Debates of 29 Apr 2013

MR SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11:55 a.m.
WELCOME ADDRESS 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Members, let me welcome you to this Special Sitting of the House.
In consonance with Standing Order 42 (3), I have recalled the House from recess to enable us attend to very important outstanding legislative business, relating to, among others, a consideration of the Reports and recommendations of the Appointments Committee for the approval or otherwise, of persons nominated by His Excellency the President as Hon Deputy Ministers and the approval or otherwise, of the formula for the distribution of the District Assemblies Common Fund
(DACF).
I am aware that most of you Hon Members, have not had sufficient rest since we adjourned sine die for the recent recess. Some of you have already made significant sacrifices during this recess by responding to calls to perform official duties for the House both in Ghana and outside.
I am also conscious of the fact that, this recall of the House has interrupted your respective programmes and compelled you to suspend duties relating to surgeries and other important matters pertaining to your constituents.
I urge you to consider this SPECIAL SITTING of the House as a call to national duty and the sacrifices associated with it.

In that regard, I thank you sincerely for the prompt and selfless manner in which you have responded to my call despite the short notice. I do hope that Hon Members will continue to give me and the Leadership maximum co-operation to steer the affairs of the House to enable us complete expeditiously, the Business before us.

On this note, I once again welcome Hon Members to the House. It is my prayer that the good Lord will guide us in our deliberations.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Members, we move to Correction of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 27th March,
2013.
Page 1 . . .21 --
Mrs Benita S. Okity-Duah 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, page 21, vii, the word “formulae” has an “e” at the end which should not be so. [Interruption] -- All right; sorry.
Thank you.
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Well, it is whether we should use singular or plural.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I felt --
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
It is what the law says. What does the law say?
Hon Minority Leader, what does the law say?
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I think the honest enquiry by my Hon Colleague was to ask whether the word had been appropriately or correctly spelt. As far as she is concerned, the spelling does not come with an “e”; that is what she said.
Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I guess that the Hon Member is referring to this matter in relation to a report that is coming to this House. I guess that the heading is “District Assemblies Common Fund Formula” with an “a”, without an “e”. I guess, Mr Speaker, they would have been following what exactly is captured either in the Constitution or --
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Members, before I call the Hon Member for Old Tafo -- [Interruption] -- Hon Members, there is no need for us to -- what does the law say? What is in the law; what is in the law, Hon Member for Old Tafo?
Dr Anthony A. Osei 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the issue here is not the law. See, there are two things coming -- “the National Health Insurance Fund Formula” and “the GETFund Formula”. So, in constructing it, “formulae” is the right word. It is as simple as that. It has nothing to do with anything else.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Very well.
Page 22 --
Dr A. A. Osei 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, we did not hear your ruling.
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
I did not notice that it is the two. I have seen that it is “National Health Insurance Fund and the GETFund”. So, it is the plural that should be used. And the plural has been used.
My ruling is the plural of “formula”.

Hon Members, the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 27th March, 2013 are hereby adopted as the true record of proceedings.

Hon Members, we have about seven days of proceedings for the Official Report. I intend to defer them, so that Hon Members can have time to go through them before we correct them. So, the Official Reports of Tuesday, 19th March, Wednesday, 20th March, Thursday, 21st March, Friday, 22nd March, Monday, 25th March, Tuesday, 26th March and Wednesday, 27 th March, 2013 are accordingly deferred to be considered later.

Item number 3 on the Business Statement.

Chairman of the Business Committee.
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 12:05 p.m.
Minister for Government Business in Parliament/Majority Leader (Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor) 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Committee met today, Monday, 29th April, 2013 and arranged Business of the House for the Emergency Meeting ending Tuesday, 30th April, 2013.
Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 12:05 p.m.
Arrangement of Business
Statement(s)
Mr Speaker, you may allow Statements duly admitted by your goodself to be made in the House.
Bills, Papers and Reports
Mr Speaker, Bills may be presented to the House for First Reading and those of urgent nature may be taken through the various stages in one day in accordance with Standing Order 119. Papers and committee reports may also be presented to the House.
Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 12:05 p.m.


Motions and Resolutions

Mr Speaker, Motions may be debated and their consequential Resolutions, if any, taken during the week.

Statutory Fund

Mr Speaker, the proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the year 2013 may be introduced in the House today, 29th April, 2013. The Committee of the Whole is therefore, expected to meet to discuss the formula. The Motion on the formula may be taken tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th April, 2013.

Mr Speaker, the Business Committee therefore, urges Hon Members to take note of the proposed meeting of the Committee of the Whole and participate in the discussions accordingly.

Joint Caucus

Mr Speaker, a joint Caucus meeting is proposed to be held tomorrow on Tuesday, 30th April, 2013, to discuss pertinent issues affecting all Hon Members.

Conclusion

Mr Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 160(2) and subject to Standing Order 53, the Committee submits to this Honourable House, the order in which the Business of the House shall be taken during the week.

Statements

Presentation of Papers --

(a)Proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the year 2013.

(b) Allowances for members of the Public Interest and Accoun- tability Committee (PIAC) under the Petroleum Revenue Manage- ment Act, 2011 (Act 815).

(c)Request for waiver of custom duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, withholding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four hundred and thirteen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413,611.00) on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.

(d) (1) Ninth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appoint- ments.

(2) Tenth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appoint- ments.

(3) Eleventh Report of the Appoint-ments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments.

Presentation and First Reading of Bills--

Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2013.

Motions --

(a) Adoption of the Ninth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appoint- ments.

(b) Adoption of the Tenth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appoint- ments.

(c) Adoption of the Eleventh Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nomina- tions for Deputy Ministerial appointments.

Committee of the Whole to consider the proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the year 2013.

Committee sittings.

Mr Speaker, it is expected there would be a joint Caucus meeting at this Sitting, possibly on 30th of April, 2013 to discuss pertinent issues affecting Hon Members.

Statements

Presentation of Papers --

Report of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the year

2013.

Motion --

Adoption of the Report of the Committee of the Whole on the

proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the year 2013.

The House expected to rise sine die.

Mr Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 160 (2) and subject to Standing Order 53, the Business Committee submits to this Honourable House, the order in which the Business of the House shall be taken.

Respectfully submitted, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Any comments on the Business Statement?
Hon Members, the Business Statement is adopted accordingly.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, when the Majority Leader presented the Statement, I thought he was going to, thereafter, move a Motion for its acceptance and maybe, if the matter was thrown to us, then perhaps, I could make one or two comments.
But since you have not chosen to go on that path --
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
I invited comments.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, after the submission of the Report, I was waiting to hear, maybe, a Motion from him and then I could maybe, make a comment. But I am not really going to discuss or debate that matter. The option is that you chose --
Mr Speaker, the issue relates to the matter before us; what it is that Parliament has been summoned to do and the Chairman of the Business Committee who is the Majority Leader has submitted this to us?
Dr Kunbuor 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have tried with quite some difficulty to follow the interpretation that has been put on Standing Orders 42(3) and 32(2). But if those two Orders are read together with the interpretation column on what constitutes a Sitting and what constitutes a Meeting, I do not think we need to split hairs over any procedural irregularity.
You would know that when Mr Speaker is proceeding under Order 42(3), is the exercise of a discretional power. And if the challenge of the Hon Minority Leader, if I would call it “challenge”, was on an improper exercise of that discretion, then it could be a matter for consideration of this House.
But Mr Speaker, it is still important that when we have this penumbra area of our Standing Orders that has not been given a very clear and concise interpretation, then we have to find a way of beginning to tidy it up. To that extent, I think it is a matter that this House will consider subsequently when we come to address the issues of our Standing Orders.
I take notice of the fact that the Hon Minority Leader did not intend to raise a substantive challenge to this particular Sitting.
Dr A. A. Osei 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would need clarification from the Hon Majority Leader. When he was speaking, he used the words: “procedural irregularity”. So, could he explain that to us? [Uproar.]
Dr Kunbuor 12:15 p.m.
I know that Mr Speaker has not put this matter up for any debate. But I did not say there were procedural irregularities; I said a suggestion to that effect. [Laughter.]
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Majority Leader has alluded to his own understanding of the Standing Orders and he said that he had been struggling to follow what I had said.
rose
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
I have not finished; have patience.
Dr Kunbuor 12:15 p.m.
It is a point of order I am raising with so much difficulty.
The point of order is that, I have indicated that, to get exactly the sense of what the Hon Minority Leader is saying, if he could go to the Interpretation section and indicate to this House what meaning is given to a Meeting and what meaning is given to a Sitting. If we get that and he still has a difficulty and he sees a world of difference, then there is an issue. But I followed his argument quite well.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, with respect to the Hon Majority Leader, I think he does not need to tell me to go there. He should apply himself to that.
Mr Speaker, a Sitting is a period when Parliament is Sitting continuously and we are talking about the timespan of a day. That is a Sitting. A Meeting is a series of Sittings and a Session is a series of Meetings in one year. That is the distinction.
rose
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
If I may finish -- [Interruption.]
Dr Kunbuor 12:15 p.m.
Respectfully, Hon Minority Leader, I do not want to rise on a point of order but you are misleading the House because the definition of a Meeting includes a Sitting or Sittings. That is the definition in the Standing Orders.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, with respect, let me just clear this with the Hon Majority Leader because I made the point that a Sitting could be a Meeting -- could be just one day. [Uproar.] A Meeting could be one day. That is the distinction. I think he ought to understand this. So, if there is a special recall, if it lasts for even one day, it is a Meeting. That is the difference. So, he should go back and apply critical thinking to this.
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Hon Members, in exercising my discretion under Standing Order 42 (3), I think that I exercised that discretion properly within the confines of
the Standing Orders of this House. And in my Statement that I read, I only referred to Order 42 (3), I did not refer to Order 32.
I entirely agree with you to say that it is a Meeting. Yes, even if it is one day, I agree with you that it is a Meeting. But beyond that, I do not see any procedural error at all. [Uproar]. I used the word “Special” in the sense that we were not supposed to be in the House in April. It was clear in our minds that we would be coming back in May. That is why I used the word advisedly and you conceded to that.
But apart from the word that I used, every word that I used, every step that has been taken to call this Meeting, are consistent with the Rules and the Standing Orders of this House.
When one looks at the issue of agenda or the Standing Orders, it says that “if it is possible”. It is very, very clear there:
“33(1)The Clerk shall send to each Member a copy of the Agenda for each Meeting, if possible, fourteen days before the Meeting, and shall, whenever the circumstances require circulate a Supplementary Agenda.”
It is very, very clear.
I agree with you with regard to Meetings but it begins there and ends there.
Hon Members, let us proceed.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, with respect, I do not intend to challenge your ruling.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
You know the procedure. So, what you are trying to do is procedural irregularity. [Laughter.]
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, that is why I am saying that I do not intend to challenge it because if I have to do that, I may have to come with a substantive Motion; I am aware of that. Mr Speaker, I am aware of that.
But I believe, on this occasion, with respect, that what may be happening may not rather sit in sync with our Standing Orders but I would rest it there because if I have to challenge it, I may have to come by a Motion and the Motion would have to be submitted to you and you may have to approve or not approve of it. And having summoned this Meeting, I know it may be difficult for you to throw out a spittle, with respect, and then turn round to lick that spittle. So, I would rest it there.
Dr Kunbuor 12:25 p.m.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. All along I knew the Hon Minority Leader was not asleep but he was insisting that I should wake him up.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Hon Members, let us make progress. I believe that we are on course.
So, at the Commencement of Public Business -- Presentation of Papers.
PAPERS 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Item 5 (b) -- by the Minister for Finance.
Dr Kunbuor 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, may I respectfully ask for your indulgence to lay the Paper on behalf of the Hon Minister. He has actually been in the House for some time but because we delayed in Sitting, he was called back to the Ministry to do something very important. So, I have his permission to lay the Paper on his behalf.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Very well.
By the Minister for Government Business in Parliament/Majority Leader (on behalf of the Minister for Finance) --
Allowances for members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815).
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Hon Members, I made a small mistake. I should have referred the first matter that was laid, to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and report.
Hon Members, the second Paper duly laid --
Referred to the Finance Committee.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Hon Members, item 5 (b) (ii).
Dr Kunbuor 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I should have, in asking for your leave under item 5 (b) (i) asked for the same to be extended to item 5 (b) (ii) to lay it on behalf of the Hon Minister for Finance--
(ii) Request for waiver of custom duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, with- holding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four
hundred and thirteen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413,611.00) on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co- operation Agency and the Govern- ment of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
(i) Ninth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments.
(ii) Tenth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments.
(iii) Eleventh Report of the Appoint- ments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Hon First Deputy Speaker, I thought you were going to correct the roman. They repeated roman numeral (ii). It is so corrected.
Mr Ebo Barton-Odro 12:25 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Item number 6 -- Presentation and First Reading of Bills -- Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill,
2013.
Dr Kunbuor 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would ask that we stand down this particular matter and to reconsider it subsequently.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Very well. Accordingly deferred.
Item number 6 on the Order Paper.
First Deputy Speaker.
Mr Barton-Odro 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I believe it is item number 7.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Yes.
MOTIONS 12:25 p.m.
Chairman of the Appointments Committee (Mr Ebo Baton-Odro) 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80 (1), which require that no Motion shall be debated until at least, forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the Motion is given and the date on which the Motion is moved, the Motion for the adoption of the --
(a) Ninth Report of the Appointment Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministe- rial appointments
(b) Tenth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial terial appointments
Mr Alfred K. Agbesi 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Item number 8.
Hon First Deputy Speaker, my understanding is that even though you laid those Reports separately, you are taking them together?
Mr Barton-Odro 12:25 p.m.
That is so, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Very well.
Mr Barton-Odro 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker -- [Interruption.]
Dr A. A. Osei 12:25 p.m.
On a point of order.
Mr Speaker, we have with us -- We have been given two Reports. We do not have the Ninth Report with us. I have two. [Interruption.] No, they are two. He has two of three; it is not complete. [Interruption.] We do not have all of them. They may have them but we do not have all of them.
Mr Speaker --
Mr Speaker 1:35 p.m.
Hon Members, let them distribute the third copy to those who do

Hon Members, let us have some order.

Hon First Deputy Speaker, you may move the Motion while an effort is made to distribute them to those who do not have copies of the Report.
MOTIONS 1:35 p.m.
Chairman of the Appointments Committee (Mr Ebo Barton-Odro) 1:35 p.m.
Mr Speaker, may I now move, that this Honourable House adopts the: (a) Ninth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments; (b) Tenth Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments; (c) Eleventh Report of the Appointments Committee on H.E. the President's nominations for Deputy Ministerial appointments.
Introduction
Pursuant to article 256 (2) of the 1992 Constitution, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama communicated to Parliament for prior approval, the nomination of the following persons for appointment as Deputy Ministers:
1. Hon (Dr) Dominic Akuritinga Ayine -- Deputy Minister- designate for Justice and Attorney-General's Department.
2. Ms Barbara Serwaa Asamoah -- Deputy Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources.
Chairman of the Appointments Committee (Mr Ebo Barton-Odro) 1:35 p.m.
3. Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa - - Deputy Minister-designate for Education.
4. Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu -- Deputy Minister-designate for Information and Media Rela- tions.
5. Hon Cassiel Ato Baah Forson -- Deputy Minister-designate for Finance.
6. Ambassador Thomas Kwesi Quartey -- Deputy Minister- designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
7. Hon Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum -- Deputy Minister- designate for Local Government and Rural Development.
8. Hon (Dr) Bernice Adiku Heloo -- Deputy Minister-designate for Environment, Science, Tech- nology and Innovation.
9. Mrs Joyce A. Bawah Mogtari -- Deputy Minister-designate for Transport.
10. Hon George Kweku Ricketts- Hagan -- Deputy Minister- designate for Finance.
In accordance with Order 172 of the Standing Orders of the House, Mr Speaker referred the nominations to the Appointments Committee for conside- ration and report.
Reference documents
The Committee referred to the following documents during its deliberations and the public hearing of the nominees:
a. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
b. The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
c. The Curricula Vitae of the nominees.
Procedure
As part of the procedures of the Committee for the discharge of its mandate, the names of the nominees were published in the print media in accordance with Order 172(3) of the Standing Orders of the House to invite memoranda from the general public on the nominees.
On appearing before the Committee, the nominees subscribed to the Oath of a Witness and answered questions relating to their records of office, the positions to which they have been nominated and issues of general national concern.
Hon (Dr) Dominic Akuritinga -- Deputy Minister-designate for Justice and Attorney- General's Department
Background
Hon (Dr) Dominic Akuritinga Ayine was born on 6th January, 1966 in the Upper East Region. He started his elementary education in 1976 at the Lawra Muslim Primary School and the Tongo-Beo Primary School in the Upper West and Upper East Regions respectively and completed at the Adekura Middle School in Zuarungu in the Upper East Region. He proceeded to the Notre Dame Seminary Secondary School in Navrongo (1981 - 1986) and Tamale Secondary School (1986 1988) for his G.C.E.Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates respectively.
The nominee attended the University of Ghana, Legon, from1990 to 1993 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) and the Ghana School of Law from

The nominee started his legal practice at the Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa and Mate as a Legal Associate from 1996 to 1998. Between 1998 and 2001, he was the Director of the General Law Consult and later became the Executive Director of the Centre for Public Interest Law from 2001 2009. He also joined the academia as a Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, from April, 2000 to January, 2013 and has also been a Managing Partner of the Ayine and Felli Law Offices from July 2009 to date.

Hon (Dr.) Ayine is currently the Member of Parliament for the Bolgatanga East Constituency in the Upper East Region.

Decoupling the Ministry of Justice from the Office of the Attorney-General

Sharing his opinion on whether he supports the call for the decoupling of the Ministry of Justice from the Office of the Attorney-General, the nominee stated that the call for the decoupling arises from the erroneous public perception that the current structure is being used to persecute political opponents. He stated that article 88 of the 1992 Constitution only provided for the Attorney-General as a Minister of State. However, mention was not made of the Ministry of Justice.

Touching on the way forward, the nominee cited the case of South Africa where there is a separate Ministry of Justice and Constitution Development and an Attorney-General's Office and supported the recommendation of the Constitution Review Commission which stated among others that the current structure could be separated without any constitutional amendment.

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA)

In responding to a question whether he would advise that Ghana signs the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the nominee noted that the EPA is a scheme aimed at creating a free trade area between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.

He indicated that Ghana stands to benefit from improved production levels, access to high quality products and development should it sign onto the Agreement. He, however, cautioned that there could be a substantial loss of revenue to the State if the country signs onto the Agreement.

He mentioned that a study by the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) revealed that an amount of US$20 million per annum could be lost should Ghana sign onto the Agreement. Again, the Agreement may have adverse impact on local industries which would not be able to compete favourably with imported commodities on the market.

The nominee assured the Committee that he would support the Minister in ensuring that the necessary safeguards are put in the current pact to minimise any negative impact that the EPA may cause to businesses in the country.
Chairman of the Appointments Committee (Mr Ebo Barton-Odro) 1:35 p.m.
Improving the work of the Council for Law Reporting
Responding to a question on how he would assist the substantive Minister in reducing delays in law reporting by the Council for Law Reporting, the nominee indicated that the Advanced Legal Publishing produces the Supreme Court of Ghana Law Reports every year. Thus according to him, it is also feasible for the Council to do same. He, however, noted that under-funding and lack of the necessary legal personnel are some of the major challenges hampering the work of the Council.
He also stated that he would advise the substantive Minister to consider converting the Council into a Statutory Corporation to enable it commercialise its activities. In so doing, the Council would be self-reliant thereby relieving Govern- ment of the financial burden.
Dealing with industrial action by the Judicial Service of Ghana
Commenting on the threats by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana to embark on a strike action, the nominee stated that the Judicial Service is part of the justice system of the country and by law, it is not supposed to embark on a strike action. In his opinion, it would be illegal for the Judicial Service to embark on a strike action.
He indicated that he would advise his Minister to abide by the decision of the Labour Commission on the legalities of the matter and convene a meeting with the Chief Justice, with the view to finding a lasting solution to the grievances of the Service.
On the issue of the spate of strike actions by workers who provide essential services, the nominee debunked the

notion that the Labour Act has outlived its usefulness to ensure industr ial harmony in the country. According to the nominee, the Labour Act has been crafted to ensure industrial harmony in the country. However, the National Labour Commission, which is mandated to implement the Labour Act, is not adequately resourced to enable it perform its role effectively and efficiently.

Addressing congestion in the prisons

The nominee attributed the congestion in prisons to the unbridled remand of suspects and the refusal of bail to suspects for bailable offences by some Judges. He also attributed the congestion in our prisons to the fact that custodial sentences pronounced by Judges are not supported by any guideline.

He, therefore, called for the enactment of a legislation to guide Judges in the sentencing of offenders of the law. This, according to him, will eliminate the abuse in the sentencing of offenders by Judges, thereby reducing congestion in our prisons.

Opinion on gay rights

Expressing his view on gay rights in the country, Hon (Dr)Ayine was emphatic that the act of homosexuality is prohibited by section 104 of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which deals with unnatural carnal knowledge. He indicated that Act 29 prohibits unnatural carnal knowledge of a child under the age of sixteen.

He added that it is also an offence to have unnatural carnal knowledge with a person above sixteen years without his consent. He, however, noted that there is a controversy over the interpretation of the offence in the Act.

According to him, as a Lawyer and a Member of Parliament who has sworn to uphold the Constitution of the Republic, he would not support gay activities as criminalised under the laws of the country.

Recommendation

The Committee recommends that the House approves by consensus, the nomination of Hon (Dr) Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Deputy Minister for Justice and Attorney-General's Depart- ment.

Ms Barbara Serwaa Asamoah -- Deputy Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources

Background

Ms Barbara Serwaa Asamoah was born on 18th December, 1974 in Offinso in the Ashanti Region. She attended St. Jerome Secondary School in Abofour (1993 - 1994) and Sunyani Secondary School (1994 - 1996) where she obtained her G.C.E. Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates respectively. Ms Asamoah continued her academic pursuit at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in English and Law in 2003 and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2008.

She continued to the Ghana Law School for her professional legal training from 2008 to 2010 and was awarded a Barrister at Law Certificate (BL). Ms Barbara Serwaa Asamoah served as a Traffic Manager at ASSH FM from 2003 to 2004 and KES FM from 2005 to 2007 both Kumasi-based media stations. She has served as a Legal Practitioner at the Law Trust Company (a firm of Solicitors) from October 2010 to date.

Women empowerment in politics

Commenting on the need to empower women to enable them play active roles in politics, the nominee stated that the prevalent political terrain does not favour women. She stated that to be able to influence a political decision, one needs to be part of the decision-making process. Thus, it is necessary for women to be encouraged to pursue political ambitions in order to contribute their quota to the development of Ghana.

She urged the younger generation to look up to successful women politicians as role models in their political endeavour.

Policy on returning unused lands to owners

On the issue of Government's policy on returning unused lands to their original owners, the nominee stated that Government acquires lands by compulsory acquisition for purposes of social and economic development. Traditional rulers in their quest to attract developmental projects to their communities, may also willingly provide land to Government for such purposes.

The nominee further stated that even though traditional rulers willingly give out community lands to Government for developmental purposes, much attention is not given to the proper documentation of such lands. According to the nominee, this situation tends to create problems for the Government and the community in the event of returning unused lands to their original owners.

That notwithstanding, the nominee supported Government's policy to return unused acquired lands to their rightful owners. She, however, indicated that in such situations, compensations paid by Government should be refunded by the landowners.
Chairman of the Appointments Committee (Mr Ebo Barton-Odro) 1:35 p.m.
Relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM)
The nominee in his response to the relevance of the NAM, informed the Committee that the Movement was founded in 1961 (largely by Yugoslavia's President, Josip Broz Tito; Indonesia's first President, Sukarno; Egypt's second President, Gamal Abdel Nasser; Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah; and India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru) at the height of the Cold War between the Capitalist West and Communist East led by the United States of America and the USSR respectively.
He indicated that this period was characterised by uncontrolled acquisition of nuclear arms by the then two super powers of the world which served as a threat to world peace and security. He recounted that in the wake of this nuclear arms race, the founding fathers of NAM garnered support from developing countries not to align themselves with either of the two blocs but rather channel their energies into fighting poverty and underdevelopment, apartheid in South Africa and the Palestinian struggle in the Middle East.
The nominee debunked the notion which suggests that the NAM outlived its relevance in world politics after the collapse of the then Soviet Union. He opined that the pertinent issues which influenced the founding fathers of NAM to form the organisation are still relevant as issues of poverty, underdevelopment and the Palestinian struggle still persist.
Common visa regime among West African countries
On the issue of having a common visa regime among West African countries as
pertained in some countries within the Euro Zone, the nominee indicated that it is a distant possibility as the issuance of visas by countries in the world is a function of their sovereignty. According to the nominee, most countries within the sub-region would therefore, not want to cede their sovereignty in this enterprise of visa issuance, but was quick to add that the visa regime is worthy of pursuit in the future by countries within the sub- region to enjoy the benefits therein.
Recommendation
The Committee recommends that the House approves by consensus, the nomination of Ambassador Thomas Kwesi Quartey as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Hon Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum -- Deputy Minister-deignate for Local Government and Rural Development
Background
Hon Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum was born on the 3rd of December, 1973 at Breman, Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region. He had his basic and middle school education at the SDA Primary and Roman Catholic Middle School respectively from 1980 to 1990 in Nkoranza. He proceeded to the Kumasi Technical Institute from 1990 to 1994 for the City and Guilds Certificate.
The nominee pursued a Diploma in Computing at Southgate College, UK and Access to Higher Education at Reading College, United Kingdom from 1999 to 2001 and 2000 to 2003 respectively.
Hon Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum worked as an Assistant Manager for TABCON, a construction firm between 1994 and 1998. From June 2009 to January, 2013, he served as District/Municipal
Chief Executive of the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly. He is currently the Member of Parliament for the Nkoranza South Constituency.
Achievements as a District/Municipal Chief Executive (DCE/MCE)
Touching on his achievements as DCE/ MCE for Nkoranza South, Hon Agyekum stated that in his quest to help realise the local economic development concept in the municipality, he mobilised a private sector investor to process jute in the municipality. According to him, the project would significantly increase service activities and also reduce post-harvest losses of maize production. He added that maize production which is a major economic activity in the Municipality, provides employment for a greater percentage of the population.
The nominee further stated that the construction of a poultry feed processing plant which would provide an advanced method of poultry feed in the municipality has also commenced. These projects, he indicated, would give an opportunity to the populace to work together to improve upon the economic base of the community and further contribute towards the achievement of the local economic development concept.
Hon Agyekum assured the Committee that he will bring his rich experience as a former DCE/MCE to bear on his newly assigned role to assist the Minister to ensure that government policies and programmes at the district level are achieved when his nomination is approved by the House.
Election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives
Commenting on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, the nominee stated that the proposal by the Constitution Review
Commission to allow the President to nominate a minimum of five persons who would be vetted by the Public Services Commission (PSC) and the subsequent public election of the three shortlisted candidates would improve local governance in the country.
He indicated that this situation would create a platform for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to be accountable and responsible to the local community. The nominee, however, disagreed with the perception that election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives is a failure of the political party system in the country.
Non-involvement of Regional Co- ordinating Councils (RCCs) in the assessment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs)
Responding to a question whether the non-involvement of RCCs in the assessment of the performance of MMDAs was problematic, the nominee considered the current arrangement which excludes the RCCs in the assessment of the performance of MMDAs as a contributory factor to the non- performance of some of the Assemblies.
He, therefore, promised to work with the Minister to ensure that the Standing Orders of the Assemblies are amended to empower the RCCs to effectively monitor activities of the Assemblies.
Motivation of Assembly Members
Commenting on the need to motivate Assembly members, the nominee attested to the fact that the work of Assembly members is crucial in the development of the local government system. Thus, it would be appropriate if Assembly members are motivated.

Hon. Agyekum promised to work with the substantive Minister to put measures in place to ensure that some incentives are provided to Assembly members as a form of motivation to enable them perform effectively.

Recommendation

The Committee recommends that the House approves by consensus, the nomination of Hon Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum as Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.

Hon (Dr) Bernice Adiku Heloo -- Deputy Minister-designate for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

Background

Hon (Dr) Bernice Adiku Heloo was born on 24th September, 1954. She attended E. P. Primary School, Ahamansu, Taviepe from 1958 to 1964 and proceeded to the Ho Kpodzi E.P. Middle School from 1965 to 1967. She attended Mawuli Secondary School from 1968 to1973 where she obtained her G.C.E. Ordinary Level Certificate and went on to OLA Secondary School from 1973 to 1975 for her G.C.E. Advanced Level Certificate.

In 1978, Hon (Dr) Bernice Heloo was awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in History/Study of Religions from the University of Ghana, Legon. She was subsequently awarded a post-graduate Diploma in Adult Education from the same university in 1987. Hon Heloo obtained an M.Phil. in Adult Education from the University of Ghana in 1992 and an M.Ed in Literacy for Rural Development from the University of Manchester in 1993. She was awarded a PhD in Sociology from the European-American University, Dominican

Republic in 2010. She also enrolled at the SMC University, Switzerland in 2007 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Political Economy.

From 1981 to 1985, the nominee worked as a Senior Auditor at the Audit Service in Accra. She was a tutor at the Teshie Presbyterian Secondary School in 1986 and from 1990 to 1993, she was a Senior Programme Officer of the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED), Ministry of Education. Hon (Dr) Bernice Heloo was a Project Manageress at CARE International from 1996 to1999.

In the year 2000, she founded Pro-Link Organisation (a rural development NGO) and has been the Executive Director to date. From June, 2009 to date, she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). She has been a member of the Board of the National Lands Commission and Chairperson of the Board of the Volta Regional Lands Commission from June, 2009 to date.

Hon (Dr) Bernice Heloo is currently the Member of Parliament for Hohoe Constituency.

Female education in science and technology

Hon (Dr) Bernice Heloo agreed with the assertion that the participation of females in the study of science is not encouraging. She stated that science clinics have been introduced to attract and motivate young females in this area of study. She added that public awareness could be created to sensitise parents and teachers to help them identify talents in young females and encourage them to pursue science to the highest level.

Intervention of the “Better Ghana Agenda” at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

The nominee informed the Committee that through the “Better Ghana ICT Project”, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation procured and distributed laptops to students, teachers and educational institutions nationwide to enhance teaching and learning. She stressed the need for appropriate monitoring of the laptops to ensure that the laptops are utilised for their intended purpose.

The nominee further informed the Committee that the Government had initiated an annual scholarship scheme to provide scholarships to students who pursue science and its related courses. She added that the scholarship scheme would continue to disburse funds to beneficiaries to augment and maintain the interest of needy but brilliant students in the science and technology field of study.

Stigmatisation of persons living with HIV/
AIDS 1:35 p.m.
Mr Alfred K. Agbesi(NDC-- Ashaiman) 12:45 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion and to say that as the Chairman of the Committee has said, all the nominees appeared before the Committee and they all performed creditably, hence their recommendation for approval by this House.
Dr Matthew O. Prempeh 12:45 p.m.
On a point of order.
Mr Speaker, I must understand when a Member communicates. I must understand even though I might not participate.
Mr Speaker, I would want the Hon Member for Ashaiman to explain his understanding of “creditably” so that we can be sure we are on the same wave- length.
Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
Hon Member, you are out of order.
Mr Agbesi 12:45 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for your ruling. And it is gratifying to note that they are now gradually coming into the race. [Hear! Hear!]
Mr Speaker, the various nominees, when they appeared, were asked various questions to see whether they were capable of holding the offices they had been nominated for.
Mr Speaker, for instance, the Deputy Minister-designate for Water Resources, Works and Housing was able to answer the questions as to the deficit in housing, the problems associated with water and others; the steps they would take to assist their various Ministers to deliver on their functions.
Mr Speaker, that notwithstanding, the Committee realised that these men and women who were nominated by His Excellency, saw in them capabilities, they could assist him to deliver and move forward --
Mr Speaker, we on the Committee were satisfied, that this people who were before us, whatever it is, are qualified, competent and they are ready to help their various Ministries to deliver and assist the President to achieve his target for this country.
Mr Speaker, with these words, I would like to urge the House and Hon Members to support the approval of these nominees.
Question proposed.
Mr David T. Assumeng (NDC -- Shai- Osudoku) 12:45 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion and urge the House to overwhelmingly approve of the nominees.
Mr Speaker, I would only want to remind the nominees of the tenets of the party that formed the Government. I only want to remind them as well, that this party

is based on the tenets of the 31st December Revolution and the June 4th uprising. I also would want to remind them that probity, accountability and transparency are the hallmark of the Party. So, I would like to urge that in all that they do, these tenets must be at the back of their minds, that we want to build a better Ghana -- [Hear! Hear!]-- So, they are in to assist their various Ministers to deliver based on the “Better Ghana Agenda”.

Mr Speaker, I also would want to remind them that they would have to assist to deal with the issue of corruption that seems to emanate from certain sections of the administration of this country. I would want to urge them to watch especially the bureaucrats.

They should be mindful of their activities and make sure that wherever there are “mafias” exist to derail the process; they must be able to watch them and deal with them appropriately.

Mr Speaker, I am happy about these nominees and I believe that they would be able to assist their various Ministers to discharge their duties diligently on the “Better Ghana Agenda”. So, I would like to urge all of us that we should vote overwhelmingly to approve of these nominees and also try to remind them -- they are not going in to play for a period, but they must be mindful that they are in to play for the 90 minutes as the football game goes and also even play beyond the 90 minutes.

So, I wish to congratulate them and urge them to be mindful of the tenets that I have just mentioned and to deliver on the “Better Ghana Agenda”.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity.
Mr George K. Arthur (NDC -- Amenfi Central) 12:45 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity to add my voice to the approval of the presidential nominees by this House.
Mr Speaker, anyone who watched the vetting process saw that the Committee did a very good work except that almost ninety per cent of the members of this Committee are either Ministers or Deputy Ministers. But what we saw was that, sometimes, when nominees appeared before the Committee, the same Committee which was going to vet the nominees tended to hail praises on the nominees.
I know the Committee is not there on their own; they are there for this House and for the nation and they are to find out the best out of the nominees. So, if nominees who come from the Committee appear before them and they tend to praise them, then Mr Speaker, there is no need even allowing them to go through the vetting process. This is because already they have made their judgment.

Mr Speaker, this is what I expect the Committee to do because every committee here has gone on field trips to visit these Ministries and seen the problems they have there.

Mr Speaker, the Ministries have their Ministers also there; there are other Ministers we have already selected. Mr Speaker, just recently, the Deputy

Ministers were selected, once the Ministers have been approved and gone to the Ministry, the Committee needs to communicate with the Ministers and find out some of the problems there, so that they can ask the nominee Deputies whether they are in to support them or not. This is the little that I would want to say to the Committee.

With these, I urge the whole House to support the approval of the nominees.
Mr Dominic A. Azumah (NDC -- Garu) 12:55 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion on the floor and to ask this august House to approve the 34 nominee Deputy Ministers being proposed for appointment.
Mr Speaker, as a member of the Appointments Committee, carefully examining the nominees who appeared before the Committee, it was clear that these nominees were carefully selected -- carefully selected in the sense that in the field of their operations to the Ministries for which they are going to operate, the little of consultation they had with the Ministries, they were able to present themselves as knowledgeable enough on the happenings in the Ministries and that was a good omen.
Mr Speaker, the demeanour of the nominees, their approach to the Committee, their responses would tell one clearly that these are people we can rely on when we give them any assignment. Indeed, some of them so much impressed the Committee; they lived beyond the expectations of the Committee and therefore, it was not that the Committee was praising them, they were only acknowledging the in-depth knowledge they had in some of the fields.
rose
Mr Speaker 12:55 p.m.
Hon Member, do you have a point of order?
Dr A. A.Osei 12:55 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the ones I am holding, there is one with 10, there is one with 11, and there is one with 14. How does he get 34? Eleven plus ten is twenty- one and plus fourteen, the answer is thirty-five. So how does he get thirty- four?
Mr D. A. Azumah 12:55 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is 35, if he wants it that way. I have compelled him to contribute to the Motion -- [Laughter.]
Dr A. A.Osei 12:55 p.m.
Mr Speaker, this is why when we do not get the reports -- he is misleading the House; the record must be very clear.
Mr Speaker 12:55 p.m.
You are right; it is 35.
Mr D. A. Azumah 12:55 p.m.
Thank you so much. Mr Speaker, it is 35.
Mr Speaker, I am therefore urging the House to vote massively for the approval of these nominees, so that they can all together support the country's advancement.
Thank you.
Mr Herod Cobbina (NDC -- Sefwi Akontombra) 12:55 p.m.
Thank you for the opportunity Mr Speaker, to add my voice to the approval for the Deputy Ministers who were vetted recently.
Mr Speaker, some of us were not members of the Vetting Committee but we had the opportunity to be with them all along and with the explanations and questions and answers that they gave at the Vetting Committee, it was very interesting that this young and dynamic Members of Parliament who have been nominated would perform creditably.
Already, we have records of some of these Members of Parliament who have been nominated as Ministers. Recently, we had Hon Sampson Ahi to be a Member of ECOWAS Parliament and at the same time, Second Deputy Chief Whip for the Majority and the few days that he worked as Deputy Chief Whip, we all attested to the fact that he performed creditably in this House. Not only Sampson Ahi, we know of Hon Ablakwa Okudjeto, or Hon Barbara Asamoah and Hon (Dr) Hanna Bisiw.
Some of them have been in government before and they have passed through these and I believe some of them have served under three Ministers as Deputy Ministers. If we talk of Hon Okudjeto Ablakwa who was at the Ministry of Information -- he has served under three Ministers -- so, I believe we on this side will have no time wasted in the approval of the nominations. Mr Speaker, why am I saying this? It is because if you look at them, they have enormous responsibilities
in the House and outside Parliament. Those who are not Ministers were in their fields of operation but I can assure Hon Members of this House that most of them, if not all of them-- I have been with a few -- They combine their parliamentary activities, other social activities with key points of responsibility at the very time they were given their appointments, at least, to serve under certain Ministers.
So, in my view, I believe their appointments have been approved if you look back at the work they did in the past and the period of time they have been in government and in this House.
Mr Speaker, with this, I call on this House to approve of these appointments without any further delay for the work of government to proceed.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 12:55 p.m.
Hon Members, this is a consensus Report and unless somebody has a contrary view -- If there is a contrary view, let me hear it; otherwise, those I have heard from so far, it is virtually the same. If there is no contrary view, I will put the Question.
We are supposed to have a Committee of the Whole after adjournment. So, if there is any contrary view, let me hear it from the floor -- [Pause]--
Hon Members, there is no contrary view. I will call on the First Deputy Speaker, if he so wishes, to wind up.
Mr Barton-Odro Speaker, I will like to thank Hon Members for the contributions they have made and we have taken note of some of the issues raised by them. We will consider them as we go along.
Thank you.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.
Mr Speaker 12:55 p.m.
Accordingly, all the 35 Deputy Ministerial nominations have duly been approved by this House.
On behalf of the House, I congratulate each and every one of them --
Dr Kunbuor 12:55 p.m.
Mr Speaker, item 9 -- [Interruptions]
Mr Speaker 12:55 p.m.
Hon Members, let us have order in the House.
Dr Kunbuor 1:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in terms of item (9) which we have on the Order Paper, I would like to move, that this House be adjourned to the 30th of April, 2013 at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
Mrs Irene Naa-Torshie Addo 1:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion. [Pause.]
Mr Speaker 1:05 p.m.
Hon Members, there are two options; one is to suspend Sitting and then the House sits in Committee of the Whole to deliberate on the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF) Formula and then after that any of my Hon Deputies who would be presiding over the House comes to adjourn the House, or I adjourn the House completely and then go out and the Committee of the Whole then sits.
Dr A. A. Osei 1:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thought the Motion moved by the Hon Majority Leader and seconded by our Leadership was to adjourn? So, I do not know if there is any other Motion that we are considering. That is the Motion --
Dr A. A. Osei 1:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thought maybe, if the Hon Majority Leader was moving --
Mr Speaker 1:05 p.m.
The problem has to do with the Mace; both options are correct. What has been proposed by the Majority Leader and the Second Minority Whip are correct. Another option being proffered to me by my advisers is that I suspend Sitting, so that the Committee of the Whole can sit and after that there can be adjournment.
Dr Kunbuor 1:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we did consider that option initially, but that was because we had stood down the Mineral and Mining Legislation, hoping that if you suspended Sitting, the Minister would have been in the House to appropriately lay it.
Mr Speaker 1:05 p.m.
Hon Members, you know if I adjourn the House, I must go with the Mace; let me explain to you, Hon Members. If we adjourn the House and move out with the Mace -- Under our Rules, the Mace is supposed to be tilted at the Committee of the Whole, so, then they would have to bring the Mace back
into the Chamber and have it tilted, not standing upright as it is now. That is why I am being advised that in order not to take the Mace and bring it back, we should suspend Sitting, after the end of the Committee -- [Interruptions.] Please, we can have a suspended Sitting, then the House sits in a Committee of the Whole and during that process, the Mace would be tilted and after that, the Mace would be made upright for an adjournment Motion to be taken.
Dr A. A. Osei 1:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, with respect, when we came this morning, copies of the proposal for the DACF Formula were still in boxes, they had not been distributed. If we had suspended Sitting, it means we are now going to take it, read it and come back. Nobody has read it yet. I am sure it is still in the bags the way they are. So, it is better to adjourn till tomorrow, then we go and pick it up, read it before we come. This is because we are meeting to discuss it. We do not have the copies, what are we going to discuss?
Mr Speaker 1:05 p.m.
Hon Member for Old Tafo, the House adopted the Business Statement and the Business Statement says that on Monday, we shall discuss at the Committee of the Whole and consider the proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies' Common Fund for the year 2013. It was delayed but it has been referred to the Committee of the Whole. So, that is the business we have adopted this morning.
Dr A. A. Osei 1:05 p.m.
With respect, we adopted it on the assumption that it would have been distributed to us. I am saying that it has not been-- That assumption is no longer valid. It has not been distributed to us.
Mr Speaker 1:05 p.m.
Hon Members, I have communication from the President concerning his absence from Ghana. It
came during the recess and I thought there was no need to communicate it. It came to my office when we were on recess and I thought there was no need but I thought I should draw the House's attention to it for the avoidance of doubt, I would want to read it.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 1:05 p.m.
OFFICE OF PARLIAMENT 1:05 p.m.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE 1:05 p.m.
ACCRA 1:05 p.m.
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC 1:05 p.m.
Dr Kunbuor 1:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have considered quite seriously the ritual complications surrounding the Mace and I guess that we can actually suspend Sitting and then the Committee of the Whole will be reconstituted immediatey to consider the Formula, so that business can commence tomorrow as scheduled in the Business Statement.
Mr Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Very well.
Hon Members, the House is suspended, so that the Committee of the Whole --
rose
Mr Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Hon Member for Old Tafo, at the Committee of the Whole, you can take any decision you want to take.
Dr A. A. Osei 1:15 p.m.
I was just showing you --
Mr Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Are you listening? At the Committee of the Whole, you can take any decision you want to take.
Naa-Torshie Addo: Mr Speaker, with the greatest of respect, for clarity of procedure, I think we need to look at a few things properly. I believe that the Clerks who advise you can also advise Leadership. If there is something that they expect us to do in here, because the Hon Majority Leader is Leader of Government Business, they should let us know. I think we have met and we know what we wanted to do today, so that they do not draw you into --
Mr Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Hon Deputy Minority Chief Whip, this issue has cropped up several times on the floor of the House.
Naa-Torshie Addo: And I think we need to straighten it once and for all.
Mr Speaker 1:15 p.m.
So both, under the rules, whether we adjourn to have the Committee of the Whole or we suspend Sitting to have the Committee of the Whole, are correct. It depends on what the House prefers and that is why in all these matters, I take the sense of the House through the Leaders. So, when the Committee of the Whole decides to meet, then you decide to raise all the issues you want to raise.
Hon Members, the House is accordingly suspended.
1.15 p.m. --Sitting suspended.
2.55 p.m. -- Sitting resumed.
MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
ADJOURNMENT 1:15 p.m.