Odekro | What has your MP done for you?

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, we do not have any Official Report for correction, so we move on to the Business Statement for the Ninth Week.

Mr Mumuni Alhassan (Salaga North)

To ask the Minister for Health what plans the Ministry has to increase the supply of anti-snake vaccines from the current average of ten (10) to rural districts quarterly, especially the East Gonja District.
Statements
Presentation of Papers --
(a) Proposed formula for the disbursement of the National Health Insurance Fund for the year 2014.
(b) Proposed formula for distributing the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF) for the year 2014.

Mr Mumuni Alhassan (Salaga North)

(c) Proposed formula for the distr ibution of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for the year 2014.
(d) Report of the Finance Committee on the Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and VTB Capital plc, London (as Arranger and Facility Agent) for an amount of three hundred million United States dollars (US$300 million) for the Ghana Armed Forces Peacekeeping efforts undertaken by the United Nations Organisation and other agreed uses.
Consideration Stage of Bills --
Anti-Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2013 (Continuation of Debates)
Trademarks (Amendment) Bill, 2013 (Continuation of debates)
Excise Duty Bill, 2013 (Continuation of debate)
Committee sittings.

Statements

Presentation of Papers --

(a) Report of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed formula for the disbursement of the National Health Insurance Fund for the year 2014.

(b) Report of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed formula for distr ibuting the Distr ict Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF) for the year 2014.

(c) Report of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed formula for the distribution of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for the year 2014.

(d) Report of the Finance Committee on the Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Authentix, U.S.A. for the procurement of a Tax Stamp System.

Motions --

(a) Adoption of the Report of the Committee of Selection on the re- composition of committees.

(b) Adoption of the Report of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed formula for the disbursement of the National Health Insurance Fund for the year 2014.

(c) 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 2014.

(d) Adoption of the Report of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed formula for the distr ibution of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for the year 2014.

Consideration Stage of Bills --

Trademarks (Amendment) Bill, 2013 (Continuation of Debates)

Excise Duty Bill, 2013 (Continuation of Debates)

Committee sittings.

Urgent Questions --

(a) Mr Kwame Govers Agbodza (Adaklu): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the road between Ho and Adaklu to Sogakope will be completed.

(b) Mr Bernard Ahiafor (Akatsi South): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what steps are being taken to complete the construction of the overdue Akatsi town roads to prevent flooding as the rainy season approaches.

Questions --

Q61. Mr John Gyetuah (Amenfi West): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the only bridge on River Bisaa linking communities like Attaala, Berekum, Ohiampenika, Kwao and others on the Nkekenso Junction to Ohiampenika feeder road would be completed to enhance economic activities in the area.

Q 62. Mr Peter Nortsu-Kotoe (Akatsi North): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what plans the Ministry has to construct speed ramps on the Ho-Denu road to stop the rampant pedestrian accidents leading to several deaths on the highway.

Q. 63. Mr Kwame Asafu-Adjei (Nsuta- Kwamang Beposo): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the construction of the 10 kilometre road from Oyoko to Banko-Nsuta would be completed.

Q.64. Mr Noah Ben Azure (Binduri): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the construction of the Bolgatanga - Bawku trunk road will be completed.

Q.66. Mr Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi (Asante Akim Central): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the Konongo to Praaso road would be completed.

Statements

Motions --

Third Reading of Bills --

Anti-Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2013

Trademarks (Amendment) Bill, 2013

Excise Duty Bill, 2013

(b) Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and VTB Capital plc, London (as Arranger and Facility Agent) for an amount of three hundred million United States dollars (US$300 million) for the Ghana Armed Forces Peace- keeping efforts undertaken by the United Nations Organisation and other agreed uses.

Consequential Resolution

(c) Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Authentix, U.S.A. for the procurement of a Tax Stamp System.

Consequential Resolution

Committee sittings.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

On the Business Statement, are there any comments? [Pause.]
Hon Members, the Business Statement is hereby adopted for the Ninth Week.

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, we can go to item number 4 -- Questions.

Minister for Roads and Highways (Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemani) (MP)

Mr Speaker, the following feeder roads are all located in the Wassa Amenfi West District of the Western Region. These roads are in fair to poor condition:
(i) Kwabeng - Kwasitre-Kramokrom (Kwabeng-Nyame Nnae).15 kilometre
(ii) NyameNnae-Nkwantanum - 5.6 kilometres.
(iii)Asankran Oda-Fordjourkrom - 4.4 kilometre
(iv) Gonukrom-Kamaso-Kamaboi - Kwawdobuakrom- 8.4 kilometre
Current Programme
Routine maintenance works will be carried out on these roads in the second quarter of the year 2014.
Future Programme
Engineering studies will be carried out on these roads within the last quarter of this year. .

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Member, do you have any follow-up questions?

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, according to the Answer given by the Hon Minister, the third line (iii), “Asankran Oda- Fordjourkrom -- 4.4 kilometre,”
I think it is a typographical error. It is more than 40 kilometre and not 4.4 kilometre.
The Minister said that --
“. . . routine maintenance works will be carried out on these roads in the second Quarter of the year 2014.”
And I would want to find out from the Minister whether he could give us the stipulated date or month that the contract would commence.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, I have not heard him.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, can you repeat your question? Use the microphone closely.

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, the Minister says --
“. . . routine maintenance works will be carried out on the roads in the second quarter of the year, 2014.”
I would want to find out from him whether he could give us the stipulated month or day that the contract would commence.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Minister, do you follow the question?

Alhaji Sulemani

Yes, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, normally, we programme our maintenance works within that and I would not be able to tell exactly the month. But certainly, the routine works would be carried out under the Road Fund, that is, under our maintenance works.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Member, any more follow-ups?

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister how often his Ministry undertakes road engineering. Most of the roads are un- ingineered and I would want to find out how often the Ministry carries out road engineering.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, normally, we make budgetary provisions to do studies on our roads. We are unable to get the required funds to do all the engineering on all the roads. Engineering works are going on but it cannot be done on all the roads. It's has been programmed for 2014. That was what I said.

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, considering the peculiar weather conditions that we have in the Western Region, would the Minister consider pushing, maybe, the next contracts not to the second quarter but to to the first quarter because of the torrential rains. Now, the torrential rains have actually started in the Western Region. So, when contracts are awarded during the second quarter, contractors find it extremely difficult to work in the area. Could the Minister consider this?

Mr First Deputy Speaker

But have you looked at the Answer to the Question? It talks about the third quarter. Is it the 2nd quarter -- alright, the first one. Very well.
Hon Minister, please, answer the question.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, we are aware of the peculiar situation in the Western Region as regards the rainfall pattern. Effectively, contractors are able to work about three to four months in the Western Region. So we try to programme our routine to coincide with when the rains are not at their peak, so that they are able to work.
Feeder roads in Amenfi West Constituency (Rehabilitation) II
Q.32. Mr John Gyetuah asked the Minister for Roads and Highways when the following feeder roads would be rehabilitated:
(a) Nkekenso Junction- Benafie
(b) BenaNkwanta- Ohiampenika
c) Bokakore-Fordjourkrom
(d) AsankranBreman -Afiena.

Alhaji Amin Amidu Salemani

Mr Speaker,
i) Nkekenso Junction-Benefie- (8km)
ii) Bena Nkwanta-Berekum- Ohiam- penika - (20km)
iii) Bokakore - Fordjourkrom- (26km)
iv) Asankran Breman-Afienna - (9.8km)
The following roads are located in the Wassa Amenfi West Distr ict of the Western Region:
i) Nkekenso Junction - Benefie
Background
This road is located in Wassa Amenfi West district of the Western region. The length of the road is 8.0 kilometres

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Member, any follow-ups?

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister has indicated in his Answer to the Question that Nkekenso Junction- Benfie feeder road has been awarded for spot improvement to improve upon its condition, as a variation to the rehabilitation of the Suhyenso-Mansiso feeder road under COCOBOB. I would want to find out from the Hon Minister when exactly the contractor is starting work, because most areas are cut off.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, we have done the variation and I will ask the contractor to move to site. When he will move to site, I would not know

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Member, any more?

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister when the 8 kilometres engineered road, that is between Bena Nkwanta and Benefie as stated in the Answer-- will commence. I am talking about the stipulated date that the contractor will start the project.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, your microphone has a little of a problem. Can we hear you louder?

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister when the 8 kilometres engineered road between Bena and Nkwanta Berekum as a variation to the rehabilitation of Suhyenso-Mansiso feeder road will commence I would want to find when exactly the contractor is coming to site to start the project.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, as I indicated in the first Answer, we have asked the contractor to move to site. But the exact date the contractor will mobilise to site, I would not be able to tell, standing here. I will follow -up and find out when the contractor will be going to site.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, your last follow-up?

Mr Gyetuah

Mr Speaker, in the Answer from the Hon Minister, 12km of the road have not been engineered-- between Ohiampenika and the other side. Yet that is the place where we get the quantum of the country's cocoa; one particular person can pluck over 300/400 bags. As I speak, those communities around are part of the rural electrification
programme but because of the state of the road, at all costs, they may not be considered. If contractors are yet to go there to start work, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister whether he can consider, as a matter of urgency, the 12 kilometres; whether any work can be commenced on it? People are dying in the area.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, I will have to find out from their budget for the year whether we have catered for it. If we have, we may begin something. Otherwise, we may have to programme it under the Road Fund and see what emergency works we can carry out there.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, the next Question stands in the name of Hon Kennedy Nyarko Osei, Akim Swedru.
Current status of roads in Akim Oda - Awisa, et cetera
Q.33 Mr Kennedy N. Osei asked the Minister for Roads and Highways what the current status of the following roads were:
(a) Akim Oda - Awisa
(b) Akim Swedru - to Apoli
(c) Akim Swedru - Akotsi.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, what is the pronunciation of the name? Is it “Akyem” or “Akim”?

Mr K. N. Osei

Mr Speaker, you can use them interchangeably; no problem.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker,
Akim Oda - Awisa
Background
The 5 kilometres Akim Swedru-Awisa road is part of the Akim Oda to Amanfopong road linking the Eastern and Central Regions. It is a surface dressed road which is fair to poor condition.

Alhaji Sulemani

Current Programme

The road requires patching of potholes and resealing. It is currently under a pothole patching contract which will be renewed this year, 2014.

Future Programme

The entire 24 kilometres from Akim Oda to Amanfopong have been proposed for partial reconstruction. A section of 12.7 kilometres (from Akim Oda-Achiase) have been awarded and currently awaiting commencement warrant from Ministry of Finance.

(b) Akim Swedru - Aduasa-Bepro Jn-Apoli-Apoliningo (25.20km)

Background

This road is engineered and is 25.20 kilometres in length. It is located in the Birim South District of the Eastern Region. Sections of the road have been tarred. They are Km 0+000 to 10 +500, and 19+500 to 20+000. The remaining sections 10+500 to 19+500 and 20+000 to 25+200 are untarred.

Current Programme

Currently, the entire road has been programmed under the 2014 routine maintenance works. This include grass cutting, reshaping, ditch cleaning and pothole patching.

Future Programme

Engineering design studies shall be conducted, on the untarred sections and depending on the outcome of the studies, the appropriate intervention will be carried out on the road.

(c) Akim Swedru - Bepro Jn - Akotsi (Akotikrom) - 15.80 Kilometres

Background

This is an engineered road with a length of 15.80 kilometres, located in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.

Current Programme

The first 7.0 kilometres of this road from Akim Swedru-Bepro Jn are tarred. The remaining section is gravelled. The road has been awarded under routine maintenance programme for 2014. The activities are grass cutting, reshaping, ditch clearing and potholes patching.

Future Programme

Engineering design studies will be conducted on the remaining road section and depending on the outcome of the studies, appropriate intervention will be carried out on the road.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, any follow-up question?

Mr K. N. Osei

Mr Speaker, clearly, from the Answer given by the Hon Minister, he claims that potholes patching exercise has been going on on the road. But I know on authority that for the past five years, nothing has been done on the road. I would want the Hon Minister to give me further and better particulars of the contractor who is conducting that potholes patching.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, if the Hon Member gives me time, I will get him the details.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, any more follow-ups?

Mr K. N. Osei

Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister in charge of Roads and Highways, what assurance can he give to the people of Akim Swedru that the routine maintenance that is being scheduled for 2014 would be conducted?

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, I sympathise with my Brother because I have been to the place and I have seen what he is talking about. Sometime in my life, around 1975, I ever lived in that place and I know the situation of the roads as at that time. So, I would want to assure him I am part of that area and I would ensure that the routine maintenance is carried out.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, your last follow-up?

Mr K. N. Osei

Mr Speaker, looking at the responses given by the Hon Minister and others, and the same answers being given to Hon Members, especially from the Eastern Region, I could see that there is a serious problem with the roads in the Eastern Region. I would want to find out from the Hon Minister -- once he is here -- what programme is his Ministry doing to address the issue of bad roads in the Eastern Region?

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, is it relevant to your Question? I do not think so. Your Question is constituency specific. So, I think we will disallow that question.
The next Question stands in the name of Hon Bright Edward Kodzo Demordzi, Member of Parliament for Bortianor- Ngleshie Amanfro.
Is he in the Chamber?

Mr Sampson Ahi

Mr Speaker, my Colleague has asked me to seek permission from you and ask the Question on his behalf.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Very well. Go ahead.
Old Bortianor-Kokrobite -Tuba Junction, etc roads
(Construction)
Q.39. Mr Sampson Ahi (on behalf of Mr Bright E. K Demordzi)asked the Minister for Roads and Highways what plans the Ministry had towards the construction of the Old Bortianor- Kokrobite- Tuba Junction road and the Amanfro Junction-Amanfro Top Town road.

Alhaji Amin A. Sulemani

Mr Speaker,
Background
The Ga South Municipality has a total road network of 740 kilometres, comprising 45 kilometres paved and 695kilometres unpaved.
The management of the road network within the area is being undertaken by the Urban Roads Department.
Various works have been undertaken by the Department of Urban Roads since 2012, including the following:
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Alhaji Amin A. Sulemani

Current Programme

The Department of Urban Roads is undertaking the following projects within the Ga South Municipality. These projects are targeted at upgrading the roads from earth/gravel to surface dressed roads with appropriate drainage structures:

1. Rehabilitation of Amanfro Junction-Amanfro Top Town road: Contract Sum: GH¢1.38m. Length 1.5 kilometres

This is targeted to improve access within the Amanfro town.

The works include the following:

i) Drainage construction

ii) Earthworks

iii) Surfacing of road

The works have been awarded to M/s Logistic Support in January 2014, for completion in one year. The contractor is mobilising to site.

2. Construction of Kasoa bypass:

The construction of the Kasoa by- pass shall link the Old Weija barrier (in the Ga South Municipality), to Sapato area in the Awutu Senya East Municipality (Kasoa). This road shall serve as a by- pass around Kasoa. The purpose of the project is to offer travelling options for commuters between the old Weija barrier and Kasoa. The roads that shall be rehabilitated as part of the project include:

i) Old Bortiannor-Kokrobite

ii) Kokrobite-Tuba

iii) Tuba-New Barrier

iv) Construction of a bridge over the Okrudu stream

v) Tuba-Nyanyanor

vi) Nyanyanor-Sapato service state at Kasoa

Procurement for the works is ongoing. It is expected that the works shall start by the beginning of the second quarter.

Future Programme

The Department of Urban Roads will continue to upgrade the gravel surface roads within Ga Municipality to paved ones. This is to improve the percentage of all-weather roads in the Municipality from 6 per cent to 15 per cent within the medium-term.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, do you have any follow-up questions?

Mr Ahi

No! I am alright. [Laughter.]

Ms Hannah S. Tetteh

Mr Speaker, having been the Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya Constituency before it became Awutu Senya East and West Constituencies, I listened with some interest to the route that the Hon Minister was describing. If this alternative road is going to go through Weija and end up at Nyanyanor, then with the greatest of respect to the Hon Minister, perhaps, he should have created another road within Kasoa or another route to get to parts of Kasoa.
But he would have not dealt adequately with the traffic situation or with the causes of the traffic that intersects at the crossroads of Kasoa. This is because what
he would do is to create an alternative route to get into that point, but most of the traffic that builds up in that route is as a matter of fact heading towards Cape Coast, Agona Swedru through Bawjiase and a small proportion of it goes towards Nyanyanor.
So, I would like to ask the Hon Minister what steps are being taken to ensure that there is adequate provision for the free movement of traffic with another by-pass because this by-pass in and of itself is certainly not the solution to the problem.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, certainly, we have a lot of challenges around Kasoa, and one of them is the misuse of the road. We have constructed a road for vehicles, but the road has been taken over as a market. So, that certainly, creates a lot of congestion in the Kasoa area.
This present road we are constructing -- I understand her plight, but we have alternative routes that we are also developing from Pokuase Junction towards Kasoa. We are also developing some roads around that area which would link up to the Kasoa market area. By and large, we hope to extend it across that area to take care of the concerns of the Hon Member.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Is it a follow-up to that question, Hon Deputy Minority Leader?

Mr Nitiwul

Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister said the original route has been turned -- [Interruption.]

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Order! Order!

Mr Nitiwul

The original route has been turned into a market because the traders have occupied that market. I would want to find out from the Hon Minister what plans he has in place to reclaim the original route, so that the purpose for which the route was demarcated can be achieved. [Interruption.]

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, let us have some order in the House.
Order! Order!

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, I have already approached my Hon Colleague, the Hon Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to assist us. This is because the management of markets is under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development through the District Assembly system. Once the traders are on the road, we will have to use the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Ministry of the Interior to assist us to make the road safe for travellers. I have already approached them on that, Mr Speaker.

Dr Stephen (Nana) Ato Arthur

Mr Speaker, referring to the Answer in connection with the Amanfro Junction - Amanfro Top Town road, the works have been awarded to Messrs Logistics Support in January 2014 and the completion period is within a year. For two months the contractor has not mobilised to site. Is there any indication to the Ministry how long it is going to take this Messrs Logistics Support to mobilise to site?

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, I will find out from the Department of Urban Roads what is holding the contractor from moving to site.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Members, before we move on to the next

Mr First Deputy Speaker

In pursuance of the partnership programme between our Parliament and the British House of Commons, we have in our midst a five- member delegation of Members and staff of the British House of Commons who are here to share ideas with the Women's Caucus at a two-day workshop which started this morning and is due to end tomorrow, 22nd March, 2014.
Their visit is reciprocal to an earlier visit embarked upon by a delegation of the Women's Caucus to the House of Commons in 2013.
The delegation is as follows:
Hon Dame Angela Watkinson -- MP, UK, Leader of Delegation;
Hon Alison Mc Govern -- MP, UK, House of Commons;
Hon Sarah Teather -- MP, UK, House of Commons;
MS Kate Faragher -- Staff, UK, House of Commons;
Mr Matthew Salik - Staff, UK, House of Commons.
Also attending the programme are two Members of the Parliament of Sierra Leone who have been invited as special guests to the programme.
They are:
Hon Regina Tiange Marah -- MP, Parliament of Sierra Leone;
Hon Veronica Kadie Sesay -- MP, Parliament of Sierra Leone.
Hon Members, on your behalf, I wish them a pleasant stay and fruithful deliberations.
Now, Hon Members, the last Question stands in the name of Hon Matthew Nyindam, Kpandai.
Oral Answers to Questions

Construction of roads linking Salaga and Kpandai, Buya, et cetera

Q59. Mr Matthew Nyindam asked the Minister for Roads and Highways when the roads linking Salaga and Kpandai, Buya through Kpandai to Wulensi and Salaga to Gulibe Quarters would be constructed.

Minister for Roads and Highways (Alhaji Amin Sulemani) (MP)

Mr Speaker, (a) Salaga-Ekumdipe - Kpandai Mr Speaker, the Salaga-Kpandai road is gravel surfaced and 68kilometres in length. The road is low-lying with several water crossing points.

Current Programme

The road was recently graded and 10No. critical culverts have been constructed to improve the drainage situation. 5kilometres from Kpandai- Ekumdipe have been awarded for regravelling. Contractor is mobilising to site.

Future Programmes

The road is programmed for spot improvement through raising of low lying sections, widening and regravelling of the entire road in phases.

(b) Buya-Kpandai -Wulensi

Background

The Buya-Kpandai - Wulensi is 40kilometres in length. The road is flat with several rocky sections.

Current and future programmes

The road has recently been graded, and 5km from Buya town have been awarded for regravelling. The contractor is mobilising to site. The entire road has been proposed for spot improvement, regravelling and construction of concrete curbs on the rocky sections.

(c) Salaga - Gulibe Quarters

Background

The road is 50 kilometres in length and is gravel surfaced. The first half of the road is undulating but in good condition. The second half is flat with several soft spots.

Current and future programmes

The road has recently been graded but is being proposed for spot improvement and sectional re-gravelling.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Member, do you have any follow-up questions?

Mr Nyindam

Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister what has taken the Government so long a time to regravel or even rehabilitate these roads. This is because if you compare the roads in Kpandai to neighbouring districts like Salaga, Wulensi, Krachi Ntummoro, you will realise that Kpandai looks like an island. I would want to find out why?

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, yes, I sympathise with my Brother because I fall in a similar situation as far as roads in my constituency are concerned. Mr Speaker, the truth is that road construction is a very expensive enterprise and we have quite a lot on our hand as far as the road network
in the country is concerned. So, it is not possible for us to take all of them on board. That is why it has taken us so long but I think it is better late than never.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, any more, Hon Member?

Mr Nyindam

Mr Speaker, with all respect, has the Hon Minister been to Kpandai before? If no --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, I do not think this question is relevant. I disallow it.

Mr Nyindam

Thank you very much.
Looking at the Answer he provided for the Kpandai-Salaga road, most especially, I would want to find out where specifically is the contractor. This moving to site and who is that contractor? This is because it will aid me to do some follow ups and the proper monitoring.

Alhaji Sulemani

Mr Speaker, the Hon Member asked whether I have been to Kpandai. He knows that I come from Sissala West in the Upper West Region- - Before my present appointment --I am a well travelled person in Ghana and I know Kpandai as a matter of fact.
Mr Speaker, the regravelling works for the 5 kilometres for both sessions were awarded to Daabingbe. That is the contractor's name. When he would move to site, I will not be able to tell exactly. I would find out from the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) when he would be mobilising to site.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, your last follow-up question.

Mr Nyindam

I am alright.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Very well, Chairman of the Committee.

Chairman of the Committee(Dr Kwabena Donkor)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, -- [Interruption.]

Dr Anthony A. Osei

Mr Speaker, this is just a procedural Motion and the Chairman of the Committee is reading every item in there. Why?

Dr Kwabena Donkor

Mr Speaker, because I have to move for a waiver, I would prefer to read the whole Motion.
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 Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Petroleum Agreement among the Government of the Republic of Ghana, Ghana National Petroleum Company Limited (GNPC), GNPC Exploration Company Limited, Camac Energy Ghana Limited and Base Energy Ghana Limited for the conduct of Exploration, Development and Production Operations in the Expanded Shallow Water Tano Block, Offshore of the Republic of Ghana may be moved today.

Mr K. T. Hammond

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

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, item (9).
Expanded Shallow Water Tano Block Offshore of the Republic
of Ghana

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Kwabena Donkor)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Petroleum Agreement among the Government of the Republic of Ghana, Ghana National Petroleum Company Limited (GNPC), GNPC Exploration Company Limited, Camac Energy Ghana Limited and Base Energy Ghana Limited for the conduct of Exploration, Development and Production Operations in the Expanded Shallow Water
Tano Block, Offshore of the Republic of Ghana.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present the Report of your Committee.
Introduction
The Petroleum Agreement among the Government of the Republic of Ghana, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Camac Energy Ghana Limited, Base Energy Ghana Limited and GNPC Exploration and Production Company Limited in respect of the Expanded Shallow Water, Tano Block Offshore of the Republic of Ghana was laid in Parliament on Thursday, 27th February, 2014 by the Hon Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in accordance with article 268 of the 1992 Constitution.
Pursuant to Orders 156 and 188 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Agreement was subsequently referred to the Select Committee on Mines and Energy for consideration and report.
Deliberations
The Committee met with the Hon Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Mr Benjamin Kwaku Dagadu, to consider the Agreement. Officials of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the Petroleum Commission
were also in attendance to assist in the deliberations.
The Committee is grateful to the Hon Deputy Minister and the officials for their assistance during its deliberations.
Reference documents
The Committee was guided by the following documents during its deliberations:
i. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
ii.The Standing Orders of Parliament
iii. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Law, 1983 (PNDCL
64)
iv. The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Law, 1984 (PNDCL
84);
v. The Petroleum Income Tax Law,
1987 (PNDCL 188)
vi. The Petroleum Commission Act, 2011 (Act, 821)
vii. The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490)
viii. The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1999
(L.I. 1652)

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Kwabena Donkor)

a Decommissioning and Environmental Management Fund for the purpose of decommissioning and environmental management. A portion of the revenues from the production from the contract area will be paid into the Fund and will be used in financing decommissioning and any environmental accidents that may occur in the course of petroleum operations.

As further security and in the event that the money accrued in the Decommissioning and Environmental Management Fund is not adequate to cover costs of decommissioning and any environmental incidents that may occur during operations, the contractor will be required to take an insurance cover to cater for any shortfall in the Fund.

The Fund will be jointly managed by the contractor and the GNPC.

Joint Management Committee

Per Article 6 of the Agreement, a Joint Management Committee (JMC) will be established by the GNPC and the contractor not later than 30 days upon the effective date of the Agreement.

The purpose of the JMC will be to oversee and supervise petroleum operations, to ensure full compliance with the Work Programmes and Development Plans. It is also to ensure that cost accounting, expenses and maintenance of records and reports relating to petroleum operations are carried out in accordance with the Agreement and procedures generally accepted in the international petroleum industry.

Observations

Improved Fiscal Regime

The Committee noted that fiscal terms negotiated have improved substantially over existing Agreements. The royalty rate

was increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent while surface rental per square km. has almost doubled when compared with the Oranto Petroleum Agreement covering acreage offshore, the Saltpond Basin with similar water depth and characteristics. The improved fiscal elements under the Agreement gives the State approximately 73 per cent to 79 per cent of the net oil depending on profitability of the project, (that is the total oil produced less exploration, development and production costs).

The Committee found this to be consistent with Ghana's strength as an oil producer, the determination to get more out of the resource endowment and a reflection of the work done by GNPC within the Block. The enhanced fiscal regime would therefore lead to increase in revenues generated from petroleum operations in the Block to the State if a commercial discovery is made.

Local participation

It was also noted that the equity participation of indigenous Ghanaian companies in the Agreement was 13.5 per cent. This was observed to be higher than the requirement prescribed in Regulation 4(2) of L.I. 2204 which provides that “There shall be at least a five percent equity participation of an indigenous Ghanaian company other than the Corporation to be qualified to enter into a petroleum agreement or a petroleum license”.

The Committee commends the Ministry and the Government negotiation team for ensuring that this essential provision in the L.I. 2204 was adhered to in the Agreement.

It viewed this as an important step in integrating the petroleum upstream industry into the Ghanaian economy while positioning indigenous Ghanaian

companies to play a leading role in the near future. It however urged the sector Ministry and the Petroleum Commission to continuously monitor the local partners to ensure that local partners are not engaged in fronting for international oil companies in order not to defeat the purpose of the local participation.

Favourable Dispute Resolution Regime

An important feature of the Petroleum Agreement noted by the Committee was the prohibition against the attachment of Government assets in the case of a dispute prior to the final arbitral award. The Committee found this provision very useful and averred that in light of potential damages associated with petroleum operations, attachments could cripple the ability of the State and/or GNPC to carry on its Governmental functions and/or business.

It further indicated that attachments can be extremely coercive which may weaken the State's positions during arbitration. Moving forward, the Committee urged the Ministry to make this provision a permanent feature of Petroleum Agreements of the State.

Liability for Capital Gains Tax

The Committee opined that in the sale or transfer of petroleum assets, the State which is the resource owner deserves to benefit from any gain made. In the light of this, it noted with commendation the explicit incorporation of liability to capital gain tax into the Petroleum Agreement. The provision is not subject to the stabilisation clause and anticipates the coming into force of the proposed new law on petroleum taxation.

In the opinion of the Committee, the capital gains tax provision would prevent speculators from making money at the expense of the State and would maximise the returns to the State in the event of transfer of petroleum assets.

Conclusion

Having diligently discharged its mandate as required by the Standing Orders of the House, the Committee is satisfied with the provisions of the Petroleum Agreement.

It, therefore, recommends to the House to adopt this Report and ratify the Petroleum Agreement among the Government of the Republic Of Ghana, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Camac Energy Ghana Limited, Base Energy Ghana Limited, and GNPC Exploration and Production Company Limited in respect of the Expanded Shallow Water Tano Block Offshore of the Republic of Ghana in accordance with article 268 of the 1992 Constitution.

Respectfully submitted.

Mr K. T. Hammond (Ranking Member)

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion and in seconding it, I simply add that I support almost verbatim, everything that the Hon Chairman has said but just simply to add that the Block is in shallow waters, and from perusing the documents presented us, would appear to be a considerable improvement on the previous ones which were awarded when Ghana was not oil producing.
I am happy that we are stamping authority on the procedure and making sure that on going forward, we get very good benefits for the country, at least, considerable improvement on what was done when we were not oil producers.
With these few words I also ask the House to adopt the Motion.

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, the Resolution numbered item 10.

Dr Kwabena Donkor

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

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, while we are at it, if we can take Item 11, which is still by the Hon Minister and then the Hon Chairman of the Committee.

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Kwabena Donkor)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that notwithstanding the pro- visions 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 Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Petroleum Agreement among the
Government of the Republic of Ghana, Ghana National Petroleum Company Limited (GNPC) and Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited for the conduct of Exploration, Development and Production Operations in the Central Tano Block, Offshore of the Republic of Ghana may be moved today.

Mr Kobina T. Hammond

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

MrAgbesi

Mr Speaker, Motion numbered 12.
Government of Ghana/Ghana National Petroleum Company Limited
(GNPC) and Amni International Petroleum Development Company--
Petroleum Agreement

Dr Kwabena Donkor

Mr Speaker, I beg to move that,this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Petroleum Agreement among the Government of the Republic of Ghana, Ghana National Petroleum Company Limited (GNPC) and Amni International Petroleum Develop- ment Company Limited for the conduct of Exploration, Development and Production Operations in the Central Tano Block, Offshore of the Republic of Ghana.
Mr Speaker, in so doing, I present the Report of your Committee.
Introduction
The Petroleum Agreement among the Government of Ghana, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Arnni International Petroleum Development
Company (Ghana) Limited in respect of the Central Tano Block, Offshore of the Republic of Ghana was laid in Parliament on Thursday, 27th February, 2014 by the Hon Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah in accordance with article 268 of the 1992 Constitution.
Consequent to this, the Petroleum Agreement was referred to the Committee on Mines and Energy for consideration and report pursuant to Orders 156 and 188 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Deliberations
The Committee met with the Hon Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Mr Benjamin Kwaku Dagadu and other officials of the Ministry to consider the Petroleum Agreement. In attendance at the instance of the Committee were officials of the GNPC and the Petroleum Commission to assist in the deliberations.
The Committee is grateful to the Officials for their attendance and for providing clarifications to enrich its discussions on the proposed Agreement.
Reference documents
The Committee was guided by the following documents during its deliberations:
i. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
ii. The Standing Orders of Parliament
iii. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983 (PNDCL
64)
iv. The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1984 (PNDCL
84)

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Chairman of the Committee, do you have a response -- Either you or the Hon Minister?

Dr Donkor

Yes, Mr Speaker.
At the Committee meeting, we did not only ask but we were given copies of the particulars of this Ghanaian company. For the purposes of petroleum exploration, the major entity we are concerned with, is the operator and that is why you often find a lot more information on. The operator has a technical responsibility for managing the Block.
But at the Committee level, we asked the question the Hon Member has asked and then we were given the particulars of the company -- The incorporation of Amni International, the local participants in Amni and we were satisfied, Mr Speaker.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Ranking Member, do you have something to say?

Mr Hammond

Mr Speaker, I appreciate the concerns of the Hon Member but in reality, at the Committee level, quite a lot of these pieces of documentation were presented. The Committee went through all of them, particularly, if I could just go back to the first one, the KAMAK one, for example Mr Speaker, all we have in the Report is simply that Base Energy Limited is a wholly-owned Ghanaian one and it is a company which has an upstream oil and gas business.
This is because of the documentation and others we had, we were quite happy to put in this as a statement satisfying -- What is it that will satisfy the House for the purpose of this particular Agreement?
In respect of WCW, again, we were given the detailed background of the company and the fact that it is a wholly- owned Ghanaian company and in view of all that was presented to us, we were quite happy. Maybe, the Report does not capture it in the context of how it has been put but we can assure the House that next time, we would incorporate the details of all of it.
But we can assure you again, Mr Speaker, that we saw the details, we were quite happy and so, we decided to present it the way we have.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Very well. Hon Member for Sekondi --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, it is important to let this House know as a matter of fact, that some extra hands have been recruited for the Hansard Department; some training has been undertaken by them, so that they will enhance record taking as it is being referred to by the Hon Member for Sekondi.
It is because of the shortage of staff for the Hansard Department that some of these lapses have occurred. But as soon as those people get on board, all Committee meetings will be covered and they will be available for Hon Members as and when they are requested for.
Thank you.
Question put and Motion agreed to.

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, I think we can take the Resolution thereon, as it is captured in item 13.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Leader, I hope “item 13” is not in the normal sense that we have known it?
Hon Minister --

Dr Donkor

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

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, if we can go back to item number (6).

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, I would want to ask permission for the Deputy Minister for Finance to take the Resolution numbered (7).

Mr Avedzi

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

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, my attention has been drawn to a Statement or tribute to be paid for a distinguished Ghanaian who has passed on by the Hon Member for Garu, Mr Dominic A. Azumah. Mr Speaker --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Deputy Majority Leader, it is the Speaker who admits Statements. I have not admitted any Statement for today. So, let us move on.

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, with your pleasure, we can go to item number 14.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Very well. item number 14.

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, on item number 14, following your directive, the Leadership, the Committee on Health and some senior Members of the House met yesterday to resolve the issue. Mr Speaker, we have virtually resolved the matter and Motion number 3, that is to be moved as a consensus Motion, is on the Order Paper.
Mr Speaker, the understanding is that Hon Joseph Yieleh Chireh is to move that Motion and Hon Dr Richard W. Anane will second it. That is the position we have arrived at. So, Mr Speaker --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

But if I may find out what happens to the two other Motions which have been seconded?

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, when the Motion number 3 is moved, then Hon Dr Anane will then apply to withdraw his Motion. I will also, on behalf of the Hon Majority Leader, apply to withdraw Motion numbered 2. So, that Motion numbered 3 will be the outstanding one as a compromised Motion.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Why do we not do it the other way round? Can we not get those Motions which have been seconded withdrawn first before we take the compromised Motion?

Mr Agbesi

Very well.

Dr A. A. Osei

Mr Speaker, I agree with you. The earlier Motion needs to be withdrawn.
But more importantly, the Hon Deputy Majority Leader keeps referring to Motion 14, number 3. I do not have Motion 14, number 3 on my Order Paper. I am looking for it. Which Order Paper are we using? [Interruption.] --- No! I would want to follow him.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

I believe he is referring to item (ii).
Hon Deputy Majority Leader, can we go through the process of getting the withdrawals effected, so that we can move on?

Mr Nitiwul

Mr Speaker, we have a technical problem. I do not seem to find the mover of the Motion in the Chamber. We might not be able to start the process unless the mover of the consensus Motion -- I cannot find him in the Chamber.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Yes, Hon Deputy Majority Leader, what do you say?

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, the mover of the Motion, Hon Yieleh Chireh was in the House before we called upon him to move. But as of now, he is not in the House. In the circumstances --

Mr First Deputy Speaker

That is the point he is making, that he is not in the Chamber. So, what do we do?

Mr Agbesi

Mr Speaker, the Motion be deferred to Tuesday.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, may I suggest that we withdraw
the other two Motions, so that on Tuesday, we have just this compromised Motion to be dealt with.

Mr Nitiwul

Mr Speaker, I would advise strongly and urge you that we allow the Motions as they are. And once we are ready to take all the Motions, the Hon Deputy Majority Leader can withdraw on behalf of the Hon Majority Leader if he has not come and then, we can move the Motion.

Mr First Deputy Speaker

Very well. I take your advice.

Mr Donimic B. A. Nitiwul

Mr Speaker, I guess today is Friday. We have so many engagements on behalf of the people of Ghana. So, I beg to second the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.

Debates of 21 Mar 2014

PRAYERS

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

THE HOUSE EXPECTED TO RISE

SINE DIE

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

MINISTRY OF ROADS AND

HIGHWAYS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MOTIONS

RESOLUTIONS

SPACE FOR APPENDIX II -

RESOLUTIONS

MOTIONS

RESOLUTIONS

ADJOURNMENT