoption. The NACAP is the national blueprint for fighting corruption over the next 10 years.
Among other things, over 100 CEOs and heads of MDAs were trained on the code of conduct for public officers and conflict of interest rules; sensitization programmes were held to educate the public on corruption; and investigations completed into 31 major cases on corruption.
Under the human rights mandate, CHRAJ engaged consultants to develop the baseline survey of the situation of human rights in Ghana which will feed into a National Human Rights Action Plan (NAHRAP). The Commission also completed investigations into 10,964 complaints, and conducted 2,750 public education programmes in rural communities and schools.
In addition, a nationwide monitoring programme was undertaken of the performance of Ghana in the promotion and protection of rights, which led to the release of the report on the state of human rights in Ghana.
The Commission also intensified public education to promote best practices in public administration and improve public sector service delivery as part of its administrative justice mandate. The Commission worked with heads of public

sector institutions to promote under- standing of its administrative justice oversight role and completed the investigations into 1,043 complaints.

Outlook for 2013

This year, the programme outlook of the Commission has been prepared in accordance with the broad policy objective of transparent and accountable governance under the GSGDA. The Commission will continue work on the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP). When completed, the NAHRAP will deal with the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights in a comprehensive, holistic and systematic manner. The Commission will also work with other stakeholders to improve Ghana's performance on the corruption index.

The Commission will be providing training for heads of MDAs, Ministers and

MPs on the code of conduct and legislations on conflict of interest. It will also enforce the code of conduct for public officers, intensify public education on corruption; assist Parliament to develop code of conduct for MPs, collaborate with stakeholders to implement and monitor the NACAP; and investigate about 300 complaints/ allegations of corruption.

The Commission will complete its gender assessment programme and develop gender policy and action plan; educate 3,000 communities and schools on human rights and investigate about 11,000 human rights complaints to strengthen its protection mechanisms for the vulnerable.

2013 Budgetary allocation

The summary of 2013 initial ceiling as against the reviewed allocation has been shown in the table below.

The table depicts that a sum of nine million, nine hundred thousand, two hundred and three cedis (GH¢9,900,203) out of an initial ceiling of GH¢16,163,481 has been allocated to the Commission to carry out its planned programmes and activities for 2013. The most notable reduction is that of goods and services allocation, which had over seventy-nine per cent (79.37 per cent) of its initial ceiling slashed.

Observations and recommendations

The Committee observed that, the work of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is geared towards the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms; the promotion of fair administration of public services and the promotion of better service delivery to the public. The activities of CHRAJ also contribute to the promotion of national integrity and the elimination/ reduction of corruption in the public sector.

Unfortunately, over the years, the Committee has also observed that, CHRAJ is one of the seriously under-resourced independent governance institutions in the country.

The Committee was informed by the Deputy Commissioners that, the inadequacy in budgetary allocation and late releases have resulted in high attrition rate, lack of specialised capacity training of staff to boost performance, which affects the effective delivery of programmes of the Commission.

The Committee is of the opinion that, insofar as the Commission continues to be under-resourced, with as much as eighty per cent of its programmes and activities funded by developing partners,

Dr Matthew O. Prempeh (NPP -- Manhyia South)

Mr Speaker, I hope the Hon Minister for Finance would take note that budgets have been cut, but CHRAJ's budget has been cut severely. It is like we are going to pay CHRAJ to stay in their house and not do any work.

The work of CHRAJ is a public service to all of us. As the Hon Alfred Kwame Agbesi just said, when you decide to cut the budget of the organization that is supposed to protect public good, such as CHRAJ, I do not know what else -- Mr Speaker, even if you look at the compensation alone, the compensation budget has been cut by about 16 per cent. How are those people going to be paid? Unless we are pre-programming the Ministry of Finance to come back to us with a supplementary budget, I do not know how they are going to be paid.

The service CHRAJ is rendering, as Hon Agbesi has said -- promotion of good governance, integrity in the public sector, peace and social development -- any cut in the goods and services budget of such an organization, means that we are undermining good governance, we are undermining integrity in the public sector, peace and social development.

Mr Speaker, I would plead that the Minister for Finance takes very good note of CHRAJ, that in his consideration, never again, should CHRAJ's budget be cut so unduly.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

The last contribution -- Yes, Hon Yieleh Chireh.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢18,103,149 for the services of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, in so doing, I wish to state the importance of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with respect to a number of activities which require the education of the public, notably, when it comes to areas such as elections, which we have just gone through.
The Commission has done a lot in the course of 2012; these are captured in the Report, which will be reported on and we do recognise these and have made provision in the budget for the amount of approximately GH¢18 million to support its operations.
Question proposed.

Prof George Y. Gyan-Baffour(on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion and as I said earlier, with regard to the one that we just passed, that is the CHRAJ, I am also doing this on behalf of the Majority Leader who is the Chairman of this Committee.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present your Committee's Report.

Prof George Y. Gyan-Baffour(on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee)

Introduction
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for the 2013 financial year was presented to Parliament by the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth E. Terkpeh on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013 in accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution.
Pursuant to Order 140 (4) of the Standing Orders of the House, Mr Speaker referred the annual budget estimates of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to the Special Budget Committee for consideration and report.
Subsequently, the Committee met on Wednesday, 13 th March, 2012 and considered the referral. The Committee benefited from clarifications on the referral from the Chairperson of the NCCE, Mrs Charlotte Osei, officials of the NCCE and the Ministry of Finance.
The Committee is grateful to the officials for their assistance.
Reference documents
The Committee referred to the following documents during its deliberations:
i. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
ii. The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
iii. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2012 financial year;

iv. The 2012 Annual Budget Estimates of the National Commission for Civic Education.

v. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for t h e 2013 financial year.

Mandate of the NCCE

The NCCE is a constitutionally established institution with the mandate to create, promote through civic education, an understanding and commitment to democracy and inculcate in the citizenry, the awareness of their rights and obligations.

Performance in year 2012

The Committee noted that untimely release of funds to the NCCE adversely affected the implementation of some of its programmes and activities in the year 2012. Nevertheless, the following activities were carried out among others:

a. The NCCE organised public campaigns through radio and television and also initia- ted inter-party dialogue com- mittees at the regional and district levels.

b. The NCCE embarked on intensive community mobilisation for massive participation in the biometric voter registration exercise.

c. The Commission held an annual democracy lecture at the Accra International Conference Cen- tre (AICC) on the topic “Building a Peaceful, Democratic, Non- partisan and Prosperous African State: Understanding why African Leaders Have Gotten it Wrong”.

d. The Commission also organised a three-day sensitisation workshop for 200 youths on drug abuse and drug trafficking.

Outlook for 2013

For the year 2013, the NCCE will undertake the following activities among others:

a. The Commission will conduct leadership workshops for the youth, women and people with disabilities (PWDs) to create awareness about the negative effect of drugs.

b. The Commission will also sensitize the public on gender and equity, local governance reforms, local government bye-laws and the state of sanitation in Ghana.

Budgetary allocation for year 2013

For the implementation of the above activities, an amount of eighteen million,

Prof George Y. Gyan-Baffour(on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee)

Observations and recommendations
The Committee made the following observations and recommendations during its deliberations:
a. Inadequate budgetary allocation
The Committee noted that the budgetary requirement of NCCE for the 2013 fiscal year is GH¢33,325,451.00. However, it has been allocated an amount of GH¢18,103,149.00, representing a shortfall of GH¢15,222,302.00. Ironically, the Committee noted that the allocation to NCCE for 2013 is about 43 per cent less than the actual expenditure of GH¢32,049,986.60 in 2012.
The Committee noted that the NCCE's estimated budget to take care of salaries and allowances of its staff is GH¢26, 241,951.00. However, it has been allocated an amount of GH¢14,397, 492.00. According to officials of the NCCE, the allocation would not cover the salaries and allowances of 934 members of its staff. Again, the Commission has been allocated an amount of GH¢2,239,897.00 for goods and services instead of a desired budget of GH¢ 5,540,500.00.
In effect, the achievement of set targets of the Commission would be greatly affected. For instance, the NCCE's programme for building the capacities of governance institutions and Members of Parliament to enable them perform their respective mandates and functions would not be fully achieved.
Considering the mandate of the NCCE and its relevance in the democratic dispensation of this country, the Committee is of the view that the allocation made to the NCCE for the year 2013, if not increased at all, should not have been decreased.

The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) should ensure that the shortfall in the NCCE's allocation for the year 2013 is catered for should there be a supplementary budget to enable it achieve its objectives. The Committee further urges MoF to put measures in place to ensure that funds are released on schedule.

b. Office accommodation

The Committee observed that the problem of lack of office accommodation is still an issue bedeviling the NCCE. The Committee noted with dismay that the NCCE is still occupying five rooms located within the precincts of the Electoral Commission. The five rooms as indicated to the Committee, are currently accommo- dating about 135 staff of the NCCE. According to officials of the NCCE, this situation is hampering the smooth running of the operations of the Commission.

The Committee views this situation as worrisome, especially where the NCCE needs to augment its staff strength. In the opinion of the Committee, the situation, if not addressed, would greatly affect the performance of the Commission. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Government, as a matter of urgency, should provide the NCCE with an office complex that can accommodate its staff to ensure smooth running of its operations.

c. Lack of funds for educational programmes

The Committee observed that the Commission was not able to implement most of its educational programmes in the year 2012 due to lack of funds. For instance, one hundred and eighty (180) inter-party dialogue committees which

should have been formed by the NCCE in the ten regions of the country and the one hundred and seventy (170) districts were not completed due to lack of funds.

The Committee noted that these programmes were intended to provide a platform for information sharing among political parties and key stakeholders and to promote tolerance and healthy political party campaign among others. Due to lack of funds, the Commission had to contain its areas of operation to potential flash- points to the detriment of other electoral areas.

In the opinion of the Committee, the continuous lack of funds for educational programmes serves as a major threat to the mandate of the Commission. To enable the Commission implement and oversee its educational programmes, the Committee recommends that the Government must ensure that the NCCE is adequately resourced in future budgets to empower the NCCE to inculcate in the citizenry, the awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the NCCE plays a major role in the democratic dispensation of the country. For the NCCE to be vibrant, it is necessary that it is adequately resourced to enable it carry out its mandate effectively.

In the opinion of the Committee, the amount allocated to the Commission for the year 2013 is inadequate. The Committee therefore, urges MoF to allocate additional funds to the Commission should there be a supplementary budget. The Committee also urges the Commission to ensure

judicious use of the amount it has been allocated for the implementation of its programmes and activities.

Finally, the Committee recommends to the House for approval, the sum of eighteen million, one hundred and three thousand, one hundred and forty-nine cedis (GH¢18,103,149.00) for the NCCE for the 2013 fiscal year.

Respectfully submitted.

Mr Joe K. Gidisu (NDC -- Central Tongu)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion by making a few comments.
Mr Speaker, the NCCE stands out as one of the major pillars for promoting democracy which has been the cornerstone of governance in the country. This had been demonstrated by the activities for specific national events, especially during last year when innovations were introduced to promote transparent and effective elections that we went through. It is undisputed that the NCCE, especially when empowered, could go a long way to do more than they are doing.
It is on this note that I would want to appeal to my Hon Colleague Members of Parliament that a lot could be done at our constituency and district levels through whatever little support we could give to the NCCE in promoting our activities.
As of now, there is a very strong discourse, especially down there as to what are the main and core responsibilities of MPs against other organs of Government at the distr icts and constituency levels but with little support that Members of Parliament (MPs) could give to the NCCE, could go a long way to at least, enlighten the public and for that matter, our electorates as to what are our core mandates and what we

Dr Matthew O. Prempeh (NPP -- Manhyia South)

Mr Speaker, something, very interesting is happening to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) -- compensation, item 1. Something very interesting .
In 2012, they were given just around GH¢5 million in the budget; the actuals was nearly five times -- GH¢23 million. Mr Speaker, it could not have been only arrears that accounted for that -- from GH¢5 million to GH¢23 million. Granted that it was adjusted for Single Spine Salary Structure -- but it is nearly five times.
Mr Speaker, based upon whatever is happening, they projected that this year's compensation would be about GH¢26 million, but they have been given GH¢14 million. Mr Speaker, either something drastically wrong has happened somewhere or we have to look at the figures again. It is just not either salaries -- single spine or anything Mr Speaker -- and I am afraid it is running through this whole budget.

Mr Speaker, what does NCCE do? Their mandate is to promote civic education in our understanding and commitment to democracy and inculcate in the citizenry, the awareness of their r ights and obligations. Again, it is a service agency. Their service budget has been cut by about 30 per cent. [Interruption.] Mr Speaker, the former Majority Leader -- former Government --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, just go ahead with your contribution. [Laughter.]

Dr Prempeh

Mr Speaker, he has decided to be bullying Members of the opposite side. Mr Speaker, he has even said in this House that when you use the words “judgement debts” you have to withdraw. Mr Speaker, judgement debt has never appeared in any court --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

That issue has been ruled upon. Please, proceed.

Dr Prempeh

Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, nobody can contest your ruling. Your ruling stands. Mr Speaker, no judgement debt was mentioned in your ruling.
Mr Speaker, I would like the Hon Minister for Finance to take note, that he has to take a second look at how budget estimates are brought to this House. This is because it looks like this budget is being programmed for a supplementary budget. I do not think we have to encourage the Minister for Finance to be bringing supplementary budgets. The right thing must be done and be done the first time -- granted that to err is human.
Mr Speaker, if you cut the NCCE budget by 30 per cent, do you want Ghanaians to inculcate the tenets of democracy? Do they not want us to know our rights and obligations? Do they not
want inter-party dialogue to be facilitated? Obviously, Mr Speaker, I do not want to say that because the Hon Minister for Finance is not a Member of Parliament, he does not believe in inter-party dialogue. But those of us here, we know the essence of inter-party dialogue, which is reflected in committee meetings.
So, Mr Speaker, budgets must be done and done rightly in the first place, not pretend to wait for a supplementary budget which may or may not come.
Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.

Mr Mathias K. Ntow (NDC -- Aowin )

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing me to contribute to the Motion.
Mr Speaker, we are all aware that the NCCE is one of the institutions mandated by the Constitution of this Republic to take care of political education in this country, but it seems they are handicapped. Looking at the budget of last year and even this year, who knows, whether what they have put down, the moneys would be released to them.
So, Mr Speaker, just as Hon Papa Owusu-Ankomah said -- “I would want to urge the Minister for Finance” -- he re-emphasised and re-echoed that “I would urge” so, I am urging the Hon Minister for Finance, that the NCCE -- if you come to my constituency, it is completely handicapped. They do not have even a single bicycle to work with. So, I would want to plead with the Hon Minister to ensure that --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Mr Hammond

Mr Speaker, this is a point of --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Hammond, you are out of order. Please, resume your seat.
Hon Matthew Prempeh, please, go ahead.

Dr Prempeh

Mr Speaker, I withdraw the words “FM stations jammed” and replace them with “frequency modulators stations are being jammed by incessant interferance.”
Mr Speaker, on a more serious note, Hon Leadership of the House, we must take our budget oversight responsibility serious. Time and again, we are laying Papers where the figures just do not add up and I am using this third occasion to draw the Hon Minister for Finance's attention, that even before we go to assets or goods and services, 80 per cent of the Item 1 of this year's budget does not reflect the reality. That even the payments that were made have been cut and cut so badly. That if we are going to rely on the figures here, our budget targets are not going to be met.
I am not being a prophet of doom but if last year, we gave the National Media Commission (NMC) GH¢1.8 million and we have not even taken cognizance of inflation this year -- I can understand why -- [Interruption] -- All right, Mr Speaker, he said we should not say “judgment debts” -- The money has been given to “other government obligations” such that what Ghanaians want and believe in, has been severely cut.
Hon Minister for Finance, listen and listen well, and look at your budget estimates again.

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion and in doing so, just raise a few critical issues.
First, Mr Speaker, it is not clear from the Report what the actuals were for 2012. What we have is the provision for 2012, which was GH¢3,598,483.70.

It is there, GH¢13.598,483.70; that is what I am reading. If that is the case, then the figure of GH¢5,052,559, which is what is provided for this year will definitely not meet even one-quarter of the needs of the Commission. So, I understand why the Committee is urging that the IGFs be given to the Commission in toto, that the hundred per cent that they generate be given to the Commission.

But Mr Speaker, there comes my second issue. It can only be done after the law has been revised. The Minister for Finance himself cannot just decide that the IGFs be given to the Public Services Commission. The Ministry would have to bring a law here for us to consider and decide whether we would give 20 per cent or 100 per cent or whatever. There is a law

on the use of IGFs. And so, the recommendation given should take note of the fact that it has to be done by this House by legislation.

Mr Speaker, with this, I support the Motion.

Mr Speaker, we have looked at the peculiar circumstances of the Commission and with your indulgence, I would like to move the Motion on this matter.

Mr Speaker

All right.

Minister for Government Business in Parliament/Majority Leader (Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢2,084,623 for the services of the National Labour Commission for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, the National Labour Commission is one of the strategic and significant quasi judicial bodies in this country; we have over the years actually witnessed a number of labour disputes and there seems to be a trend towards an escalation towards resolving these issues.
We know that beyond industr ial disputes, there are also issues about deepening the ongoing and interna- tionalisation and policy formulation of monitory, planning and evaluation at all levels in relation to our labour sector.
Mr Speaker, it is in the light of these expanded objectives in page 3 of the Committee's Report that this appropriation is being sought.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Joseph Z. Amenowode)

Mr Speaker, I rise to present the Report of the Committee on the Motion that seeks this House to approve the 2013 Annual Budget Estimates for the National Labour Commission.
Introduction
The Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth Emmanuel Terkpeh, in accordance with article 179 of the Constitution, presented the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the

Pursuant to Standing Orders 140 (4) and 184 of the House, Mr Speaker referred the draft annual budget estimates of the National Labour Commission to the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises for consideration and report to the House.

Acknowledgement

The Committee met with the Executive Secretary and officials of the National NMC and deliberated on the 2013 Draft Annual Estimates of the Labour Commission. The Committee is grateful to them for the information and support they provided during deliberations on the estimates.

Reference documents

In considering the draft annual estimates for the Commission, the under- listed documents were used as reference materials:

1. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

2. The Standing Orders of Parliament of Ghana.

3. The 2012 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Govern- ment of Ghana.

4. The 2013 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Govern- ment of Ghana.

5. The 2013 Draft Annual Estimates of the National Labour Commis- sion.

4.0 Mission Statement of the National Labour Commission

The mission of the National Labour Commission for the 2013 fiscal year is to

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Joseph Z. Amenowode)

develop and promote a peaceful and harmonious industr ial relations environment through the use of effective dispute resolution practices within the context of the law, promotion of co- operation among the labour market players and mutual respect for their rights and responsibilities.
Vision Statement of the National Labour Commission
The vision of the Commission is to promote a peaceful and harmonious industrial relations environment borne out of the firm understanding of and committed compliance with the Labour Laws by all stakeholders to make the Ghanaian economy competitive to attract investment.
Strategic Policy Objectives
The strategic objectives of the National Labour Commission are to:
facilitate and settle industrial disputes in accordance with the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651);
strengthen the capacity of the National Labour Commission to ensure speedy resolution of disputes;
enforce rules and regulations governing labour administrations, international labour standards and ILO Conventions;
promote social dialogue among the tripartite partners;
strengthen the capacity of the tripartite partners;
build staff capacity through training and development;
deepen ongoing institution and internationalisation and policy formulation, planning, monitoring and evaluation system at all levels;
promote and protect the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees;
increase the capacity of the Judiciary on Act 651 and its Labour Regulations, L.I. 1822 and L.I. 1833;
improve the capacity of labour mediators and arbitrators; and
promote an enabling environment and effective regulatory framework for corporate management.
Review of the Commission's performance In 2012
6.1 In the 2012 fiscal year, the National Labour Commission was allocated an amount of one million, five hundred and seventy three thousand, one hundred and ninety five Ghana cedis (GH 1,573,195.00) to carry out the following activities:
a. Settle industrial disputes.
b. Conduct training on Act 651.
c. Build capacity of labour mediators and arbitrators.
d. Sensitise the Judiciary on Act 651.
e. Train staff of the Commission.
f. Implement monitoring and evaluation activities.
g. Refurbish and equip offices of the Commission.
h. Purchase vehicles for the activities of the Commission.
Out of the earmarked activities, the Commission was able to: --
Organise seminars and workshops to train, sensitise and strengthen social partners in social dialogue and tripartism as spelt out in the Labour Act, 2003 (Act
651).
The Commission again received a total of six hundred and sixty (660) complaints from individuals, trade unions, workers associations, employers and employees in 2012. Out of complaints received, one hundred and fifty -- one (151) were settled. In addition, 170 outstanding cases rolled over from 2011 were also settled. The Commission also referred 77 cases
involving over 500 workers for mediation and voluntary arbitration.
Outlook for 2013
Funds allocated for the 2013 fiscal year
For the implementation of activities for 2013 fiscal year, an amount of two million, eighty-four thousand, six hundred and twenty-three Ghana cedis (GH¢2,084,623) has been allocated. Out of this, one million seven hundred and eighty four thousand, six hundred and twenty-three Ghana cedis (GH¢ 1,784,623) is GoG, and ABFA is three hundred thousand Ghana cedis (GH300,000).

The breakdown of the allocation is as follows:

SPACE FOR TABLE - PAGE 8 - 5.50P.M.

Activities for 2013

The Commission will in 2013 step up its activities by using the alternative dispute resolution processes effectively to settle most of the complaints filed with it. Again, the Commission will strengthen its institutional capacity and that of the mediators and arbitrators.

To minimise agitations by public sector workers, the Commission would build the capacity of employers and staff in the public sector on the provisions of Act 651.

The Commission will further produce a docudrama on the provisions of Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) to be aired on the electronic media to sensitise social partners. The docudrama would be aired

Mr Kofi Okyere-Agyekum (NPP -- Fanteakwa South)

Mr Speaker, there is no doubt that the need for peace at the industrial front is very critical now.
Mr Speaker, industrial disputes are costly, therefore it is very necessary that the allocation that we give to the National Labour Commission is adequate.
Mr Speaker, in 2012, the amount that was allocated to the National Labour Commission was GH¢1,573,195.00. Out of this, only GH¢461, 749.00 was released and this is less than 30 per cent.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Member, is it a point of order?

Dr Donkor

Yes, Mr Speaker.

Dr Donkor

Mr Speaker, I have heard the term dum so, dum so and I do not know what it is and is it parliamentary -- [Interruptions.]

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Please, go ahead.

PRAYERS 11:10 a.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT 11:10 a.m.

STATE HOUSE 11:10 a.m.

OSU-ACCRA 11:10 a.m.

Ministers-designate 11:10 a.m.

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC 11:10 a.m.

Mr Dan Botwe 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

Mr Mahama Ayariga 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Ms Ursula G. Owusu 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Mr Patrick Y. Boamah 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Mr Boamah 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr Richard W. Anane 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr Anane 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah 11:20 a.m.

-- 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr Assibey-Yeboah 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr Anthony A. Osei 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor 11:20 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:20 a.m.

PAPERS 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Kobena M. Woyome 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Woyome 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Woyome 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr M.B.J. Ahmed 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K.Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr I. K. Asiamah 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

PRAYERS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr Speaker

OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT

STATE HOUSE

OSU-ACCRA

Ministers-designate

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

Mr Dan Botwe

Mr Speaker

Mr Mahama Ayariga

Mr Speaker

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Mr Speaker

Ms Ursula G. Owusu

Mr Speaker

Mr Patrick Y. Boamah

Mr Speaker

Mr Boamah

Mr Speaker

Dr Richard W. Anane

Mr Speaker

Dr Anane

Mr Speaker

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah

--

Mr Speaker

Dr Assibey-Yeboah

Mr Speaker

Dr Anthony A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor

Mr Speaker

PAPERS

Mr Speaker

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Kobena M. Woyome

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr Woyome

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr Woyome

Mr Speaker

Mr Speaker

Mr M.B.J. Ahmed

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K.Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr I. K. Asiamah

Mr Speaker

Mr Speaker

Mr Speaker

MOTIONS