Odekro | What has your MP done for you?

Mr Speaker

There is no Official Report for today, so, we move to the Commencement of Public Business.

Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, we can take item 4(a) on the Order Paper.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, so far, that is -- and then item 4 (g). The other Committee Chairmen are still in their sessions. So, we can take item 4 (a) and (g).

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, if we can take item 4 (d) -- [Pause] -- 4 (d).

Item 4 (d), yes; because I saw the Chairman of the Finance Committee bowing -- Very well.
By the Chairman of the Committee --
Report of the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture on the annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the year ending 31st December, 2013.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, if we could take Motions numbered 12 and 13.

Minister for Finance (Mr Seth E. Terkpeh)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢292,206,478 for the services of the Ministry of Finance for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, in so doing, I wish to draw attention to the dual functions of the Ministry of Finance both as a Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) in the normal term, which also performs macro- fiscal functions in conjunction with the Bank of Ghana as far as management of the economy in its basic forms are concerned.
Mr Speaker, in this context, the Ministry of Finance has been pursuing a number of reforms, which would continue, to enrich, notably, the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Public Financial Management Systems. This year, it proposes to start the implementation of the budget system, which is a component of our Public Finance Management (PFM) reforms.
We would also be assisting the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and co-ordinate the financial activities of the various MDAs in the course of implementing the estimates that are being presented to the House.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion moved by the Hon Minister for Finance, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢292,206,478 for the services of the Ministry of Finance for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present your Committee's Report.
1.0 Introduction
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2013 financial year was presented to Parliament by the Hon Minister for Finance on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013, in accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. The budget estimates of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) were accordingly referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report pursuant to Orders 140(4) and 169 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
The Committee was assisted in its deliberations by the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth E. Terkpeh, and heads of related agencies and officials of the Ministry of Finance. The Committee is grateful to the Hon Minister and his technical team for their insightful presentation and clarifications during the deliberations.
Reference
The Committee referred to the following documents during its deliberations:
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana, for the 2013 financial year.
The 2013 Annual Estimates for the Ministry of Finance.
Vision and Mission
The Ministry of Finance envisages to be recognised as a professional organisation, providing excellent public economic and finance management, improving accountability and good governance. The mission of the Ministry is

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

Completed work on the draft Petroleum Revenue Management Regulations and Legislative Instru- ments aimed at increasing revenue from the natural resource sector;
Conducted a research to determine the number of exemptions granted by the Minerals Commission, MoFA, EPA and diplomatic missions to reduce leakages through tax exemp- tions.
Assessed the procurement activities of 1,000 procurement entities for 2011 to determine the level of compliance with the provision of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
Adopted the medium-term debt strategy to restrict non-concessional terms to project with high ex- pected risk-adjusted rate of return.
Maintained loan guarantee to State- owned-companies at marginal levels to limit contingent liabilities to con- trol the growth of public debt.
Budget performance in 2012
During the year under review, the Ministry of Finance and its agencies were allocated a total amount of GH¢65,918,822.00, which was made up of GH¢l03,816,470 of Government of Ghana (GoG) funds, GH¢42, 391,092.00 of internally generated funds (IGFs), ABFA of GH¢9,000,000.00 and GH¢50,711,260.00 of donor funds.
GoG budget performance
As at 31st December, 2012, the Ministry had spent GH¢146,458,523.58 (representing 141.07 per cent) instead of its 2012 budget approved allocation of GH¢103,816,470.00. The breakdown of this amount is as follows:
MoF Headquarters -- GH¢ 33,463,461.97
CAGD -- GH¢ 92,784,651.02
Statistical Service -- GH¢11,560,861.83
Securities and Exchange Commission -- GH¢2,051,449.91
Institute of Accountancy Training -- GH¢ 859,824.12
Public Procurement Authority -- GH¢3,840,312.73
Financial Intelligence Centre -- GH¢1,897,962.00
Total -- GH¢146,458,523.58

2012 I.G.F retention performance

The sum of GH¢3,013,001.31 being 126 per cent of the total IGF amount of GH¢2,391,092.00 allocated to the Controller and Accountant-General's Department, Securities and Exchange Commission and Institute of Accountancy Training in 2012 was utilised in undertaking the core activities of these institutions.

2012 Donor budget performance

An amount of GH¢50,711,260.00 being Donor Fund was allocated to the Ministry and its agencies for their activities in 2012. However, as of December, 2012, an amount of GH¢52,642,821.79 was spent, represen- ting 103.81 per cent, a variance of (GH¢1,931,560.79). The amount spent was in respect of the following projects and programmes:

Economic Management Capacity Building (EMCB)

GTZ good financial governance on

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, you see, the first point that the Hon Member for Old Tafo, who is the Hon Ranking Member on the Finance Committee made, was that the issue he is raising is not going to affect the appropriation to the Ministry of Finance. The Motion is for the approval of the appropriation of the Ministry. As for the contents and observations and all those things, they are neither here nor there.
When we come to look at the annual report of the Petroleum Funds, then all these issues of the -- That one, we are going to put the Question on the annual report of the Petroleum Fund; at that stage, all the issues would have to be thrown up.

Prof. George Y. Gyan-Baffour

Mr Speaker, you are right. What he pointed out is not going to affect the appropriation for that Ministry. But what he is saying also is -- What he talked about does not belong to this Report. What it belongs to is that -- It is something affecting this document. So, the Hon Minister should come to the House with an Addendum to this document to correct what is here and not to put it in the Report and get away --

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, that was why I made the point that when the Hon Member for Old Tafo first raised the matter on the floor, I did not know the ambit of the point he wanted to make.
I have decided that he should discuss the matter with me in the Speaker's Lobby. I got the Leadership to be with me for the discussion, so that we can fashion a way out. I keep on saying from the Chair that, this is the first time that this House is encountering this type of situation where an annual report would have to be laid, presented to the Budget Statement, so that we can canvass, find a way and adopt a formula which would be accepted to both sides of the House.
So, yesterday, when you raised the issue, I deferred the matter. I was expecting them to go and do the consultation, come back to me, and I would get the Leaders to help with this.
Hon Members, as far as I am concerned, the issue before me is the appropriation for the Ministry of Finance. Let us take it. When the Finance Committee brings their report on the annual report of the Petroleum Funds, all these issues would be -- If there is an error in the Budget Statement, then we should find another way of resolving it.

Then withdraw them.

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker, I have withdrawn them.

Mr Speaker, I am not trying to disobey the Chair. [Interruption.] Mr Speaker, I invite you to protect me from these -- [Interrup- tion.] Mr Speaker, I would not go any further but read my lips. Mr Speaker, an Hon Member on the other side is trying to blow me a kiss -- look at her -- [Laughter.] That would not dissuade me from the point I want to make.
Mr Speaker, it is fundamental that as we address the estimates of the Ministry of Finance, we should hold them accountable as the first and foremost institution which must be diligent in the presentation of their estimates and budget. If the Ministry cannot do that, the signal to other Ministries is not very good. Why do I say that?
Mr Speaker, as the Hon Minister would confirm, in Committee, when they first showed up -- and this is not the Minister's fault, I believe. But the staff members came and presented something that was unknown to the Committee or to the Hon Minister.
We had to send them back to re-do the estimates. When they came back, it was correct. Mr Speaker, most of the information from the other sectors is channelled through the Ministry. So, if the Ministry itself is not being diligent, it would affect us. Mr Speaker, if you look at page 10, we have been talking about overspending -- Controller and Accountant General, Compensation of Employees --the overrun is almost GH¢44 million.
Mr Speaker, the Controller and Accountant-General's Office is perhaps, the largest agency under the Ministry, apart from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), I believe. But the question I ask is, which was not clear to me and the Report -- It said -- actual recruitment of permanent staff -- how many people were hired and at what rate? Mr Speaker, if the overrun is specifically coming from arrears from the Single Spine Salary Structure, we should have the numbers but it cannot be from recruitment alone.
But GH¢44 million over and above what we have approved -- Mr Speaker, this is very serious and we should take note of that. Mr Speaker, the PRMA law is specific. It says that when they get money from the ABFA, at least, 70 per cent must go into capital investment. Mr Speaker, if you go to page 11, paragraph 7.3, an amount of GH¢9 million was allocated to the Ministry from the ABFA.
Mr Speaker, this is what the budget used for investment. GH¢5 million was allocated to the Venture Capital Fund. Is that capital development? Then GH¢2 million was allocated to the guarantee. That is not an asset acquisition. Another GH¢2 million was given to the Creative Arts Industry. I do not blame the Ministry.
In approving the budget last year, Parliament was not diligent enough. We should have questioned why we were giving the Ministry of Finance money to give to the Creative Industry. When I look at the budget, it was in there and this is the fault of Parliament. But at least, the Ministry should have brought such matters to our attention, that -- I do not blame the Ministry.
We put in GH¢2 million for the Ministry of Finance to disburse to the Creative Industry but that is not investment and 70 per cent of the GH¢9 million has not

Mr Speaker

Hon Chief Whip, do you have a point of order?

Very well.

Dr A. A. Osei

I am saying 184 out of 4,000 is less than five per cent. Mr Speaker, we ought to think about it.
Mr Speaker, the Accountant-General is our accountant over a budget of GH¢22 billion that is US$11 billion. This year, it is about GH¢30 billion; that is US$15 billion. And we are not putting in the necessary human capacity for them to manage it. I think it is a serious matter and Parliament ought to be thinking about it; we cannot continue like that.
We, in Parliament, must begin to think that, look, if they are going to monitor GH¢30 billion, then let us place the right people there and pay them well.
Mr Speaker, it is not only the Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) too-- These two agencies are sort of twins. The Revenue agencies bring us the money and if we do not pay them well, it would not come. But the Accountants help us manage it.
Mr Speaker, all these pieces of information we are getting, if the Controller and Accountant-General does not do proper accounts, all our work would be useless.
I believe, as an oversight body, we have to find a way to advocate for a proper building of the capacity of the Controller and Accountant-General's Department. If we must pay them twice, let us do so.

Thank you very much, Hon Member for Old Tafo.
I will take one from each side.

Mr Gabriel K Essilfie (NDC -- Shama)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to this Motion to approve the estimates for the Ministry of Finance.
Mr Speaker, before I do that, I would like to correct an error in the Report at paragraph 5.4. The information at paragraph 5.4 is the same information that is provided at paragraph 5.2. I think it is an error that the Committee made and needs to be deleted because it is the same information.

Mr Speaker

Hon Member, I am not going to give more than five minutes.

Mr Essilfie

I understand, Sir.
Mr Speaker, the notion that was created by the Hon Ranking Member as if only Chartered Accountants can perform well in the Ministry of Finance, particularly the Controller and Accountant-General's Department -- Mr Speaker --

Mr Speaker

Hon Member, if you are qualified in your profession and certified, I think it is better. That is all the point he made. I do not think this is an issue we should waste time on.

Mr Essilfie

Mr Speaker, I do understand that, but I just wanted to make the point that indeed, Chartered Accountants can be at the upper level of management at the Controller and Accountant-General's Department but there are middle level accountants who can be trained and can perform and we still can get the outcome that we need. That is all. I wanted to get that point clear.
Mr Speaker, the 2013 outlook has three pillars and basically, they are the Economic Strategy Programme (ESP), the Budget Management, and the Public Financial Management Programme (PFMP). Mr Speaker, the essence of these programmes, in my opinion, are to enhance the fiscal management and controls of the Ministry for us to be able to generate the necessary revenues that the country can use to somehow defray some of the deficit situation that we all
talk about. What this means is that indeed, the Ministry deserves to have all the necessary resources for them to perform their functions properly, to correct any problems that may be existing, just as have been enumerated in the Report, for them to perform well.
For that matter, Mr Speaker, I would one hundred per cent support that we all approve what has been allocated to the Ministry for them to be able to perform their functions properly.
On that note, I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, I was in the process of drawing attention to the very important role which the Ghana Revenue Authority plays in the nation, which is the prime institution that brings in the most revenue to our budget. In fact, the Ghana Revenue Authority is currently undergoing significant reforms, which started in 2009 with this House passing the Ghana Revenue Authority Act, which is leading to its consolidation of the various services under the Authority.
Mr Speaker, these reforms are on- going; the main ones being the integration of the income tax and value added tax (VAT) sections and further modernisation of customs administration.
Mr Speaker, the GRA will also play a very leading and significant role when we return to the House at the appropriate time with the envisaged revision of our revenue laws.
Mr Speaker, with these few words, I thank you.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion moved by the Hon Minister, that this House approves the sum of GH¢433,506,300.00 for the services of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present the Committee's Report.
Introduction
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2013 financial year was presented to the House on Thursday, 5th March, 2013. The estimates of the Ghana Revenue Authority were referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report in accordance with article 179 of the Constitution and Standing Orders 140 (5) and 169.
The Committee met and discussed the estimates with the Hon Minister for Finance, Hon Seth Terkpeh, Commissioner- General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr George Blankson and officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority and hereby presents this Report.
Reference Documents
In considering the estimates of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Committee referred to the following.
1. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
2. Standing Orders of the House.
3. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Govern- ment for the 2013 financial year.
4. Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791).
Background
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was established by the Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791) as a single semi-autonomous public organization to centralise, co-ordinate, integrate and replace the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Value Added Tax Service (VATS) for the assessment, collection, accounting and administration of tax and customs revenue.
The objects of the Authority include the following:
To provide a holistic approach to tax and customs administration.
Reduce administrative and tax compliance cost and provide better service to taxpayers.
Promote efficient collection of revenue and the equitable distribution of tax burden and ensure greater transparency and integrity.
Ensure greater accountability to Government for the professional management of tax administration.
Provide a one-stop service for taxpayers for the submission of returns and payment of taxes.
In order to achieve the above objects, the Authority is required to assess and collect taxes, interest and penalties on taxes due to the Republic with optimum efficiency, and to promote tax compliance and tax education. The Authority is further

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

required to combat tax fraud and evasion and to co-operate with competent law enforcement and revenue agencies in other countries.
The vision of the Authority is “to be a world class revenue administration recognized for professionalism, integrity and excellence”.
Performance in 2012
The major focus for the 2012 Budget was enhancement of revenue mobilisation and continuation of the integration and modernization of the Revenue Authority and thus influencing the activities undertaken. The under-listed are among the specific activities undertaken in 2012:
1. Conducted a research to determine the number of exemptions granted by the Minerals Commission, MoFA, EPA and Diplomatic Missions to reduce leakages through tax exemptions.
2. Continued efforts to modernize the tax collection system, and tax audit of companies to increase revenue.

3. Modernised domestic tax collection by segmenting taxpayers into large, medium and small for easy monitoring to enhance revenue mobilisation.

4. Continued to perform tax audits of companies which resulted in increased revenue.

5. Completed work on the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS).

2012 Budget allocation to GRA

The GRA was allocated an amount of GH¢287,618,860.00 from GoG for the implementation of their activities and programmes in 2012. As of 31st December, 2012 an amount of GH¢297,756,290.00 was spent. The breakdown of the expenditure is as follows:

Compensation for employees -- GH¢232,063,520.00

Goods and services -- GH¢ 48,702,160.00

Assets -- GH¢16,990,610.00

.

6.0 2012 Eexpenditure Returns

7.0 Outlook for 2013

In the 2013 financial year, the GRA intends to carry out the following activities among others:

a. Set up a special task force to monitor rent tax.

b. Continue to combat smuggling by injecting fresh officers into the Preventive Department of the Customs Division.

c. Extend the GCNET facility to other areas of collections hitherto not covered as a means to increase revenue collection and reduce collection cost.

d. Review of casino tax to streamline and regulate the activities of casinos to ensure efficient mobilization of casino revenue tax.

e. Put in place measures to ensure the passage of the Tax adminis- tration Bill, amendment to the Internal Revenue Act,

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amendment to the Customs, Ex- cise and Preventive Service (Management) Law and VAT (Amendment) Bill to strengthen, harmonize and organize the procedures and processes for GRA toeffectively mobilize revenue.

8.0 2013 budget allocation (GRA)

For the implementation of its planned programmes and activities, the revenue agencies have been allocated an amount of four hundred and thirty-three million, five hundred and six thousand, three hundred Ghana cedis (GH¢433,506,300.00) for the 2013 financial year to be disbursed as follows:

Compensation for employees -- GH¢ 289,750,000.00

Goods and services -- GH¢ 85,360,000.00

Assets -- GH¢58,396,300.00

Total -- GH¢433,506,300.00

9.0 2013 allocation by division

The allocation of the 2013 budget by division under the GRA is presen- ted in Table 1 below:

Table 1: 2013 budget allocations by Division

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Mr Speaker

You are addressing the Chair.

Dr A. A. Osei

Yes, I am addressing the Chair. I am asking the Chairman not to disturb the Minister because this is in his own interest. We must complete that building. I do not know in whose constituency it is; I think Hon Okudzeto or -- [Interruption.] Oh, Hon Fifi Kwetey; another Finance Minister-- Finance -- allied and related institutions.
Mr Speaker, with those few words, I think that we should approve the Motion to give GRA the amount that is being proposed.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of
GH¢706,721,937.00 for the services of the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
This amount is made up of the following:
Compensation of employees -- GH¢ 19,651,771.00
Goods and services -- GH¢805,566.00
Assets (GoG) -- GH¢ 65,617,269.00
Assets (ABFA) -- GH¢100,000,000.00
Assets (donor) -- GH¢313,484,595.00
Internally generated funds (IGFs) -- GH¢466,070.00
Road Fund -- GH¢206,696,665.00
Total -- GH¢706,721,936.00
Work programme for 2013
Mr Speaker, the objectives, outputs and activities of the Ministry are captured in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the 2013 -2015 fiscal years and the budget estimates for 2013 financial year.
The Ministry would continue to pursue its objectives to improve access through better distribution and integration of the road network system. Every region and district would benefit from the road intervention programmes.
Expectations for 2013
The Ministry's 2013 budget has been prepared to ensure that upon successful implementation, there would be steady and significant improvement in the Road Transport Infrastructure and Safety. This impact is expected to permeate all sectors of the economy.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry and its agencies would continue to pursue the following policy initiatives to improve on its operations and output:
1. The Ministry would continue to focus on routine and periodic maintenance activities. Routine maintenance activities would be undertaken on 11,199 kilometres of trunk roads, 26,223 kilometres of feeder roads and 7,411 kilometres of urban roads. The Ministry would also intensify the implementation of the law on axle load limit as provided in the new Road Traffic Regulations. This would enhance and protect the huge investment made by Government in the provision of the road infrastructure.
2. The Ministry would continue to partner with multilateral and bilateral organisations in the development of key road corridors to ensure effective mobility of persons, freight and services.
3. The private sector would also be invited to participate in the financing, design and construc- tion of key road transit corridors.
Mr Speaker, the total planned budget for the road sector for 2013 is one billion, seven hundred and thirty-six million, nine hundred and twenty-eight thousand, six hundred and forty Ghana cedis (GH¢1,736,928,640) compared with the total approved budget of seven hundred and six million, seven hundred and twenty- one thousand, nine hundred and thirty- six Ghana cedis (GH¢7O6,721,936). The approved budget represents about 41 per cent of the planned budget.
Mr Speaker, 1 wish to reiterate that, the reduction in the allocation to the sector would greatly affect the overall deliverables and the outcomes set out for the road transport sector.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move for this Honourable House to approve the total budget estimates of seven hundred and six million, seven hundred and twenty-one thousand, nine hundred and thirty-six Ghana cedis (GH¢706,721,936) for the Ministry of Roads and Highways and its agencies in order to undertake part of its programmes and activities for the year
2013.
I beg to move.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Michael Coffie Boampong)

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to support the Motion, to approve the estimates for the Ministry of Roads and Highways for 2013 fiscal year.
In doing so, Mr Speaker, I wish to present your Committee's Report.
Introduction
In fulfilment of article 179 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth E. Terkpeh presented the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2013 fiscal year to the august House on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013. Mr Speaker referred the budget estimates of the Ministry of Roads and Highways to the Committee on Roads and Transport for consideration and report pursuant to Orders 140 (4), 177 and 189 of the Standing Orders of the House.
During the consideration of the referral, the Committee met with the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemani (MP), the Chief Director, the Directors of the Ministry, heads of agencies and key officials of the Ministry and the schedule officers from the

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Michael Coffie Boampong)

Ministry of Finance. Indeed, it is instructive to state that the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR), the Road Fund Secretariat and the Koforidua Training Centre are the agencies under the sector Ministry.
The Committee lauds the Hon Minister and all the officials who attended upon the Committee for their co-operation.
References
The Committee used the underlisted as reference materials during its deliberations:
(a) The 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
(b) The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana;
(c) The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for the 2013 finan- cial year.
(d) The Medium Term Expenditure and Framework (MTEF) for 2013-2015 and the annual estimates for the budget estimates for the Ministry of Roads and Highways for 2013.
(e) The Report of the Committee on the 2012 budget estimates for the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
Vision of the Ministry of Roads and Highways
The vision of the Ministry of Roads and Highways is to provide “an
integrated, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable road transportation system responsive to the needs of society, supporting growth and poverty reduction and capable of establishing and maintaining Ghana as a transportation hub of West Africa”.
Mission Statement
In order to realise the above vision, the Ministry's Mission is to “provide leadership and an enabling environment for the development and maintenance of Ghana's road transportation system through effective policy formulation, market regulation, asset management and service provision.”
Policy objectives of the road sector
The policy objectives of the road sector as outlined in its Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) and in line with the infrastructure and human settlement thematic area of the Ghana Shared Growth Development Agenda (GSGDA) 2010- 2013 are as follows:
Create and sustain an accessible, effective and efficient transport network that meets user needs.
Integrate land use, transport planning, development planning and service provision.
Create a vibrant investment and performance-based management environment that maximise benefits for public and private sector investors.
Develop and implement comprehen- sive and integrated policy,

governance and institutional frame- works.

Ensure sustainable development in the roads sub-sector.

Develop a multi-disciplinary human resource base to facilitate the implementation of our programmes.

Performance of the road sector in 2012 fiscal year

Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)

Trunk Road Development Projects

Under the Trunk Road Development Projects, the GHA effectively supervised to completion, a number of major road infrastructural works namely: the Achimota-Ofankor, Nsawam by-pass, Nkawkaw bypass 1, Akatsi-Akanu, Akatsi- Agbozume and Techiman-Apaaso were completed. Six contracts for the underlisted major trunk roads were also awarded and are in various stages of completion:

Asikuma Junction-Hohoe

Dodo-Pepesu Nkwanta

Nkwanta-Oti Damanko

Fufulso-Sawla

Ayamfuri-Asawinso

Agona Junction-Elubo

Trunk road maintenance/ improvement projects

The GHA undertook routine mainte- nance and periodic maintenance activities such as regravelling, resealing and spot

improvement on 10,674 kilometres and 186 kilometres respectively of the trunk road network. Both translate to 93 per cent performance of 11,199 kilometres planned for execution on routine maintenance and 3 per cent of 6,635 kilometres planned for periodic maintenance. A number of roads under upgrading to bituminous surfacing, partial reconstruction and rehabilitation are on-going in various parts of the country and are at various stages of completion.

The implementation of the law on axle load limit was vigorously pursued during the year under review which has resulted in the decline of overloading from 27.6 per cent in January, 2011 to 16 per cent at the end of December, 2012.

Department of Urban Roads (DUR)

The DUR facilitated the completion of major urban road projects in the cities of Accra and Kumasi to reduce the vehicular traffic congestion. These projects include:

(a) Expansion of the Odaw bridge and the construction of the flyover bridge;

(b) Extension of the La-Teshie road in Accra.

(c) Gulf House to GIMPA by-pass in Accra.

(d) Dansoman main roads in Accra,

(e) Reconstruction of the Oforikrom- Asokwa bypass including an (interchange at Timber Gardens) and the Lake Road in Kumasi.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Michael Coffie Boampong)

Outlook for 2013
MRH Headquarters
The Ministry and its Agencies would ensure effective linkages with the thematic areas of the National Medium Term Development Plan (2010-2013) under the Ghana Shared Growth Development Agenda (GSGDA) for greater impact in the overall Government objective of reducing poverty and creating wealth.
In its bid at facilitating efficiency in the management of the road infrastructure, the Ministry proposed in the 2013 budget to recruit and maintain enough officers to manage the sector.
The Ministry would explore Public Private Partnership (PPP) Schemes in the financing, construction and management of road infrastructure with the PPP framework. Feasibility studies and new transaction process would therefore commence this year on the following:
Dualisation of the Accra-Cape Coast -Takoradi road.
The rehabilitation and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway and additional lanes.
Dualisation of Accra-Kumasi High- way.
The Ministry will continue to pursue its objective of improving access through better distribution and integration of the road network system.
The Ministry would also maintain its focus on routine and periodic maintenance activities to protect the huge investment made in providing road infrastructure, continue with upgrading and rehabilitation works that are ongoing in order to achieve a desirable road condition mix in line with the GSGDA.
In view of these, routine and periodic maintenance would be undertaken on

11,199 kilometres and 300 kilometres of trunk roads respectively. In addition 29,634 kilometres of feeder roads would have routine maintenance while 420 km of roads with soft spots would be improved. The Urban Department would undertake routine and periodic maintenance on 9,170 kilometres of roads.

5.2 Axle Load Control

The Ministry will continue to intensify the implementation of the law on axle load limit as provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and the ECOWAS Supplementary Act to preserve the road asset.

Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)

Road Development Works

The following ongoing projects among others would achieve significant progress during the 2013 fiscal year: Nsawam- Suhum-Apedwa road, La-Teshie road, Sunyani road in Kumasi, eastern corridor roads. Asikuma Junction-Have, Nkwanta- Oti Damago, Enchi-Dadieso road, Asankragwa-Enchi road, Berekum-Sampa road, Walewale-Gambaga road and Navrongo-Tumu road. The others include Bomfa Junction Asiwa-Bekwai, Sefwi Bekwai-Eshiern-Asankragwa and Obogu- Ofoase-Gyaden-Agyenkwaso roads.

Department of Feeder Roads

The maintenance, rehabilitation and improvement of feeder roads including the construction of bridges would continue especially for ongoing projects.

Department of Urban Roads

The Department would continue with its road expansion projects to reduce vehicular traffic congestion in the cities and urban centres. Some of the road projects include Giffard and Burma Camp roads, Tetteh Quarshie-Madina-Pantang, Spintex road - Polo ground by-pass, American House-Madina and the emergency rehabilitation of Spintex and East Legon roads.

Table 2: MDA planned budget for 2013 against approved ceilings

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Chairman of the Committee (Mr Michael Coffie Boampong)

Table 3: Comparison of approved budget for 2012 with 2013 ceilings

Observations and recommendations

For the second consecutive year, the Committee notes with great dis- satisfaction, the ceiling of GH¢65,617,270 provided for Assets against the Ministry's planned request of GH¢921,959,56.00. Inasmuch as the amount provided is woefully inadequate to impinge on the desired outcomes within the road infrastructural work, the Committee harbours the premonition that the untimely release of funds by the Ministry of Finance will further compound the already dire situation in the road infrastructure development.

A discourse with beneficiary communities during a field tour by the Committee last year and indeed observations made by the Committee brought to fore, the high rate of deterioration of most of the newly-

constructed urban and feeder roads nationwide. Although no scientific analysis of the situation has been carried out by the Committee, poor design of such roads, the use of inferior construction materials and inadequate supervision by the Engineers of the sector Ministry cannot be ruled out. The Committee will urge the sector Ministry to immediately conduct a study to unearth the causes of premature failure of roads. Meanwhile, action should be expedited to rigorously enforce standards and also resort to effective field supervision and monitoring of road projects.

Cognisant of the issue highlighted in the preceding paragraph, the Committee is agreeable with the proposition of the sector Ministry to implement a human resource development strategy aimed at strengthening co-ordination and oversight among others. This is a

laudable effort and we should not allow it to remain just in print.

An issue which the Committee deems as critical failing which the road infrastructure network would greatly be affected is the 124 officers of the Ghana Highway Authority who will reach the mandatory retirement age this year. Already, the staff strength of the Ministry and indeed the Department at issue falls below the required establishment.

In spite of the fact that the sector Ministry has made provision in this year's budget to recruit and retain personnel, the Committee respectfully appeals to the House to urge the Ministry of Finance to accord priority to the programme and facilitate the timely release of the required funds to the Ministry of Roads and Highways to recruit personnel to replace those earmarked for retirement, especially the technical staff.

The Committee could not properly assess details of work activities carried out by the agencies of the Ministry on routine maintenance on the road infrastructure network due to the procedure used by the Ministry in its reporting. In order to forestall such ambiguities, the Committee appeals to the Ministry to ensure that subsequent reports on routine maintenance of the road infrastructure network are based on actual activity that had been undertaken.

As a select Committee charged with superintending the Ministry of Roads and Highways, it is our expectation that the road network in our country is safe and comfortable to drive on. However, the Committee notes with concern, steep slopes of speed tables (ramps) on most of our highways which pose danger to motorists. Besides, there are multiple

SPACE FOR TABLE 3 - PAGE

17 - 1.30P.M.

unauthorised speed ramps erected by communities along the road network which are equally dangerous. The Committee has already raised the matter with the Ministry and hopes that immediate action will be taken to rectify the anomaly.

The Committee also noted that the COCOBOD as of the time of meeting the Ministry had not made provision for funds for road projects intended to provide access to cocoa, shea butter and coffee growing areas.

It was observed that the total arrears for payment to contractors for projects funded by the Road Fund was estimated at GH¢182,740,600.00. The Committee is not happy with this situation since delay in paying contractors affect the road construction industry and the performance of individual contractors.

The Committee also noted with concern the reduction to 10 per cent of the Ministry's request for Goods and Services, the fund from which Agencies purchase fuel for supervision and repairs of supervisory vehicles.

Inadequate supervision as a result of limited resources had contributed to poor quality of road works done and indeed, a great cost to the nation.

Conclusion

The pivotal role played by the road sector is known to all. Therefore, for the Ministry of Roads and Highways to realise its objectives and mission, the Committee urges the House to adopt this report and approve the sum of GH¢706,721,937.00 (seven hundred and six million, seven hundred and twenty-one thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven Ghana cedis) for the activities of the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the 2013 financial year.

Respectfully submitted.

SPACE FOR APPENDIX I - PAGE 22 -

Mr J. K. Gidisu

On a point of order.

Mr Speaker, for the Hon Member to be cataloguing those works that there had not been any significant show on the

Mrs Irene Naa-Torshi Addo

-- rose

Mr J. K. Gidisu

And you, Hon Member, Tema roads, what was done in your time? [Interruptions.] You had never seen asphalt road in Tema.

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, I would want us to concentrate on the estimates. This comparison and blame game--the Motion before us is the estimates. As much as possible, the contributions should be limited to the Motion moved by the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways.

Mr Owusu-Aduomi

Mr Speaker, I thought the former Minister was going to give us the percentage of our road network that presently is in a good condition but he could not.

Mr Speaker

Hon Member, concen- trate on the estimates.

Mr Owusu-Aduomi

Mr Speaker, in the year 2000, only 28 per cent was in a good condition, 2004, it moved from 28 per cent to 35 per cent; seven percentage points, from 2004 to 2008, 35 to 42 per cent. Now, I am saying, for five years, it has only increased by one percentage point.

Mr Pele Abuga

On a point of order.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member has been quoting some figures in terms of percentage. He has not told us the source of those figures and for us, he is using

Mr Owusu-Aduomi

Mr Speaker, the source is not difficult; if you read the analytical report, the statistical data prepared by the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Ghana Statistical Service, these are there. All the time, I give sources and when you read, from 2000 - 2010, Mr Speaker, you would get this. It is not a problem at all.
Mr Speaker, these thinly spread amounts on the projects -- they are so thin that they lead to undue delay of payments to contractors and most of the projects have been abandoned.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, you push routine and periodic maintenance to the background and this results in a poor road surface condition.
Mr Speaker, if you look at the Assets budget, out of the request of 922 million, only seven per cent was approved by the Ministry of Finance, when you go to table 2, page 13. It is obvious that this would not facilitate the acceleration of our road network that we would want to improve to support the growth of the economy and reduce poverty; this would never help.
Mr Speaker, arrears, only from the Consolidated Fund, about GH¢239 million, when you look at that table. This far exceeds the GH¢ 65.6 million budget ceiling that was given. So, you see that from day one, there was even no money at all for road projects.
Again, when you go to Road Fund funded projects, GH¢182.74 million is in arrears and this constitutes about 88 per cent of the GH¢206.7 million that has been allotted to the Road Fund.
So, Mr Speaker, the Ministry has not got enough money to work with. The total arrears that they have, which is about GH¢421.74 million is equivalent to about 60 per cent of the entire budget that has been allotted to the Ministry.
So, Mr Speaker, how can we get money for the Ministry to continue with its maintenance and infrastructure projects?
Mr Speaker, goods and services budget ceiling, that is the most critical, I have observed since I entered this House, from 2009, that, that is the least disbursed item but this is the item where the Engineers draw their monies for supervision of projects and repairs of their vehicles and so on. Mr Speaker, it is either untimely disbursed or disbursed in least amount.
Mr Speaker, we keep on awarding a lot of projects; how do we supervise these projects if we do not release timely and adequate amounts, funds from goods and services? That is the reason, Mr Speaker, most of our roads fail prematurely.
Mr Speaker, we need to intensify our supervision and therefore, I urge the Minister for Finance to take note of this, that it is important that the goods and services as budget, is released.
Mr Speaker, from the table, as at December, 2012, only 60 per cent has been released.
Mr Speaker, we tend to depend a lot on donor -- this year, the ceiling is GH¢313.48 million, which is about 44 per cent of the whole Ministry's allocation. 2012, it was 66 per cent.
Mr Speaker, when we have shortfalls in the disbursements of the Donor Fund, then it affects the programme of the
Ministry. So, we would want to appeal to the Government that we should not depend so much on the Donor Fund.
Mr Speaker, in a situation where we have limited funding, it is only important that you restrict yourself to routine and periodic maintenance to maintain the roads that had already been provided. We therefore, urge the new Minister for Roads and Highways to adhere strictly to routine and periodic maintenance in order to make the surface conditions of our road good -- in such limited funding situations.

Mr John Gyetuah (NDC -- Amenfi West)

Mr Speaker, I wish to contribute to the Motion for the approval of GH¢706,721,937 for the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the fiscal year, 2013.
Indeed, the Ministry did very well in terms of road construction and bridges, especially considering the rural areas.
Out of 104 bridges which were awarded and sponsored by three donor countries, 82 were completed and the small span, about 12 out of 30 were also completed.
Indeed, Mr Speaker, the amount which has been allocated to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, I believe that in the supplementary budget, the Ministry would be considered additional funding to construct more roads to ameliorate the situation.
Indeed, considering the number of roads that were constructed -- indeed, the Report state that some roads were very
bad in terms of shoddy works executed by some of the contractors. In 2006, I can give a typical example of a road from Manso-Amenfi to Asankragua which was constructed during that time and handed over to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and within the deferred liability period, most of the road sections went bad and a whole lot of deterioration started. Irrespective of several letters that were written to the outfit, nothing was done.
Mr Speaker, it is not now that those shoddy works are being done but I would want to state categorically and appeal to the Minister that, he has to consider shoddy works that are being done. When you go out there, the sort of works that the contractors do are appalling and we have to have a critical look at those works that are being executed, so that we can save more money.
Indeed, with regard to the road toll booths which are erected on some of the roads, additional ones have been added but I would plead with the Minister to ensure that more toll booths are erected, so that we can get more funds to support the road construction. The automation is very necessary. This is because we can get the requisite funds that are projected. So, I would want to plead with the Minister to ensure that more of such works are done. Looking at those road tolls which are --

Mr Speaker

Hon Member, conclude. I hope you do not have any problem with the estimates? Conclude.

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, there was much improvement in the Road Fund. In 2012, we had GH¢235 million as compared to 2011. In 2011, we had GH¢209 million and I believe that this year, it would be improved significantly to ensure that we get adequate funding for those roads.
Thank you very much for the opportu- nity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Intergration (Ms Hannah S. Tetteh) (MP)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable approves the sum of GH¢110,229,048 for the services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, this amount is to fund the activities of the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the 55 Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad and three subvented organisations, namely, the
Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy, the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council and the All Africa Students Union.
Mr Speaker, specifically, GH¢73,625,903 has been allocated for employee compensation, GH¢21,402,242 for goods and services, and then GH¢15,200,904 for the acquisition of assets.
Mr Speaker, the primary function of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is to project a positive image of our country at home and abroad, ensure the building of friendly bilateral and multilateral relations with nations with whom we have common interest, ensuring that our national trade policies and our economic developments are promoted through foreign affairs and all these operating through our Missions abroad.
Mr Speaker, I crave the indulgence of the Members of the House to approve the estimates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Thank you.
Question proposed.

Mr Bandua

Mr Speaker, having made these corrections, I present the Committee's Report.
Introduction
In accordance with article 179 of the Constitution and Order 140(1) of the Standing Orders of the House, the
Minister for Finance Hon Seth Terkpeh presented to Parliament the 2013 Budget and Economic Policy Statement of the Government of Ghana.
Pursuant to Order 140(4) of the Standing Orders and article 103(3) of the Constitution, the estimates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration were referred to the Committee for consideration and report.
The Committee met on Monday, 18th March, 2013 for the purpose of considering the estimates and reports as follows:
Reference
The Committee made reference to the following documents:
(i) The 2012 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Govern- ment of Ghana.
(ii) The 2012 estimates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
(iii) The 2013 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Govern- ment.
(iv) The Constitution of the Republic.
(v) The Standing Orders of the House.
Mission of the Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration exists to advise the Government on the formulation of the Foreign Policy of Ghana and implements its objectives in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
In pursuance of this Mission, the Ministry has set for itself a vision to establish “a well-resourced Foreign Ministry capable of establishing,

Ms Sara A. Safo (NPP -- Dome/ Kwabenya)

Mr H. Iddrisu

Mr Speaker, once the recommendation is made by this august House, the Minister for Finance would oblige this House an opportunity to amend that particular law, so that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration would be one of the listed institutions to retain their IGFs.
I wish to say that we have moved beyond the principles of the budget and I would urge my Hon Colleagues to stay focused and not drift backwards in provoking issues of di wo fie asem. We have long debated the principles of the budget; what we are debating now is approval of budget estimates for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
With these few words, Mr Speaker, I associate myself with the Motion.

Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah (NPP -- Okaikwei Central)

Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to add my voice to the Motion numbered 10 on the Order Paper.
Mr Speaker, the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry is central to the development of this country. In so doing, the Ministry must attract Missions abroad.
The Missions are not adequately staffed to enable officers to properly negotiate trade Agreements with other international organisations. Why do I say so, Mr Speaker? Remittances that are due to officers of our Missions are unduly

Mr Speaker, talking about economic diplomacy which aims at attracting the necessary foreign investments into our country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has a lot of inter- linkages with other Ministries, especially the Trade and Industry Ministry. But if you look at the 2013 February release of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank, trade deficit in 2012 alone was US$4.2 billion as compared to US$3.1 billion in 2011.

This calls for proper collaboration between the Trade and Industry Ministry and the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry to refocus to enable them attract the right or the needed investment into the country.

Mr Speaker, I saw in the Report that the Hon Minister wants to compile the data of Ghanaians abroad. It is a laudable idea. But if she wants to mobilise Ghanaians abroad, then it means that she must equip them or motivate them enough to be able to participate in local issues such as voting during our elections. I believe that is a very important incentive that will enable our nationals abroad contribute effectively to our national development.

Mr Speaker, on regional integration, the Ministry is Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, which makes a lot of payments to international organi- sations. One of them is called COPAZ which is aimed at harmonising or bringing

into being a single currency in the West African sub-region. This institution has to be monitored very well because our meetings with officials of the Ministry, I got the impression that they were not in tune with that organisation and I believe the Central Bank, the Finance Ministry and the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry must collaborate well in making sure that such an institution is well monitored for us to reach that common currency zone.

Mr Speaker, with these few words, I add my voice to the Motion on the floor.

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much.
Hon Minister, do you want to wind up?

Ms Tetteh

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
Let me thank my Hon Colleague Members of the House for their contributions and comments on the Report that was presented by the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the budgetary estimates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and I would like to use this opportunity while I am winding up, to clarify a few issues.
Indeed, as the Hon Member for -- Hon Adwoa Safo -- [Interruption]-- Dome/ Kwabenya said -- regarding her comments about the request for the payment of emoluments for the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration-- Indeed, what was requested was not given. But that does not mean that the budget for salaries and wages is not funded as per what was the budget for salaries and wages last year.
But in making the request for a specific allocation, the Ministry took into consideration the fact that there may be foreign exchange fluctuations in the
course of the year and therefore, in order to ensure that if such an event occurs, there would still be sufficient funds to ensure that all staff of the Ministry are paid; there was a request that was over and above what was required for the payment of salaries and wages to take into consideration an eventuality that may or may not occur.
So, that notwithstanding, we will be in a position currently, assuming of course, that there is no major exchange fluctuation, to pay the salaries and wages of staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
But I do very much also welcome Hon Members' contributions on the issue of the internally generated funds of the Ministry and how best we can have access to those funds for the activity of the Missions and headquarters.
Mr Speaker, the fact of the matter is, when you have Missions that are located in foreign countries, some of which are becoming more expensive in terms of location by the year as their economic circumstances change and improve, it is important to take into cognisance the fact that property prices, house rents and additional costs are likely to increase.
I would request my Hon Colleague, the Minister for Finance to bear that in mind when we are reviewing the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, because it cannot be in our common interest that people who we have sent abroad on posting, find themselves in a position where what we have made available for them does not meet their basic costs.

Mr Speaker

Hon Asiamah, do you have a point of order?

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢19,250,153 for the services of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, in doing this, with your permission, I beg to draw the attention of Hon Members of this House to some of the key functions the Ministry plays towards the promotion of and maintaining peaceable community life throughout the length and breadth of this country.
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, for this reason, needs this money to, among other things, pay for compensation, that is to say, salaries of staff and traditional authority allowances to chiefs and queen mothers. Also, the money covers the payment for office equipment, computers for the training of Traditional Council staff and chiefs and other furniture. It also covers services and goods.
Mr Speaker, one of the key objectives is to dispose of disputes pending before Regional Houses of Chiefs and also to codify the lines of succession to stools and skins with the view to eradicating disputes and promoting peaceful co- existence for the speedy development of the economy of Ghana.
Mr Speaker, it is for this reason I bring this Motion, that is, for the Honourable House to approve this said sum of money.

Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Kobena M. Woyome) Mr Speaker, I support the Motion, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢19,250,153 for the services of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs for the year ending 31st December, 2013.

In doing so, I present the Committee's Report.

Introduction

1.1 In accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution, the Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth Terkpeh presented the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2013 financial year to the House on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013. Pursuant to Order 140 (4) of the Standing Orders of the House, Mr Speaker referred the annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs to the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture for consideration and report.

The Committee subsequently met with the Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr Henry Seidu Daannaa and his team on Friday, 15th March, 2013 and considered the referral.

The Committee expresses its apprecia- tion to the Hon Minister and his team for their co-operation.

Reference documents

The Committee made reference to the following documents during its delibera- tions:

i. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

ii. The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.

Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs (Dr Henry S. Daannaa)

Ministry will now have to depend entirely on funding from Government to carry out this activity. It is therefore, imperative that allocations are released fully and on time to enable the Ministry perform efficiently.
For this year, the Ministry, among others, intends to codify 30 traditional areas and undertake the second and third phases of the “Ascertainment and Codification of Customary Law Project” relating to family and land in Ghana. The third phase which involves the validation, harmonisation and codification of customary laws pertaining to family and lands when completed will reduce land and chieftaincy disputes in the country.
The Committee however, observed that out of an amount of GH¢2,930.750 allocated in 2012 for goods and services, only GH¢976,912.00 representing 33.3 per cent was released. This greatly impacted negatively on the Ministry's activities in year 2012. To enable the Ministry meet its targets for 2013, the Committee recommends that an amount of GH¢800,000.00 be taken from the allocation of GH¢3,275,730.00 under assets to top up the allocation for goods and services.
In view of the importance of the above project in reducing chieftaincy and land disputes in the country, the Committee urges that the Ministry is allocated adequate resources to enable it realise its objectives.
For effective and efficient delivery of services, the Committee underscored the need for staff of the Ministry to be adequately trained. However, due to inadequate resources, staff of the Ministry do not often benefit from the requisite training. The Committee recommends that more resources are allocated to the

Ministry to enable it build the capacity of its human resource.

With an allocation of an amount of GH¢3,275,730.00 for assets, the Ministry plans, among others, to acquire a facility (traditional centre) and furnish it with the requisite regalia to serve as a waiting point for chiefs/queen mothers and their entourage who visit Accra for programmes and meetings.

The Committee noted that due to inadequate allocation, late releases and in some cases the non-release of funds, the Ministry was unable to undertake most of its planned activities for year 2012. The Committee strongly urges the Ministry of Finance to ensure that funds allocated are released to enable the Ministry implement its planned programmes and activities.

Conclusion

After a careful consideration of the budget estimates of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, the Committee is of the view that the budgetary allocation to the Ministry is inadequate. The Committee therefore, urges the Ministry of Finance to consider providing additional resources to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs should there be a supplementary budget.

Nevertheless, the Committee recom- mends to the House for approval, the sum of nineteen million, two hundred and fifty thousand, one hundred and fifty-three cedis (GH¢19, 250, 153.00) for the implementation of the programmes and activities of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs for the 2013 financial year.

Respectfully submitted.

Mr Boniface G. Adagbila (NPP -- Nabdam)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion and in supporting it, I would want to draw attention to a couple of things for future improvement and effective support for our Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs.
First of all, I would need to confirm that this Ministry is a lucky one to have the Hon Minister as its Minister. I say so because, Mr Speaker, I used to repair his typewriters for him and I know what he can do with machines and he has a very good emotional intelligence to run this Ministry --

Mr Speaker

What did you just say?

Mr Adagbila

I said I used to repair his typewriters for him for his learning. He knows it very much.

Mr Speaker

I thought if you had that relationship, you should be sitting on the same side.
Hon Member on the floor, continue.

Mr Adagbila

Mr Speaker, in supporting the Motion, however, I would want to say, looking at the mission of the Ministry, that it is an enviable one and a very useful one for this country. Mr Speaker, not only are they supposed to operate in the country but they are supposed to extend to build partnership internationally.
When you look at this, Mr Speaker, and you cast eyes on the budgetary allocation made to the Ministry, we need to crave the indulgence of the Ministry of Finance to re-look at the allocation. The bulk of the allocation to the Ministry is directed to compensation.

If you look at the allocation made in 2012, it did not help the Ministry so much in their performance for the year. They were able to present to Parliament for legislation only 11 lines of chieftaincy succession. They were only able to facilitate the amicable settlement of 150 cases or disputes out of 650.

They did monitor and evaluate programmes and projects of the agencies, the House of Chiefs and Traditional Councils in the Greater-Accra Region. If they had good allocation, they would have extended to the Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Central, Eastern and Volta Regions.

This means that if we have to allow them or push them to solve most of the disputes that this country has been engulfed, by both land and chieftaincy, then Mr Speaker, they need more money. They also need more money to pay allowances to our traditional leaders who invariably have been playing a major role for the governments of this country.

Yes, Hon Majority Leader.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, we will take the item that we deferred on Defence, item number.

Minister for Defence (Mr Mark O. Woyongo)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢575,609,022 for the services of the Ministry of Defence for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Introduction
Mr Speaker, the sector's allocation as provided within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the 2013 financial year is detailed as follows:
a. GoG -- GH¢492,303/112.00
b. IGF -- GH¢5,973,910.00
c. Donor contri- bution -- GH¢77,332,000.00
TOTAL = GH¢575,609,022.00
Vision of MoD
The vision of MoD in contributing to Government's achievement of its constitutional requirements is “To develop a highly professional, effective, efficient and politically neutral Armed Forces, which is subject to democratic or civilian control”
Mission Statement of MoD
The mission of MoD in contributing to the achievement of its vision is “To proactively promote national and regional defence interest and effectively contribute to the national development agenda”
Policy objectives of Ministry of Defence Budget
Taking into account the broad framework of the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA), the budget proposals aim at achieving identified policy objectives and strategies within the constitutional mandate of the Ministry of Defence. The key focus area is public safety and security with policy objectives as follows:
a. To forestall external aggression.
b. Safeguard territorial Integrity.
c. Contribute to international peace and security.
d. Improve the capacity of the MoD and the GAF to provide internal security for human safety and protection.
Policy stance
Mr Speaker, article 210 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana mandates the establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces consisting of the Army,
Navy and the Air Force, which shall be equipped and maintained to perform their role of the defence of Ghana as well as perform such other functions for the development of Ghana as the President may determine.
Our defence policy has been approved by Cabinet for implementation. The thrust of the document is to provide adequate guidelines for ensuring a credible and efficient, national defence for the present and future national security challenges.
6.0 Overview of the performance of the Ministry of Defence in 2012
Mr Speaker, the MoD made significant strides to enhance the overall security of the country despite budgetary constraints. There is no doubt that the acquisition of various platforms, combat vehicles and--

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Minister, can you conclude, so that the Chairman of the Committee will then --
Mr Speaker, in conclusion, within our limited national resources, Government has provided funding to support the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces. This level of support has enabled us provide cr ed ible deterrence in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country.
However, our budgetary shortfall needs to be addressed by MoF as soon as possible to enable us meet operational and maintenance expenditures in 2013.
Thank you for your attention and co- operation.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr George K. Arthur)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion moved by the Minister for Defence, that this Honoura- ble House approves the sum of GH¢575,609.022 for the services of the Ministry of Defence for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Introduction
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2013 financial year was presented to Parliament by the Hon Minister for Finance on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013 in accordance with article 179 (1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The draft budget estimates of the Ministry of Defence were accordingly referred to the Committee on Defence and Interior for consideration and report, pursuant to Orders 140 (4) and 158 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
The Committee met with the Hon Minister for Defence and his staff, as well as officials of the Ministry of Finance, and thoroughly deliberated on the proposed allocations made to the Ministry.
The Committee expresses its gratitude to the Hon Minister and his officials for acknowledging its invitation and attending upon it.
2.0 Reference documents
Your Committee referred to the following documents during its deli- berations:

Chairman of the Committee (Mr George K. Arthur)

essential stores, including ammunition are accessible to them.

A breakdown of the total allocation to the Ministry of Defence is as follows:

Breakdown of budgetary allocation of GH¢t575,609,022 to Ministry of Defence:

SPACE FOR TABLE - PAGE 5 - 4.10P.M.

Out of the IGF component of the budget totalling GH¢ 5,973,910, an amount of GH¢5,536,525 will be used by the Ghana Armed Forces for goods and services and GH¢ 437,385 for assets.

Though there are indications that the Ministry of Finance will meet all obligations relating to compensation of employees, the same cannot be said for goods and services and assets.

Observations and recommendations

The Committee observed that the Ministry's planned programmes and activities may be adversely affected and suffer long-term effects if budgetary allocation is not adequate. The Ministry may not be able to purchase enough ammunition and other logistics for the training of the Forces who are expected to be ready to respond effectively in any crisis situation.

The Committee also noted that the approved figures, as inadequate as they may be, are not released on time for implementation of programmes.

The budgetary allocation takes care of personal emoluments in full while goods and services and non-financial assets, which cover the core activities of the Forces, are only allocated 20 per cent of the proposed requirements. This will affect work output, healthcare delivery and maintenance of platforms.

The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Defence effectively and efficiently manages its resources and galvanises its internally generated funds, including revenue from external peace support operations.

The Committee would want to urge the Ministry of Finance to make additional

provision for the Ministry of Defence as supplementary budget, to enable it pay off some of its arrears (2012) for goods and services and non-financial assets.

The Committee observes that, the only way Ghana will benefit from the huge capital investments made recently to acquire assets for the Naval Command and the Armed Forces, is to ensure the effective maintenance and deployment of all the equipment to protect the territorial integrity of Ghana.

Conclusion

The Committee, after a careful examina- tion of the draft estimates, is of the view that the level of budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Defence falls far below its minimum requirements.

It is, therefore, imperative that the budgetary allocation is enhanced to improve the effectiveness and operational readiness of the Armed Forces for the security of the country in general.

This notwithstanding, the Committee recommends to the House for approval, the total budgetary allocation of five hundred and seventy-five million, six hundred and nine thousand, and twenty- two Ghana cedis (GH¢575,609,022.00) made to the Ministry of Defence for the financial year ending 31st December, 2013.

Respectfully submitted.

Mr Speaker, on a point of order.
I think I heard the Hon Minority Leader mentioned national security. But we must be very clear here that we have the National Security whose budget goes under Defence and then we have the Defence Ministry whose budget comes
to the Defence and Interior. So, if he can clarify that, whether he is talking about National Security or he is talking about Defence. That is the point I would want him to clear.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, I was talking about security and in the context of usage. National security is being used generically and I thought he would understand that. [Interruption.]
Mr Speaker, for those of them who are shouting, “No” it is not meant for them; those who understand, understand. [Laughter.] And I believe the Chairman now understands and appreciate what I have said. Mr Speaker, I was saying that -- and this morning, I was having a discussion with the Hon Majority Leader -- As I am saying, I do not understand why it does not find expression here. And I think that -- [Interruption.] Mr Speaker, do I give way to the Propaganda Secretary of the National Democratic Congress?

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Quashigah.

Mr Richard Quashigah

Mr Speaker, the Chairman of the Committee actually sought some clarification from the Minority Leader and he said that he thought he should know. And when there were shouts from behind, he said it was not meant for them.
I am a new Member; I think that if there are issues that I need to understand, it is for him to make it very clear, so that one would really understand exactly where he is coming from. [Interruption.] But if he decides to code information, it does not help those of us who are new in the House.
So, I would crave your indulgence, Mr Speaker, to compel the Hon Minority Leader to clarify that aspect for those of us who are new Members to really understand.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, I said, for those of them who were shouting, it was not meant for them. I did not see and hear my Hon Friend shout. But if he shouted, then it was not meant for him; but I think I did not see him or even hear him shout.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Minority Leader, even if he did not shout, he is entitled to know.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, I thought I had offered some explanation, that in the context of the usage, that expression was generically used, relating to our security in totality and that includes the Armed Forces.
Mr Speaker, the purchase of the Embraer planes -- [Interruption] -- carries with it -- [Interruption.]

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member for Pusiga, is it on a point of order?

Hon Minister, do you want to wind up?

Mr Woyongo

Mr Speaker, I would want to express the gratitude of the Ministry to the House, for supporting the budget estimates of the Ministry.
As indicated in the Report, what has been allocated to the Ministry is inadequate and it is my hope and prayer that when we are considering estimates for a supplementary budget, the Ministry will be considered.
I want to thank the House again for debating the budget.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved:
That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢575,609,022 for the services of the Ministry of Defence for the year ending 31st December, 2013.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, I would want us to take a look at the Addendum to the Order Paper to enable us correct some situations before we get back to Motions.
I would want us to take item number 1 on Presentation of Papers on the Order Paper.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Are you talking about the one that has to do with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts?

Alhaji Amadu B. Sorogho

Mr Speaker, I beg to withdraw the Report which was laid by my goodself yesterday, on the estimates in respect of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and instead, lay the Report of the joint Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism and Youth, Sports and Culture on the 2013 annual budget estimates of the Ministries of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Youth and Sports.
Mr Speaker, the reason is that the “culture aspect” by our Standing Orders is committed to the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture and so, I would want that to be captured.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, that earlier Report laid is accordingly withdrawn.
Now, let us go through the process of laying this current one.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, if we can take item 8 on the main Order Paper.

Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Dr Joe Oteng - Adjei)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢139,995,861 for the services of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation for the year ending 31st December, 2013.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Simon E. Asimah)

Mr Speaker, I beg to support the Motion moved by the Hon Minister for this House to approve the sum of GH¢139,995,861 for the services of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Mr Speaker, I present the Report of the Committee.
Introduction
In accordance with article 179 (1) of the Constitution, the Hon. Minister for Finance, Mr Seth E. Terkpeh presented to Parliament the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government for the 2013 financial year on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013. Pursuant to Orders 140 (4) and 185 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Speaker referred the annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) to the Committee on Environment, Science and Technology for consideration and report.
Deliberations
The Committee met on Tuesday, 19th March, 2013 and considered the Estimates. In attendance were the Hon Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei and his technical team as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance to assist the Committee in the deliberation of the estimates.
The Committee is grateful to them for their assistance.
Reference documents
The Committee referred to the under- listed documents during its deliberations on the estimates:
i. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
ii. The Standing Orders of Parlia- ment.
iii. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Govern- ment of Ghana for the 2013 financial year.
iv. The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490).
v. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Act, 1996 (Act 521).
vi. The Atomic Energy Commission Act, 2000 (Act 588);
vii. The Report of the Committee on Environment, Science and Tech- nology on the 2012 annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
Mission Statement
MESTI exists to promote sustainable development through the application of scientific knowledge to resource potentials.
The vision of the Ministry is to ensure sustainable development-based on a strong and vibrant promotion of science, technology and innovation, proper planning and management of human settlements, sound environmental governance and sustainable management of its natural resources.
GSGDA Policy objectives under the Ministry
a. Accelerated agricultural moderni- sation and sustainable natural resource management
i. Adapt to the impacts and reduce vulnerability to climate varia- bility and change.
ii. The use of Low Carbon Growth (LCG) as a specific approach to integrate the link between climate and Development.
iii. Curb the loss of bio-diversity by the intensification of safe and sound environmental practices.
b. Oil and gas development
i. Ensure that the practices of the oil and gas industry are consistent with international standards of environmental protection.
c. Infrastructure, energy and human settlement development
i. Promote the application of science, technology and innovation in all sectors of the economy.
ii. Strengthen the appropriate industrial framework to pro- mote the development of science and technology research.
iii. Explore the options for nuclear and geothermal energy.
d. Human resource development
i. Promote a sustainable, spatially integrated and orderly develop- ment of human settlements for socioeconomic development.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Simon E. Asimah)

ii. Facilitate ongoing institutional,
technological and legal reforms under the LAP/TCPD-LUPMP in support of land use.
e. Transparent and accountable governance
i. Strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanism of environmental legislation.
ii. Enhance policy and regulatory framework and effective co- ordination among key govern- ment agencies to improve the performance of the environment sector.

Departments and agencies under the Ministry:

i. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA).

ii. Ghana Atomic Energy Commis- sion (GAEC).

iii. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

iv. Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD).

Performance review of the 2012 budgetary allocation

Summary of 2012 budget of MESTI

SPACE FOR TABLE - PAGE 5 - 500PM

The table above indicates the total releases made to MEST in 2012. Even though the Ministry and its departments and agencies (MDAs) did not receive the expected amount, they were able to undertake the following major programs and activities during the year:

MESTI (Headquarters)

a. Promotion of the application of science and technology

i. The Ministry was able to procure 108,000 pieces of Laptop

computers to be distributed to students at the various educa- tional institutions through-out the country. This exercise is still ongoing. Again, the Ministry successfully organised the first ever science congress and implemented the Ghana Skill and Technology Development Project (GSTDP).

ii. In order to address the falling standards of mathematics, science and technical educa- tion, MESTI in collaboration with GETFund and other key stakeholders, set aside two per cent of the GETFund in 2012 and initiated an annual Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme (MAS- TESS) to provide scholarships to needy but brilliant students.

In 2012, 2,560 students benefited from the scheme, which brings the total to 7,000 students who have benefited from the scheme since its inception.

b. Mitigating the impact of climate change and vulnerability

i. As part of efforts to reduce climate vulnerability, the Ministry in 2009, sponsored tree planting and nurturing project along the coastal zone and the savannah regions of the country. So far, 50,000 trees have been planted which aided in the creation of jobs for 18,000 youth in various communities across the country.

ii. The Ministry also reviewed the National Bio-diversity Strategy Action Plan and also developed a Clearing House Mechanism website.

c. Environmental protection

i. In order to ensure good environ- mental governance, the Ministry spearheaded the review of the draft Mineral and Mining Law, the e-Waste and noise pollution policy. The implemen- tation strategy has been completed. Three chemical conventions have also been ratified.

ii. As part of Government's effort to maintain sanitation and re- establish bio-diversity of the country's coastal communities, the Ministry continued the implementation of the Coastal Development Project targeted at promoting coastal ecotourism and job creation. The project is being implemented in the Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions of the country.

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

i. CSIR has developed and released four early maturing and drought tolerant maize varieties in commercial quantities. The Council has also replaced the first and second generation breeding flock with stock hatched, selected and placed in growing facilities at Pokoase and Katamanso Poultry Farms. CSIR has established yam, cocoyam and potato cultures using nodal cuttings as explants for field establishment of clean planting materials with a hundred per cent success rate.

ii. The Council has successfully completed a project to restore degraded areas within Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve with indigenous tree species for bio- diversity conservation. They have also developed rainwater harvesting systems for some institutions and communities.

Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

(GAEC)

i. GAEC with the support from GET- Fund has commenced the construction of a nuclear accelerator building. The Commission has also rehabili-

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Simon E. Asimah)

tated a two story building into offices for the National Regu- latory Authority.
ii. The Commission conducted a hazard assessment of electro- magnetic radiation from mobile phones and radio stations and also researched into the radiation preservation of fresh agricultural produce.
Environmental Protection Agency
In 2012, EPA inaugurateed the Ghana National Cleaner Production Centre (GNCPC). The Centre is expected to build the capacity of manufacturing industries in energy efficiency and water conservation during production and

efficient management of both solid and liquid waste after production. The center would also ensure that manufacturing industr ies operate under sound environmental conditions.

Town and Country Planning Department

(TCPD)

The Department collected some base line data on the Bui resettlement area to support spatial planning. The Department also prepared the manuals for spatial planning and reviewed the national standards.

The 2013 Budget Estimates

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation has been provided with budget resources of GHC139,995,861.00 for its activities in

2013.

Summary of the 2013 budgetary allocations for the MESTI

Table 1: Breakdown of GoG budget ceiling by MoF

SPACE FOR TABLE 1 - PAGE 8 - 5.00P.M

Table 2: MESTI MP A 2013 Budget

SPACE FOR TABLE 2 - PAGE 9 - 5.00P.M.

This total figure indicates an increase of sixteen million, seven hundred and forty seven thousand, nine hundred and eighty-five Ghana cedis (GH¢16,747, 985.00) over the 2012 budgetary allocation for the Ministry.

Outlook for the year 2013

The Ministry in 2013, has outlined a number of programmes and activities to be implemented. Among these are the following:

i. Establishment of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Fund

The Ministry would establish Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Fund to promote science, technology and innovation through the implementation of Phase III of the action plan for the utilisation of local building materials in the construction industry.

ii. The “Better Ghana” ICT Project

The Ministry would continue to promote teaching, learning and the use of ICT. To this end, the Ministry would procure and distribute 100,000 laptops for distribution by the end of 2013, that is the Phase IV of the “Better Ghana” ICT Project.

iii. Implementation of the Ma- thematics, Science and Tech- nology Scholarship Scheme

(MASTESS)

The scholarship scheme would continue to disburse funds for an additional 5,000 beneficiaries to augment and maintain the interest of needy but brilliant students in the science and technology field of study.

iv. Environmental development

The Ministry would also continue the coastal zone development programme of tree

Ms Patricia Appiagyei(NPP -- Asokwa)

Mr Speaker, I beg to support the Motion tabled by the Hon Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation for the sum of GH¢139,995,861 for the services of the Ministry for the year ending 31st December, 2013.

Mr Speaker, in supporting this Motion, I have a few concerns and observations, which I would like the House to address. The first one is about the “Better Ghana Agenda” laptops. Mr Speaker, may I refer the House to page 116, paragraph 430 of the 2013 Budget Statement? I beg to quote:

“Mr Speaker, under the “Better Ghana” ICT Project which aims at promoting skills and knowledge in information communication techno- logy among pupils and students country wide, 108,000 laptops were procured and distributed.”

Mr Speaker, I know -- I would want to mention here and now that this amount does not reflect in the budget of the Ministry, So, we do not know where this figure is captured -- [Hear! Hear!].

Mr Asimah

On a point of order.
Mr Speaker, I think what I read was that one hundred thousand pieces were funded by the Ministry of Finance at the cost of fifty million from the non- road account. I would want to draw your attention to that.

Ms Appiagyei

Mr Speaker, I mentioned earlier that the fifty million being the cost of the one hundred thousand computers was not captured in the budget. We realised that the one hundred and eight
thousand computers, only twenty-six thousand had been distr ibuted -- [Interruptions.] We do not know where the remaining computers are. We would want the Ministry to indicate what policies were applied in the distribution of those computers. Mr Speaker, we would want to also indicate -- [Interruption]

Hon Members, I do not want us to drag this matter on and on. The point is that the person who made the comment did not catch my eye and therefore, it does not form part of the record. So, Hon Member, please, proceed.

Ms Appiagyei

Mr Speaker, the other point is, contrary to the statement that distribution is still ongoing, we still do not know the criteria that are being applied for the distribution of these computers - [Interruptions.] Mr Speaker, I would like to mention that this leaves room for discretion and possible abuse of the distribution and therefore, the impact of the so-called “Better Ghana ICT Agenda” is being defeated -- [Hear! Hear!]

Mr Ebenezer O. Terlabi (NDC -- Lower Manya Krobo)

Rt Hon Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to also contribute to the Motion, to approve -- [Interruptions.]

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, just a little matter since he has already apologised on something else.
Mr Speaker, he addresses you as the Rt Hon Speaker, the substantive Speaker, is the Rt Hon Speaker. The First and Second Deputy Speakers are Hon Speakers.

Mr Ebenezer Terlabi

Thank you very much. That is the sign of a very good leader.
Mr Speaker, before I come to the substantive issue, that is the budget, I would like to make a comment. I believe that the essence of the committees that we belong, is to sit down, meet, assess, ask questions where questions are due and seek answers.
I believe that during our interactions with the Ministry, some of the concerns that were raised by some of my Hon Colleagues were duly addressed by the Hon Minister.
For example, in the case of the computers, the Hon Minster said they had paid for them -- [Interruptions.] They had been paid for but what the Hon Minister sought to do was to make sure that because he is new in the Ministry, he asked that they give him a list of all schools.
So, the process is ongoing and so far they have distributed 26,000.
Mr Speaker, it is a fact that science and technology are the anchor of our development and therefore, there is the need to seriously look at the budget, whatever we give to science and technology.
Mr Speaker, the problem we have is that more often then not, most of the allocations to these institutions go into research and we all know that research normally has a very long incubation period. It is because of that, that we really do not see the effect as early as we would want to see it. That is the reason it is sometimes difficult when it comes to allocation of funds to scientific institutions.
I saw the Hon Minister for Education here but she is not around any more.
That is the reason, Mr Speaker, you realise that when it comes to the establishment of tertiary institutions, people easily invest into non science related institutions; they invest more into the arts because it is easy to establish -- That is the reason I would entreat the Hon Minister for Finance to look again at the budget.
We would want to really use science and technology as the anchor of our development and if we want that to happen, then we must do proper investment in that area and that is the reason I call upon the Hon Minister to really take a second look at the amounts that have been allocated to these institutions. Most of them research, as the Hon Minister alluded to, into health, agriculture et cetera. They require a substantial amount of money --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, that point has been made. Can you make some progress?

Mr Terlabi

On this note, Mr Speaker, I thank you and support the Motion.

Mr Speaker, if we could take Motion 2 on the Addendum to the Order Paper.

Yes, Hon Minister?

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection (Nana (Mrs) O. Lithur)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢38,596,470 for the services of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the year ending 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection was established by the Civil Service Instrument of 2013 on 18th January, 2013. The Ministry used to be known as the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.
The newly-designated Ministry is an amalgam of the former Ministry of Women
and Children's Affairs and the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare.
The Social Protection Division of the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare also comes under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is by its mandate responsible for the co-ordination of all social protection interventions currently being implemented by a number of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with the technical and financial support of some development partners and United Nations systems.
The Departments that operate under this Ministry are the Department of Gender, Department of Children, Department of Social Welfare, National Social Protection Strategy, the National Council of Persons with Disability, the Domestic Violence Secretariat, and the Human Trafficking Secretariat.
Mr Speaker, the total approved budget for this Ministry is GH¢38,596,470 and this amount falls short of our planned budget and would greatly affect the overall deliverables in line with the outcomes set for the Ministry.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move for this Honourable House to approve the total budget estimate for our Ministry in order to undertake our programmes and activities.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Thank you very much. Hon Chairman of the Committee.

Mr Speaker, verily so.
The Hon Colleague, I hope would be very accurate in giving time line as to the President's appointments and the creation of Ministries. She said about three months now, but the Ministry was created barely two months ago and the set up is in progress. The advice to the President is not by Executive Instrument. So, the advice is misplaced.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, would you continue.

Mrs Kusi

Mr Speaker, I do not want to go there. But once he had decided to do something, I am not the one to tell him what to do. He has decided as a President to align any Ministry and I am not going to tell him -- Mr Speaker, even before he names it, he should know what to do.

Mr Baba J. M. Ahmed

Mr Speaker, I am rightly on a point of order -- [Interruption] Order 91 (a).
The language used by the Hon Member, clearly, is unparliamentary. To tell a Colleague that he should not bring himself, what does she mean?
I think that this statement is insulting and it is not right for this House.
Mr Speaker, I need your direction on this.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, it order for the debate to actually flow smoothly, let me understand that the Hon Member was only advising his Hon Colleague that he is not welcome to get closer. So, let us leave it at that.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, would you proceed, please?

Mrs Kusi

Mr Speaker, to put it on record, I did not say he should not bring himself. I said he should not go there. That is what I said. [Interruption.] I did not say he should not bring himself. [Interruption]

Mr James K. Avedzi

On a point of order.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member did say here that he should not bring himself, but now that he is bringing himself here, she will advise. [Interruption.] So, if she said she did not say it, Mr Speaker, that is not the fact.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, I think we have listened to the wise counsel of the Hon Majority Leader and I ask the Hon Member for Tarkwa- Nsuaem to proceed.

Mrs Kusi

Mr Speaker, this issue of trying to bring out the equality balance -- Mr Speaker, from a report from the Ministry that is in my hand now, we read that in 2012, we had male Ministers, 83 per cent, female, 17 per cent. On appointment of District Chief Executives (DCEs), we had 95 per cent males and 5 per cent females. [Interruption.]

Mr Alfred Agbesi

On a point of order.
I heard my Hon Colleague say she is advising the President. Is she advising the President? [Interruption.] Mr Speaker, the President is on course; to all intents and purposes, he does not need her advice. This is because they have refused to co-operate with him.
How do they advise him? So, Mr Speaker, her advice is not needed, it is not wanted. She should keep her advice. We do not need it.

Mrs Kusi

Mr Speaker, the Hon Member did not listen to me. I said 2012 -- this is what I read from the Ministry in 2012. I am not saying 2013. I am saying 2012. The Hon Member should please, listen before he makes any comment. [Hear! Hear!]

Ms Ursula G. Owusu

On a point of order.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker

Mr Speaker, I express my gratitude for the consideration of our budget estimates.
I have taken note of the concerns, recommendations and observations made by Hon Members of this House.
These would be considered when we implement our programmes for this year.
We are most grateful.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved:
That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢38,596, 470.00 for the services of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the year ending 31st December, 2013.

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker, if we can consider item number 16, that is the Ministry of Information and Media Relations. But I am also aware the Judicial Secretary had been here since morning. So, if we could take that item number in addition. Item number 15 is the Judicial Service. But we would take item number 16 first.

Minister for Information and Media Relations (Mr Mahama Ayariga)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢41,670,827 for the services of the Ministry of Information and Media Relations for the year ending 31st December, 2013
Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Information and Media Relations was recently re- designated and oversees a number of agencies including the main Ministry itself, the Information Services Department, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana News Agency, the National Film and Television Institute, the Ghana Publishing Corporation, the New Times Corporation and the Graphic Communications Group Limited.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry has as its main mandate to make sure that information flows easily and accessibly to the general population and that Government also gathers feedback from the general population regarding its policies.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry organises a number of events and implements a number of projects in order to achieve this objective.
Mr Speaker, we are requesting for this sum to be able to implement these policies, programmes and activities during the year.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move.
Question proposed.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

Mr Speaker, I wish to support this Motion moved by the Minister for Information and Media Rela- tions for an amount of GH¢41,670,827.
Mr Speaker, in so doing, I present your Committee's Report.
Introduction
The annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Information and Media Relations (Mol MR) 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 of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for 2013 to the House by the Minister of Finance (MoF), Mr Seth Terkpeh, in accordance with article 179 of the Constitution and Order 140 (1) of the Standing Orders of the House.
The Committee met to consider the referral and was assisted by the Hon Minister for Information and Media Relations, Mr Mahama Ayariga, accompanied by officials of the Ministry and its agencies.
Reference documents
i. Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992.
ii. The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
iii. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Go- vernment of Ghana for the 2013 financial year.
iv. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of th Go- vernment of Ghana for the 2012 financial year.
v. Report of the Ministry of Information on its approved releases and expenditure for
2012.
Mission statement and medium-term objectives
The vision of the Ministry of Information and Media Relations is to achieve “a free, united, informed and prosperous society with good governance through Development Communication (DevCom).”
The mission of the Ministry is therefore, to facilitate the creation of an effective two-way free flow of timely and reliable information and feedback between the Government and its publics, to develop a national communication policy,
co-ordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes and activities of its agencies.
It also exists to create the r ight environment to generate necessary understanding and support of the public for the policies and programmes of Government and to facilitate their realisation through adequately trained, motivated and committed staff.
In pursuit of this mission, the Ministry has five broad sectoral objectives:
i. To improve transparency and public access to information.
ii. To mainstream development communication across the public sector and policy cycle.
iii. To promote social accountability in the public policy cycle.
iv. To enhance the capacity of the media for enhanced develop- ment communications, account- ability and press freedom.
v. To project the image of the country both internally and externally in collaboration with other agencies to attract fo- reign investment.
Agencies and institutions under the Ministry
The Ministry has responsibility for the following agencies and institutions:
i. Information Services Department
(ISD).
ii. Ghana News Agency (GNA);
iii. Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
(GBC).
iv. National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI).
The Ministry also has oversight responsibilities over the following Public Institutions:
i. Ghana Publishing Corporation
(GPC).
ii. New Times Corporation (NTC).
iii. The Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCG).
iv. GAMA Films.
2012 in retrospect
The Ministry of Information and Media Relations was provided a total amount of twenty-nine million, two hundred and one thousand, three hundred and eighty-one Ghana cedis (GH¢29,201,381.00) with the breakdown as follows:
SPACE FOR TABLE 1 - PAGE
5 - 6.30P.M.

TABLE 1 -- 2012 Actual expenditure for the Ministry of Information and Media Relations

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

5.1 Key achievements
The Committee was informed that the figures for employee compensation rose so high in 2012 because the staff of the Ministry had migrated to the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). Staff therefore, had been paid their new salaries as well as the backpay accumulated since 2009, when the new structure was introduced. Although the Ministry was not able to carry out all its planned programmes and projects for 2012 due to inadequate funds, coupled with delayed releases by MoF, the following significant successes were chalked during the period:
i. One National Policy Fair was organised in Accra while three Regional Policy Fairs were held in Western, Brong-Ahafo and Eastern Regions.
ii. The Ministry organised regional tours in the Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Western and Volta Regions. During this period, Government's policies and programmes were thoroughly explained to the people at the grassroots level and feedback was also gathered for Government at town halls meetings.
iii. The Ministry organised Meet-the- Press Sessions for almost all Ministries which helped to better explain the various MDA projects and programmes to the general public. It also facilitated closer interaction between Government and the media and brought about better appreciation of Government policies and activities through the mass media.
iv. Feature articles in the major national dailies to educate the public on Government projects and pro- grammes were published.

v. Produced reports on public reaction to Government policies and activities such as the 2012 Budget and Ministerial reshuffle.

vi. The Ministry undertook nationwide public education campaign on the 2012 Budget, the Right to Information Bill, the 2012 General Elections, and the Biometric Voter Registration. This was followed up with monitoring and evaluation of these campaigns in all regions.

vii. The draft Broadcasting Bill, aimed at strengthening and sanitising the broadcasting industry, was completed by the consultant and it is being finalised in collaboration with the Attorney-General's Department. It will soon be submitted to Cabinet for approval and subsequently to Parliament to be passed into law.

viii.The Ministry collated, processed and posted Government-oriented stories on the GoG website.

ix. 15,300 stories were gathered and processed from all the 170 districts into Home News Bulletins for forty (40) local and foreign subscribers.

6.0 Expectations for 2013

In 2013, the Ministry will continue to ensure the free flow of relevant information in pursuance of the transparent and accountable governance policy. It will also continue to effectively and efficiently monitor and evaluate public responses to Government policies, programmes and activities in addition to providing timely feedback to Government.

The strategic orientation of the Ministry of Information and Media Relations will be pursued through the following activities in 2013.

i. Organisation of National Policy Fair in Accra and five Regional Policy Fairs in Central, Upper East, Upper West, Ashanti and Volta Regions.

ii. Organisation of regional/district tours.

iii. Organisation of 90 District /Town Hall Meetings.

iv. Organisation of 45 Meet-the-Press series/press briefings.

v. Embark on public education campaigns on the national budget, major national events, draft policies, epidemic and disasters.

vi. Link the Regional and District Information Offices electronically to the head office to support the effective management of informa- tion on the Government of Ghana website via Virtual Private Network.

vii. Publicise the celebration of the Independence Day, Republic Day, Farmers Day, State of the Nation Address, official opening of Parliament, reading of the national budget, et cetera.

viii. Provide T V and radio coverage (live) for public programmes: Public Accounts Committee Sittings, regional tours, policy fairs, Meet- the-Press series, Farmers Day, May Day Celebration, Founders Day, Independence Day, A.U Day, Eid- ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Fitr, Republic Day Celebration, and Presidential tours as well as inauguration and inspection of projects.

ix. Provision of production facilities in Accra and the other regions in support of the ongoing digital migration project.

x. Collection and dissemination of news internally and externally.

xi. Increase partnership with the media in line with the principles of fairness, objectivity and truthfulness to promote national cohesion and sustainable development.

xii. Organise regular press/media briefings.

xiii. Increase media encounters by the Hon Ministers with the public through Town Hall Meetings and other public fora.

xiv. Facilitate the enactment of the Broadcasting Law.

xv. Facilitate the enactment of the Right to Information Law.

xv. Educate and sensitise the public on the Right to Information Law.

xvi. Promote cross-sectoral co-ordi- nation and decentralisation of communications within the public sector.

xvii. Strengthen the capacity of the State/public media, and the ISD to play their public education roles effectively.

xviii. Establish communication chan- nels between Government and

civil society to address informa- tion asymmetry.

xx. Improve co-ordination of infor- mation among information agen-

cies.

6.2 Budget estimates for 2013

To achieve its targets for 2013, the Ministry and its departments/agencies have been allocated a total amount of GH¢41,670,827.00 for its activities. These figures do not include input from GBC, which is now fully subvented and operates solely on IGFs.

TABLE 3 --2013 budgetary allocations for the Ministry

SPACE FOR TABLE 3 - PAGE 8 - 6.30P.M.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr Herod Cobbina)

7.0 Observations and recommendations

7.1 Budgetary Allocation

The Committee observed that looking at the MoF allocation to the Ministry of Information and Media Relations, its departments/agencies, it will be extremely difficult for the Ministry to perform most of the activities earmarked for the year

2013.

The Ministry informed the Committee, the following activities in particular, will be affected:

i. Organisation of national and regional policy fairs. The Ministry intends to organise one national and five (5) regional policy fairs across the country.

ii. Organisation of regional/district tours to explain Government policies and programmes and also to gather feedback for Government.

iii.Provision and rehabilitation of office accommodation to ensure a conducive working environment for the staff of the Ministry and its departments/agencies.

iv. Effective coverage of all national events especially live coverage of Parliamentary Sittings by G. B C.

vi.Development of documentaries on various government policies, programmes, projects and activities.

vii.Effective organisation of activities to promote Ghana's image abroad to attract investment.

viii.Establishment of Information Services Department's offices in all the newly-created districts.

ix. Training/capacity building for the staff of the Ministry and its departments/agencies.

ix. Enhancement of ICT infrastructure and management of Government of Ghana portal.

x. Payment of utility bills by the Ministry and its department and agencies.

xi. Purchase of equipment (digital cameras, editing suites, high-end computers) for training progra- mmes.

xii. Payment of accumulated fees for part-time lecturers of NAFTI.

viii. Payment of NAFTI accreditation and affiliation fees.

xiv. Settlement of debts owed to individuals and companies who have supplied various goods and services to departments and agencies on credit.

xv. Effective functioning of the foreign Mission offices of the Information Services Department.

xvi. Acquisition of new cinema vans for all the newly created districts. The lack of sufficient funds, the Committee observed, is therefore risky as it will reduce the flow of information which has the potential to create suspicion between Government and the citizenry.

The Committee is of the opinion that cutting down the goods and services allocation to the Ministry will indeed, cripple these vital activities, which will go a long way to ensure that State information is disseminated along the length and breadth of the nation.

7.2 Internally generated funds (IGFs)

The Committee observed, as with previous years, that though the various agencies have a capacity to internally generate funds, they are still faced with

challenges ranging from inability to compete with well-resourced private competitors, through the lack of capacity to actually operate at optimum levels to the lack of political will to levy economic rates for the very specialised services provided by the agencies. Some others are also unable to generate adequate IGFs to cater for their needs because of the low budgetary support over the years, which has left them with huge deficits.

These deficits prevent them from rising to the level of development where they can compete favourably within the industry.

7.2.1 NAFTI

NAFTI ranks among the highly affected agencies with regard to low IGFs generation. Despite having existed for more than forty years, the institute is yet to own its premises and the academic block it started constructing thirty years ago, is yet to be completed. This has kept students enrolment very low and made it impossible for the school to charge real economic rates, thereby compounding the inability to generate enough IGFs.

Besides, NAFTI lacks well-equipped modern state-of-the-art studios for its activities and also for serving the needs of stakeholders as a source of direct IGFs generation. Indeed, the equipment in the exiting old studios are obsolete and therefore, unattractive to potential partners.

7.2.2 Information Service Department

(ISD)

The ISD is yet another highly affected agency in respect of low IGFs generation. In spite of the advantage of having a presence in all districts and major towns in the country, and being in possession of cinema vans, cameras, public address

systems as well as having the technical know-how to manage public broadcasting and advertising, the ISD is still unable to generate enough funds due to obsolete equipment. This, coupled with the low GoG funding, perpetrates the cycle of the inability to get the relevant equipment, inability to fully disseminate information, lack of competitiveness and the inability to generate a respectable amount of IGFs.

The Committee was therefore, dissatisfied that the ISD is still not allowed to retain any portion of its IGFs which could be used to even enhance the IGFs generation itself.

7.3 Information Officers in Foreign Missions

The Committee was informed that while the staff of the Ministry serving Ghanaian Missions abroad are provided with their salaries and related allowances, they are not provided with funds to cater for their recurrent expenditure incurred during the performance of their duties. No provision is also made in the Ministry's budget to cater for such costs.

However, the host Missions, over the years, have been supportive of the officers' activities but have subsequently passed the cost accruing thereto to the Ministry for refund. Indeed, the Committee noted that our Missions in London and New York are in dire straits as they cannot even pay rent, much more for utilities. The Committee recommends that the MoF takes immediate steps to rectify this situation in order not to create more embarrassment for the nation.

8.0 Conclusion

The usefulness of information to the development of a nation cannot be over- emphasised as it promotes peace, tranquility and development.

Indeed, the 1992 Constitution enjoins the Government of Ghana to let our citizens know about the opportunities available in areas of national development. These include agriculture, education, energy, health and transport which are means of improving one's life and sustaining better standards of living. Therefore, the role of the Ministry of Information and Media Relations must not only be recognised, but also be adequately resourced to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of information, not just to the Ghanaian public but to the world at large.

It is with regard to the forgoing that the Committee recommends to the House to approve the sum of forty-one million, six hundred and seventy thousand, eight hundred and twenty-seven Ghana cedis (GH¢41,670,827.00) comprising twenty million, thirty thousand, nine hundred and fifty-seven Ghana cedis (GH¢20,030,957.00) from GoG, nineteen million, six hundred and thirty-nine thousand, eight hundred and seventy Ghana cedis (GH¢ 19,639,870.00) from IGFs and two million (GH¢ 2,000,000.00) from S.I.P to enable the Ministry of Information carry out its planned strategies for the 2013 financial year.

Respectfully submitted

Ranking Member of the Committee (Mr Ken O. Agyapong): Mr Speaker, I wish to contribute to support the Motion on the floor. In doing so, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a few comments on what we experienced during our deliberation on this budget.

Mr Speaker, we realised that even the estimates from the Ministry of Finance were totally different from what was presented in the budget and because of that, we sat on this for two consecutive times and we could not take a decision. So, we asked the Minister to go and see the Finance Minister and the Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance.

By so doing, he came back to assure us that whatever estimates that were given to the Ministry and its agencies, Ghana Broadcasting Company (GBC) should not be included. This is because the amount that was allocated to the Ministry was reduced drastically by about 50 per cent and therefore, the Ministry had to share the amount to all the agencies including the Ministry itself.

So, we are urging the Minister -- I hope he is here, but the Minister for Finance is not here and I know for sure they would come back with an excuse.

Again, when we take the Information Services Department, Mr Speaker, goods and services, they budgeted for GH¢9,184,578.59 of which GH¢1,391,810.61 was approved. Members would be

surprised to know that the Information Services Department's offices abroad are being closed down. This is because they do not have money to pay their rents. So, if GH¢9,185 million is budgeted for and it is cut down drastically to GH¢1.39 million, we all wonder how efficient this Information Services Department would operate.

Therefore, we are pleading with the Minister for Finance to assist this Ministry, if not, it would be seen as a propaganda Ministry. This is because whatever they are supposed to do, is in the interest of the nation.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Yieleh Chireh, do you have a point of order?

Mr Speaker, I certainly take a cue from the Chair and for various obvious reasons, the Hon Professor certainly saw the correspondence from the Office of the President that has some challenges in terms of the figures. So, I would want that we actually are cautious and I would like you to stand it down till tomorrow, Mr Speaker.

Debates of 21 Mar 2013

PRAYERS 11:10 a.m.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

Dr Kunbuor 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

PAPERS 11:10 a.m.

Dr Kunbuor 11:10 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:10 a.m.

Dr Kunbuor 11:10 a.m.

CONSIDERATION OF 11:10 a.m.

ANNUAL ESTIMATES 11:10 a.m.

Minister for Finance (Mr Seth E. Terkpeh) 11:10 a.m.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi) 11:20 a.m.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi) 11:20 a.m.

EITI 11:20 a.m.

NREG 11:20 a.m.

GIFMIS 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.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Mr Avedzi 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Dr Kunbuor 11:30 a.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:30 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:30 a.m.

Dr Kunbuor 11:40 a.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Prof. George Y. Gyan-Baffour 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Mr Avedzi 11:40 a.m.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:40 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:40 a.m.

Dr Kunbuor 11:50 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:50 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:50 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:50 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:50 a.m.

Mr Avedzi 11:50 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:50 a.m.

Mr Kyei-Mesnah-Bonsu 11:50 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:50 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:50 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:50 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei 11:50 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:50 a.m.

Dr A. A. Osei noon

Mr Speaker, it goes on further to say noon

Dr Kunbuor noon

Mr Speaker noon

Dr A. A. Osei noon

-- noon

Mr Speaker noon

Dr A. A. Osei noon

Mr Speaker noon

Dr A. A. Osei noon

Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin noon

Mr Speaker noon

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noon

Mr Speaker noon

Dr A. A. Osei noon

Mr Speaker noon

Dr A. A. Osei noon

Mr Speaker noon

Dr A. A. Osei noon

PRAYERS

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Mr Speaker

Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor

Mr Speaker

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker

PAPERS

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker

Dr Kunbuor

CONSIDERATION OF

ANNUAL ESTIMATES

Minister for Finance (Mr Seth E. Terkpeh)

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi)

EITI

NREG

GIFMIS

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Mr Speaker

Mr Avedzi

Mr Speaker

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Prof. George Y. Gyan-Baffour

Mr Speaker

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

Mr Speaker

Mr Avedzi

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

Mr Speaker

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

Mr Speaker

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

Mr Speaker

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

Mr Speaker

Dr Kunbuor

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Mr Avedzi

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mesnah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker, it goes on further to say

Dr Kunbuor

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

--

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker