Debates of 26 Feb 2014

MR SPEAKER
PRAYERS 10:55 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 10:55 a.m.
  • [No correction was made to the Votes and Proceedings of Friday, 21st February 2014.]
    • Mr Joseph Y. Chireh 10:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, if you look at the list of Hon Members absent, we have at item 4 number 5, “Ayine, Dominic Akuritinga (Dr) (Bolgatanga East).” He was present yesterday and I chatted with him, so he cannot be marked absent.
    Mr Speaker 10:55 a.m.
    Very well.

    Hon Members, the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 25th February, 2014 as corrected be adopted as the true record of proceedings.

    We also have two Official Reports for correction. We would start with the Official Report of Tuesday, 18th February

    2014.
    PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 12:57 p.m.
    OFFICIAL REPORT 12:57 p.m.
    CONTENTS 12:57 p.m.
    MOTIONS -- 12:57 p.m.
    RESOLUTIONS -- 12:57 p.m.
    ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS -- 12:57 p.m.
    PAPERS -- 12:57 p.m.
    THE 12:57 p.m.
    PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC 12:57 p.m.
    OF GHANA 12:57 p.m.
    MR SPEAKER
    PRAYERS 10:55 a.m.
    VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 10:55 a.m.
  • [No correction was made to the Votes and Proceedings of Friday, 21st February 2014.]
    • Mr Joseph Y. Chireh 10:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, if you look at the list of Hon Members absent, we have at item 4 number 5, “Ayine, Dominic Akuritinga (Dr) (Bolgatanga East).” He was present yesterday and I chatted with him, so he cannot be marked absent.
    Mr Speaker 10:55 a.m.
    Very well.

    Hon Members, the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 25th February, 2014 as corrected be adopted as the true record of proceedings.

    We also have two Official Reports for correction. We would start with the Official Report of Tuesday, 18th February

    2014.
  • [No correction was made to the Official Report of Tuesday, 18th February, 2014.]
    • Dr Stephen Nana Ato Arthur 10:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, at column 655, the fifth paragraph, the constituency is “Komenda/Edina/ Eguafo/Abrem,” not “Komenda/Edina/ Eguafo/Ebrem. “Abrem” is spelt with “A” not “E.”
    The last but one line on the same column, “21 per cent in agriculture productivity and developing countries . . .” it should be “21 per cent in agriculture productivity in developing countries.”
    Mr Speaker 10:55 a.m.
    Very well.
    Any other correction?
    Hon Members, the Official Report of Wednesday, 19 th February, 2014 as corrected, be adopted as the true record of proceedings.
    Majority Leader (Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor) 11:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, we wanted to seek your leave to alter the Business so that, we could take items numbered 8 and 9 and continue with the Questions.This is because the Health Minister is here.
    Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, is there any special reason?
    Dr Kunbuor 11:05 a.m.
    Yes. Mr Speaker, it is an item that is predicated on some economic management teams that are being held with the team. So, some information on the final determination of this matter is needed.
    Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Members, item number 8 on the Order Paper.
    MOTIONS 11:05 a.m.
    Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi) 11:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the International Development Asso- ciation (IDA) for an amount of US$30,000,000.00 and a US$10,000,000.00 grant from the Statistics for Results Facility Catalytic Fund to finance the Ghana Statistics Development Project.
    Mr Speaker, I present the Committee's Report 11:05 a.m.
    The Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of US$30,000,000.00 and a US$10,000,000.00 grant from the Statistics for Results Facility Catalytic Fund to finance the Ghana Statistics Development Project was presented to the House on behalf of the Hon Minister for Finance by the Hon Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson on Tuesday, 11 th February, 2014 in accordance with article 181 of the 1992 Constitution.
    Mr Speaker referred the request to the Finance Committee for consideration and report in accordance with Order 169 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
    The Committee was assisted in its deliberations by the Hon. Deputy, Minister for Finance, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, Officials from the Ministry of Finance and Ghana Statistical Service. The Committee is grateful to the Hon Deputy Minister and officials from the Ministry of Finance and Statistical Service for the assistance.
    Reference
    The Committee referred to the following additional documents during its deliberations:
    The 1992 Constitution of Ghana;
    The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana; and
    Loans Act, 1970, (Act 335).
    Background
    The statistical system of the Republic of Ghana consists of a large number of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). At the centre of the system is the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The GSS was established in 1985 by PNDC Law 135, which raised the status of the Central Bureau of Statistics from a Government Department under a Ministry to that of an autonomous, independent public service.
    It also established the Statistical Service Board as the governing body that reports to the presidency. The GSS is responsible for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication and dissemination of official statistics in Ghana for general and administrative purposes and for co- ordinating developments in statistics outside GSS.
    In practice, the GSS is primarily responsible for compiling national accounts and price statistics and conducting large-scale household-based and establishment-based surveys, including the decennial population and housing censuses. Line Ministries are responsible for producing the adminis- trative statistics, e.g. births and deaths, school and health records, land registration, agriculture production, et cetera.
    In recent years, there have been some notable statistical achievements in-, cluding the implementation of the 2010 Population and Housing Census and several key household-based surveys, the re-basing of the national accounts and the development of the first set of quarterly national accounts.
    Mr Speaker, I present the Committee's Report 11:05 a.m.


    However, due to poor statistical and institutional frameworks, the GSS is constrained in the production, manage- ment and dissemination of quality statistics for planning, informed decision- making and monitoring and evaluation of national and international frameworks, such as the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Beyond the GSS, the National Statistical System (NSS) has found it difficult to meet the increasing demand for statistics from its many users.

    In some MDAs, the production of statistics has decreased over time, due to technical and financial constraints. In general, the NSS is widely perceived to be inadequately structured and in- sufficiently equipped and as such, is failing to provide the quality and range of statistics essential for the efficient planning and monitoring of national development.

    It is therefore against this backdrop that, the project; Ghana Statistical Development Project Plan has been prepared. It is envisaged that the project would take forward the ongoing effort of the GSS as outlined in the Ghana Statistical Development Plan to help build Govern- ment's capacity to produce better statistics for tracking progress of the key indicators in the national development programmes including Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda and would provide feedback to policy makers for improving public policy and the use of resources.

    Justification for government action

    The project is consistent with the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA) and the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) prepared by both the Government of Ghana and the World Bank.

    In GSGDA, it is recognised that, evidence, information and data are required to ensure accountability and

    transparency of Government's decisions and to empower the citizenry of Ghana. The project would contribute to this agenda by improving the quality and quantity of statistics and ensuring that they are analysed and disseminated widely.

    The GSGDA clearly states that, better data are required for policy formulation, analysis and decision-making through the role of the Ghana Statistical Development Plan, including the development of a data within the statistical system, defining the roles and mandates of various data producing institutions, adopting common definitions, methods and classification, reviewing the Statistical Service law, adopting international standards and good practices, supporting MDAs to generate data for effective planning and budgeting and building the capacity of MDAs in electronic data analysis and management.

    It also stresses the need to increase the demand and use of statistics by putting in place an effective feedback mechanism.

    Terms and conditions of the facility

    The terms of the facility are as follows:

    Loan amount -- US$30 million

    Grant amount -- US$10 million

    Grace period -- 10 year

    Repayment period -- 30 years

    Maturity period -- 40 years

    Service charge -- 0.75 per cent per annum

    Commitment charge on unwithdrawn balance -- 0.5 per cent per annum

    Observation

    Urgency of the facility

    The Committee was informed that the deadline for the signing of the Agreement

    is 28th February, 2014 without room for extension. It was explained that the Financing Agreement with the Inter- national Development Association (IDA) for the credit facility was entered into in July, 2011 and the request for approval was presented to Parliament in 2012. However, due to some technical difficulties, Parliament was unable to approve the request and GSS was requested to resolve those technical difficulties.

    The difficulties, it was indicated, have now been resolved and there is an urgent need for parliamentary approval to meet the 28th February, 2014 deadline.

    Terms and conditions of the facility

    The Committee noted with interest, the terms and conditions of the facility. The

    facility, it was noted, has a grace period of 10 years, repayment period of 30 years and maturity period of 40 years. Service charge is 0.75 per cent while commitment charge on unwithdrawn balance is 0.5 per cent per annum. The Committee considers this as concessionary, a term which is to the advantage of the country.

    Project components and cost estimates

    The Committee was informed that the Project has four main parts/components: institutional reform and organisation change; enhancing capacity; data production and dissemination; and project management, monitoring and evaluation. Below is the breakdown of the components and their cost estimates:

    SPACE FOR TABLE - PAGE 6 - 11.05 A.M.
    Mr Speaker, I present the Committee's Report 11:05 a.m.
    Benefits of the SRF/IDA financing for the Ghana statistics development project
    The Committee was informed that the Project would strengthen the National Statistical System in the timely and robust production, analysis and dissemination of quality data relevant for policy-making and other uses. Specifically, it would enhance the building of the capacity of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) at the national and regional levels and strengthen the skills of the professional and non- professional staff of the statistical units through the acquisition of goods and the provision of training.
    The Project would also assist in developing the statistical infrastructure for households, businesses and economic surveys and ensure improvements in the physical infrastructure at the MDAs statistical units and the GSS.
    Again, data collection techniques would be modernised through the application of new technologies in data collection. It would facilitate the development of an information technology data centre for official statistics and improve the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of economic and socio- demographic statistics.
    The Committee was further informed that, communication of official statistics would be enhanced by the creation of a data dissemination and resource hub within GSS. It was explained that, GSS among others, would be conducting outreach activities to key stakeholders, develop a comprehensive release calendar for national statistics and develop an official national statistics web portal and publications and dissemination policy.
    Thus, the project is expected to bring about substantial improvements in the

    efficiency of statistical operations and agencies; ensure broader coverage of statistical information and higher quality data; enhance the production of improved statistics for evidence-based decision making and address issues of data gaps and inaccuracies.

    It would also support the development of a demand driven, sustainable and professional national statistical system, that is able to produce and increase the quality and accessibility of official statistics which would contribute to the achievement of the MDGs and GSGDA objectives.

    Staff retrenchment

    The Committee was informed that, under the institutional reform and organisational change component of the facility, the GSS would among others, be assisted to carry out a plan for the retrenchment or staff buy-out of up to about 89 instead of the 300 originally indicated in the Agreement. Touching on the reasons for the reduction in the numbers, it was indicated that, the issue of the staff buy-out had been one of the challenges that stalled the approval process when the Agreement was pre- sented for parliamentary approval in 2012.

    It was indicated the staff situation at the time accounted for the high number of the staff buy-out. It was however, added that, the situation has since changed which has made it possible to reduce the numbers to an acceptable level and still operate within the threshold approved by the Board of the Bank. It was emphasised that the current number of 89 would not be in violation of the Agreement since the country would still be operating within the “up to 300” threshold which is not a condition precedent.

    Further, going back to the Board of the Bank to change the figure form “up to 300” to “up to 89” would mean renegotiation of the loan terms and conditions possibly at a higher rate (Commercial rate).

    The Committee was also informed that, a number of GSS staff have by themselves acquired further degrees while GSS has also supported some staff to acquire higher degrees in fields relevant to the mandate of the Service. Some staff have also passed on while others have retired or resigned from the Service. Additionally, GSS is in discussions with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Develop- ment and the Local Government Service to integrate some 49 staff at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies into the Local Government Service.

    Commenting on the Committee's concern on the use of the possible savings that might be made as a result of the reduction in the number of the staff buy- out, the Hon Deputy Minister stated that, the reduction may not necessarily result in savings. However, the use of any savings under the programme would have to be approved by the Board of the Bank before they can be used.

    Cost estimate for data production and dissemination

    The Committee observed that, the cost estimates for the production and dissemination has wrongly been quoted as US$12.00 million instead of the correct figure of US$14.38 million in the Parliamentary Memorandum. The Com- mittee accordingly, recommends that the cost estimates for the production and dissemination should read US$14.38 million and not US$12.00 million as stated in the Parliamentary Memorandum.

    Conclusion

    The Committee has carefully examined the request and is of the view that, the credit facility would help strengthen the National Statistical System in the production and dissemination of timely and robust statistics relevant for evidence- based policy-making and other uses.

    The Committee therefore, respectfully recommends to the House to adopt its report and approve Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the International Develop- ment Association (IDA) for an amount of US$30,000,000.00 and a US$10,000,000.00 grant from the Statistics for Results Facility Catalytic Fund to finance the Ghana Statistics Development Project in accordance with article 181 of the 1992 Constitution, section 7 of the Loans Act, 1970, Act 335 and Order 171 of the Standing Orders of the House.

    Respectfully Submitted.

    Ranking Member (Dr Anthony A. Osei): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion that the Chairman of the Committee just read.

    Mr Speaker, our Ghana Statistical Service (GES) is a very important institution that we all cherish. In the last couple of years, they have had some challenges in terms of human resources. Sometimes, some of us have had the presence of mind to question some of the statistics that they churn out. So any attempt to try to improve their capacity, such that, they would produce information that all of us can use without any debate is important.

    Mr Speaker, this facility was brought to us over a year ago, and we had to send it back because they had some challenges in terms of some information relating to so-called retrenchment of staff. I do not know what has happened but unfortunately,
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Hon Members, the noise is getting out of hand.
    Dr A. A. Osei 11:15 a.m.
    A small commitment fee. So, I welcome the commitment fee on this part because, it is concessionary but generally speaking, we have to remember that, in addition to the loan itself, there is a ten million grant which is coming along. So it is even more concessionary than it looks.
    I urge Hon Members to support the Motion. It has no difficulties; it is cheap, at the same time it is going to enhance the capacity of one of the most important institutions that Ghana has, the Ghana Statistical Service. The issues about retrenchment has been adequately answered and now it is ready to go.
    I thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Question proposed.
    Question put and Motion accordingly adopted.
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Item number 9 -- consequential resolution.
    Dr Kunbuor 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, once more I would like to seek your indulgence to allow the Hon Deputy Minister to move the Motion because --
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Where is the Minister for Finance?
    Dr Kunbuor 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have been informed that Cabinet is sitting and he is at the Cabinet meeting. That is not certainly an excuse but that is the information I got.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am reliably informed that, Cabinet would be sitting tomorrow. Are they sitting today and sitting tomorrow as well?
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Hon Minority Leader, I have been informed that, Cabinet is sitting today.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, that is why I would want to know whether the sitting --
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    I am making my information available to the House that, Cabinet is sitting today.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, we should not have any objection to the Deputy Minister --
    RESOLUTIONS 11:15 a.m.
    THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Avedzi 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to second the Motion.
    Question put and Resolution agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, can we now move to Question time?
    Dr Kunbuor 11:15 a.m.
    That is so, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Hon Members, Question time. We have the Hon Minister for Health in our midst to respond to Questions from Members. The first Question is Question numbered 29 on the Order Paper, Hon Member for Akim Swedru?
    ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 11:15 a.m.
    MINISTRY OF HEALTH 11:15 a.m.
    Minister for Health (Ms Hanny - Sherry Ayittey) 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is the policy of the Ministry of Health to provide all districts in the country with a hospital. In pursuance of this policy, the Ministry shall provide the Birim South district with a befitting district when funds become available.
    Mr K. N. Osei 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, from the response given by the Minister, I would want the Minister to tell Ghanaians and for that matter, the good people of Birim South District the concrete measures put in place by the Ministry to construct a district hospital located at Akim Swedru. This is because, “when funds become available” can mean anything and the people can never wait for eternity. I need a concrete measure and definite time that the Ministry would wants to do that.
    Ms Sherry Ayittey 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Ministry will always liaise with the Ministry of Finance and when Government cannot provide funds, we seek approval from the Ministry of Finance and try to do private public-projects. Currently, we have received a letter from the Ministry of Finance that, all such programmes should be put on hold. But I am here to assure the Hon Member that , when that is reversed, it is a policy -- the President has said that, every district should have a district hospital and that is exactly what the Ministry of Health would do.
    All the same, I believe that the District Assemblies can also support the Ministry from their Common Fund. In addition, Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament also receive some allowance from the National Health Insurance. So I hope that, I would be able to initiate the programme together with the District Assembly.
    Thank you.
    Mr K. N. Osei 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, even though I am not satisfied with the Answer given by the Minister, I would proceed with a subsequent Question.
    Ms Ayittey 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, if the Hon Member wanted the Minister to provide the health programmes that we are doing in the district, I would have been able to let him know that, apart from the district hospital, there are quite a lot of things we are doing in the districts. I would not want to say something which is not here. So, I would go back and then link to this august House all the health programmes that currently are going on in the district.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Yes, your last supple- mentary?
    Mr K. N. Osei 11:15 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, this is the last Question. I wanted to just let the Minister know, since she had stated that there were a lot of programmes going on in my district but she was not able to mention one, I would want to assist her.
    Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
    Hon Member, you are asking questions. Ask your Question Hon Member.
    Mr K. N. Osei 11:25 a.m.
    Thank you. Mr Speaker, I would go ahead with the Question.
    The Hon Minister said there are a lot of programmes, currently going on but I am not aware of them. The only one that I know of, is the Catholic Health Post and it is a mission healthpost located at Akim Swedru, which is catering for the health needs of the entire distr ict with a population of more than 80,000.
    Ms Ayittey 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would still want to say that, I would present a report on what we are doing at Swedru. Mr Speaker, the Catholic Hospitals are part of the Christian Health Hospitals. We pay the salaries of doctors, nurses and recently we have provided some medical equipment to most of these hospitals. That is why I would want to provide the Hon Member with exactly what we are doing in Akim Swedru.
    Mr Speaker 11:25 a.m.
    Hon Members, we move onto the next Question. This is consti- tuency-specific Question by the practice. But I would recognise the Hon Minority Leader.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister has indicated to us that, the Ministry shall provide the Birim South District with a befitting district hospital when funding becomes available.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister has repeated what His Excellency the President has said in this House, that he is going to provide every district in the country with a district hospital.
    The tenure of His Excellency the President is four years, so if he tells us that he is going to provide every district with a district hospital, there should be a programme to do that.
    In the programme of His Excellency, the President, when is the Birim South District going to be provided with a district hospital?
    Ms Ayittey 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, before 2016, Akim Swedru would have a district hospital.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, that is very reassuring. Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister in her Answer, the first sentence, it says and I beg to quote;
    “Mr Speaker, it is the policy of the Ministry of Health to provide all districts in the country with a district hospital.”
    Mr Speaker, what is the import of that sentence? [Interruptions.] Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague on the other side of the House is always shouting across the isle and when I asked the Question, the Hon Member shouted across the isle.

    Mr Speaker, it is not right, they do not belong to this House and the Hon Member continues to misbehave -- [Interruption.] Mr Speaker, the Hon Member should comport himself.
    Ms Ayittey 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is the policy that, every district in this country with the availability of funds, would have one district hospital of 150 beds with special facilities to cater for the health of Ghanaians.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is every district that is going to be provided with a district hospital, not all of them to be provided with a district hospital.
    Ms Ayittey 11:25 a.m.
    Every district would be provided when funds --
    Mr Speaker 11:25 a.m.
    Hon Member for Bunkpurugu?
    Absence of a District Hospital -- (Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo)
    Q50. Mr Solomon Namliit Boar: asked the Minister for Health why Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo had no District Hospital.
    Ms Hanny-Sherry Ayittey 11:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District is one of the districts in the Northern Region without a district hospital. The district has been prioritised for the provision of a district hospital. The construction of the district hospital would commence as soon as funds are secured for the project.
    Mr Speaker, this morning before I came to the House, I spoke to the District Chief Executive (DCE) and he informed me that while he was waiting for release of funds from the Ministry of Finance, he was able to use some of the District's Common Fund, together with resources from the Japanese Embassy to commence the construction of a district hospital. The project was designed in phases.
    Currently, as I am speaking, he has completed the male and female wards, the Out-Pateint (OPD) section, a bungalow for doctors, four quarters for nurses, and a maternity ward. This morning, the maternity ward and the completed programmes are being commissioned.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Boar 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, first and foremost, the Question was why Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District has no hospital. I am not sure that was how the Question was addressed but let me leave it there.
    Mr Speaker, before I get to my first supplementary question, the Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo —
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Member, ask your supplementary question.
    Mr Boar 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I will do that. It is very important to say that, the commi- ssioning of what the Hon Minister for Health is talking about has to do with a maternity ward that has been funded by the Japanese Government; it is not a district hospital.
    So, my Question is, Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the Hon Minister the extent to which efforts have been made to secure funding for the construction of a district hospital for the area with a population of over 135,000, as per the 2010 Population and Housing Census.
    Ms Ayittey 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, a district hospital comprises a maternity ward, it has a surgical theatre, it has a male and female ward, an OPD section, it has so many things. It is a composite of structures that make a district hospital. The District Assembly, knowing that maternal and child mortality is a priority for the region decided to start the project in phases.
    Mr Speaker, what we are going to do is to complement the effort of the district. I would like to congratulate the district for working in partnership with the Ministry of Health to provide the OPD quarters for doctors, nurses, male and female wards and the maternity block. The Ministry would provide further funding to complete the rest of the sectors.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Boar 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the Hon Minister whether there is any assurance that the construction of the district hospital that she is talking about will happen between now and 2016.
    Ms Ayittey 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, well, I can assure him that by 2016, what is left would be completed.
    Mr Boar 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, considering the high level of referral cases to the Baptist Medical Centre, which is in Nalerigu, would the Hon Minister consider providing a national ambulance system to minimize the plight of patients at the Bunkpurugu Health Centre?
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Member, that is not supplementary.
    Hon Members, we move to the next Question. Question number 51. Hon Members, the practice is that, for constituency specific Questions, you limit it to the Hon Member asking the Question.
    Mr Dominic B. A. Nitiwul 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have special interest in Bunkpurugu so thank you for indulging me to ask the Question. Mr Speaker —
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Deputy Majority Leader, do you have a point of order?
    Mr Ibrahim Ahmed 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, clearly speaking, I just wanted the Hon Deputy Minority Leader to declare that interest to the generality of all of us before he proceeds.
    Mr Nitiwul 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I hope your nodding indicates that she would answer the Question.
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Nitiwul, you told the House some few minutes ago that, you have an interest and they would want you to declare your interest.
    Mr Nitiwul 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, if you care to know, the people in the area are my brothers and it is important that they have a district hospital. That is the reason I say I have an interest. It is not conflict of interest matters.
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Member, ask your question.
    Mr Nitiwul 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister whether the policy to give every district, a district hospital includes a standardised plan as she talked about for every district or that, every district can design their own hospital and start building.
    Ms Ayittey 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health has a standardised plan designed for a district hospital.
    Mr Nitiwul 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, she says that they have a standard design for a district hospital. The district hospital she is claiming is being built by the DCE which she only got to know this morning. Did she find out whether it conforms with her standard design or not?
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Minister, address the Chair. Ignore the heckling.
    Ms Ayittey 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, yes, it corresponds to the design. It has a maternity ward, an OPD, 150 beds, a pharmacy, a surgical ward, a theatre, a doctor's bungalow and it has a mortuary. [Laughter.]
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Members, Question numbered 51.
    Mr Nitiwul 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I can assure the Hon Minister that I was in Bunkpurugu and I am aware that, only the maternity ward has been built by the Japanese Government and it is being commissioned. It is nowhere near the standard that every district enjoys as a district hospital. So, I will not agree with her if she says that, what is being put there is a district hospital. I would want her to look straight into the eyes of the constituents and tell them when they would build the district hospital for them, because what is there is not a district hospital.
    Ms Ayittey 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am telling him what is on the ground: so maybe the two of us would have to go to the district and then inspect the project jointly.
    Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
    Hon Members, Question number 51.
    Newly-proposed Hospital at Konongo (Construction)
    Q51.Mr Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi asked the Minister for Health when the newly-proposed hospital at Konongo would be constructed.
    Minister for Health (Ms Ayittey) 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the new 60 bed District Hospital at Konongo is one of the projects under the Ghana 8no. Hospitals Project by Euroget De-Invest S. A. of Egypt. This project was approved by this august House in the year 2007. Mr Speaker, I think that Euroget has not been able to raise the required funds to commence work on this project. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, further, I wish to ask the Hon Minister what is the status of this Euroget De-Invest S. A. of Egypt and whether the approval indicated here means that the money had been advanced to the country.
    Ms Ayittey 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, this project approved seven years ago, was approved on condition that, Euroget would be provided with promissory notes and we would use the promissory notes to shop for financing.
    The second problem with the project is that, the main contractors, Arab Construction, also of Egypt, have also pulled out of the Agreement.
    So, Mr Speaker, if it is this august House that approved this facility, then maybe, the Ministry should be directed to review the whole project and look at the scope of work so that, our hands would be freed from the Agreement. Then we would be able to raise money from other financial sources to complete some of these programmes under the contract.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want, with the greatest respect, to refer the Hon Minister to page 172, paragraph 501 of the 2010 Budgetary statement that was read in this House on the 18th of November, 2009.
    Again, I wish to refer the Hon Minister to page 173, paragraph 756 of the 2009 Budget Statement that was read in this House.
    And further to page 18 of the State of the Nation Address that was delivered by His Excellency the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills in this House on 19th February,
    2009.
    All these referrals talk about the fact that, the Konongo/Odumase District Hospital would be implemented. And with your permission, to quote specifically from page 18 of the State of the Nation Address:
    “The implementation of the following planned projects will commence. Rehabilitation and upgrading of the Tamale Teaching Hospital …”
    And it goes on:
    “… Construction of six district hospitals with staff housing at Adenta/Madina, Twifo Praso, Konongo / Odumase, Wenchi, Tema and Salaga.”
    I say further with the greatest respect, that, based on these promises that were made in the Budget and also in the President's State of the Nation Address, the people of Konongo --
    Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
    Hon Member, ask your Question; I have given you enough time. Our rules do not allow for excessive --
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I wanted to lay a foundation --
    Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
    I think you have laid sufficient foundation.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:45 a.m.
    Very well, Mr Speaker. Now the Question I would want to ask the Hon Minister is, how does she reconcile her position now, saying that this would be done subject to the availability of funds or sourcing for funds
    and the promises that have been made by the budgetary statement and the State of the Nation Address previously?
    Ms Ayittey 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, in 2007, this august House approved the contract for Euroget and within the contract, Euroget was supposed to have raised money after they had received promissory notes from the Ministry of Finance.
    Mr Speaker, I believe that, it was good intent that in 2010, it appeared in the Budget. This is because the Government was convinced that, Euroget would be able to raise the necessary financial support for the project. So, it also informed the President to include it in the State of the Nation Address. That was actually a commitment.
    I do not think that a contract is perpetual. If you sign an agreement with somebody, and there are several breaches of the contract, you should be advised to review the contract. As a Minister for Health, I am saying before this august House that, the main contractors have folded out of the main agreement. I do not know why they folded out.
    I think that with the permission of the House, we would go back to the contract, review it, then perhaps reduce the scope of work under the agreement. That would free the hands of the Ministry to look for resources to fulfil the pledge as stated in the Budget of 2010 and the State of the Nation Address of blessed memory of, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.
    Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
    Hon Members, let me refer you to Standing Order 67 (g):
    “a Question shall not refer to more than one subject and shall not be of excessive length.”
    rose
    Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
    You have exhausted your supplementary questions.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thought I had one more.
    Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
    How many supplementary questions have you asked? [Interruption.]
    Very well.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister how much was earmarked for the Konongo/Odumase District Hospital and whether the Minister had reviewed the Konongo project in lieu of the fact that, she says the district hospital must have 150 beds.
    Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
    Hon Member, in view of the response given by the Minister so far, that Question cannot be admitted because it appears from what the Minister is saying that, the project is now a non-starter because funding is not available; they are not able to perform --She says she is going to review the whole contract. One of the main contractors had pulled out. This information has been put up, so I do not know the basis of that Question. But I would give you the chance to rephrase and ask another question.
    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi 11:45 a.m.
    I am grateful. Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister whether she is aware that in view of the promises made in 2009 and 2010, the Omanhene had earmarked a 40- acre land prepared for this project so what the Ministry intends to do about this?
    Ms Ayittey 11:45 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, talking about the project cost; currently, the feasibility study was done about seven years ago. It means that the cost of the project would surely have to change, because of escalation of prices. I would very much welcome the idea that, the Omanhene has provided land for the project. The Ministry would make contact with the Omanhene
    so that the land would be transferred in the name of the Ministry and then with the land available, we would proceed to look for funding to commence the project.
    Dr Richard W. Anane 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to know from the Hon Minister whether she was aware that, the ongoing Wa Hospital project was part of this programme and that even as at last year, some of the promissory notes were redeemed?
    Ms Ayittey 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am aware that some work is going on in Wa.
    As I said initially, the Ministry would like to look at the contract and then review the scope of work so that at least, with the finance available, they would be able to complete, Wa Hospital and then hand over to the region.
    Dr A. A. Osei 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the reason some of us are rising on our feet is that, the Answer involves not just the constituency. It was a facility that was approved by Parliament. Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister has given us two types of contracts; a finance contract and a building contract. I believe I heard her say Arab Contractors which is supposed to build the project has pulled out.
    But in her Answer, I thought I heard her say that, if the House would direct her -- Would she not agree that because she is the Hon Minister and she determined that they pulled out, she should be informing Cabinet, so that Cabinet can direct her to come back to the House rather than we directing her? This is because, clearly, she does not work for us, so, we cannot direct her. I thought that she may want to clarify that part for us.
    Ms Ayittey 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would take his advice because we also have problems with the company. We would present our report to Cabinet and we would further seek more support from this august House.
    I thank him for his advice.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think it is important that, we get to the bottom of this matter. This is because I am aware that, Government was asking for some audited accounts of the Euroget De- Invest S. A. of Egypt. They were not too forthcoming, which explains why the promissory notes were not given. Indeed, with respect to the Wa project, the promissory notes were not given but they found some money.
    Subsequent to that, Euroget De-Invest S. A. of Egypt has ran into some problems and I believe the Hon Minister for Finance is aware. That really is constraining works even in Wa. I believe in Konongo, it would be difficult to start it.
    So, would the Hon Minister liaise with the Hon Minister for Finance, let us know the current status of Euroget De-Invest S. A. of Egypt because it was for that same reason that Arab Contractors pulled out? So that we become very certain what the next direction would be for us, so that, we do not run ourselves into any problem. Would the Hon Minister undertake to do that?
    Ms Ayittey 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I will try and bring a report on the status of this project.
    Prof. George Yaw Gyan-Baffour 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, in her Answer to the Question, the Hon Minister mentioned that in 2009, when the President was listing districts that were to be given this facility, he mentioned Wenchi as one of them.
    Mr Speaker, later on, Wenchi was removed from the list and it was given to Nsokwa, because apparently, the Tain Constituency offered her Government the presidency at the expense of Wenchi.
    Mr Speaker, my Question to the Hon Minister is, when is Wenchi going to get a district hospital?
    Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
    Hon Member for Wenchi, that is not supplementary, we are talking about Konongo District Hospital.
    Dr Kunbuor 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would crave your indulgence just to ask one Question in line with the Question of the Hon Minority Leader, so that this House gets a very clear position.
    I would want to know whether the Hon Minister would bring to this House a comprehensive report on the status of Euroget's projects which included Konongo?
    Ms Ayittey 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think I am going to do that.
    Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
    Question number 52 -- Hon Member for Asokwa.
    Kumasi South Hospital (expansion and improvement)
    *52. Ms Patricia Appiagyei asked the Minister for Health what measures the Ministry was putting in place to expand and improve the facilities at the Kumasi South Hospital which had been upgraded to the status of a Regional Hospital.
    Ministry for Health (Ms Hanny- Sherry Ayittey):Mr Speaker, I do not know whether I should -- since we have agreed that I should submit a report on the status of Euroget's projects because this Kumasi Regional Hospital is one of Euroget's projects.
    Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
    Hon Minister, we grant your request but give the House a timeline within which you would make that information available.
    Ms Ayittey 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, 14 working days from now.
    Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
    Hon Members, 14 days granted.
    Dr A. A. Osei 11:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, while the Hon Minister is going to prepare a report for this House, may I humbly request that, any information that relates to the change in the financing instrument that she is aware of should also be part of her report. This is because some of us are aware that, this matter has caused great discomfort for the nation. So, the more information she can provide us with the better, so that if and when it comes back, we would see our way out to support the project -- in particular, the financing.
    Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
    Hon Member for Asokwa, you know that the Hon Minister has asked for a certain direction so that we can deal with this Euroget issue. I have granted it. Once this facility you are talking about is based on this funding, I think that it is better for the Hon Minister to provide the information then we can take it to the next level. I think that would be better. So, I may not take supplementary questions in view of the request of the Hon Minister.
    Ms Appiagyei 12:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think there is an aspect in the Hon Minister's Answer which I would like to interrogate further. It is about the Kumasi South Hospital. Per the Hon Minister's Answer, she indicated that, the Kumasi South Hospital would be rehabilitated and downsized into a district hospital.
    My question is, is it really a hospital?
    Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what is in a district hospital because, I was once at the Health Committee meeting when they gave an indication of what a model district hospital is and it was mentioned that Winneba Hospital is a standard hospital. I would want to ask the Minister if she can compare that model hospital to that of Kumasi South?
    Ms Ayittey 12:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I believe that because the regional hospital was delaying, maybe the Ministry decided that in order to provide health services to the area, perhaps, they could have worked on the Kumasi South Hospital. Now that we are going to look at the whole project. Also it is the Ministry's commitment that every region should have a regional hospital.
    The Kumasi hospital is a priority for us and we would assure you that after we have dealt with the EUROJET problems we would try and proceed to look for the funding for the Kumasi Regional Hospital.
    Prof. Gyan-Baffour 12:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, Wenchi District Hospital is part of the EUROJET project, why was it dropped? The question is why was it dropped? Is she going to give us a response when she brings the Report, why it was dropped?
    Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
    Hon Member for Wenchi, I know where you are coming from because this facility -- they are mentioning EUROJET and Wenchi is supposed to benefit from the EUROJET facility. Now that the Hon Minister is
    telling us that there are some challenges with the EUROJET project, the question now is that, she should bring to us the status report and then from there, we can interrogate the issues and I think that that is a neater way to proceed on this matter.
    rose
    Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
    Hon Member for Asokwa, you would have your day so do not worry. Let the Minister bring the Report and I would give you a special dispensation.
    If you have to file a new Question to clarify certain areas, I would give you that dispensation because we cannot stop you from asking questions that you ought to ask when the Question has been properly admitted.
    Facilities at Effiduase District Hospital (upgrading)
    Q53. Mr Frank Boakye Agyen asked the Minister for Health what steps were being taken to upgrade the facilities at the district hospital at Effiduase to enable it serve the catchment area more effectively.
    Ms Hanny-Sherry Ayittey 12:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is our policy to provide every district with a very good District hospital, especially also to rehabilitate and upgrade existing hospitals. I am in touch with the Ministry of Finance so that they would allow my Ministry to start work on some few new projects for the year 2014 and Effiduase District Hospital would be part of our programme.
    Mr Agyen 12:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the operative words in my Question were “upgrade” and “facilities,” and the operative words in her Answer were “shall” and “provide”. It
    means that, the Ministry would provide as a matter of course, the facilities for the Effiduase District Hospital.
    Mr Speaker, this hospital was the oldest health centre in Ashanti Region dating back to the 1950s and has metamorphosed into a quasi-district hospital. Mr Speaker, through its Internally Generated Funds (IGFs), the hospital authorities have been able to provide an eye clinic, a dental unit, a psychiatric unit. Mr Speaker, there is the urgent need for an ultrasound machine, x'ray machine and an autoclave machine for sterilisation.
    Mr Speaker, recently, the Ministry supplied hospital equipment to some hospitals in this country, leaving out conspicuously Effiduase for that matter. When is the Minister going to provide a generator, an ultrasound machine, x'ray machine and an autoclave to the district hospital of Effiduase to make it commensurate with a district hospital?
    Ms Ayittey 12:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, some of the districts write directly to the Ministry especially when it comes to their needs. Some of the district hospitals also through their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) request the Ministry to match whatever funds they have realised or they have raised so that, we can provide them with equipment and other things like a generator.
    I think that the Member of Parliament must liaise with the resident doctor so that, they would submit their request for an ultrasound machine, a generator and a CT Scan to the Ministry.We would also request that they let us know how much they have raised from their IGF so that we can match the funds and provide them with these equipment.
    Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
    Hon Minister, he wants to find out why they did not benefit from the equipment that you distributed recently.
    Ms Ayittey 12:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, two years ago, there was an exercise, where a team of doctors and engineers did a feasibility study of retooling most of these hospitals and I believe that it was because of the result of the feasibility studies that some hospitals got and others did not.
    The retooling exercise would continue. We are going to do phase 2 and the team would be going round again to look at some district hospitals and find out what they need, especially, to provide better and quality diagnostic service. That is why I am saying that, the Hon Member of Parliament should liaise with the District Medical Officer, so that when the team comes round they would be able to identify their needs and then benefit from phase 2 of the retooling exercise.
    Mr Agyen 12:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it appears the Hon Minister is mixing two things. One, the Hon Minister said I should liaise with the Resident Doctor to provide the list of items needed, perhaps for immediate attention.
    Again she is saying that, I should liaise with the Resident Doctor to get him ready for the team which should go round to assess the needs of the hospital. Hon Minister, which is which? Do I have to supply a list having liaised with the Resident Doctor to your office or to wait till the team goes round the hospital to assess the needs?
    Ms Ayittey 12:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, in the first question, I was trying to see how best we could assist the District Hospital. Then the Hon Member of Parliament asked a second question that I should explain why his district was not included in the distribution of equipment. I explained to him that, there was an exercise and it was as a result of the feasibility studies that brought the list of the beneficiary hospitals but then, we were going on to do a phase 2.
    I am only briefing him that there would be a phase 2 and as a matter of exigency, we can assist the team so that, they would benefit. So I was responding to the ‘why' he asked.
    Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
    Hon Members, that brings us to the end of Question time.
    Hon Minister, we thank you very much for attending upon the House to respond to questions from Hon Members. We thank you.
    Hon Majority Leader, are we taking the Motion number 6?
    Dr Kunbuor 12:15 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker. The Chairman is ready.
    Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
    Very well.
    Suppliers Contract Agreement between Government of Ghana
    and NMS Infrastructure Limited (United Kingdom)
    Chairman of the Committee (Mr Joseph Y. Chireh) 12:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Committee on Health on the suppliers contract agreement between the Government of Republic of Ghana and NMS Infrastructure Limited (United Kingdom) for the design, construction and equipping of seven (7) District Hospitals
    and provision of an integrated IT System by NMS Infrastructure Limited.
    Introduction
    The above Commercial Agreement was laid in the House on Friday, 11th February, 2014 and referred to the Committee on Health for consideration and report in accordance with Article 181 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Standing Orders of the House.
    The Committee met with the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Sugri Tia, the Chief Director, Mrs. Salimatu Abdul Salaam and the technical team from the Ministry of Health to consider the Agreement and reports as follows:
    Background
    The Ridge Hospital is the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, designated as such in 1997. The Hospital is believed to have been opened by the British Colonial masters around 1928 for use by its expatriate staff. Most of its current buildings date back to the period between 1911 and 1923.
    As a Regional Hospital for the Greater Accra Region, its coverage envelopes the whole of the Region which has an estimated population of 4,283,322. Its immediate catchment area includes the suburbs of: Nima, Maamobi, Kanda, Accra Newtown, Kotobabi, Osu, La, Adabraka, Airport Residential, Legon, Achimota and Central.
    The Ridge Regional Hospital receives referrals from hospitals and clinics within the region, including the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in times of emergency. The Hospital receives referrals
    from beyond the region, from nearby towns in the Central Region, Eastern Region and Volta Region. There has been a rapid increase in referrals to the main OPD of the Hospital and this can be attributed to the following factors:
    1. The open door policy of the hospital to receive and attend to all cases referred and not turning patients away.
    2. The increasing confidence other institutions have reposed in the Ridge Regional Hospital, making them the preferred choice for referrals.
    3. The increasing confidence the general public have reposed in the Hospital, thus making it the preferred hospital of choice.
    4. The New OPD , Accident and Emergency arrangements that have been put in place, and doctors always available on a 24 hour basis to handle the referrals and emergencies.
    Although considerable amount of renovation works as well as new construc- tions have been carried out over the years, the Hospital still consist of large numbers of individual buildings in different shades of quality, size, architecture and appearance.
    The current Ridge Hospital maternity centre is made up of the Antenatal Clinic, Female ward, and Post-natal ward.
    Due to the non-availability of space, one of the old theatres has been refurbished and equipped as maternity theatre. That notwithstanding, other services like the recovery, delivery are separated from the current maternity theatre.
    The Maternity centre currently has no emergency units and all emergencies are received on the corridors of the respective
    Dr Richard W. Anane (NPP -- Nhyiaeso) 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion, and in so doing, I also would want to make just one or two observations.
    Mr Speaker, as presented by the Chairman of the Committee, the Committee deliberated on the entire projects and tried to look at the mode of construction of
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    Is it Sekondi or Takoradi?
    Dr Anane 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is Sekondi- Takoradi, but it is called the European Hospital.
    Papa Owusu-Ankomah 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this is on a point of correction.
    Mr Speaker, the hospital used to be called European Hospital in the colonial days. It is now Takoradi Hospital.
    Dr Anane 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thanked the Hon Member for the correction. Mr Speaker, in the records of the Ministry, it is captured as the European Hospital, that is why I thought I had to refer to that fact and the President, yesterday, also did refer to it as such.
    Mr Speaker, I wanted to also clarify that the total amount of the facility is US$191,684,192. Now, of this amount, the total quantum of that money to be used for the construction activity is US$175 million and the remaining US$16,684,192.08 is for the credit insurance premium amount. We thought we had to make this clear for us to appreciate that, we are seeking for US$191 million, plus, we are using US$175 million for the construction and that US$16 million is for the insurance premium amount.
    Mr Speaker, with these clarifications and taking note of the fact that, the Committee was very exhaustive on this, we even had to seek the indulgence of Mr Speaker to ensure that possibly, when it comes to construction activities, perhaps, the relevant Committees may have to be involved so that they can go deeper into this. This is because, it would help us to know and see how we can go forward on this.
    With these few words, Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
    Question proposed.
    Mr Collins A. Ntim (NPP -- Offinso North) 12:25 p.m.
    I thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity given me to associate myself with the Motion and to urge all Hon Members to adopt the Committee's Report and approve by Resolution, the Financial Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and NMS Infrastructure Limited, (United Kingdom), for the design, construction and equipping of seven District Hospitals and the provision of an integrated IT Systems by NMS Infrastructure Limited.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:25 p.m.
    On a point of order. Mr Speaker, my good Friend is jumping the gun. I believe we are looking at item 6 on page 2, which only talks about the adoption of the Report and not approval of a Resolution. But he said he is supporting this Motion for the adoption of the Report and approval of a Resolution. So, I am asking, Mr Speaker, is he amending the Motion? so that we are clear in our minds which Motion we are looking at and if it is proper, we can amend the Motion.
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    Hon Member, he is not moving the Motion. If he was moving the Motion -- yes, but he was referring to a consequential Resolution which would be coming. He was referring to it.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, in anticipation of a consequential Resolution?
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    Yes.
    Mr Ntim 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, you are right. I was just taking the consequential Resolution together with it.
    Mr Speaker, the point I was making is that, the Ministry of Health, has a policy, that no Ghanaian whether you stay in Bunkpurugu Yunyoo, Wichao in my Chairman's village, a village in my constituency Busumposu, should travel for more than four kilometers without having access to a health facility. Mr Speaker, the situation we have in Ghana is not all that good; we need to work about that.
    Mr Speaker, if we consider page 1 of the Report, there exists in Ghana 126 Districts without District Hospitals. I think it is not good for us as Ghanaians; we need to do something about it. It is for that reason that I think this programme to construct seven District Hospitals is germane and has come at the appropriate time. I wish to urge all Hon Members to support the Motion so that Ghanaians would have access to quality health care in all Districts in Ghana.
    Mr Speaker, if you consider the health indicators, you would realise that Ghana is not doing much in terms of neonatal deaths, infant mortality and maternal mortality. At a rate of 350 per 100,000 live births is not good enough. Ghanaians should not die because they want to give birth to babies or because they are pregnant. It should not be so.
    This figure is not comparable to anywhere in the developed world. But Mr Speaker, if you disaggregate these figures to the District level and to the community levels, it is very serious. There are certain communities or Districts where the maternal mortality is about 650 live births --
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    Hon Member, those issues you are raising, are they in the Agreement? Address the subject matter.
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    Hon Members, I would want to take one each from both sides and I will put the Question.
    Dr Anthony A. Osei (NPP -- Old Tafo) 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have just two issues. The first one relates --
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    In the Report?
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:25 p.m.
    Yes. It is on the Motion.
    Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
    Very well.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to seek your guidance on the first one Hon Richard Anane raised and maybe, you can clarify it for us. The Resolution is going to state seven Districts; the Report tells us that it is six Districts and Takoradi Hospital. But the Motion refers to seven districts.
    I take it that because the Hansard would record all that clarification and that in the future, there would not be confusion about the specific Resolution that we are making, so that -- [Interruption.] Even though it said seven, am I to assume that if you take the Hansard it would make these clarifications so that in the future somebody would not hold us to only seven? That is the first thing. Mr Speaker, or we can amend the Resolution if we so think; and here it is Parenthised as “six” districts and Takoradi Hospital.
    The second issue relates to financing. Mr Speaker, unfortunately, the Committee's which I do not have with me, but I have read their reports did not tell us the cost of the new hospitals and the rehabilitation of the Takoradi hospital. It is very important, otherwise we are to believe that the rehabilitation and the cost of the new ones are the same. The US$175,000 should have been broken down further so that we know that construction of six hospitals is “(X)” amount and the rehabilitation is “(Y)” amount and together it is US$175,000.
    But no where in the Report was the clarification made and I think it is important that the Chairman of the Committee or any of the Members educate us on that for the future, so that we know exactly what we are talking about.
    Mr Speaker with those comments I thank you.
    Majority Leader (Dr Benjamin Kunbuor) 12:35 p.m.
    Thank you Mr Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to make a contribution on just one issue which has to do with the Fomena District Hospital and the statement that was made by the Hon Ranking Member. In fact, Mr Speaker, the Fomena Hospital situation and the facility that was talked about is one that if you were to visit Fomena and you see the years of waste, you would agree with the Ranking Member that, this matter ought to be taken as a matter of urgency.
    I had the opportunity then, as Health Minister to visit Fomena with the Hon Member of Parliament at his instance. We found out the various degrees at which that facility had reached, between l976 and the time I visited, which was in 2010 November, there were all the indications that we would have had one of the best national multi-training institutions in the
    country and that is why it is significant that this matter is followed up.
    I adopted Fomena as one of the l65 uncompleted health projects scattered all over this country and at that time, the infrastructural needs were of such a state that, if all these outstanding uncompleted projects in the health sector had been completed, we would have been addressing a substantial amount of the health infrastructural deficit. I did come to this House to get approval for that particular project to be tackled and that is why it is hard to realise that, Fomena has not been addressed since that time.
    With these words Mr Speaker, I would ask that we support this Report, but urge the Health Committee to visit Fomena. This is because one would find a lot of revealing things in that particular district in relation to this structure that has been referred to.
    Mr Speaker, I would lastly want to indicate that, there is only one technical problem which the Health Ministry would have to deal with. The land was actually donated by a number of citizens there and the citizens of Fomena in the Diaspora contributed substantially to the development of that project. So, when Government is taking it over as a project of government, they would have to regularise the land title issues and also clarify it with the Fomena District Development Committee that has been championing this matter for a number of years. Thank you Mr Speaker.
    Mr Joseph Y. Chireh 12:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank Hon Members for supporting this Motion and my Hon Friend who asked the question about the details. Yes, we did not want to bring a bulky Report but
    the details were provided in each of the cases and you know the cost will relate to the structure and also the distance and all the things connected.
    The rehabilitation was disaggregated. So, each of the projects has a cost element to it and that is why the Committee - the second issue was [Interruption] he is not even listening to me -- But you are the one who raised the issue? So, I have answered the first question. What is the second question? [laughter]
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:35 p.m.
    My question was specific.
    Mr Speaker 12:35 p.m.
    Hon Chairman, continue.
    Mr Chireh 12:35 p.m.
    I am saying that the details have been provided for each of the components, including the rehabilitation and they are certainly not the same. The breakdown was given to us, the presentation in terms of structure and design and all that, we did not want to make it a bulky document. This House is always very busy, but next time we are guided we would do that.
    Mr Speaker 12:35 p.m.
    I think that the point raised by the Member for Old Tafo is quite relevant. He is saying that, based on the clarification of the Committee's Report which was re-emphasised by the Ranking Member of the Health Committee, it seeks the design construction and equipping the six district hospitals and then the seventh one -- you used different words, even if you look at the Committee's Report somewhere it is ‘furnishing', and in another place you used ‘refurbishment' and here ‘rehabilitation'.
    He is saying that for the records to be straight, at least, in the Resolution whether we should carry out some amendments so that at least the Resolution speaks for itself. That is the point he is raising and
    Dr Anane 12:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, since Parliament approved the agreement way back in 2012, I thought if we changed the wording it may create some problems, that is why in my submission I said that, we could consider the title as a technical title and then define what we mean by the title. In our definition, we are talking about the design and construction of six hospitals and the refurbishment of one. In that case, we would have defined our technical title and it would not have --
    Mr Speaker 12:35 p.m.
    Yes, but Hon Member, look at the Motion. The Motion is not consistent with what you are saying. That is why we are asking whether we have to amend it or whether if we take it this way the suppliers agreement itself has addressed it. That is the question I am asking.
    Dr Anane 12:35 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker, that is the title of the agreement as approved by Parliament way back in 2012 and we thought we should not create any problems going back to that agreement. If we approve this and we define what we mean by this, then we would be in safe hands but if we change it here now, eventually it would not be consistent with the original approval and may create certain problems for us. Thank you Mr Speaker.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, what we approved in 2012 was a loan agreement. What you are bringing to the House is not a loan agreement and the question the Speaker is asking is that, does this
    construction agreement take account of the correction you want to make? If it does, then it is all right. The one we approved was a loan but the contract agreement must address the issue, if it does, no problem.
    Dr Kunbuor 12:35 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker, I can see where the issue is coming from but I guess that being masters of our rules, it should be possible for us to amend the Motion and adopt it and it would capture the concerns that have been raised. That one can talk about the contract, dealing with the infrastructure in relation to six hospitals and the rehabilitation of one.
    Mr Speaker 12:35 p.m.
    Or we can even keep the seven -- because of the point raised by the Hon Member for Nhyiaeso, so, we can keep the seven and add ‘refurbishment' so that the supply contract would tell us which one is going for refurbishment.
    Dr Kunbuor 12:35 p.m.
    Yes, that is so Mr Speaker. Instead of going back to deal with all the others, a short amendment of the Motion when adopted, would clarify that problem.
    Mr Speaker 12:35 p.m.
    Yes, let me hear from Hon Member for Adaklu, then I would get the Chairman and then we would carry on with the amendment.
    Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza (NDC -- Adaklu) 12:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to support this Motion for the provision
    Mr Speaker 12:35 p.m.
    Are you contributing?
    Mr Agbodza 12:35 p.m.
    Yes. I would want to contribute to the Motion.
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    No, Hon Member, we have finished with the debate. We just want to resolve an issue raised by the Hon Member for Old Tafo. Hon Chairman, we keep the “seven (7)” and add “refurbishment”.
    Mr Chireh 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Committee was also confronted with this issue, but what was laid in the House was;
    “…design, construction, furnishing of seven (7) District Hospitals and provision of an integrated IT System in Ghana”.
    Therefore, because the referral talked about seven (7) Districts, but I agree to amend by adding “refurbishment”, so it is accordingly amended.
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    What the Hon Chairman is saying is that, if I get him right, we add “refurbishment” to “design, construction and equipping”?
    Mr Joseph Chireh 12:45 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I believe if we go on that path we would further complicate the issues. This is because the Suppliers Contract Agreement ensues from the original loan agreement which Parliament has approved. So, to be consistent with that one, I believe we should keep this one, but in the definition, we should give an interpretation to this. And then it would apply to not only this one, but what obtains in the original and I think we would be home and dry. If we amend the Motion --
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    When are you going to amend the “Suppliers”.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, that is why I am asking that the Committee --
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    Hon Member, when are you going to amend it?
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we can propose to the Committee to do that now or may be we approve with the proviso that they do so and we transmit same to the Ministry. Fortunately, the Hon
    Minister for Health is here, so together with the Hon Minister for Finance, they could sanitise it. But if we amend the Motion as it is now, Mr Speaker, it would create problems for us.
    Dr Kunbuor 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I can see where the Hon Minority Leader is coming from. Basically, the two contracts are severable. They might relate to each other, but they are going to be interpreted strictly on their terms and conditions. Because of the principal of severability one can actually amend this Motion to deal with this Suppliers Contract on its own and the principal loan --
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    What the Hon Member is suggesting is that, and in order not to create too much confusion, let us keep it and offer definition to include “refurbishment” and then that takes care of the matter. I agree with you but this is also --
    Dr Kunbuor 12:45 p.m.
    The Motion that we are going to adopt seems to be the issue. We can do what the Hon Member is saying, but if the Motion in the form in which it stands is adopted, then that is what creates the complication in relation to the one item for “refurbishment”.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, if you look at the conclusion of the Committee's Report, that might be where we can make the correction. If you bring the “refurbishing of six (6) and European hospital”, so that at least the Committee's Report would have given us the definition and we can leave the Resolution the way it is.
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    So, are you suggesting that we should put the Question the way it is on the Order Paper?
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:45 p.m.
    I am suggesting that, -- This is because as you have said, the totality of what we are doing includes the Report. So, if the Report defines the seven (7) districts as “six plus Takoradi” European, then it would follow through.
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    The point the Hon Member is making is that, if there is any litigation, one would have to look at the totality of what transpired, including the Committee's report and the debate, to know exactly what Parliament has approved. But we know that in these matters, strictly speaking, it is the Resolution that matters, but it is all right. Once the House is ad idem as to the intention, we can keep it. Once the intention is clear we would just put the Question the way it is on the Order Paper. Hon Chairman, should I put the Question?
    Mr Joseph Chireh 12:45 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker, you can put the Question because our conclusion redefines what we really -- and once it is adopted and it is a record of this House, it reflects the position of the House.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    RESOLUTION 12:45 p.m.
    Minister for Health (Ms Hanny Sherry Ayittey) 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that
    WHEREAS by the provisions of article 181(5) of the Constitution, the terms and conditions of any international business or economic transaction to which the Government of Ghana is a party, shall not come into operation unless the said terms and conditions have been laid before Parliament and approved by Parliament by a Resolution supported by the votes of a majority of all Members of Parliament;
    PURSUANT to the provisions of the said article 181(5) of the Constitution, and at the request of the Government of Ghana acting through the Minister
    responsible for Health, there has been laid before Parliament the terms and conditions of a Suppliers Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and NMS Infrastructure Limited (United Kingdom), for the design, construction and equipping of seven (7) district hospitals and provision of an integrated IT System by NMS Infrastructure Limited.
    THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Joseph Chireh 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Dr Kunbuor 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we can take item 5(b).
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    Hon Members, presentation of Papers by the Chairman of the Committee.
    PAPERS 12:45 p.m.
    Dr Kunbuor 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we do not have any further items on the Order Paper and with your indulgence, I would like to move that the House be adjourned to Thursday, 27th February, 2014 in the forenoon.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I was not in the House on Friday, but the Majority Leader is indicating to us that we do not have any other item. In fact, there are two items on the Order Paper. One is on page five (5) of the Order Paper -- the Anti Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2013. Unless the Majority Leader is indicating to us that we are not continuing with it today. There is also an advertised Committee of the Whole meeting with the Electoral Commission, I do not know the status of it; so if he could tell us --
    Dr Kunbuor 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the second item, we did have some discussions on it, but I thought that we needed some further consultations before the matter was put on the Order Paper. So, I guess that we can defer it for those consultations to take place, this is because of the peculiar nature of the issues that are coming up.
    Mr Speaker, in relation to the other items, I have been advised that, the Hon Chairman of the Committee and the Hon Attorney-General and Minister for Justice are caught up in another level of discussions, so both of them are not in the House. I was thinking that, we could defer it while we get in touch with them to come at the appropriate time for us to proceed.
    Mr Speaker 12:45 p.m.
    Very well.
    Dr A. A. Osei 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, just for my own education. If I recall correctly, the Business Statement, I believe alluded to the possibility of starting the debate on the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, but it is not advertised. If there has been some change, we can be informed as to when that debate is going to start and when copies of the Address might be available, so that --
    Dr Kunbuor 12:45 p.m.
    There was certainly a caveat in that Business Statement and yesterday, between the Hon Minority Leader, and myself, we did insist that they should give us the most practical time that we can receive the hard copies. We were informed that the copies would be available tomorrow afternoon and we thought that Friday was not going to be a good day to start a debate. So, we agreed between us to programme it in tomorrow's business for Tuesday.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, that said by the Majority Leader, I think it is also important to draw the attention of the Hon Member for Old Tafo that, indeed it appears on the Order Paper. He says it is not on the Order Paper but it is at page 15 of the Order Paper. The Majority Leader has explained how come we may not be able to take it tomorrow and indeed Friday. So, it would be programmed to begin Tuesday, next week.
    Mr Speaker, on that note, I would second the Motion for adjournment before my Hon Colleague enters the fray again.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    ADJOURNMENT 12:45 p.m.
  • The House was accordingly adjourned at 12.57 p.m. till Thursday, 27th February, 2014 at 10.00 a.m.