Debates of 3 Jul 2020

MR SPEAKER
PRAYERS 10:43 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 10:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
Hon Members, we have the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, 2nd July, 2020 for correction.
Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
Hon Members, we have the Official Report of Thursday, 11th June, 2020.
Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
Hon Members, we have the Official Report of Friday, 12th June, 2020, for correction.
  • [No correction was made to the Official Report of Friday, 12th June, 2020.]
    • Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Business Statement. The Hon Majority Chief Whip will present the Business Statement on behalf of the Hon Majority Leader.
    BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 10:43 a.m.
    Majority Chief Whip (Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh) (on behalf of) the Majority Leader) 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I present the Business Statement for the Eighth Week ending Friday 10th July, 2020, on behalf of the Hon Majority Leader and Chairman of the Business Committee.
    Introduction
    Mr Speaker, the Committee met yesterday, Thursday, 2nd July, 2020, and arranged Business of the House for the Eighth Week, ending Friday, 10th July, 2020.
    Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 10:43 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 not scheduled any Minister for Question Time during the week. However, subject to the receipt of admitted Questions from your good self, particularly Questions relating to the Road and Energy sectors, the affected Ministers, subject to their availability, 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 the Rt Hon Speaker may be made in the House by Hon Members, in accordance with 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 Resolutions, if any, taken during the week.
    Meeting with the Electoral Commission
    Mr Speaker, pursuant to your directive following the presentation of the Business Statement on last Friday, 26th June, 2020, and having regard to discussions on this matter, the office of the Hon Majority Leader is liaising with the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to determine a suitable date for the Commission to attend upon the House for a briefing on their work programme.
    Mr Speaker, mindful of the busy schedule of the Commission, in view of the ongoing registration exercise, a favourable date, as may be agreed upon, would be communicated to Hon Members.
    Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 10:43 a.m.


    Sitting of the House on Mondays

    Mr Speaker, in order to meet constitutional requirements relating to the coming into force of subsidiary legislations presented to the House, the Business Committee proposes that the House Sits on Mondays, commencing Monday, 13th July, 2020 to Monday, 3rd August, 2020.

    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 Business of the House shall be taken during the week.

    Statements --

    Presentation of Papers --

    (a) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the year 2019.

    (b) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee on the Ministry of Works and Housing for the year 2019.

    (c) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee on the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly for the year 2019.

    (d) Budget Performance Report in Respect of the Ministry of Railways Development for the Period of January to December, 2019.

    (e) Budget Performance Report in Respect of the Ministry of Communications for the Period of January to December, 2019.

    Motions --

    Adoption of the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the 2020 Work Programme of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation

    (GNPC).

    Consideration Stage of Bills --

    Land Bill, 2019. (Continuation)

    Committee Sittings

    Statements --

    Presentation of Papers--

    Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreements between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the under-listed entities under the Asaase Royalties Limited special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act

    978):

    (i) AGA Miradani Lease granted to Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited;

    (ii)Lima South Lease granted to Abosso Goldfields Limited;

    (iii) Abirem Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited;

    (iv) Julie Lease granted to Phoenix Resources Limited;

    (v) Kunche/Bepkong Lease granted to Azumah Resources (Ghana) Limited;

    (vi) Datoko Lease granted to Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited;

    (vii) Mampong Lease granted to Golden Star (Bogoso) Limited;

    (viii) Akanko Lease granted to Adamus Resources Limited;

    (ix) Opon Lease granted to Golden Star (Bogoso/ Prestea) Limited;

    (x) Akoti Lease granted to Chirano Gold Mines Limited;

    (xi) Ajopa Lease granted to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited;

    (xii) Ajopa South Lease granted to Ghanaian Australia Goldfields Limited;

    (xiii) Adubea Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited; and

    (xiv) Abore Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited.

    Motions --

    Second Reading of Bills --

    Revenue Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

    Consideration Stage of Bills

    Land Bill, 2019. (Continuation)

    Committee sittings.
    Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 10:43 a.m.


    Presentation of Papers --

    (a) 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)

    cedi equivalent of [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 &Technology Institute.

    (b)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.

    (c) Report of the Finance Committee on the 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) Examinations in Ghana.

    Motions --

    Consideration Stage of Bills --

    Land Bill, 2019. (Continuation)

    Conduct of Public Officers Bill,

    2018.

    Committee Sittings

    Statements --

    Motions --

    Adoption of the Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Mining Lease Agreements between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the under-listed entities under the Asaase Royalties Limited special purpose vehicle associated with the Royalty Monetisation provision of the Minerals Income Fund Act, 2018 (Act

    978):

    (i) AGA Miradani Lease granted to Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited;

    (ii)Lima South Lease granted to Abosso Goldfields Limited;

    (iii) Abirem Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited;

    (iv) Julie Lease granted to Phoenix Resources Limited;

    (v) Kunche/Bepkong Lease granted to Azumah Resources (Ghana) Limited;

    (vi) Datoko Lease granted to Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited;

    (vii) Mampong Lease granted to Golden Star (Bogoso) Limited;

    (viii) Akanko Lease granted to Adamus Resources Limited;

    (ix) Opon Lease granted to Golden Star (Bogoso/ Prestea) Limited;

    (x) Akoti Lease granted to Chirano Gold Mines Limited;

    (xi) Ajopa Lease granted to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited;

    (xii) Ajopa South Lease granted to Ghanaian Australia Goldfields Limited;

    (xiii) Adubea Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited; and

    (xiv) Abore Lease granted to Asanko Gold (Gh) Limited.
    Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank the Hon Majority Chief Whip for the presentation of the Business Statement. I have a few issues to raise very quickly. The first one relates to the presentation of the Mid-year Budget Statement by the Hon Minister responsible for Finance. We would like to have an indication on the specific date that has been agreed upon with the Minister for Finance so that Hon Members can be apprised of that and prepare themselves accordingly, since it would be done in this month of July.
    Mr Speaker, the second matter relates to a directive from the Rt Hon Speaker after he conferred with his Hon Colleague, the Rt Hon Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament. The Rt Hon Speaker asked Leadership to set up a three-member committee, two
    from the Majority Side, and one from the Minority Side.
    I would want to know if Leadership has followed up on this directive, and if we can be told who has been selected? This is because it is a very important matter that relates to our Committee on Foreign Affairs, and it would help all of us to track and pursue the Rt Hon Speaker's directive in that regard.
    Mr Speaker, the final matter relates to the matter to do with the number of Ministers who are not available at the moment. I know that the practice has been that the Executive will communicate to us as to who is acting based on what the President has directed. So for example, do we know who the acting Hon Minister for Health is? This House must know who the acting Minister for Education is, and who the acting Minister for Regional Reorganisation also is because of the unfortunate development with this COVID-19.
    We all empathise and wish our Hon Colleagues speedy recovery, but we must know who is acting so that in our dealings as a House and as Hon Members of Parliament, we would know whom to direct our concerns to. So I would want to know whether that information could be made available to us so that we could know
    the people acting in these official capacities, particularly, as these are very important portfolios - the Ministries of Health, Education, Regional Re-organisation and other portfolios.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Thank you very much, Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa.
    Mr Ras Mubarak 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Business Statement.
    Mr Speaker, in commenting on the Business Statement, I wish to focus on the items numbered three and four, of which the third one relates to the meeting with the Electoral Commission.
    Mr Speaker, this honourable House is clothed with the necessary powers to invite, to summon -
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Member, are you talking about the Electoral Commission?
    Mr Ras Mubarak 10:43 a.m.
    Yes, it is in reference to the Electoral Commission.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Please, what is there to talk about again, having
    listened to the Hon Majority Chief Whip and the Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa? With the brilliant suggestion that soon after the registration is completed a date should be fixed and that should end the matter. You should please say something else.
    Hon Members, let us get it clear that it is not a matter of seeking views and debating the Business Statement. It is a matter of pointing out that which should have been in the Business Statement which is not there, like those good ones raised early on, and the relevant comments in those kinds of suggestions.
    Hon Member, you should please go on.
    Mr Ras Mubarak 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am afraid it is not a comment.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Then please, when we come to that one, we would talk about it. Now, that is in a limbo.
    Mr Ras Mubarak 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the point I was raising is that this House --
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Member, say something else.
    Mr Ras Mubarak 10:43 a.m.
    Very well, Mr Speaker, I would move on to the fourth one.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Yes, any other contribution?
    Hon Majority Chief Whip, you may please respond?
    Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh 10:43 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Speaker, the first issue raised by the Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa relates to the presentation of the Mid- year Budget Statement by the Hon Minister for Finance to the House, and he wants to know the date which has been scheduled. The Hon Majority Leader is in touch with the Hon Minister for Finance, so when a date is agreed upon, it would be communicated to the House.
    Mr Speaker, the constitution of a Committee that he also spoke about would be considered, and possibly next week, it would be relayed to the House. The question about the absence of some Ministers at post and who are acting on their behalf or in their stead is not within the purview of the Business Committee. If the President communicates to the House, it would get to the Rt Hon Speaker, and he would in turn inform us accordingly. So we should hold onto our guns, at the appropriate time, the Rt Hon Speaker would talk to us on that matter.
    Mr Speaker, I think that the Hon Ras Mubarak has a point in seeking to know why we are to Sit on Mondays. We have indicated in the memorandum I read out to the House that we have to meet the constitutional requirement of 21-Sitting days so that some subsidiary legislations could be passed. One of them which is key to the elections for which we have regiment is the C. I. 94 -- transfer of votes.
    So if people are registering today in Accra and they would want to vote in Kunbungu on the day of the election, then how would they get their votes transferred to that place? So we cannot eat our cake and have it, the two have to be done to ensure that the right to vote is fully guaranteed to the voter. That is why we would have to Sit on Mondays.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Thank you very much, Hon Majority Chief Whip.
    Indeed, as we all recollect, the Hon Minority Leader did say about that when we were looking at this transfer of votes as an extra matter that is necessary for Parliament to Sit on Saturdays and Sundays. Now, we are only talking about Monday, so it is very much in line with what we should all expect and cooperate to work
    upon. Some of these hours can be short so that we can have time for other relevant matters which MPs of course must attend to.
    11. 03 a. m.
    I wish to direct, so that this matter will not become a matter of any discussion or whatsoever again that two weeks after the registration exercise has come to an end, the Electoral Commission must send a relevant representative or representatives to this honourable House to give the House a briefing as Hon Members demanded and which Hon Members deserve to have; and which is something that has got concrete precedence in the electoral history of this country.
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 10:43 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would just like to bring something to your attention so that it may help in your directive that you have given. The briefing by the Electoral Commission is for Hon Colleagues to also make inputs as stakeholders. And the registration exercise is also very key and that is the more reason the meeting was demanded before the registration exercise.
    Mr Speaker, now, if you say the Electoral Commission should come two weeks after the registration
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Member, you are out of order; we are not going to debate the Electoral Commission when we do not have any concrete facts on any matter in that connection. I do not know where you have got that information that you are talking about, but Parliament does not go about its business in that way.
    I have directed that the Electoral Commission should come and brief us. If any Hon Member has any issue, query or question, he or she is entitled to write to the Electoral Commission on his or her letter head in his or her capacity as Member of Parliament and make any queries or suggestions accordingly.
    If you copy me, I will also give appropriate support so far as the duty of Parliament is concerned. But at the appropriate time, I have directed so as to circumscribe their coming. They should come in two weeks after, but while in their midst of this exercise, certainly, they will not leave that to come and start briefings. They must come and brief us; let us wait and when we get to the hurdle, then we jump it.
    Any other matter?
    Mr Haruna Iddrisu 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, let me thank you for the opportunity; I am quite late. I am sure the Majority Whip has indicated that sometime next week, we have to add additional days, particularly, Mondays to get the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 Instrument, pursuant to article 11 of the Constitution.
    Mr Speaker, you can be assured of our cooperation because that is significant and a prelude to the conduct of Presidential and Parliamentary elections, but my prayer is that the E. C. and for that matter the Majority Leader who laid the Paper needs not come back to this House to withdraw the Paper. And I drew the attention of the Majority Leader to it yesterday at Business Committee. My concern is —
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Minority Leader, respectfully, if you want to take a bite of any cherry, you must do so in accordance with the rules which is not a matter before us so far as the Business Statement is concerned.
    Mr Iddrisu 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, no, it is there; Public Elections Regulations —
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Wait, the Hon Minority Leader asked for a day to
    look at the relevant document before it was laid, and the approval was given for it to be laid the day after. If today, the Hon Minority Leader has any misgivings or whatsoever, please adopt the appropriate Parliamentary procedure and deal with that matter.
    I thank you.
    Mr Iddrisu 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is not a misgiving; I am just drawing attention to a matter that I raised at the Business Committee sitting.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Member, please, then, resolve that matter with the Hon Majority Leader, your Hon Colleague in reference to a meeting I was not part of and then, at the appropriate time, we shall look at that.
    Mr Iddrisu 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker —
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Member, I will not allow a commentary on that matter that you are —
    Mr Iddrisu 10:43 a.m.
    A comment on the Public Elections Regulations for which we have to come on Mondays?
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Member, in an angle where you raised certain things over there which you may want to follow up in any of our rules, and with your Hon Colleague when necessary.
    So please, leave that area alone now. I do not know where you are going to have a response and what would be the fruitfulness of any unilateral discussion on the matter.
    We all cannot go to the Committee and then, when we come here, while a number of people are not party to it, and the other party is not here to respond, then we start pointing in this manner. Please, at the appropriate time, you may take it up.
    Hon Members, the Business Statement as presented, is accordingly admitted.
    The item listed 4, Questions? And if the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways will take the chair for his relevant Friday religious exercise?
    Question 743 stands in the name of Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
    Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon Alban Sumana Bagbin, the Second Deputy Speaker is far away from here and he has asked me to ask the Question on his behalf.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    You may do so, please, Senior Senator.
    ORAL ANSWERS TO 10:43 a.m.
    QUESTIONS 10:43 a.m.
    MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 10:43 a.m.
    HIGHWAYS 10:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker 10:43 a.m.
    Hon Minister, your Question.
    Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Kwasi Amoako- Attah) 11:13 a.m.
    Background
    The Kaleo-Sankana-Takpo Road (12.50kms) is part of the feeder road from Kaleo through Sankana and other major communities to Nadowli. It is located in the Nadowli district of the Upper West region.
    Current programme
    Contract for the upgrading to bituminous surfacing of the Kaleo - Sankana - Takpo (12.50kms) Road
    was awarded on 9th March, 2018. The works commenced on 8th May, 2018 for completion on 8 th November, 2019, a period of eighteen (18) calendar months. The progress of work suffered a delay during the rainy month of November, 2018 when excess water from a dam close to the project site over topped and submerged a section of the road. This caused appreciable damage to the existing road and disrupted the work.

    Thus for some months, the contractor could not get access to construct a double cell 3m x 3m box culvert proposed to carry excess water from the dam across the road. As a result of this unforeseen situation, the contract period has been extended by twelve (12) calendar months. The revised completion date of the contract is therefore 8th November, 2020. Progress of work is projected at 96 per cent physical completion.

    Physical achievement of work done to date includes;

    Clearing of road side vegetation: 12.50kms:

    Formation to road level: 12.5kms;

    Concrete U-drains: 4,112ms;

    Construction of culverts of different sizes: 5 no.

    Laying of sub-base and base: 12.50 kms;

    Provision of primer seal and final seal: 12.075 kms;

    The outstanding work on the contract is as follows:

    425ms of primer seal & seal works;

    1,500ms of concrete kerbs Road line markings and road furniture.

    The contractor has raised a current Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) No. 3 which is outstanding for payment.
    Mr Chireh 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, before I ask the supplementary question, in the background information the Hon Minister gave, he referred to the Nadowli district. The name of the district should be the Nadowli/Kaleo district but he mentioned Nadowli district.
    The Hon Minister is saying that the contractor has submitted the
    certificate for payment and it is outstanding. What assurance can we get that he would be paid soon? Otherwise, we are likely to miss the date he has promised to complete the job.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank my Hon Colleague for the correction of the district's name; I have taken note of it.
    I said in my Answer that the project has achieved 96 per cent completion and the entire contract sum was a little over GH¢11 million out of which GH¢4.2 million has already been paid. The contractor has just raised a certificate for another GH¢4.751 million and it is being processed. It would be paid as soon as practicable with the next release of the Road Fund money to enable the contractor finish the work since he is at the last stages of this project. We shall therefore facilitate it for him to finish it for my Ministry to take over. So I would want to assure the Hon Member that it would be paid off.
    Mr Chireh 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank the Hon Minister for the assurance but if you look at the Answer, he indicated that in November last year, the dugout around the place collapsed and slowed down the work because of the rains. This year's rains are even more serious and that is why I want to know
    Mr Chireh 11:13 a.m.


    what can be done as quickly as possible for the work to continue?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have already indicated that in the next release, the amount would be paid to enable him to complete the work. I also indicated that the work delayed not because of the inefficiency of the contractor. The delay was occasioned by the excessive rainfall which got the long session of the road flooded.
    The contractor during the last dry season worked on that portion of the road and raised it to a level where it is not likely to experience over- flooding again for the area to be overtopped by the rainwater. Also, because the contractor is not blameable in this respect, we have extended the completion period by 12 calendar months and the work is expected to be fully completed by 8th November this year. The contractor is on course and we are monitoring the progress of the work. There is no doubt that with the remaining scope of works, the contractor would be able to deliver by this time or perhaps even ahead of time.
    Mr Chierh 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, despite the assurances of the Hon Minister on
    payments, I have no indication when the next release would be made. So, could he kindly tell us when the next releases would be made, so as to avoid the delays again which would not be caused by the contractor?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, since January this year, the Road Fund has been receiving an average of GH¢60 million on a monthly basis and it has been very regular. So this payment can be scheduled for August next month and the remaining amount for the certificate raised would be paid off. I can give that assurance.
    Mr Speaker 11:13 a.m.
    Question numbered
    730?
    Completion of Awherease- Damang, Dobrowo-Nsumia, Nsawam-Park, Nsawam-Lartei and Lartei-Accra/Kumasi Roads
    Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri) 11:13 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon 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.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Background
    Mr Speaker, The Awherease - Damang (1.50kms), Dobrowo - Nsumia (2.00kms), Nsawam - Lartei (3.00kms), and Lartei - Accra/ Kumasi (0.30kms) roads are gravel surfaced located in the Nsawam - Adoagyiri Municipal of the Eastern Region.
    Current programme
    These roads were packaged into one contract with the title “Bitumen Surfacing of Dobrowo - Nsumia and Others Feeder Road (6.80 kms)”. The contract was awarded on 16th January, 2020 and commenced on 27th March, 2020. It is anticipated to be completed on 26th March, 2021, a period of 12 calendar months.
    Progress of work is projected at eight per cent physical completion.
    Work executed to date include;
    i. Clearing of roadside vegetation = 6.80kms
    ii. Construction of 1/1200mm pipe culverts = 3nos
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I want to commend the Hon Minister for this award. The Awherease - Damang Road was first constructed in 1960 and it is refreshing to know that the award has been given. However, with the stage of completion of work, I see some eight per cent and four cent physical completion, so I wish to find out from the Hon Minister, especially in the face of the rains, whether there are any interim support measures to be put in place to enable the road to be at least, motorable while work is on-going?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, naturally, rainfall particularly, if it is heavy and excessive disturbs road construction, but contractors do not abandon site completely just because of the rainy season. All contractors take immediate and remedial measures to ensure that they maintain the roads motorable while construction is going on.
    I want to assure the Hon Member that inasmuch as it is normal that contractors suffer delays and disturbances during the rainy season, they also carry the responsibility to maintain smooth driving surface of the roads that they work on. Engineers from my Ministry would do the monitoring because there is no road construction without a supervising engineer. We would ensure that the road is maintained until such a time that it would be fully worked on to bituminous level.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have no further follow up questions.
    Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.
    Question 731
    Construction of Key Town Roads of Nsawam
    (The A1 Road, the Market Area Road, et cetera)
    Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP -- Nsawam-Adoagyiri) 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon 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.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Background
    Nsawam, the capital town of the Nsawam - Adoagyiri Municipal in the Eastern Region is about 23 kms north of the National Capital, Accra.
    Generally, the condition of the internal roads within the town is between poor and fair except the arterial roads which are in good condition. The road network has not received any major maintenance intervention for a long period.
    Current programme
    There is no current maintenance intervention, that is, upgrading or rehabilitation programme for the aforementioned key town roads.
    Future programme
    Engineering studies will be carried out in the fourth (4th) quarter of the year 2020 to determine the appropriate intervention for implementation in the 2021 budget of the Ministry.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, could the Hon Minister assure the chiefs and the good people
    of Nsawam-Adoagyiri that these particular roads would be awarded within this quarter of the year?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I indicated in my answer that we have carried out engineering studies this year and once it is programmed, we would make sure that it is done and awarded if possible even before the fourth quarter. I would want to assure the Hon Member that we keep close eyes on all scheduled works in my Ministry and this is no exception.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have no further questions.
    Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.
    Question 735
    Upgrade of Roads
    (Kpotame through Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction, et cetera)
    Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome (NDC -- South Tongu) 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways when the following roads will be upgraded (i) Kpotame through Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction ii) Dabala Junction through Agorhome and Chivto to Dabala as they both serve as important detour to the main Accra-Aflao and Keta -Dabala Junction Highways.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I wish that my Hon Colleague would pardon me for the spellings and perhaps my pronunciation that may follow.
    Mr Speaker,
    (i) Kpotame through Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction.
    Background
    The Kpotame through Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction feeder road is 5.3kms long. It is located in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region. The section from Kpotame to Agorgbe (2.1kms) is engineered and in fair condition. The second section from Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction (3.2kms) is un-engineered and in a poor condition.
    Current programme
    There is no rehabilitation or upgrading programme on the road.
    Future programme
    Engineering design studies will be conducted on the road during the third (3rd) quarter of the year 2020 to determine the appropriate upgrading intervention. Thereafter, the works will
    be programmed under the Ministry's 2021 budget.
    (ii) Dabala Junction through Agorhome and Chiveto to Dabala (6.1kms)
    Background
    The Dabala Junction through Agorhome and Chiveto to Dabala feeder road is 6.10kms. It is located in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region. The section from Dabala Junction to Agorhome (2.4kms) is gravel surfaced and in fair condition. The second section from Agorhome through Chiveto to Dabala (3.7kms) is un-engineered and in a poor condition.
    Current programme
    There is no rehabilitation or upgrading programme on the road.
    Future programme
    Engineering design studies would be conducted during the third (3rd) quarter of the year 2020 for the upgrading of the gravel surface to bituminous surface on the section between Agotiome and Dabala. The road section from Dabala Junction to Agorhome will also be given bituminous surface. The implementation of the works will be
    considered under the 2021 Budget of the Ministry.
    Mr Woyome 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, once again, let me thank the Hon Minister for this Answer.
    Mr Speaker, can the Hon Minister tell the House exactly what date in the third quarter this exercise of carrying out engineering design studies will be conducted?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    I have indicated that the studies would be carried out within the third quarter which is from 1st July to end of September. So I cannot be specific that it would be completed at the end of July, August or September but within the three-month period, it would be done. I can give that promise because we are doing a number of engineering studies within that quarter.
    Mr Speaker, the assurance I can give the House is that within the quarter, this road would have been seen to and the appropriate engineering studies carried out, but I cannot be specific.
    Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Hon Member, we have been assured.
    Mr Woyome 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for that wonderful assurance.
    May I ask whether he would consider once again carrying out some remedial works while we wait for the commencement after the engineering studies and all the other works and budgeting done next year?
    Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.
    Hon Member, is this within the specific roads you have mentioned?
    Mr Woyome 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, yes, both would need some remedial works. So we are talking about Kpotame through Agorgbe to Gladysco Junction and also to the Dabala Junction through Agorhome and Chiveto.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Mr Speaker, in our database, these two stretches of roads are considered very important considering the level of traffic on them. So as much as the rains would allow us I can assure this honourable House that while working on the road and developing it through all the appropriate stages of sub-base, base and bituminous level, the
    Mr Woyome 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have no further questions. Thank you.
    Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.
    Hon Members, Question numbered 737 by the Hon Mahama Shaibu?
    Mr Ras Mubarak 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to seek your leave to ask the Question on behalf of my Hon Colleague.
    Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.
    Please proceed.
    Commencement of the Construction of the Bridge over the White Volta in Daboya
    Mr Ras Mubarak (on behalf of Mr Shaibu Mahama NDC- Daboya/Mankarigu) 11:23 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want 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.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Background
    Daboya is the administrative capital of North Gonja District in the Savannah Region. Presently, there is no bridge over the White Volta River at Daboya and this has created a break or gap at Daboya on the Regional Road (R109) from Tamale through Tolon to Mankarigu.

    There is the need to construct a bridge at Daboya to facilitate the continuous movement of people, goods and services along the road corridor to boost socio-economic activities in the area.

    Current programme

    The Government of Ghana has secured a loan for the construction of a bridge over the White Volta at Daboya including other two major bridges each at Yapei on White Volta and Buipe on the Black Volta under a Design and Build Contract.

    The procurement for the 300ms span over the Daboya Bridge is on-

    going and the engagement of an eligible contractor to execute the works has reached advanced stage. The procurement process is expected to be completed by 30th September,

    2020.

    Construction work is expected to commence in December, 2020.
    Mr Ras Mubarak 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, this is just a quick follow-up question to the Answer. In the 2017 and 2018 Budgets, there were cast-iron commitments that it would be done for those years. What assurance can the Hon Minister give this House considering the fact that we are in the year 2020, and it has been delayed for about three years? What is the timeline for delivery on what he is telling the House today?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think what the Hon Colleague spoke about is normal not to only Daboya -- if he can recall what was contained in the 2017 and 2018 Budget proposals, three different important roads had been identified in that enclave between the Northern and the Savannah Regions. That is, the Buipe, Yapei and the Daboya bridges. It was indicated that all these three bridges will be tackled simultaneously for a specific reason.
    Mr Speaker, in the case of the Buipe and Yapei bridges, because they follow each other and lie in the central corridor, we cannot fix one and leave the other. We also had to fix the Daboya bridge because that is the surest and shortest alternative route should we suffer any disaster or problem on either the Yapei or Buipe bridges. That is why it was decided to deal with all the three bridges at the same time and we had to go through the process of securing funding.
    In my Answer, I clearly indicated that funding has now been secured and it has passed through Cabinet and this august House, and as I speak, works have started on the Buipe and Yapei bridges; the contractor is on site and I had the privilege of visiting them two weeks ago. I also had the privilege of visiting Daboya two weeks ago when I toured all the five northern regions.
    Mr Speaker, I assure that everything has been done now and we need the Daboya bridge as much as we need the Buipe and Yapei bridges. This Government delivers whatever it promises and work will start before the close of this year.
    Mr Speaker 11:43 a.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Question numbered 739 by the Hon Member for Kpando.
    Mrs Della Sowah (NDC-- Kpando) 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways when work on Kpando Dafor Bridge would be completed.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Kpando Dafor Bridge is one of the Belgium/GoG bridges programme being implemented by the Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR). It is a 175m span bridge across a tributary of the Volta River on the Agbenorxoe-Dafor feeder road.
    The contract for the construction of the bridge was awarded on 31st October, 2017 and works commenced on 21st December, 2017. The work was expected to be completed on 21st December, 2019, a period of 24 calendar months. The contractor suspended works and left the site for some period due to payment challenges. The challenges have been resolved and the contractor is remobilising to the site.
    Mr Speaker, due to the quantum of the outstanding works after the suspension and the specialised nature of the bridge works, the contract
    period has been extended to 21st December, 2020.
    Physical progress of work is projected at 37 per cent complete.
    Currently, works executed include:
    Completion of near bank and far bank reinforced concrete abutment walls.
    Completion of one out of four middle reinforced concrete piers.
    The bridge steel components for installation are ready and will be transported to the site.
    Mrs Sowah 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister in his Answer said the physical progress of the Agbenorxoe- Dafor Bridge is 37 per cent complete. Can he assure the chiefs and the good people of Kpando that on the 21st December, the work would be completed and that will be our Christmas present for the 25th of December?
    Mr Speaker 11:43 a.m.
    Hon Minister, a Christmas parcel?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, as I indicated, everything is set for the completion of the work. In
    my Answer, I was honest and truthful with the Hon Member as well as to the chiefs and people of the area by stating that work was stalled and the delay was due to difficulty in payment.
    Now, we have addressed that and everything is ready, the contractor is mobilising to work now and by Christmas, as I have assured you, it will be completed in December. We know the work schedule and I hope that there will be no unforeseen difficulties, otherwise, I can assure the Hon Member that it would be completed in December. I would even spend the Christmas holidays there if the Hon Member invites me, to hand the project over to them.
    Mr Speaker 11:43 a.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Question numbered 740?
    Construction of Bridges over Rivers Gbefi, Tornu and Kudra to Facilitate Access to their Farmlands
    Mrs Della Sowah (NDC- Kpando) 11:43 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister when the following communities in the Kpando Constituency would have bridges over rivers to be able to access their farmlands - Gbefi, Tornu and Kudra.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Hon Minister, please your Answer.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:53 a.m.
    (i) Gbefi (ii) Tornu (iii) Kudra
    Background
    Gbefi and Gbefi Tornu are two towns located in the Kpando district of the Volta Region. A 1.30 kms gravel road connects the towns. The road is in poor condition.
    Kudra town, however, is yet to be linked by the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) network.
    Current programme
    There is no programme on the road.
    Future programme
    Water crossing sections along the road, from feasibility studies, will require culverts rather than bridges. Road condition survey and hydraulic design studies will be conducted on the road during the third (3rd) quarter of the year 2020, to determine the hydraulic capacities and sizes of culverts required for construction on the road in order to restore full access between the communities.
    Mrs Sowah 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am glad the Hon Minister has admitted that the Gbefi Tornu Road is in very poor condition so I would like him to assure us that something would be done about it.
    Secondly, the Hon Minister has also admitted that the Kudra community is not on the list at all. We need a fair kilometre road between Kudra and Sovie. Can the Hon Minister assure us that this would also be done?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, on both concerns I want to assure the Hon Colleague that her wishes and the wishes of the people would be done alongside the bridges that have been demanded. The Ministry is even giving them a better facility by building culverts with stairs and from the studies this would be better and more preferable to what has been described as bridges.
    Mr Speaker, so I give the Hon Member that assurance.
    Thank you.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Thank you.
    Hon Minister, with your assurances, we thank you very much for attending
    to the House this morning to answer our Questions. You are respectfully discharged.
    Hon Members, I am told that there is a Paper to be laid by the Hon Minister for Works and Housing.
    In the meantime, the Hon First Deputy Speaker would take the Chair.
    Minister for Works and Housing (Mr Samuel Atta Akyea) 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Yesterday during Question time, my Hon Colleague on the other Side requested that I table the Audit Report of AESL and I promised him that I would fetch the document and with your indulgence I would table it today. Mr Speaker, so, if you would permit me I want to table the document that I mentioned about yesterday.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Hon Minister, you may do so.
    Mr Akyea 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am grateful.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Hon Minister, thank you very much for obliging accordingly.
    At the Commencement of Public Business. Item listed 6 -- Motion.
    Majority Chief Whip (Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh) 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, we are not ready for the item listed 6 so if we could step it down?
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Very well. Are we ready for item numbered 7?
    Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, with regard to the Consideration Stage of the Land Bill, 2019, it appears that it is only the Hon Chairman of the Committee and one other member of the Committee who are available to lead us in the Consideration Stage.
    Mr Speaker, yesterday at the Business Committee meeting, the Leader of Government Business gave a firm assurance that we would devote the whole of next week to ensure that we are able to bring closure to the Land Bill, 2019.
    Looking at the fact that many of us have to be involved in the voter registration exercise that is going on in our respective constituencies, we may adjourn the House to enable Hon Members to travel to their constituencies so that we can come back fully prepared next week to consider the Land Bill, 2019.
    Mr Speaker, so I beg to move that we adjourn the House till next week Tuesday at 10.00 in the forenoon.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Hon Majority Whip, yesterday I thought that there was an understanding that we would spend considerable time on this particular item? I am a bit taken aback by this sudden development. Hon Majority Whip, can you please advise us?
    Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, you are right because we gave an indication that we would go ahead with the consideration of the Land Bill, 2019, today. As I have indicated, unfortunately, we only have the Hon Chairman of the Committee here but the other Hon Members of the Committee are not even available. They would all have to be here to support the Hon Chairman in defending some of the proposed amendments to the Bill. Unfortunately, they are not here and that is why I have proposed that we can take this item next week.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Hon First Deputy Minority Whip?
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 11:53 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.
    Very well.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    ADJOURNMENT 11:53 a.m.
  • The House was accordingly adjourned at 1.02 p.m. till Tuesday, 7th July, 2019 at 10.00 a.m.