Debates of 26 Jun 2020

MR SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11:08 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:08 a.m.
Mr Speaker 11:08 a.m.
Hon Members, we have the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, 25 th June, 2020 for correction.
Mr Speaker 11:08 a.m.
Hon Members, we have the Official Report of Thursday, 4th June, 2020 for correction.
Mr Speaker 11:08 a.m.
Hon Members, the item listed 3 -- Business Statement. It would be read by the Hon Majority Chief Whip on behalf of the Hon Majority Leader.
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 11:08 a.m.
Majority Chief Whip (Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh) (on behalf of) the Majority Leader) 11:08 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I present the Business Statement of the ensuing week ending Friday, 3rd July, 2020 on behalf of the Hon Majority Leader and Chairman of the Business Committee.
Introduction
Mr Speaker, the Committee met on Thursday, 25th June 2020 and arranged Business of the House for the Seventh Week ending Friday, 3rd July, 2020.
Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 11:08 a.m.
Arrangement of Business
Formal Communications by the Speaker
Mr Speaker, you may read any available communication to the House.
Question(s)
Mr Speaker, the Business Committee has scheduled the following Ministers to respond to Questions asked of them during the week:
No. of Question(s)
i. Minister for Roads and Highways -- 7
ii. Minister for Works and Housing -- 2
iii. Minister for Finance -- 1
Total Number of Questions -- 10
Mr Speaker, in all, three (3) Ministers are expected to attend upon the House to respond to ten (10) Questions during the week. The Questions are of the following types:
i . Urgent -- 2;
ii. Oral -- 8
Mr Speaker, the Business Committee hereby informs this honourable House that, subject to the receipt of admitted Questions from your good self, particularly Questions relating to the Road and Energy sectors, the affected Ministers would be programmed to respond to same as soon as practicable.
Statements
Mr Speaker, pursuant to Order 70(2), Ministers of State may be permitted to make Statements of Government policy. Statements duly
admitted by your good self may be made in the House by Hon Members in accordance with Standing Order
72.
Bills, Papers and Reports
Mr Speaker, Bills may be presented to the House for First Reading in accordance with Order 120. However, those of urgent nature may be taken through the various stages in one day in accordance with Order 119.
Pursuant to Order 75, Papers for presentation to the House may be placed on the Order Paper for laying. Committee reports may also be presented to the House for consideration.
Motions and Resolutions
Mr Speaker, Motions may be debated and their consequential
Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 11:08 a.m.
Resolutions if any, taken during the week. Conclusion
Mr Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 160(2) and subject to Standing Order 53, the Committee submits to this honourable House the order in which the Business of the House shall be taken during the week under consideration.

Statements

Presentation of Papers --

(a) Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import NHIL, GETFund Levy, Import VAT, EXIM Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of twenty-eight million, two hundred and fifty-one thousand two hundred and fifty-eight United States dollars (US$28,251,258.00) on Machinery, Equipment and raw materials to be procured by Kasapreko Company Limited under the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.

(b) Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import NHIL,
Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 11:08 a.m.
(c) Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import NHIL, GETFund Levy, Import VAT, EXIM Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of eight hundred and fourteen thousand eight hundred and seventy-four United States dollars (US$814,874.00) on Machinery, Equipment and raw materials to be procured by Vestor Oil Mills Limited under the One District One Factory (1D1F)
(d) Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import NHIL, Import GETFund Levy, Import VAT, EXIM Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of forty-four thousand nine hundred and ninety United States dollars (US$44,990.00) on Machinery, Equipment and raw materials to be
procured by Ada Premium Diaper Care Company Limited under the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.
(e) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the 2020 Work Programme of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
(f) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Operational and Budget Performance of the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) for the Year 2019 and outlook for 2020.
Motion --
Second Reading of Bills --
Conduct of Public Officers Bills,
2018.
Consideration Stage of Bills --
Land Bill, 2019. (Continuation)
Committee sittings.

Urgent Question
Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo (Ho Central) 11:08 a.m.
To ask the Minister for Finance when the designated health workers will be paid the ‘'COVID-19'' special allowance of 50 per cent of their basic salaries as promised by the government and approved by Parliament.
Statements
Presentation of Papers --
(a) Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import VAT, GETFund, Import NHIL, EXIM Levy, Special Import Levy and other approved imposts amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of four million, nine hundred and seven thousand, five hundred and fifty-five
ZAR (ZAR 4,907,555.00)
Cedi equivalent [US$289,445.07] on equipment, tools and hardware in respect of the Ghana Radio Astronomy Project and Colocation of the Satellite Earth Observation Ground Receiving Station at Kuntunse for Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute.
(b) Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties,
Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo (Ho Central) 11:08 a.m.
(m) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Opon Lease granted to Golden Star (Bogoso/ Prestea) Limited under the Asaase Royalties Limited Special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals and Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978).
(n) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Akoti Lease granted to Chirano Gold Mines Limited under the Asaase Royalties Limited Special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals and Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act
978).
(o) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and
Ajopa Lease granted to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited under the Asaase Royalties Limited Special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals and Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act
978).
(p)Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Ajopa South Lease granted to Ghanaian Australia Goldfields Limited under the Asaase Royalties Limited Special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals and Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978).
(q) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Adubea Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited under the Asaase Royalties Limited Special purpose vehicle associated with the
Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals and Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act
978).
(r) Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Abore Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited under the Asaase Royalties Limited Special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals and Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act
978).
Consideration Stage of Bills --
Land Bill, 2019 (Continuation)
Committee Sittings.

Urgent Question --
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Klottey-Korle) 11:08 a.m.
To ask the Minister for Works and Housing what steps his Ministry has taken to prevent the annual occurrence of flooding especially in low lying areas like (Odawna, Adabraka Official Town,
Osu Doku) in the Klottey-Korle Constituency which just experienced a deluge on the 9th of June, 2020.
Questions
*721. Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri): To ask the Minister for Works and Housing why the Ministry abandoned the ‘CONTI Project' and what alternative solutions, if any, the Ministry proposes.
Statements
Motions --
Adoption of the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the 2020 Work Programme of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation
(GNPC).
Adoption of the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Operational and Budget Performance of the Ghana National Gas Company (GNCC) for the Year 2019 and outlook for 2020.
Consideration Stage of Bills
Land Bill, 2019. (Continuation)
Committee Sittings.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Klottey-Korle) 11:08 a.m.


Questions

*730.Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri) :To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when works on these roads would be completed: (i) Awherease-Damang road (ii) Dobrowo-Nsumia road (iii) Nsawam-Park road (iv) Nsawam-Lartei road (v) Lartei- Accra/Kumasi Road.

*731.Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what preparations are underway to construct key Town Roads of Nsawam, the A1 Road, the Market area road, the American area Road, the Akufukrom, the Fotobi Road and the Dobrowo Gakope road.

*735.Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome (Sounth Tongu):To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the following roads will be upgraded (i) Kpotame through Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction ii) Dabala Junction through Agortiome and Chivto to Dabala as they both

serve as important detour to the main Accra-Aflao and Keta - Dabala Junction Highways

*737.Mr Shaibu Mahama (Daboya/Mankarigu): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when work on the construction of the bridge over the White Volta in Daboya (as provided for in the 2017 and 2018 Budget Statements will commence.

*739.Mrs Della Sowah (Kpando): To ask the Minister of Roads and Highways when work on Kpando Dafor Bridge will be completed.

*740.Mrs Della Sowah (Kpando):To ask the Minister of Roads and Highways when the following communities in the Kpando Constituency will have bridges over rivers to be able to access their farm lands - (i) Gbefi (ii)Tornu (iii) Kudra.

*743.Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin (Nadowli Kaleo): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the Kaleo-Sankana-Takpo road which is under construction will be completed.

Statements

Motions --

(i) Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import VAT, GETFund Levy, Import NHIL, EXIM Levy, Special Import Levy and other approved imposts amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of four million, nine hundred and seven thousand, five hundred and fifty-five ZAR (ZAR 4,907,555.00) Ghana cedi equivalent [US$289,445.07] on equipment, tools and hard- ware in respect of the Ghana Radio Astronomy Project and Colocation of the Satellite Earth Observation Ground Receiving Station at Kuntunse for Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute.

(ii)Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties, Import VAT, GETFund Levy, Import NHIL, EXIM Levy and Special Import Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi

equivalent of one million, eight hundred and seven thousand, one hundred and sixteen United States dollars (US$ 1, 807, 116.00) on IT equipment, materials and services to be imported and procured locally for the implementation of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) IT Training Academy Project.

(iii) Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee Request for waiver of Import Duty, Import NHIL, GETFund Levy, Import VAT, EXIM Levy and Special Import Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of three million, two hundred and fourteen thousand, five hundred and thirty-eight United States dollars (US$3,214,538.00) on Kapek Scientific Mathematical Instruments (SMI) to be procured and supplied by M/s Blue Grass Group Limited for use in West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Examina- tions in Ghana.

(iv) Adoption of the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Operational and Budget Performance of
Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem 11:08 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Electoral Commission is scheduled to begin a nationwide registration exercise from Tuesday, 30th June, 2020 and I would want to find out, as we did for the Majority Side when they were going for their primaries, if it would be possible for this House to Suspend Sittings, at least, for Tuesday, 30th June, 2020 and Wednesday, 1st July, 2020 to enable us fully participate in the take-off of the registration exercise?
Mr Speaker 11:08 a.m.
Definitely, this is not an appropriate issue to raise here. It does not emanate from the Business Statement necessarily. If you would want any such thing, contact your Hon Leader and the Hon Leaders would meet to discuss. As if to say that the House can take a decision on it here; it is not possible, and that is what Hon Members must be aware of.
Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye 11:08 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I would not want to challenge your judgement.
Mr Speaker 11:08 a.m.
Then please, take your seat. If you would not want to challenge the ruling -- Please, you cannot visit that area where I have ruled upon.
Mr Speaker 11:08 a.m.
If there is something else you would want to raise, please do so?
Mr Benjamin K. Kpodo 11:18 a.m.
Mr Speaker, in spite of the earlier suggestion made by our Hon Colleague, I would want us to look at the situation where we endanger the Business of the House. From all indications, since the beginning of the week, attendance has been poor and issues of quorum could arise especially with the tall Business we have in the Business Statement.
When people begin to raise issues of quorum then we are endangering the work of the House. It is likely to remain same, at least, in this first week of the registration exercise. That is why we think it is prudent to Suspend the Meeting for that period, then when we come back, we know that we have fully settled our people to commence the exercise so that we could concentrate on the work of the House.
Mr Speaker 11:18 a.m.
Hon Member, all the Leaders of the House belonged
to the Business Committee. There are some of these issues that you would have to direct even in advance to your Leaders.
Hon Minority Chief Whip?
Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka 11:18 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I would start with the call for the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to come before the Committee of the Whole to address the whole House on her timetable.
Mr Speaker, yesterday, at the Business Committee, the issue of meeting the Committee was raised. What has been requested here is different from meeting a Committee of Parliament. I have been here during President Kufuor's time. If you would remember well when you were here, Dr Afari Gyan appeared before us on at least four occasions and Ms Charlotte Osei also appeared before the Committee of the Whole to tell us about the timetable.
Now, we have a few months to elections. I think it is important that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission comes to address the House on this so that we are clear on the timetable between now and December.
Mr Speaker, at the Business Committee, there was an argument that this was never raised. I just would want to refer the House to Official Report --
Mr Speaker 11:18 a.m.
Hon Member, the concern you have raised has been raised and it is important.
Alhaji Muntaka 11:18 a.m.
Mr Speaker, it was argued at the Business Committee that it has not been raised. And I insisted that as far back as 28th May, 2019 --
Mr Speaker 11:18 a.m.
Hon Member, you need not belabour the point. It has been raised. If it has not been raised, you are entitled to raise it at a time like this.
Alhaji Muntaka 11:18 a.m.
Mr Speaker, yesterday, when we were at the Business Committee meeting, we sincerely did not anticipate the Supreme Court's ruling and what might come out of it. After the Business Committee meeting, the Supreme Court ruling came and we are going to have the registration exercise. I am looking at the pile of Business. Would my colleague, the Hon Majority Whip look at it again?
This is because, surely, many of us would be in our constituencies trying to stabilise and see how the programme starts. The way we planned as of yesterday in the morning with a lot of Business, we have to be realistic. It might be difficult for us to carry out some of them. I hope we would find a way of scaling them down so that we do not hamper the Business of the House.
Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh 11:18 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I think you have appropriately responded to the concern raised by the Hon Member for Asuogyaman. The same goes for Hon Kpodo who raised the issue about quorum. We would look at how to manage this situation in the course of next week.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Majority Leader and Chairman of the Business Committee has indicated that they would make the appropriate arrangements for the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to brief the House on the timetable leading to the elections on 7th December.
We would stand by that; I would impress upon the Hon Majority Leader to liaise with the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to see when it would be appropriate to invite
Mr Speaker 11:18 a.m.
Hon Member, I would be grateful if in a week's time, it would be a part of the Business Statement that the Electoral Commission would visit the Committee of the Whole to brief this honourable House as has happened before and which is a demand from some Hon Members of this House for us to be well apprised of the plans, developments et cetera regarding the
2020 elections. It must feature in the Business Statement with a specific date. Otherwise, in a week's time, I would give one. Let it not get to that stage.
Hon Members, on that note, the Business Statement as presented is adopted accordingly.
Questions -- the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways, if you would kindly take the appropriate chair?
Question 733 stands in the name of the Hon Second Deputy Speaker.
ORAL ANSWERS TO 11:18 a.m.
QUESTIONS 11:18 a.m.
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 11:18 a.m.
HIGHWAYS 11:18 a.m.
Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Kwasi Amoako- Attah) 11:28 a.m.
Background
Mr Speaker, the Takpo-Nanville- Cherekpong-Tangasia-Nadowli road (24.9Kms) forms part of the Kaleo- Sankana-Takpo-Nadowli which is 37.40 kms feeder road.

It is located in the Nadowli District of the Upper West Region. The section from Kaleo through Sankana to Takpo (12.5kms) has an on-going contract for upgrading to bituminous surface whereas the section from Takpo through Nanville, Cherekpong, Tangasia to Nadowli is gravel surface and in poor condition.

Mr Speaker, currently, there is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road.

Mr Speaker, looking into the future, engineering design studies and cost estimates for the upgrading of the road to bituminous surface from Takpo to Nadowli have been completed. However, the imple- mentation of the works will be considered under the 2021 periodic maintenance budget of the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR).
Mr Bagbin 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, would the Hon Minister be kind enough to
tell the House when the engineering design studies and cost estimates were completed?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, we started engineering work and studies on this project from the last quarter of last year and by the end of the first quarter of this year, all such engineering studies had been completed. They are being fed into the data base of the respective agencies of the Ministry.
Mr Bagbin 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister spoke about the engineering design studies and cost estimates to upgrade the road to bituminous surface, but the last line of his Answer says, “However, the implementation of the works would be considered under the 2021 periodic maintenance.” Is “upgrade to bituminous” surface the same as “periodic maintenance”?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, whenever we say that a road would be developed up to bituminous surface, it could stand on its own. Despite the fact that we also put all such work projects under periodic and routine maintenance to make sure that it is motorable. We use such terms interchangeably at times. So until the road is developed to bituminous level,
Mr Bagbin 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, would the Hon Minister be kind enough to tell the House when the road between Takpo to Nadowli is programmed to be upgraded to bituminous surface, because the Ministry would have a programme. He talked about periodic maintenance from 2021.
Mr Speaker, in the programme of the Ministry, when would it be upgraded to bituminous surface?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I would want to assure the Hon Member that it is captured under the 2021 Budget and it would be undertaken.
Mr Speaker 11:28 a.m.
Hon Members, Question 734.
Upgrading of Todzi to Dabala Junction and Lave to
Nutekpor Roads
Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome (NDC -South Tongu) 11:28 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what steps are being taken to upgrade the following roads:
(i) Todzinu through Dorkploame and Awuyakope to Dabala Junction
(ii)Lave through Tolesem to Nutekpor
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:28 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, the above stretch of road is in two sections, that is 11:38 a.m.
Todzinu to Dorkkploame; and Awuyakorpe to Dabala Junction.
Mr Speaker, I would begin with the first one. The Todzinu through Dorkploame Road is 10.2kms long. It forms part of the Todzinu through Dorkploame to Agotakpo Feeder Road and has a total length of 12.5kms. It is located in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region. The section from Todzinu to Dorkploame has gravel surface in fair condition.
Mr Speaker, the second section which is from Dorkploame to Agotakpo is un-engineered and in poor condition.
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road. But the future programme is that the traffic volume on the road is observed to be very low (less than 10 vehicles a day). The Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) has programmed to undertake engineering design studies to upgrade the un-engineered section to gravel surface from Dorkploame to Agotakpo under the 2021 DFR budget.
Mr Speaker, secondly, Awuyakope to Dabala Junction. The background to this road which is 8.0kms long is that, the road is part of the Dabala Junction to Dokploame Feeder Road which is 12.3kms. The road is located in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region and has gravel surface in fair condition. There are some sections with worn out gravel.
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road.
Background
The Awuyakope to Dabala Junction is 8.0kms long. The road is part of
the Dabala Jn. - Dokploame feeder road which is 12.3kms. The road is located in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region and has gravel surface in fair condition. There are some sections with worn out gravel.

Current programme

There is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road.

Future programme

The traffic volume on the road is observed to be very low (less than 10 vehicles per day). The road will be programmed for re-gravelling under DFR's 2021 budget.

(b) Lave through Tolesem to Nutekpor (4.1Kms)

Background

The Lave-Tolesem-Nutekpor road is 4.10kms long. It is an un- engineered road located in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

Current programme

There is no rehabilitation programme on the road.
Mr Speaker 11:38 a.m.
Thank you very much, Hon Member.
Now, we shall ask one question each. We have a tall order of a list here, so you should ask your question in a way as to capture its essence.
Mr Woyome 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, that is well taken.
Mr Speaker, with reference to the Answer provided, under “Future Programme” there was the mention of Todzinu -Dorkploame Road having low vehicular traffic. The Hon Minister considered the road to have less than ten vehicles per day.
Mr Speaker, I am aware that Dorkploame is a market centre. Vehicles from Ada and its environs travel on its road on Wednesdays especially. I do not know when this assessment was carried out, so the
Hon Minister may provide us with when this assessment was carried out per the information he has given us.
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I have taken note of the Hon Member's concern. Normally, when we do traffic count on a road, we deal with averages. If we say that the vehicular movement and the vehicular count on the road is ten per day, it means that we have taken data on the road over a period, so we deal with averages.
The Hon Member also said that Dorkploame is a market centre; yes, it means that on a market day, there could be a number of vehicles, but we are taking into consideration both the market days that the road might be busy and the rest of the days that the road might not be busy. The vehicular count or the traffic count as we usually refer to is important to the Ministry because that determines how the road should be constructed.
Therefore if we know that there is a particular road with heavy traffic, then it would inform the scope of work on that road. So this is what we have in our database, but it might not be static. It could change depending upon the economic activities of the place. So I have taken note and we may do further work on it, but as at now, this is what we have in our database.
Mr Woyome 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, that stretch also serves as an important detour on the Accra-Aflao Road, between Todzinu and Dabala Junction. So on daily bases, vehicles try to use that road when they realise that there is traffic or when some accident has occurred on that road.
Mr Speaker, I would want to know if the Hon Minister would consider carrying out routine maintenance on the road? This is because it is currently in a bad shape. Would the Hon Minister consider doing some routine maintenance work while we wait for the bigger picture? Again, would he also look at the possibility of upgrading it to a bituminous surface?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, that is obvious. We do our best to ensure that we carry out regular maintenance and that is why we call them either routine or periodic maintenance on our roads all year round, and that is the purpose of the establishment of the Road Fund. The object of the Road Fund is to cater for the routine and periodic maintenance of our roads, and of course, to a limited extent, rehabilitation.
So I would want to assure him that the road would be taken on board for routine maintenance until as aforesaid,
we capture it in the road programme for 2021. Once we start developing that particular road -- we bring any road that we decide to work on to a bituminous level, and that has become a regular feature, which applies to all roads. This helps our roads to last for longer periods, and we are able to attend to other roads as well. So I would want to assure my Hon Colleague that it would be done and I call on him to work together with us on this.
Mr Speaker 11:38 a.m.
Hon Members, we would move on to take the Question numbered 736, by the Hon Member for Chiana/Paga. [Interruption] --
Steps Taken to Rehabilitate Certain Roads in the Kasena-
Nankana West District
Mr Adam Mutawakilu (on behalf of Mr Rudolf N. Amenga- Etego (NDC -- Chiana/Paga) 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, with your permission, I would like to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what steps the Ministry is taking towards the rehabilitation of the following roads in the Kasena-Nankana West District:
i. Kandiga Junction -- Sirigu Road.
ii. Chuchuliga -- Chiana -- Nakong Road.
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
(i) Kandiga Junction-Sirigu Road;
Background
The Kandiga-Sirigu feeder road is 17.0kms long and is located in the Kasena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region. The first 5kms of the road is bitumen surfaced in good condition whereas the remaining 12kms is gravel surfaced in fair condition.
Current programme
Contract for the upgrading of km (5.00 -- 10.00) which is 5kms out of the remaining 12kms gravel section was awarded under the CCOBOD Feeder Roads Improvement Project (CFRIP) on 9th August, 2011. The contract commenced on 25th October, 2011 and was expected to be completed on 24th April, 2013, a period of eighteen (18) calendar months.
The contractor abandoned the works after executing the works up to the sub-base level. Physical progress of work was projected at 37 per cent physical completion.
Future programme
The Department of Feeder Roads is reviewing the current status of the works including initiating the necessary contractual procedure to terminate the contract for poor performance.
Engineering design and review studies will be conducted over the entire 12kms gravel section by the end of the third quarter of 2020 for the upgrading of the road to bituminous surfacing. The execution of the works will be considered under the 2021 budget of the Department of Feeder Roads.
(ii) Chuchuliga-Chiana-Nakong Road (34 kms)
Background
The Chuchuliga-Chiana-Nakong road forms an integral part of the National Road (N13), which connects Bolgatanga through Navrongo, Chuchuliga, Chiana, Nakong in the Upper East Region to Tumu, Han, Lawra and beyond in the Upper West Region.
Specifically, the Chuchuliga- Chiana-Nakong road is located in the Kasena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region.
Current Programme
The road is about 34km and was awarded on contract for rehabilitation. The contract commenced on 19th September, 2016 and was originally scheduled for completion on 18th September, 2018.
The project starts at km 2.65 from Navrongo (Tono Junction) and ends at Nakong. The first section of the project from Navrongo (Tono Junction)-Chuchuliga, which is about 13kms in length, has been completed up to primer seal.
The Contractor has also executed some concrete drains, construction of pipe culverts and scarification works within the second section, that is, the Chuchuliga-Nakong road.
The project was temporary suspended for some time due to delayed payment for works done. The Contractor has resumed work following receipt of some payments. Scarification and widening of the second section of the road is on- going.
The project is at 38 per cent physical completion. The works is expected to be completed by 31st December, 2020.
Future Programme
Upon completion of the rehabilitation works, the road will receive an asphaltic concrete overlay under the maintenance intervention programme of the Ghana Highways Authority.
11. 48 a. m.
Mr Speaker 11:38 a.m.
Thank you very much.
Any other question?
Mr Amenga-Etego 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, from the Answer given on the Kandiga to Sirigu road, the indication is that it is about 37 per cent complete but since 2017, no work has actually been done there and the road has deteriorated so dramatically that it is almost unusable. Would the Minister consider doing something as a matter of urgency, now that rains are setting in so that at least the community members would be able use the road while they await the Minister's review in the third quarter of 2020?
Mr Speaker 11:38 a.m.
Hon Minister, anything you could do; any temporary measure?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, in my Answer, I have clearly indicated that the contractor left the
Mr Speaker 11:38 a.m.
Question 739, Hon Member for Salaga?
Mr Yussif Sulemana 11:38 a.m.
Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague is not around; he is bereaved and he is currently in his Constituency —
Mr Speaker 11:38 a.m.
You would proceed.
Steps Being Taken to Ensure the Completion of the Tamale --
Mankango Road
Mr Yussif Sulemana on behalf of Mr. Alhassan Mumuni (Salaga North) 11:38 a.m.
asked the Minister for Roads and Highways steps the Ministry is taking to ensure that the Tamale- Salaga-Mankango road is completed.
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:38 a.m.
Background
The Tamale-Salaga-Mankango road is made up of two (2) classes of trunk roads. They are the Tamale -- Chambuligu section, which is part of the National Road (N9) and the Chambuligu -- Salaga -- Mankango section, which is part of Inter- Regional Road (IR04). The entire road principally lies in the Savannah Region.
Current programme
Two (2) contracts are currently on- going on the road as indicated below:
Construction of Salaga-- Mankango Road km (51-80).
This project commenced on 27th October, 2012 and was originally
scheduled for completion on 26th October, 2015. The project suffered delayed payment for works done and this compelled the Contractor to suspend work on several occasions.
The Contractor has resumed work following receipt of some payments. Laying of base course and primer seal works are on-going. Work progress is at 51% physical completion.
Rehabilitation of Tamale -- Salaga ---Mankango Road km
(80 -- 137).
This project commenced on 25th May, 2016 and was scheduled for completion on 25 May 2019. The Contractor suspended the project due to the Employer's delay in paying for work done but has now moved back to site to continue as at 10th June 2020.
Work progress is at 18% physical completion.
Mr Sulemana 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, in paragraph 3 of the Hon Minister's Answer, he said that the Contractor has resumed work following receipt of some payments. Laying of base course and primer seal works are on- going.
I would want to find out from the Hon Minister when the project would be completed?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, originally, the project was supposed to last for three years because it was awarded on 27th October, 2012 and was scheduled for completion by October 2015. However, between 2012 and 2015, no payment was effected and the Contractor left the site. We have got the Contractor back.
I had the opportunity to visit the Salaga-Mankango Road last week when I undertook a tour of all the five Northern regions, that is the Northern Region, Upper East Region, Upper West Region, Savannah Region and the North East Region.
I visited this project and the Contractor was on site, so the duration for the construction of that road still remains. However, since he began before vacating site, within the next two and a half years, this project is supposed to be completed because it is a long stretch of road.
Mr Speaker 11:58 a.m.
Hon Member for Yagaba/Kubori, Hon Ibrahim?
Mr James Agalga 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I ask for permission to ask this Question on behalf of Hon Tanko Ibrahim who is unfortunately indisposed.
Mr Speaker 11:58 a.m.
You may proceed.
Rehabilitation of Kubori Zanwara Road
Mr James Agalga on behalf of Mr. Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim (Yagaba-Kubori) 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the Kubori to Zanwara road would be rehabilitated.
Background
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:58 a.m.
The Kubori to Zanwara feeder road is 6.4 kilometres and located in the Mamprugu Moagduri District of the North East Region. It is a partially engineered earth road in poor condition.
Current programme
There is no rehabilitation or upgrading programme on the road.
Future programme
Engineering design studies and cost estimates for the rehabilitation of the road have been carried out; however,
due to budgetary constraints, procurement and execution of the works will be considered under the 2021 budget of the DFR.
Mr Speaker 11:58 a.m.
Any supplementary questions please?
Mr Agalga 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the Hon Minister if he would want to consider applying the Road Fund as the source of funding if eventually he gives this road some particular attention in the next Budget Statement?
Mr Amoako-Attah 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague has perhaps suggested his favourite source of funding. I would like to assure him that fortunately, the total of 6.4 kilometres is such that it can be absorbed under the Road Fund. So if we undertake the construction in 2021, his wish will be granted.
Mr Speaker 11:58 a.m.
Question numbered 737? Hon Member?
Completion of Daboya to Mankarigu and Busunu Roads
Mr Yusif Sulemana on behalf of Mr Shaibu Mahama (Daboya/ Mankarigu) 11:58 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to
ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when work on the road networks of Daboya to Mankarigu and Daboya to Busunu would be completed.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:08 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Background
i.The Busunu-Daboya-Mankarigu road forms an integral part of the Inter-Regional Road (IR10), which connects Busunu, Daboya, Mankarigu, Yagaba, all in the Savannah Region, and continues to Chuchuliga in the Upper East Region.
The Busunu - Daboya - Mankarigu road is made up of the following two (2) sections:
i. Busunu -- Daboya
ii. Daboya -- Mankarigu
i. Busunu -- Daboya Road
Current programme
The Busunu-Daboya road is 53 kilometres in length. The road was awarded on contract for upgrading to bituminous surface treatment. The
project commenced on 1st January 2015 and was originally scheduled for completion on 1st June 2017. The project is about 67 per cent physical completion.
The project suffered delayed payment for works done which affected the Contractor's cash flow and led to suspension of works. The Contractor has resumed work and is preparing the road surface for the placing of base course.
The project is expected to be completed by 31st December, 2020.

iii.Daboya -- Mankarigu road

Current programme

The Daboya-Makarigu road is 63kms in length and lies principally in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region. The road is un- engineered and previously classified as a missing link because it was inaccessible.

In view of the strategic importance of the road, efforts have been made over the years, for periodic maintenance interventions to open it up and improve on its serviceability level.

The first 10kms of the road, that is, km (0.0-10.0) was awarded on
Mr Speaker 12:08 p.m.
Hon Member, you may ask one supplementary question.
Mr Sulemana 12:08 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in the Hon Minister's answer, he said that the contractors are back to site. I want to find out if they have received some payments for which they are back on site, since that was the reason they abandoned the projects?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:08 p.m.
Mr Speaker, that is so. The Contractors' reason for abandoning site when the project was awarded to them as far as 2015, was because of lack of payment -- between 2015 and 2016, they were not paid and that was why they packed off site. They have been paid and that is why they are back on site. These are two critical important roads and I mentioned in my answer that the projects have been considered under our Critical Road Projects.
Mr Speaker, I want to put on record that I visited these two roads just last week and I can confirm that contractors are on site, I met them on site. They are Mawums and Maripoma Constructions.
Mr Speaker 12:08 p.m.
Thank you very much Hon Minister, for attending to the House and answering our questions this morning. You are please discharged.
Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, please, you may deliver your Statement.
STATEMENTS 12:08 p.m.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey) 12:08 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is with great honour that I address this august House on this memorable occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter. Seventy-five years ago, some 50 nations convened in San Francisco to declare their commitment to peace, signalling an end to a six-year war that had caused great destruction to mankind.
As we commemorate this important milestone of the United Nations today, it is important to reflect on both the successes and lessons learned in implementing the United Nations Charter over the last 75 years. Conscious of the opportunity to examine how best to collectively
overcome current and emerging global challenges, the Comity of Nations, unanimously agreed that the theme for this important commemoration should be “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism''.
Mr Speaker, several years of global conflicts and strife, have taught us that our world is better off when nations work together. The institutions and systems that were born out of the ashes of World War II, particularly the United Nations, have promoted social cohesion and allowed our societies to flourish. Through shared responsibility and accountability, shared burden and costs, the United Nations has helped to reduce global conflicts, ensured significant reduction in famine and poverty, coupled with massive gains in development and the protection of human rights.
Ghana, as you well know, became a member of the United Nations two days after attainment of independence on 8th March, 1957. Since then Ghana guided by commitment to the principles and ideals of the United Nations Charter as enshrined in our national foreign policy, has pursued balanced and principled positions on a wide range of issues on the agenda of the Organisation.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey) 12:18 p.m.
Ghana's active involvement within the United Nations spans the period of colonisation of the African continent, during which Ghana used the United Nations as a platform to advocate freedom from colonialism and formulate joint African positions.
Mr Speaker, the very essence of multilateralism and international cooperation which remains the foundation of the United Nations Charter is being tested by the crisis that the world finds itself in today as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notwithstanding the challenges, the United Nations, through its Member States and specialised agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), is providing political leadership and forging global solidarity to effectively overcome the pandemic and mitigate the dire socio- economic impact on affected countries.
As part of the response strategy, the United Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee, developed and launched a US$2 billion COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan aimed at fighting the virus in developing countries and addressing the needs of vulnerable people.
Additionally, Ghana together with five other countries, namely, Indonesia, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Switzerland and Norway were the penholders in the first joint draft resolution on the fight against COVID-19 pandemic thereby providing leadership at the multilateral level in keeping with Ghana's own national response and strategy.

Ghana's role in the issuance of the first draft resolution on the pandemic has not only placed the country on the world's stage during this critical time but also ensured that our national concerns have been reflected in the resolution.

Mr Speaker, in the year 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which embodies the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets as the successor framework to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

As you may recall, Ghana achieved some key MDG targets, including the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, as well as ensuring gender equality and women empowerment. Agenda 2030 therefore seeks to

complete the unfinished targets of the MDGs introducing a distinct feature of the principle of ‘leaving no one behind'.

Consistent with this key role in the work of the United Nations such as norm setting, capacity-building and advocacy in human rights and respect for international law, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is actively engaged in international facilitators' work as co-chair of the SDGs advocates. At the national level, he has mainstreamed the SDGs into Ghana's budget and is also superintending the active collaboration of all MDAs in pursuit of the goals.

Mr Speaker, through the UN, the world has made significant progress towards an equitable global economic system. The Agenda includes a new global framework for financing sustainable development by aligning all financial flows and policies with economic, social and environmental priorities.

The international community, through dialogue and concerted efforts, has made remarkable gains on the issue of climate change. International instruments such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change stands as a testament to what the

world can deliver when called upon to do so. The threat of climate change is multidimensional and its impact transcends national borders. In view of this, Ghana is committed to reducing the impact of climate change.

Mr Speaker, the UN has identified issues of human rights as indispensable to the maintenance of international peace and security. Agenda 2030 is therefore unequivocally anchored on human rights. Ghana continues to support the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Under the Fourth Republic, Ghana has consistently ensured that respect for human rights, peace, democracy and the rule of law has always remained on top of its national agenda. The country has ratified majority of the core international human rights treaties, and adopted many laws which are conducive to the promotion, respect and the protection of human rights.

The role of women is no doubt critical in building and sustaining peace. Research has shown that countries are more stable, secured and prosperous when women enjoy the same rights as men and participate fully in their countries' political systems and economies and thus live free from violence. The fundamental role of women in political decision making,
Mr Speaker 12:18 p.m.
Thank you very much, Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
The Hon First Deputy Speaker will take the Chair. Yes, Hon Ablakwa?
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (NDC -- North Tongu) 12:18 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am most grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement that has been eloquently delivered by the Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Mr Speaker, this is a Statement that marks the 75th anniversary of the coming into force of the UN Charter. This is a very significant day that the UN agreed some time last year that
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (NDC -- North Tongu) 12:28 p.m.
on the 26th of June, member nations will commemorate this day to mark 75 years of the existence of the UN Charter under the theme --
“The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism”

Mr Speaker, it is important to recall that the UN, as it is presently constituted, was not the first attempt in history to have an inter- governmental global body and that some time on 10th January, 1920, the first attempt to have such a body after the Treaty of Versailles, -- as was then inspired by President Woodrow Wilson of the United States of America, who, in that year received the Nobel Peace Prize set up the League of Nations.

Mr Speaker, the League of Nations came into force on 10th January, 1920 after World War I with the aim of preventing a second world war, but as we know from history, the League of Nations could not achieve its objective. The Second World War was upon us and many countries such as Germany, Japan, France, Italy and many others therefore pulled out from the League of Nations. The League

of Nations collapsed and a renewed commitment came into being where the UN Charter was put together and supported by member nations.
Mr Speaker, the preamble of UN Charter states 12:28 p.m.
“WE THE PEOPLES OF THE
UNITED NATIONS 12:28 p.m.
DETERMINED 12:28 p.m.
MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:39 p.m.
Yes, Hon Deputy Minister?
Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah (NPP -- Okaikoi Central) 12:39 p.m.
Mr Speaker, let me commend the Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for this well-written and well read Statement on the UN's attainment of 75 years.
The ideals, objectives and the mission of the UN since its inception is still relevant. The global peace, architecture and everything, those who taught behind the formation of the UN are still important.
Mr Speaker, let me take you to page 5 of the Hon Minister's Statement on the position of Government.
“The Government of President Akufo Addo is therefore is therefore advocating that the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter is an excellence opportunity for the world body to speed up the work on the intercontinental negotiations towards the much needed reforms of the Security Council.”
Mr Speaker, God has a way of doing His things. About eight years ago, the President of Ghana chaired a United Nations Security Council meeting as a Minister for Foreign Affairs and made a passionate appeal on behalf of Africans for detail reforms to include African countries and people in other parts of the world on the Security Council because it did not reflect on the changing threats globally. Today, he is the president and is still maintaining his position and advocating for what he started speaking about some eight or 10 years ago. This is commendable.
Mr Speaker, the global peace and security which is the heartbeat of the UN requires a lot of funding especially lately wars with regard to the use of arms and ammunitions reducing,
Mr James Agalga (NDC -- Builsa North) 12:48 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I wish to congratulate the Hon Minister for the Statement.
Mr Speaker, it is worth celebrating the UN. The Hon Minister and my colleague, Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa have spoken extensively about the ability of the UN to prevent the world from witnessing another world war. However, for me, one of the most important successes chalked by the UN, following the adaption of its Charter, is the Universal Declaration of Rights which was itself adapted in 1948, three years after the UN Charter was adapted.
Mr Speaker, it is important to note that the Universal Declaration of Rights has inspired many constitutions that
countries that emerged from colonialism adapted for themselves. Notable among countries that were inspired greatly by the Universal Declaration of Rights is Ghana. So if you take a quick glance at chapter five of our Constitution, you would understand how the Universal Declaration of Rights has actually played a role in ensuring that the fundamental rights of people in this country are protected in the bid of rights contained in that Constitution.
Mr Speaker, apart from the fact that the Universal Declaration of Rights have inspired national constitutions of countries across the world, at the continental level, mention could also be made of the African Court on Human and People's Rights which was set up on 2004 and 2006 in Arusha, Tanzania. Even at that level, the court's articles are largely inspired by the Universal Declaration of Rights. So today, if torture is regarded and conceded as a fundamental human right, we must say kudos to the UN.
Mr Speaker, even the fight against colonialism was largely inspired by the Human Rights Charter that the UN adapted. And so the early leaders, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and all the leaders who came after him, make copious
references to the Charter to support the arguments advanced for the emancipation of countries that were under the shackles of colonialism.
Mr Speaker, on that note, I urge countries to continue to respect the rights of people because it is the lack of respect for fundamental human rights which lies at the heart of most conflicts which have plagued the world. When there is no fairness in the global system, we would have the tendency to have countries slip into situations of war.

At our own domestic level, when a Statement was read on the Floor to commemorate the peacekeepers day, I had the occasion to hint that Ghana's ability to contribute to international peace operations is largely informed by the fact that we have been able to as it were uphold fundamental rights of our citizens in our country, and that is why we have been able to largely insulate ourselves from conflict.

Mr Speaker, so for us to be able to continue to play the pivotal role in peace operations across the world, it is important that we continue to uphold the rights and liberties of our citizens. For instance, when free speech is attacked, when the democratic space is narrowed, Mr
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:48 p.m.
Very well. Yes, Minority Leadership?
Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) (MP) 12:48 p.m.
Mr Speaker, let me thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably made the Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Indeed, the UN at 75 has choked a significant milestone and it is worth celebrating as the Hon Minister indicated. In doing so, we need to commend the Hon Minister and the various issues that she has touched on, from matters of human rights, through gender equality and children, more
especially, on COVID-19 and the maintenance of world peace and security. Mr Speaker, the UN in the phase of humanity at crossroads would need to provide global solutions to global challenges. It is in that vein that I support at all times, reforms of the UN to reflect the realities of today. I do not think that the mandate of the UN 75 years ago is what it has been doing today.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister could not be more emphatic on the threat to materialism by some individual actors at the state level. Their actions and conducts, when we mentioned the Paris Accord and Paris Agreement on Climate Change, I wondered what has happened to materialism in pursuit of that Accord which was signed, and the posture and position taken by some strong countries to water-down and wither away the impact of that Accord.
The European Union, particularly, Germany and France, have never been happy with respect the position taken by the United States of America (USA) on this matter.
Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, let me emphasise on COVID-19; the Global Pandemic. The Hon Minister has indicated to us the steps that Government has taken and is taking and our support for a resolution. But
next time, Hon Minister, we would want to hear what the summary of the resolution is in order to guide us. I just see a terse response to it.
rose
Mr Iddrisu 12:48 p.m.
K. T! K.T.! -- [Laughter] -- Mr Speaker?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:48 p.m.
Yes, Hon Leader, I am listening to you? Hon K.T. Hammond, you are welcome. When we finish, you will give him your fans. [Laughter] Hon Members, can we continue?
Mr Iddrisu 12:48 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in days of old, I am sure the vandal in you would accommodate my breach of

Mr Speaker, I was on the SDGs and the global leaders at the UN level who would have to re-examine the impact of COVID-19 on the pursuit and attainment of the SDGs by all countries, particularly Ghana. If you look at the number of goals we set for ourselves, we certainly cannot do them without finance. Global economies are suffering and we suffer because of COVID-19. I agree with the Hon Minister on that.

Mr Speaker, as the Hon Ablakwa has indicated, the UN we need and the UN we have at the level of peace -- look at that turmoil in Yemen. It is still unresolved.

Mr Speaker, if you were flying on an official trip to Qatar, you strike being told that you cannot fly in the air space of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia or Kuwait because of some conflict between members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or the Arab Coalition. The UN must take interest in it and resolve it. For instance, the World Cup would go to Qatar. How would countries converge and fly to Qatar in the midst of the tension and crisis there, which includes what affects Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and others?
Mr Iddrisu 12:58 p.m.
On human rights, even in Ghana, there are still some breaches of it. But Mr Speaker, we can celebrate our democracy. At least fundamental freedoms and human rights have improved over the period.
Mr Speaker, the Security Council has to be expanded. It cannot continue to be where it is. Even the matter of veto in this age and time must be relooked at.
Mr Speaker, I would conclude with an appeal on what some of the reforms must be like. Undoubtedly, increasing funding for the UN would be an imperative. It would enhance participation modalities for civil society and other stakeholders.
Mr Speaker, just in the wake of COVID-19, we have seen what the USA have done to a major UN agency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in respect of their funding -- Just because of a disagreement as to how a particular country of the WHO responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. That has weakened and undermined the strength of the WHO to deal with this global public health pandemic, with its consequences on human life, our economy and others. What would do when the UN which is a major financier decides to pull out?

Mr Speaker, so I would want to commend the Hon Member who made the Statement and then also conclude with what the Hon Ablakwa said , that there is a lot to celebrate, and there are many Ghanaians worth celebrating, who have made tremendous contributions to the UN.

But like I indicated, the UN must reflect a new reality; a new reality on global solutions to global challenges, and a UN that asserts that beyond democratisation there is more to do for the underdevelopment of the under developed Africa, Latin America and the others. I therefore commend the Hon Member who made the Statement.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:58 p.m.
Yes, Hon Majority Leadership? Does the Hon Majority Leader wish to comment on the matter?
Very well.
Hon Members, that brings us to the end of Statement time.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:58 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thought that we could have moved on to Public Business, but it looks like we cannot take the item numbered 6. The Hon Chairman of the Finance Committee is also unavailable, so it does mean that we cannot do the item numbered 7 also. The Hon Deputy Minister for Lands and Forestry was just here, but I think he has just exited. The Hon Chairman of the Committee, I understand, has been indisposed; so, we could in the circumstance take an adjournment.
Mr Iddrisu 12:58 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would support the Hon Majority Leader for an adjournment, but yourself, the Hon Majority Leader and myself were not here when the Business Statement was taken. I have just made an application to the Hon Majority Leader that given that the voter registration exercise would start next week, Hon Members would be obliged to be in their constituencies to register for themselves, and to meet the minimum constitutional requirement under article 94.
So I have been persuading Hon Majority Leader to Suspend the House for Tuesday and Wednesday. He has agreed to the Tuesday, but I still have to convince him to add the Wednesday because when I go to Tamale on Tuesday, I would do my
own registration and then go round the constituency to see what is happening. He must therefore add the Wednesday, so that we could convene on Thursday to do Business, but even that, knowing the reality and the challenge of this House, not too many Hon Members would be available, so I renew my application for us to adjourn to Thursday morning if that suits him, so that at least, for the first two days, Hon Members would spend time in their constituencies. This is because it is critical.
If one is not a registered voter, one cannot file, and if we do not get our constituents to also vote, then they cannot vote us into power and there cannot be any Parliament. So I would like to persuade the Hon Majority Leader -- I am sure that when I made the informal request to him, he had even heard my whisper at our meeting somewhere that I would like him to consider it.
So I would want the Hon Majority Leader to allow us to adjourn the House, but he should add Wednesday so that we would come back on Thursday, which would enable our Hon Colleagues to make the best use of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:58 p.m.
Yes, Hon Majority Leader?
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:58 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in principle, I am not against the application, but realistically, if attendance to the Business of the House is a yards stick, then I can assure the Hon Minority Leader that even on Thursday and Friday we would not have too many Hon Members here, which is why I agree with him that Tuesday being the beginning of a new week, we could use that day to be in our constituencies and then for Wednesday -- this is because if we look at the Business Statement, it is a fully loaded one, and I thought that we would allow basically the Hon Members of Parliament (MPs) in Accra and the nearby constituencies to be here on Wednesday to carry on with the Business of the House on that day.
I however, agree with him that for Tuesday, if we go over the weekends, the necessary preparatory works would have to be done as beginning from Saturday, Sunday, Monday and then into Tuesday. So, we shall have four good days to ourselves.
Mr Speaker, as I said, there is a time order of Business for us, and this week, because of the Business that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has involved itself in -- we have transacted very life Business here, and
the spill over would go into next week. It is the reason I said that I agree in principle with the application, but I thought that Tuesday would be sufficient to add to the weekend so that on Wednesday, at least those of them in Accra and the nearby constituencies could come to continue with the Business.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:58 p.m.
I would have wished that you had an agreement, which would make it easier for me. The Hon Leader for Government Business would want us to come back on Wednesday, so I would adjourn the House to Wednesday.
Hon Majority Leader, was that what you suggested?
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:58 p.m.
Yes, Mr Speaker, I proposed that we come on Wednesday to continue with the Business. The other ones that we have here on the Order Paper has to do with Finance Committee matters, which could be dealt with on Wednesday.
Mr Iddrisu 12:58 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am sorry that we are not able to build a consensus, but I disagree with the Hon Majority Leader. I would not be here on Wednesday.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:58 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I think that we should unite on this. This is because we cannot just leave it in abeyance. I guess the position is that we do not come on Tuesday, but resume on Wednesday. [Interruption]
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:58 p.m.
Hon Members, this House is accordingly adjourned to Wednesday, the 1st of July, 2020. I hope that is so. -- [Interruption.] --
Hon Majority Leader, let us look at this again. Am I wrong?
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:58 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thought that this matter was settled last year. We amended the Republic Holidays Act, so the 1st of July is no longer a public holiday.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:58 p.m.
It is a commemorative day and no longer a public holiday. Very well, the House is accordingly adjourned to Wednesday, the 1st of July, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT 12:58 p.m.
  • The House was accordingly adjourned at 1.08 p.m. till Wednesday, 1ST of July, 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in the forenoon.