Odekro | What has your MP done for you?

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, we have the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 29th July, 2020, for correction.
Page 1 … 18.

Mr Speaker, I would want to make an observation on pages 18 and 19 so that we know what is appropriate. After the debate on the Motion which is numbered 18, my understanding, per the procedure - You had referred the Supplementary Estimates and other matters to the Standing Committees and the Finance Committee.
I would want to believe that yesterday's Motion was approving the policy principles of the Mid-Year

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah

Mr Speaker, I was going to raise the same issue. The Hon Minority Leader is right. Our Standing Orders provide in Order 140(5) which reads and I quote:
“Any part of the Budget relating to revenue and expenditure shall stand committed to the Finance Committee which shall consider it and report to the House on it within such time as the Business Committee may determine.”
Mr Speaker, the practice is that, at the end of the debate, we vote on the principles underpinning the Budget Statement and so, the caption in the Order Paper is wrong. We should not vote on the estimates. As a matter of fact, we did the same thing last year and the Finance Committee generated a Report, submitted and debated it fully.
Mr Speaker, as it is now, we do not even know the details of the GH¢11,896,477,566 and the expenditure. We have programmed to meet officials of the Ministry of Finance this afternoon to consider the Supplementary Estimates. What we should have voted on is just the Mid- Year Budget Review, and not the Supplementary Estimates.

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, indeed, this is the full complement of the Motion that was moved by the Hon Minister, and it is on account of it that the Hon Chairman of the Finance Committee reported and the debate was on the Motion moved by the Hon Minister.
Going into it, in approving the financials, we limit ourselves to just the figure. That is the second leg, but to the extent that the Motion that was moved was in two-parts, that was really encapsulated in one, we cannot have that leg off so, what has been done is right, but when we come to determine the financials, certainly, we will limit ourselves to that leg only.
Mr Speaker, that is how the House has been conducting this business with regard to the Supplementary Estimates. It is not tidy, but perhaps, going forward, we may have to look at the best way of doing it, but that is
what we have always done. We do not decouple the Motion and say that we are debating this and then come to debate the other side. Going forward perhaps, we will know what to do to further improve the system.

Mr Speaker

Let us make it clear among ourselves that what appears on the Order Paper is not to the exclusion of our subsequent discussion on matters relating to Standing Order 140(5) which of course I did read on the very day the Budget Statement was read.
These are subsequent matters for consideration and approval by this honourable House.

Hon Members, the Votes and Proceedings of 29th July, 2020 as further explained upon is hereby admitted as the true records of proceedings.

Majority Leader/Chairman of the Business Committee (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu)

Introduction:
Mr Speaker, the Committee met yesterday, Thursday, 29th July, 2020 and arranged Business of the House for the Twelfth Week ending Monday, 10th August, 2020.

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

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:
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.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Mr Speaker, the Business Committee recommends that a meeting of the Committee of the Whole be held on Wednesday, 5th August 2020 after adjournment. The meeting is expected to enable the House take decisions on outstanding pertinent issues. All Hon Members are entreated to arrange their affairs to enable them avail themselves in the Chamber for the deliberations.
Sitting of the House on Monday/ Extended Sittings
MrSpeaker, the House is scheduled to Sit on Monday, 3rd
August 2020. Sittings of the House may also be extended beyond the 2:00 p.m. as stipulated in Order 40(2) to enable the completion of scheduled business for each day of the week under consideration.
Outstanding Business
Mr Speaker, as Hon Members may already be aware, the House is further expected to Sit on Monday, 10th August, 2020 in order to satisfy constitutional requirements. In this regard, the Business Committee recommends that, in accordance with Standing Order 55, all businesses left outstanding on Friday, 7th August 2020 shall be programmed on the Order Paper for consideration at the sitting on Monday, 10th August 2020.
Public Holiday
Mr Speaker, Tuesday, 4th August, 2020, is expected to be Founders' Day, a statutory public holiday, and would be observed as such.
The House is expected to adjourn sine die on Monday, 10th 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
No. of
Question(s)
i. Minister for Communications -- 4
ii. Minister for Energy -- 7
iii. Minister for Special Development Initiatives -- 1
Total Number of Questions 12
Mr Speaker, in all, three (3) Ministers are expected to attend upon the House to respond to twelve (12) Questions during the week.
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

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

order in which the Business of the House shall be taken during the week under consideration.
The House is expected to debate the Motion and take it through the other stages of approval in the course of the week.

Statements

Presentation of Papers --

(a) Addendum No. 1 to the Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Railways Development (Ghana Railway Develop- ment Authority) and Messrs AFCONS Infras- tructure Limited of India for an amount of forty-eight million, eight hundred and forty-three thousand, four hundred and ninety United States dollars fifty-four cents (US$48,843,490.54) for the variation in respect of the ongoing railway construction works between the port of Tema and Mpakadan.

(b) Supplier's Credit Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and Messrs. Dongfang Electric International Corporation for an amount of two hundred and forty-three million, six hundred thousand United States dollars (US$243, 600,000.00) for the procurement of standard gauge rolling stock.

(c)Supply Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Railways Development) and Messrs. Dongfang Electric International Corporation for an amount of two hundred and forty-three million, six hundred thousand United States dollars (US$243,600,000.00) for the procurement of standard gauge rolling stock.

(d) EKN Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and Deutsche Bank AG (as Arranger, Structuring Bank, and Facility Agent) for an amount of five

hundred and twenty-three million euros (€523,000, 000.00) to finance the construction of sections of the Western Railway Line on standard gauge from Takoradi Port to Huni Valley.

(e)Commercial Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and Deutsche Bank AG (as Arranger and Facility Agent) for an amount of seventy-five million, six hundred and fifty-seven thousand, five hundred euros (€75,657,500.00) to finance the construction of sections of the Western Railway Line on standard gauge from Takoradi Port to Huni Valley.

(f) Commercial Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Railways Development [Ghana Railway Authority) and Amandi Investment Limited for an amount of five hundred million euros (€500,000, 000.00) for the construction

of sections of the Western Railway Line on standard gauge from Takoradi Port to Huni Valley.

(g) Request for waiver of Import Duties, Import VAT, NHIL, GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy, Special Import Levy and Domestic VAT amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of seventy-two million, two hundred and eighty-seven thousand, seven hundred and seventeen euros sixty-four cents (€72,287,717.64) on project materials and equipment to be imported for the execution of the construction of sections of the Western Railway Line on standard gauge from Takoradi Port to Huni Valley.

(h) Report of the Finance Committee on the sum of GH¢11,896,477,566.00 as Supplementary Estimate for the 2020 Financial Year.

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

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

one thousand, three hundred and ninety-six euros (€9,001,396.00) on project materials and equipment to be imported for the execution of the Development of Kumasi Airport (Phase III) by Messrs. Contracta Cons- truction UK Limited.
(j) Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties, Import VAT, NHIL, GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy and Special Import Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of two million, eight hundred and forty-nine thousand, one hundred and sixty-seven euros (€2,849, 167.00) on project materials and equipment to be imported for the implementation of the Rehabilitation and Auxiliary Infrastructure of Kumasi Inner Ring Road and Adjacent Streets Project (100kms) - Phase 1 by Messrs. Contracta Cons- truction UK Limited.
(k) Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties,
Import VAT, NHIL, GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy, Special Import Levy and Domestic VAT amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of fifteen million, five hundred and twenty-six thousand, two hundred and eleven euros twenty-three cents (€15,526, 211.23 [made up of €420,943.23 on local purchases and €15,105, 268.00 on imports] on project materials, equipment and vehicles to be procured for the Design, Fabrication, Supply and Installation of 50 Composite Bridges and Related Civil Works by Messrs. Knights A.S. in association with MCE Slany S.r.o. of the Czech Republic.
(l) Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties, Import VAT, NHIL, GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy and Special Import Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of two million, eight hundred and ten thousand, ninety-two United States dollars (US$2,810,092.00) on materials and equipment to be procured for the construction
of additional facilities, supply and installation of medical equipment to the adjunct Clinical Block at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in the Upper East Region.
(m) Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties, Import VAT, NHIL, GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy and Special Import Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of fifteen million, eight hundred and nine thousand, five hundred and sixty-eight euros (€15,809, 568.00) on materials and equipment to be imported in respect of the Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks by Messrs. Contracta Construction UK Limited.
(n) Report of the Committee on Defence and Interior on the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2020.
Motions --
(a) Second Reading of Bills
Complementary Education Agency Bill, 2019.
(b) Third Reading of Bills
Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill,
2020.
Consideration Stage of Bills
Development Finance Institutions Bill, 2020.
University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development Bill, 2020.
Committee sittings

PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Founders' Day)

Questions

*757. Mr. Samuel Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram): To ask the Minister for Communications how much incremental revenue has been made by Kelni GVG in the past years.

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy and Special Import Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of fifteen million, eight hundred and nine thousand, five hundred and sixty-eight euros (€15,809, 568.00) on materials and equipment to be imported in respect of the Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks by Messrs. Contracta Construction UK Limited.
Consequential Resolution
Consideration Stage of Bills --
Development Finance Institutions Bill, 2020.
Conduct of Public Officers Bill,
2018.
Complementary Education Agency Bill, 2019.
Committee sittings
Committee of the Whole to meet after adjournment

Questions --

*761. Mr Frank Annoh- Dompreh (Nsawam- Adoagyiri): To ask the Minister for Energy what the Ministry has done by way of investment in renewable energy for the past one year.

*762. Mr Yusif Sulemana (Bole/ Bamboi): To ask the Minister for Energy when the following communities will be connected to the National Electricity Grid: (i) Babato (ii) Chibriyoa (iii) Bampewa (iv) Dugli (v) Agbadago (vi) Tanban.

*763. Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome (South Tongu): To ask the Minister for Energy what steps are being taken by the Volta River Authority to remove aquatic weeds from the Lower Volta Basin and to dredge some parts to prevent the breeding of small snails causing river blindness in the area.

*764. Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza (Adaklu): To ask the Minister for Energy how much was collected in relation to street lights as shown on customer bills

in 2018 and 2019, and how this amount was utilised.

*765. Mr Suleman Adamu Sanid (Ahafo-Ano North): To ask the Minister for Energy how the Ministry intends to connect some communities along the route of the proposed network, which were left out in the list of beneficiary communities, such as Beposo, Dotoam, Odompo, Tadieso, Gyamerakrom, Addaikrom, Nkrankrom, Anhwaim, and few others.

*766. Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah (Wassa East): To ask the Minister for Energy when the following communities in the Wassa East Constituency will be connected to the National Electricity Grid: (a) Awiadaso [1, 2, 3], (b) Akrofi, (c) Amankesease, (d) Bethlehem, (e) Badago 1 & 2 [Afag 1 & 2], (f) Patatwumso, (g) Asratoase [1 & 2], (h) Musumkwa, (i) Nyamebekyere, (j) Kwafokrom, (k) Ahomakwamoah.

*767. Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah (Wassa East): To ask the Minister for Energy when the stalled Plato area rural

electrification project in the Wassa East Constituency will resume.

Statements

Motions --

Third Reading of Bills

Development Finance Institutions Bill, 2020.

University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Develop- ment Bill, 2020.

Consideration Stage of Bills --

Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2020.

Committee Sittings

Questions --

*750. Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri): To ask the Minister for Special Development Initiatives whether there are plans to construct three astro turfs at Nsawam Methodist School, Adoagyiri Zongo, and Adoagyiri Cocoa Park.

Mr Ras Mubarak

Mr Speaker, last weekend, we held a validation workshop in Akosombo on the Standing Orders of the House. My anticipation was that a Motion would be added for next week's activities so that the House can approve of it. I know how passionate you are about the Private Member's Bill. There is no way we can make progress with that if the House has not approved of the Standing Orders that the Committee validated over the last weekend.

Mr Speaker, I hope that perhaps, next week, some space could be found in the Order of Business so that

the House could look at it and approve of same to enable Hon Members who have already made some strides towards presenting Private Member's Bills to be able to do that.

Mr Speaker, we have four months to go and I am still trying to do a Bill before I leave.

Finally, I know that last week when the Business Statement was presented, the Hon Minority Leader intimated that it would have been useful to have the Hon Minister for the Interior in the House to appraise us of certain happenings.

Mr Speaker, it is not right for civilians to threaten officers in uniform with guns and such incidents goes in for all of us. So once again, the Hon Minister for the Interior has to be proactive to appear before the House to at least, assure us of what steps he is taking to curb some of these unnecessary happenings.

With this, I thank you for the opportunity and to encourage Hon Colleagues to support the Business Statement.

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much. Hon Emmanuel Bedzrah?

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah

Mr Speaker, I just want to add my voice to what Hon Ras Mubarak has said about the review of the Standing Orders. I believe that if the Hon Majority Leader and the Business Committee can apportion some time for it next week so that we can quickly work on it?
Mr Speaker, secondly, the issue on Real Estate Agency Bill, 2020 has been referred to our Committee, we have worked on it and I was expecting that at least, the Second Reading will take place before we rise but I have not seen its admission or scheduling for next week.
So, I would want to plead with the Business Committee to programme it for next week. Thank you very much.

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much. Hon Member for Adaklu?

Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza

Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague has made useful points on what I wanted to talk about and so --

Mr Speaker

Very well.
Hon Minority Leader?

Mr Haruna Iddrisu

Mr Speaker, I did not even attempt to
catch your eye as the Hon Edward Bawa was engaging me.
Mr Speaker, I just want to thank the Leader of Government Business and to plead with him -- He was not present because he was holding a discussion with leaders of Committees on some matters to improve our Business.
However, the, Committee of the Whole meeting Scheduled for Wednesday 5 th August, should probably be on the 7th August, 2020 because Hon Members would have returned from the voter registration exercise and there are important matters that this House must address including some concerns you have asked Leadership to share with Hon Members. When we have the meeting scheduled for wednesday the 5th,of August, we may not have a reasonable number to conduct the Business.
Also, I renew my call as we have said, that the Hon Minister for Employment and Labour Relations will have to update the House on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on employment and the measures Government is taking to support distressed industries or hospitality entities. We have not seen him being programmed for our purpose, and we need to understand the real economic and financial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on employment in Ghana.

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much. Hon Majority Leader?

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, the Hon Ras Mubarak relates to the approval of the Hon Minister for the Interior and the Standing Orders.
We are working on it. Fortunately for us, over the previous weekend, we were able to complete it; that is, the Standing Orders Committee. We should not forget that what work that has been done earlier, has been done by the Technical Committee. So, the Standing Orders Committee needed to appraise itself of it and take possession and ownership of it which
was what was done over the weekend.
Mr Speaker, we may still need to clean up the final document and I believe that should not take too long. When that is done then it will determine the process of the approval.
These are Standing Orders, are they orders in the sense of article 11 which then will require our laying it for a 21 Sitting day rule to apply or is it the case that because Parliament can regulate its own affairs, we could just approve of it in the House?
Mr Speaker, we went through history and the information we are gathering is that the first one that was laid in this House and approved in the year 1993 did not go through that. Equally so, was the amendment effected in the year 2000; it was also not referred to the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation.
Whiles the marking up is going on, we are still in consultation to know the best practice and if we have to approve of it before we adjourn, that is, if it is possible to do that then we could do that. If not, then it has to be laid, and we could lay it for it to mature till we come back from recess. However, we may not want to do anything that may offend the law. We will come to some determination on that.
The second issue the Hon Member raised is what he alleges to be civilians threatening men in uniform. I have not heard about that and I would suggest to him that these statements that he makes, are really not healthy. Please, they may for now, be allegations and he cannot put them out here in this House as a matter of fact and to the extent that it has not been ascertained, he cannot emphatically say that civilians are threatening men in uniform.
Indeed, if this is true, it would be most unfortunate and certainly something must be done about it. I am just suggesting to him that these statements must not come from him as a matter of fact because he might have heard or perhaps, even if he says it to the extent that it has not yet been proven, he must not put it out here as a matter of fact.
Mr Speaker, so, if it requires the Hon Minister to come and respond to it, so be it by whatever means we can get him to do so. This is because in spite of our job, the Hon Minister may have to be brought here to respond to it but certainly, it is not part of the Business Statement for the day and so, he cannot annex it to the Business of today.
I think the third part answers the question asked by Hon Bedzrah in

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

respect of the Standing Orders. The Hon Chairman of the Real Estate Agency Bill came to see me this morning and we are trying to process it.

We would look at it and see whether we can attend to it this Meeting, but if it is not possible and it must be shifted to next Meeting, then we may do that. As the Hon Minority Leader has said, we really need to prioritise because there are so many very urgent and pressing Bills that we have to attend to and that is why I expressed my fears that we may have to conscript some other days beyond that Monday to complete those Bills because given the circumstances of the country now, we need to attend to process and pass them before we adjourn sine die.

Mr Speaker, on the Committee of the Whole meeting that the Hon Minority Leader related to, as I said, I was not at the Business Committee meeting but when the draft statement was brought to me, it was the first observation. I said to them that it may be difficult to have the Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday because I know that many of our Hon Colleagues may travel this evening and they may find it difficult to return on

Monday and travel again because of the holiday on Tuesday, 4th August. So I believe that many of the Hon Colleagues who are leaving today may not even return until Tuesday evening or perhaps Wednesday so I suggested that we have that meeting on Thursday.

Mr Speaker, so if it finds favour with my Hon Colleagues, then we would move the Committee of the Whole meeting from Wednesday to Thursday.

Mr Speaker, the other issue that he related to was in respect of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment. This issue was raised earlier by Hon Mubarak and same was communicated to the Hon Minister. We wanted the Hon Minister to come at a particular time, unfortunately as he related to us, even though he came with some information, he indicated to us that the information was not complete and he was looking for further information before he comes to apprise the House. So in all probability, it may be important to invite the Hon Minister to apprise the House before we adjourn sine die.

Mr Speaker, the next issue related to when the House Sits lately but really we cannot fault anybody. What has been happening is that to enable

the House move faster on the Bills that are before us, we do some winnowing on the amendments proposed. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to make a headway so after the meetings in the evening, there are many occasions that we have to meet again early in the mornings to continue with the process. When we are done, it is left for the Table Office to clean up what might have been done at the Committee level and factor same on the Order Paper.

Mr Speaker, so you would realise that many times we have several Addendum Order Papers that bear the amendments that the winnowing committee might have agreed to. When we meet in the mornings, it becomes impossible to commence the Sitting at 10.00 a.m. so we deliberately inform that Sitting should commence anytime between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon. This explains why we have been Sitting late these days but it is not deliberate and it is not anybody's fault but the fact that we want the House to move faster on these Bills.

Finally, on the period of adjournment, I think I carried the sentiments of some Hon Colleagues at the pre-Sitting that we would endeavour to adjourn early today. So, with good will, we can adjourn early today to enable our Hon Colleagues move to their various destinations and

join ranks with the Muslims in their constituencies to celebrate the Eid ul Adha.

Mr Speaker, thank you.

Mr Speaker

Hon Majority Leader, thank you very much.
Hon Members, the Business Statement as presented and further explained is hereby admitted accordingly.
Hon Members, item numbered - Statements. We have a Statement to be read by the Hon Majority Leader and supported by the Hon Minority Leader on the late Congressman and Civil Rights icon, John Robert Lewis, who together with other delegates joined the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Nancy Pelosi, to visit this House.

Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu)

Mr Speaker, permit me to make a brief Statement in honour of the late congressman, John Lewis, who passed on to eternity on 17th July, 2020 after a six month battle with a

Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu)

pancreatic cancer, according to reports. He was 80 years old at the time of his transition. We are deeply saddened by the passing on of this distinguished American politician and civil rights leader who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th Congressional District from 1987 until his death about a fortnight ago.
Mr Speaker, the memory of John Lewis is still fresh in our minds especially when he, together with the Hon Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in a high profile delegation visited Ghana just last year, 2019, to observe the Year of Return. As we all know, the Year of Return programme was organised to mark the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of first enslaved Africans in America and to encourage African-Americans and the black diaspora to return to the country and the continent; the home of their ancestors.
We thank God for making it possible for this great icon of American Congress, as Speaker Pelosi affectionately referred to him when they were here, to visit his ancestral home before his final journey.
Mr Speaker, Congressman John Lewis was born on February 21, 1940 in Alabama, United States of America and he graduated from the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee and was ordained as a Baptist Minister. He then received a Bachelor's Degree in Religion and Philosophy from Fisk University.
As a student, he was dedicated to the civil rights movement and organised nonviolent protests. He was also the Chairman of the Student Non Violence Coordinating Committee at the height of the civil rights movement in the United States of America.
Mr Speaker, Congressman Lewis played many key roles in the civil rights movements and its actions to end voter and racial inequality in the USA. At the age of 23, he became one of the architects, the famous “Big Six” leaders of the group that organised the 1963 historic march in Washington.
Along with Hosea Williams, John Lewis led over 600 peaceful, orderly protesters, across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965 in what was intended to be a peaceful march from Selma to Montgomery to demonstrate the need for voting rights in the state.

That day which later became known as the bloody Sunday unfortunately resulted in the loss of many precious lives.

Despite more than 40 arrests, physical attacks and serious injuries Congressman John Lewis remained a devoted advocate of non-violent philosophy. He continued to lead demonstrations against racialists' segregated restrooms, hotels, restaurants, public paths and swimming pools. He rose up against other indignities against the so called second class citizens of the United States. But nearly every term, he was beaten, spat on or burnt with cigarette. He was tormented by white mobs and thus absorbed body blows from law enforcement officers. He remained resolute and stuck to his principles.

Mr Speaker, John was the last Speaker at the platform on which Martin Luther King spoke and where thereafter he was assassinated. He was the last person who spoke on that platform.

Mr Speaker, Congressman John Lewis was first elected to Congress in 1986 on the ticket of the Democratic Party and served for 17

terms in the United States House of Representatives and became the Dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. He was a member of the influential House Budget Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, where he served on the Sub-Committee on Health until his death.

He was the leader of the Democratic Party in the United States House of Representatives serving from 1991 as the Deputy Chief Whip and from 2003 as Senior Deputy Whip and sat in a direct line of succession to the number two Democratic leadership position in the House. Lewis received many honorary degrees and awards including the presidential Medal of Freedom.

Mr Speaker, Congressman Lewis carried the struggle for racial equality and the mantle of moral authority into Congress. He calls for healthcare reforms, and for measures to address gun violence, and fought against poverty and for improvement in the educational system. Most importantly, Mr Speaker, he oversaw multiple renewals of voting rights Acts.

Because of these deeds and many others, Lewis was called the conscience of Congress of the United States of America. He used every waking moment of his 80 years to

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much Hon Majority Leader for this well-researched paper.
Hon Minority Leader?

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
Coincidentally, we both separately submitted Statements on Congressman John Robert Lewis and civil rights icon. Therefore, I do not intend to read the text of my Statement than to indulge you so that the Hansard Department captures the full text.
Mr Speaker, as the Hon Majority Leader has observed, the essence was for Ghana's Parliament led by you to eulogise and recognise Congressman, John Lewis who was part of the delegation with Nancy Pelosi who visited Ghana.
Mr Speaker, while I recognise that, in Ghana's political history, we have had our independence movement icons and we refer to them as the Big Six. In the political history of the United States Civil Rights Movements, John Lewis is enviably
counted as one of their celebrated “Big Six”. Leaders of the group who organised the historic 1963 march in Washington where the legendary Martin Luther King Junior made his famous “I have a dream” speech. Lewis struck an instant cord with Dr King who at the very first meeting asked Lewis “Are you the boy from Troy?” In an interview he granted the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) not long before he died, Lewis recounted how Dr King from the moment referred to him as “the boy from the Troy”. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Coincidentally, today is his funeral and the United States Congress would observe something in his memory.
However, Mr Speaker, significant for us in Ghana as the Hon Majority Leader read the tribute is his 17 terms as a Member of Congress. In Ghana, we are celebrating those who have done six and seven terms. We are not even at the eighth term. Maybe, I and the Hon First Deputy Speaker should dare that we would want to break the record of Hon Kingsford S. K. Bagbin and Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Mr Speaker, in observing the memory and eulogising him, you have repeatedly observed that we should be referring to the lives of John Lewis and not the Mugabes'.

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

I hope that we would be inspired today as he passes on so that when we are making references to the likes of Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu or Hon Alban S. K. Bagbin, we would look at them in the regime of dedicated long service to the Parliament of Ghana by long tenure and not where the credentials of democratic values and ethos were being questioned.

So in our recent national concern raised about the monetisation of our politics and the accompanying high attrition rate in this august House, we need to be guided by the service of persons of John Robert Lewis. So I would just end by saying a quote from King Arthur's Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem --

The Passing of Arthur:

“I found Him in the shining of the stars,

I marked him in the flowering of His fields,

But in His ways with men I find Him not.

I waged His wars, and now I pass and die.”

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker

Hon Member, please let us avoid this tendency to start talking in our seats. One from each Side and the Hon First Deputy Speaker would wind up.

Mr Ras Mubarak (NDC -- Kumbungu)

Mr Speaker, indeed, the late Congressman, John Lewis, was a man who could be best described as a foot soldier in the civil rights movement. He was very tenacious over his life time; having been arrested more than 40 times, beaten and buttered but he stayed the course. Indeed, that is the story of a man who embodied humility in public service. A man who was a tireless champion for opportunities, not just for African-Americans, but for racial justice all over the world and it is very right that we are eulogising him.
Mr Speaker, one of the interesting things that had happened in his life was his arrest in 1961 for merely using a washroom that was described as “white only” washroom. It tells you the kind of racial injustices that African-Americans faced in the United States of America.
Most recently, Mr Speaker, in the Black Lives ‘‘Matter'' violence when the young American, George Floyd, was killed -- I would like to quote something that John Lewis said which is very profound:
“I know your pains, your woes, your sense of despair and hopelessness. Justice has indeed been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting and burning is not the way. Organise, demonstrate, sitting, stand up and vote. Be constructive and not destructive.”
Mr Speaker, I think these words would be etched in the minds of many people, not just in the United States of America but all over the world who may feel a sense of injustice, situating this particular incident of our injustice plight faced in the United States of America.
Mr Speaker, we have here today in our own country a situation where senior citizens -- the elderly are unjustly targeted as witches and wizards simply because of their age. An unfortunate incident happens in the village and an elderly person gets targeted. These are acts of injustices and indeed, if we were to find inspiration in the words of the late Congressman, John Lewis, I am sure it would be a guiding light for all of us.
So Mr Speaker, I would want to thank you for the opportunity for our Parliament to eulogise the late Congressman, John Lewis.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Patrick Y. Boamah (NPP -- Okaikwei Central)

Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this very important Statement by the two Leaders of the House.
Mr Speaker, today, there would be three former Presidents of the United States of America converging at the Baptist Church in Atlanta, USA to talk about a man who has been to this Chamber to visit us and I recall the time he came here, he said he was the Chairman for the Committee for Ways and Means and it elicited a lot of laughter and discussions in the Chamber.
Mr Speaker, this is a man who has been very forthright with his comments, ambitions, statements and his quest to have equality within the citizenry in America.
Mr Speaker, if we go back into history and look at decisions in the case, Roe v Wade and the Board of Legal Education, fast-forward, we see that a lot of things have changed in America and there are still a lot of issues that bother on equality within the state of America.
Yesterday, I listened to the Mayor of Atlanta, Mrs Bottoms and she was talking about this great man that we are eulogising today and what he

Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu NPP - - Bekwai)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to make a short contribution in eulogising the Congressman Lewis.
Mr Speaker, last year, I had the opportunity of meeting with him here
in the Chamber and at the reception organised for the delegation and later the same year in October I had a rare honour of being invited as a panellist to participate in a workshop on Jesse Jackson Foundation in Atlanta Georgia and on that panel was Congressman Lewis. The workshop happened on the birthday of Rev. Jesse Jackson, so I had the opportunity to interact with him further in the evening in Georgia.
Mr Speaker, what was remarkable about this man was the depth of love and respect that he was shown at each of the programmes that he participated in. He was eulogised, respected and loved.
Mr Speaker, listening to speeches about him since his demise and reading about him, I understand the reason he was so much loved and respected. His participation for many years in the civil rights struggles; his work in Parliament leading to him being referred to as the conscience of Congress, shows somebody who was deeply committed to a course and is willing to do anything to have the course achieved.

However, Mr Speaker, something stands out; he showed a certain trait even in the face of all the violence that

were visited on him and his group, he said that, “You do not respond to violence with violence; you learn to forgive”. For me, that is remarkable. It is extremely remarkable in the face of provocative acts such as: Being spat on, beaten and imprisoned, he had the courage to say, “I forgive you and I will move.” That is a trait I think that every public office holder must learn.

Indeed, in my view, it makes him stand out as a person who led to create public value. Public value is critical in leadership and people have to work for the public. Indeed, it is a trait I commend and encourage all of us to learn to imbibe. I know it is not easy. Sometimes it is very frustrating to look in the faces of people who have eaten from your hands, who later turn around to be extremely provocative. But it is a trait we must learn, if we want to have a country of peace.

Mr Speaker, there is also something significant about the African-American Caucus in Congress, led by Congressman Lewis. Even in recent times, when the issue of George Floyd came up, they all knelt down to indicate that we are helpless. “You are kneeling on my neck, I cannot breathe”. There was something significant, they all wore

Kente, the unique handmade cloth which is made in Ghana. It signifies that they still recognise their roots, and it is appropriate that Ghana recognises Congressman John Lewis and wish him a befitting farewell.

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much, Hon First Deputy Speaker.
Incidentally, like Ghana, a peaceful civil rights movement in the USA has a big six, as they are well-known in the United States of America, of whom Dr Martin Luther King stood tall. The last of the Big Six on this earth was John Robert Lewis, who would be buried today. May he rest in perfect peace?
Hon Members, shall we observe a minute silence in his memory?

Mr Speaker

May the soul of John Robert Lewis and all of his Big Six and the faithful departed rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Hon Members, this brings us to an end of Statement time. At the

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, I do not know whether the Hon Vice Chairman could present the Paper on behalf of the Committee?

Mr Speaker

Very well.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, the Hon Vice Chairman has indicated to me that the Paper is not ready in respect of item numbered 5. So, we can deal with item numbered
7.
Mr Speaker, we will stand down item numbered 6 for the time being and deal with item numbered 7.

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, item numbered 7 -- Motions.
Yes, Hon Chairman of the Finance Committee?

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah

Mr Speaker, we have one Report which covers Motions listed as item 7 and 9. So, we will take both together.

Mr Speaker

Hon Member, yes, you may.

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and Standard Chartered Bank, London (as Agent, Arranger and Structuring Bank) [with UK Export Finance as Guarantor] for an amount of forty-one million, eight hundred and twenty-eight thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three Great Britain pounds seventy-seven pence (GBP£41,828,793.77) to finance the Design and Delivery of Prefabricated Bridges for deployment throughout Ghana;

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much.

Mr Alex Adomako-Mensah (NDC -- Sekyere Afram Plains)

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion, and in doing so, make a few comments.
Mr Speaker, Government is seeking for a loan to rehabilitate and upgrade the weak and broken bridges in the country. The construction of bridges and culverts is one of the aspects of this Facility that the Government is trying to do. The bridges are expected to put an end to the situation where motorists and people have to travel a long way before they can get to their destinations.
Mr Speaker, on the observations, the Committee was informed that
there are certain areas which are being termed as “overseas”. My Constituency, Skyere Afram Plains, has got a lot of places called “overseas” because of River Afram. So, it would not be difficult for a person to access the place. Therefore, we appeal to Government to help those areas which have similar situations.
Mr Speaker, feeder roads network is the key to unlocking development and prosperity in the country, connecting villages to towns and small cities. Therefore this loan is a very important loan for especially the rural areas where there are problems with bridges. This would go a long way to solve the problems in the rural areas because it is difficult for people to travel with their goods and other things into the cities to market them. So, if this one is done, I think that it would bring relief to most of the people in the rural areas.
Mr Speaker, with these few words, I second the Motion.

Mr Speaker

Thank you.
I would take a contribution from the Minority and the Majority Leaderships.

Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC -- Bia East)

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.
Mr Speaker, I rise to speak to the Committee's Report, and make a few observations. The House is being called upon to approve a facility of €43 million. We have an amount of 41.8 million of UK (EF) Facility with an all-in cost of 3.73 per cent per annum under the commercial facility of an amount of 6.450 million with an all-in cost of 6.04 per cent.
Mr Speaker, according to the Report, the Minister has identified 5000 bridges which they would want to work on, but as we speak, this Facility is going to tackle 89 out of the 5000 that have been identified. So clearly, we have a lot of deficit to deal with. So, we implore Government to expedite action on this one, so that the other communities which may not benefit from this Facility can benefit going forward.
Like the Hon Deputy Ranking Member said, we have over six communities, and during the rainy season, it becomes very difficult to access those communities. We also have other communities which have had their bridges engineered, they have done the assessments and all that, but they were not captured amongst those 89 communities. So, we implore the Government to look at other communities.

Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye (NPP --Ayensuano)

Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion.
Mr Speaker, these 89 bridges that are going to be constructed in the country is a very good project. There is no way that one could construct a road through streams or valleys. Therefore, there is the need for us to get these bridges to link these roads together.
Mr Speaker, when one visits our rural areas, there are some roads that need these steel bridges. The Hon Member who just resumed his seat from the opposite Side of the House talked about the distribution list of the bridges. These bridges are emergency bridges, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways made us to understand that the bridges would be fabricated and kept at their warehouse at Akim Kukuruantumi. They would be deployed to areas where they would be needed, and would be used in emergency situations.
So, the Committee told us that when these locations are made available, Hon Members of
Parliament or the Committee would be given the distribution list. So, I do not understand why the Hon Member is calling for the distribution list now? They are emergency bridges that would be kept and be used later by the Ministry. The distribution would start from the first quarter of 2021, and it is my hope that they would distribute these bridges to serve the intended purposes.
Mr Speaker, with these few words, I support the Motion.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker --

Mr Speaker

Hon Majority Leader, do you intend to contribute?

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, I do not intend to contribute. The Hon Deputy Minister -

Mr Speaker

If not, then please let me ensure equity. If you would want to contribute, then yes, but let me ask the Hon Minority Leader too.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, I am not contributing. The Hon Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways has some response, and that is why I was pleading that we make space for him to provide some illumination on this.
Question put and Motion agreed to.

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, we would now take the Resolutions 8 and
10.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, we have taken Motions 7 and 9 together, so, we can take the Resolutions 8 and 10 together. I would pray that we allow the Hon Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation to do so on behalf of the Hon Minister for Finance.
12. 23 p. m.

Mr Speaker

Yes, Hon Minister?

Mr Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP -- Ejisu)

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation (Dr Anthony Akoto Osei) on behalf of the (Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that
WHEREAS by the provisions of article 181 of the Constitution and sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the terms and conditions of all government borrowings shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless the terms and conditions are approved by a resolution of Parliament in accordance with article 181 of the Constitution;
PURSUANT to the provisions of the said article 181 of the Constitution and sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), at the request of the Government of
the Republic Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and Standard Chartered Bank, London (as Agent, Arranger and Structuring Bank) for an amount of six million, four hundred and fifty thousand Great Britain pounds (GBP£6,450,000.00) to finance the Design and Delivery of Prefabricated Bridges for deployment throughout Ghana.

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much, Hon Minister. Yes, who seconds?

Mr Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP - Ejisu)

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion, and in doing so, I just would like to explain the list that the other Side complained of.
The Ministry is preparing the list for the emergency bridges. Indeed, these are for emergency situations and therefore, I would urge all Members of Parliament (MPs) whose Constituencies have such emergency water crossing points to let the Ministry know so that we take them on board.
I thank you Mr Speaker.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.

Chairman of the Finance Committee (Dr Mark Assibey- Yeboah)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of one hundred and fifteen million United States dollars (US$115,000,000.00) as additional financing for the e-Transform Ghana Project.
And in so doing, I would present the Committee's Report:
1.0 Introduction
The Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of one hundred and fifteen million United States dollars (US$115,000,000.00) as additional financing for the e-Transform Ghana
Project was laid in the House on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2020 by the Hon. Minister responsible for Defence, Mr. Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul on behalf of the Minister responsible for Finance.
Mr Speaker referred the above agreement to the Finance Committee for consideration and report.
The Committee met with a Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon Mrs. Abena Osei-Asare, a Deputy Minister for Communications, Hon. George Andah and Officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Communication to consider the report.
2.0 Documents Referred to
The Committee referred to the following Documents:
1. The 1992 Constitution;
2. The Public Financial Management Act, 2019 (Act 921); and
3. The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
3.0 Background
Over the last few years, there have been efforts by Government to improve the country's information communication highway to ensure that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be leveraged as a tool for sustainable development. To achieve this, government has provided the necessary regulatory environment to ensure that ICT and its related services are harnessed to its full potential. Government is also complementing private sector efforts within the industry with additional investments in communications infrastructure, especially in the under- served parts of Ghana.
Similarly, a number of Development Partners have partnered with Government to provide investments in the sector to expand the needed infrastructure as well as fund the digitalisation of government services to improve service delivery across the country.
Notable among the donors who have supported the sector is the IDA of the World Bank Group, DANIDA, among others. DANIDA for instance, has supported the construction of Fiber Optic Broadband Backbone Infrastructure on the Eastern Corridor of Ghana from Ho to Bawku, with a link from Yendi to Tamale, connecting over 120

Mr Speaker

Thank you very much.

Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo (NDC - Ho Central)

Mr Speaker,
I beg to second the Motion moved by Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Mr Speaker, we interrogated the issues raised which the Hon Chairman has amplified during his presentation of the Committee's Report. We tried to find out how much progress following the application of the first US$97 million because we thought if we had spent US$97 million already, we should be seeing some signs that the project is no value to us but the explanation is that it is ongoing and we need this amount to carry on with it and complete it.
Mr Speaker, I am worried about the cost of the loan because when we look at it, it has -- this is supposed to be very concessional but we are paying interest plus the basis adjusted to the interest charged plus ten base points on the withdrawn credit facility. So, I would like to urge that if we go for such concessionary loans, the concessional element should really come out so that we would not be burdened too much. For instance, we just took IMF loan of the Rapid Credit Facility of US$1 billion and we are not paying any interest. So, when it is concessional, let us fully benefit from it. And our negotiators, in such circumstances, should be able to negotiate deeper than what we have.

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

Mr Speaker, let me thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion and to urge Hon Colleagues to support the Financing Agreement for the e-Transform Ghana.
Mr Speaker, we could not have been asking for this particular initiative than now. If you refer to the Committee's Report on page 10, paragraph 5.3 -- Impact of COVID- 19 on Ghana. Mr Speaker, I know
that you are working towards it yourself as the Speaker of Parliament, how ready and how responsive is the Parliament of Ghana towards COVID-19? Were we to sit and do business as Parliament?

Is this Parliament enabled enough to transact business without converging at this common place known as Parliament? Therefore, it is imperative; very compelling.

Mr Speaker, this initiative is necessary at this point in time in our country's history and when all of us get back home, we must reflect with our children. We are privileged to be Members of Parliament. What is the fate and plight of the poor Ghanaian child who is not in a private school but is in a public school which is not connected to Zoom for study? How is that Ghanaian child coping in this COVID-19 environment? Tomorrow, how would that Ghanaian child benefit from this?

That is why I am saying that COVID-19 is a wakeup call , that we must get this country ready and reform our institutions. Even the public service of Ghana is not ready. If a Government institution such as Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) was to work in a COVID-

19 environment, how would they be able to do so? That is the reason for this loan. So, to the Hon Minister, US$115,000,000.00 is not adequate. He must prepare to carry major reforms in the Ghanaian public sector to respond to the challenges of

COVID-19.

I am particular about him and the Hon Minister for Education bringing us something which assures poor Ghanaian children. My child can use Zoom because he is privileged to be in a good school. He does not walk barefoot as I used to do to go to Kulikuli School or Bagabaga JSS and Primary in Sagnarigu.

However, we must be concerned about the other categories of children. A large portion of Ghanaian children today are just sleeping at home and every parent has become a teacher because of COVID-19. Therefore it is compelling that we support this initiative.

Mr Speaker, I am told you are working to make this Parliament responsive enough. We started e- Parliament and e-Justice but where are we on them? This initiative probably started under you or probably under the Hon Kan Dapaah. It was referred to as the e- Ghana project. I inherited it from one of you and I had to be in Washington

to negotiate its first phase and even put on table this e-Transform initiative to the benefit of e-Justice and Parliament. I recall the support of a woman called Mrs Clara Kwaku Sintim-Misa, the wife of Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM) who was very active.

Let me conclude by referring to portions of the Committee's Report. My concern is in paragraph 4 (1) m and it reads:

“Component One covers the creation of an Enabling Environment for Electronic Government and Business

(US$12,250,000).”

Why? What is enabling environment that you want to spend GH¢69 million on? When you compare it to the real work, you have US$58 million which says “support for digitisation and connectivity”. This is justified. But an enabling environment : sometimes, we should negotiate because what is the enabling environment?

Between 2008 and 2012, Ghana passed all the needed legislations in the electronics sector. What Ghana is lacking now in communication is the e-applications. We have built infrastructure and can enhance the infrastructure. Where we are lagging

Mr Speaker

Majority -- Hon Minister?

Minister for Communications (Mrs Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful)

Mr Speaker, this project has its genesis in the e-Ghana Project which commenced in 2006 under your watch and it continued in 2014 under the leadership of the Minister for Communications then, who is now the Hon Minority Leader, Hon Haruna Iddrisu. Due to the challenges in the
implementation of this project, we have had to seek additional funding to enable the initiative that has commenced to be properly concluded.
Mr Speaker, it is unusual for the World Bank to provide additional funding which exceeds the original project sum. The original project sum was US$97 million and they are providing us with an additional funding of US$115 million in view of the importance that digital platforms have assumed during this COVID-19 era and the importance that the uncompleted interventions also would have in assisting the Government of Ghana to respond adequately to the challenges of the virus using technology.
I can understand the concerns of the Hon Members who spoke earlier on e-Parliament . However, the infrastructure and the systems are complete. I believe the training is also completed and we are waiting on the House to indicate when the system can be launched and operate fully.
With a few adjustments, the infrastructure that has been put in place can even support the virtual operations of this House so that we might not need to meet physically to conduct our business. I urge the House to work with its internal project
implementation team and the e- Transform project implementation team to facilitate the launch of the e- Parliament, so we can put it to full and effective use.
Mr Speaker, currently , I urge the House to support this request. In view of the Hon Minority Leader's questions, I would crave your indulgence to fully itemise what the funding we are seeking would do.
We need additional security for the national data centre, which is part of the enabling environment for e- Government and businesses. We need cloud storage, a cloud overlay in the National Data Centre to make it possible for services to be provided remotely. Now, with the cloud overlay on that National Data Centre, we would facilitate the implementation of a learning management system for all public universities and tertiary institutions in this currently.
This is currently being developed between the Ministry of Communication and the Ministry of Education. This would enable our children who are at home to study remotely. As we look forward to the opening of the next academic year, we also look forward for the universities to also be able to provide distance learning to those who would be unable to have physical instructions. So, all of these initiatives are currently ongoing.

Minister for Communications (Mrs Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful)

Mr Speaker, for the public sector as well, we have Smart Workplace which is facilitating virtual operations of many public servants. Currently, over 400 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are on the system and are utilising it. The additional capacity that is being provided here would also facilitate the expansion of this Smart Workplace which is based on Microsoft Enterprise Licence which the Government has already procured to all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as well.

Mr Speaker, we are working on providing data analytics and visualisation software for open data initiative which will enable us to adequately utilise, analyse and plan with the data that is generated across Government spheres. It is sitting there in silos and not being used. We will pull all the infrastructure we are putting in place together and make it available for use by the planners and academics who would find that data useful.

Cyber security is also being catered for under the additional funding with the extension of the

managed services and additional training for the e-verification and authentication system which is the PKI system.

Mr Speaker, we are also working at scaling up the innovation ecosystem with the Ghana Innovation Hub and the Ghana Technology Lab which will provide more training and digital skills for our young people.

Regulatory reforms and capacity building is also key. We need to reform our digital strategy, and make it responsive to the current and emerging trends. We are currently putting in place many of these digital initiatives. It has to be encapsulated under the Ghana Digital Economy Policy which would create the framework for all the various initiatives that we are undertaking to take place. We are determined to formalise our economy through technology, and this is the framework that would be done, including additional studies on digital economy and the implementation of part of the quick wins in this process.

Mr Speaker, under sub- component 1 as well, the digitalisation of the Ghana Immigration Service would be done, and the records of the Office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice would also be fully digitalised to enable them take full advantage of technology to

improve upon their operations, and expedite justice delivery in this country.

All the digital initiatives that we are undertaking need robust digital infrastructure and connectivity to ride on, and so, the bulk of the additional financing being sought is going toward backbone connectivity to district centres which would link all our 254 districts to facilitate their utilisation of Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the Tax Revenue Information System.

Mr Speaker, connectivity to all our health centres would also facilitate the uptake of teleconsultation, telemedicine, and the full implementation of the e-Health strategy that has been developed. We need to provide support to the security operation centre of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), and fully implement part of the National e-Health Strategy as I have indicated.

Digital schools are also part of this funding. [Interruption].

Mr Speaker

Hon Minister, if you may please conclude?

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful

Mr Speaker, it is because the Hon
Minority Leader wanted to know exactly what we were using this funding for.

Mr Speaker

You can still make a summary.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful

In sum, Mr Speaker, about 90 per cent of the funding being sought would enhance our country's preparedness in using technology to fight the COVID-19 response, and it is the urgency attached to it that has enabled the World Bank to fast-track its processes to enable us come to this point. I would urge the House to support this project funding and give its approval for it.
Finally, there were challenges with the Eastern Corridor project that is why it is not being fully used. However, many telecommunication companies are currently using it as we speak. Its operations are being commercialised under the commercialisation of the Government Digital Infrastructural Project, but the poor laying of the fibre made it susceptible to extensive fibre cuts and so, large sections of it have had to be completely reconstructed. That is what has delayed the uptake of it.
However, it is part of the national digital infrastructure that is being put together to form Ghana's digital shield

Mr Speaker

Item numbered 14 -- Resolutions.
Hon Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, you may please move the Motion for us?

Minister for Finance)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move,
WHEREAS by the provisions of article 181 of
the Constitution and sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, of 2016 (Act 921), the terms and conditions of all government borrowings shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless the terms and conditions are approved by a resolution of Parliament in accordance with article 181 of the Constitution;
PURSUANT to the provisions of the said article 181 of the Constitution and sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act of 2016 (Act 921), at the request of the Government of the Republic Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of one hundred and fifteen million United States dollars (US$115,000,000.00) as additional financing for the e-Transform Ghana Project.

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

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

Mr Speaker

Hon Members, the Hon First Deputy Speaker will take the Chair at this stage.
Hon Majority Leader, what is the position?

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker, we will take the item numbered 11.

Mr Speaker

Item listed 11 -- Motion. Hon Chairman of the Finance Committee?

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah)

Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of two hundred million United States dollars (US$200,000,000.00) to finance the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project
(GJSP).
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present the Committee's Report.

1.0 Introduction

The Financing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) and the International Development Association (IDA) for an amount of two hundred million United States dollars (US$200,000,000.00) to finance the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP) was presented to the House on Wednesday 22nd July, 2020 by the Hon. Minister responsible for Defence, Mr Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul on behalf of the Minister responsible for Finance.

Pursuant to article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and Orders 169 and 171 of the Standing Orders of the House, the Agreement was referred to the Committee on Finance for consideration and report.

The Committee subsequently met and discussed the Agreement with the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Hon Ignatius Baffour- Awuah, a Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Hon. Bright Wereko-Brobbey, a Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon Abena Osei-Asare, a Deputy Minister for Education, Hon Gifty Twum-Ampofo as well as officials from the Ministries of Finance,

Employment and Labour Relations and that of Education.

Also in attendance were the heads and other officials from the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET).

The Committee hereby submits this Report to the House pursuant to the Standing Orders of the House.

The Committee is grateful to the above-mentioned honourable Minister, Deputy Ministers and the officials for attending upon the Committee.

2.0 References

The Committee referred to and/or was guided by the following documents inter alia during its deliberations on the Agreement:

The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana;

The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana; and

The Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act

921).

Background

Ghana's economy has been on a high growth path for most of the past two decades. Economic growth in the early 2000s was mainly driven by strong commodity price increases and the start of commercial oil production in 2011, resulting in a lower-middle- income status. These improvements led to a considerable number of jobs and increased productivity through rapid urbanisation and gradual structural transformation that saw the services sector share of the economy surpass the agricultural sector.

With this structural transformation, employment shifted towards off-farm self-employment, especially in urban areas. Significant improvements in education, health and other sectors which are critical to individual and social well-being were also realised.

However, relative to economic growth, the improvements noted above have delivered relatively fewer jobs than expected. Between 2005 and 2012, annual job creation reached 4.0 per cent, while the annual increase in the working-age population was about 2.6 per cent according to the Ghana Living Standards Survey 5 & 6.

During the same period, average economic growth increased by 8 per cent per year (much more than before 2005), meaning that every 1 per cent

increase in economic growth was associated with 0.5 per cent increase in job growth.

According to World Bank Development Indicators Database, the employment-growth elasticity (the percentage change in employment given a 1 percentage point change in growth) dropped to 0.5 from an average of 0.7 in the 15 preceding years, and is compared to an average of 0.72 for Sub-Saharan African countries and 0.6 for lower-middle income countries.

Evidently, the need for jobs will rise as Ghana's active labour force had reached 12.9 million in 2019. Recent trends indicate that the economy needs to create about 300,000 new jobs per year to absorb the growing population and to avoid increasing unemployment or inactivity (those who are not in school, not in training or apprenticeship, and are not looking for work).

Current and previous interventions recognised the role of skills training and entrepreneurship training in job creation. However, the efforts to redeem and sustain this situation through job-oriented growth mechanisms have been severely undermined by the outbreak of the COVID-19 as the expected

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah)

(or groups of individuals) who successfully complete entrepreneurship training at the intermediate level.
Subcomponent 2.2: Provision of Competitive Grants to Private Enterprises for Expanded Employment (US$60 million)
This subcomponent will be implemented by COTVET in partnership with NBSSI, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
The subcomponent will support at least 700 competitive grants offered to private enterprises over the project implementation period administered through the Skills Development Fund (SDF). The grants are expected to directly impact a total workforce size of at least 42,000 individuals. The grant value will be capped at a specified absolute value or a specified percentage of the total cost of the proposal submitted by the enterprise.
Component 3: Operationalisation of the Ghana Labour Market Information System, Upgrading of District Public Employment Centers and Services, and Independent Performance Reviews of Selected Government Youth Employment and Skills Development Programmes (US$30 million).
Component 3 comprises three subcomponents as follows:
Subcomponent 3.1: Full Development and Operationa- lisation of the Ghana Labor Market Information System (US$6 million)
The GLMIS managed by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), is at an early stage of development. The first phase of the system was supported by the World Bank through the Ghana Statistics Development Project. The full development and operationalisation of the system is currently hampered by insufficient financial, human, and information and communication technology (ICT) resources. This subcomponent will fund the development, operationalisation, and maintenance of the GLMIS.
Subcomponent 3.2: Upgrading of District Public Employment Centers and Provision of Job Connection and Information Services to Job Seekers and Employers (US$12 million):
The subcomponent will fund the physical refurbishment of selected District Public Employment Centers (PECs) and the capacity development of staff in the said centers, to link job seekers and employers. MELR is the main implementing agency for this
subcomponent. The following are the main activities to be supported by the subcomponent:
Physical refurbishment of 16 PECs, one in each region of the country; and
Capacity development of staff in centers selected for refurbishment so that the staff can better provide job connection services to job seekers and employers.
Subcomponent 3.3: Independent Performance Reviews, and Technical Assistance for Reforming Government Youth Employment and Skills Development Programmes (US$12 million)
This subcomponent will conduct independent performance reviews and provide technical assistance for reforming selected government youth employment and skills development programmes to ensure efficiency, equity, and effectiveness. The subcomponent will fund independent and in-depth reviews of the programmes including the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) which are the two largest government youth-focused employment programmes in the first two years of project implementation.
Component 4: Capacity Development, Technical Assistance, and Project Management Support for Enhanced Skills and Jobs Impact (US$10 million).
Component 4 comprises two subcomponents as detailed below:
Subcomponent 4.1: Capacity Development and Technical Assistance (US$8 million)
The subcomponent will support the provision of goods, works and services for capacity building and technical assistance to: (i) MoF; (ii) COTVET; (iii) NBSSI; (iv) MELR; and (v) MESTI; for the implementation of their respective obligations under the project. Specifically, the project will support technical, advisory, and capacity- building support for fiduciary; social and environmental management; administrative and operational; monitoring and evaluation; information, communication, and engagement activities.
Subcomponent 4.2: Project Management Support (US$2 million)
This subcomponet will support strengthening the capacity of: (i) MoF; (ii) COTVET; (iii) NBSSI; (iv) MELR; and (iv) MESTI; to carry out project management and

coordination, all through the provision of technical assistance and operating costs required for that purpose.

Component 5: Contingent Emergency Response (US$0 million)

This component has been added to the project in accordance with the Investment Project Financing (IPF) Policy of the Bank to take care of situations of urgent need for assistance. Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) will allow for rapid reallocation of project proceeds in the event of a natural or man-made disaster or crisis that has caused, or is likely to cause a major adverse economic or social impact.

Observations

Project Cost and Duration

The Committee noted that the cost of the proposed project is estimated at two hundred million United States dollars (US$200,000,000.00) and will be fully financed with the present IDA credit. The project will be implemented over a six year period and is expected to close on 30th June,

2026.

Job Creation and Employment

The Committee observed that apprenticeship and entrepreneurship skills development coupled with grants to individuals and micro and small enterprises envisaged under the project are expected to create more descent jobs through firm growth and the establishment of new businesses.

An estimated number of 25,000 individuals will receive apprenticeship training under a standardised, quality- assured system under Component 1. Out of this number, about 70 per cent are expected to have jobs six months after the completion of training, totalling to a minimum of 17,500 jobs.

A minimum number of 50,000 individuals are expected to receive entrepreneurship training under subcomponent 2.1. This subcomponent will also support 5,000 individuals through competitive business start-up grants and mentorship support upon the successful participation and completion of an intermediate level of entrepreneurship training. About 70 per cent are expected to have jobs six months after the completion of training, totalling to at least 35,000 individuals.

Under subcomponent 2.2, at least 700 competitive grants will be

provided to private enterprises. A minimum of 42,000 individuals are expected to be employed in these private enterprises six months after the implementation of the grant.

Job multiplier

The Committee was informed that administrative information from NBSSI and COTVET to Government indicate that for every direct job, two to three indirect jobs are created within the income- generating activities that apprentices and entrepreneurs undertake. In line with projection, the jobs under Component 1 and Subcomponent 2.1 are expected to yield 105,000 to 157,500 indirect jobs. In total, expected minimum direct jobs are 94,500, expected minimum indirect jobs are 105,000 and expected total minimum jobs are 199,500.

Robust Labour Market Database

The Committee noted that the Project will fund the full development, operationalisation and maintenance of the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS) and the physical refurbishment of the District Public Employment Centers (PECs). The investment is expected to provide a reliable, timely and regular labour market data and information on the

status and dynamics of employment in the country for informed decision making. The GLMIS and PECs will improve information flow between the labour demand and supply regarding available jobs and skills needed, thereby matching jobs with the right skills and minimising the cost of job search for both workers and employers.

Economic Recovery

The Committee further observed that the project provides opportunity for economic recovery through the real sector given the devastating impact the outbreak of the COVID- 19 pandemic is having on businesses and job prospects. The impact is more severe on poor, less-educated individuals in rural and urban areas, who tend to be employed in informal economic activities. Economic recovery initiatives are essential for restoring jobs, livelihoods, and economic activities for workers and enterprises during the COVID-19 aftermath period. The interventions under the project are consistent with the economic recovery and Coronavirus Alleviation Programme of Government.

Conclusion

The Committee, in view of the foregoing, therefore respectfully

Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC -- Bia East)

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion before the House to approve a loan amount of US$200 million to support the Ghana Jobs and Skills project as has been stated by the Hon Chairman for the Committee on Finance.
Mr Speaker, the concessionary rate amounts to 26.22 per cent of the facility but if we look at the various components -- component one of the facility amounts to US$60 million which is a provision for apprenticeship training for jobs. The question is what next after the people have the training? Start-up capital becomes a challenge
for many of these people, so, there is a provision in the Report that after they have gone through the training, an amount of US$40 million would be made available for the provision of start-up grants to individuals for jobs so that they could also start something on their own. We are urging the Ministry that this should not be partisan so that those who would undergo the training would equally benefit from this grant so that they can also start businesses on their own.
Some people would go through the training and at the end of the day, they would acquire the skills but would have nothing to do with the skills and they would be roaming through the streets as unemployed graduates. We would plead with the Ministry so that all those who would undergo training would benefit from the US$40 million facility that would be made available to them.
Mr Speaker, the start-up capital is US$40 million. After that, on component four, capacity development would cost us US$10 million. Then if you turn to component 4.2, that one would cost us US$10 million and so, capacity building alone would cost us US$40 million which is 25 per cent of the loan amount that we are contracting. I think it is on a higher side because those who are going to benefit from that facility are
getting US$40 million and we are building the capacity of officers who are in those Ministries who have acquired some skills already with US$40 million. We should at least halve it so that we can increase the start-up capital to the newly trained people so that they can get enough start-up capital to expand their businesses and to also create employment for other people.
Mr Speaker, the Report tells us that by the end of 2019, our labour force was 12.9 million and it is estimated that every year we would have to create employment for about 300,000 people.
Clearly, we have a backlog to deal with. At the Committee level, the Hon Minister admitted that it is very difficult to get information about our labour market but we heard the Hon Minister for Agriculture churning out numbers that he created 500,000 jobs. Even in the Budget Statement, the Minister said that about 759,000 people have lost their jobs but there should be a central point where at the click of a button, one can get this information. Right now, if one wants to know the unemployment levels in this country, one cannot find it.
Mr Speaker, we were told in last year's Budget Statement that they were going to create a dashboard that would have a central point where one
can access this information. If we hear the numbers that we have created employment for, say, 500,000 people, where do we get that information? The Hon Minister admitted that it is very difficult to get such information, so, every Ministry would be churning out some numbers.
There must be a central point where anybody at all can access this information so that we know that we are about two, three or five per cent of unemployment rate in the system. Dealing with it would become an easier task for all of us. This is something we would have to advert our minds to and make sure that we do not spend so much money on capacity building because US$40 million, which is about 25 per cent of US$200 million, is not a small amount of money to be spent on capacity building.
With these few observations, I would urge the Ministry to do what is right for the good people of this country.
I thank you very much for the opportunity.
Question proposed

Mr Anthony Effah (NPP -- Asikuma/Odoben/Brakwa)

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Mr Ras Mubarak (NDC- Kumbungu)

Mr Speaker, I also rise
to support the Motion for the approval of the amount of US$200 million to finance the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project.
Mr Speaker, let me say that the House has to be in earnest to support anything that would go a long way towards keeping our young men and women busy. One of the problems we have had in the country over the years is our youth looking for jobs because there are unavailable jobs. I think we can do a lot better through entrepreneurship by getting them to be job givers instead of jobseekers. So, the principle for this request is very good and exciting.
Mr Speaker, but as we discuss the approval of this facility, we do not even know how many young people are unemployed. Out of the number of young people who are unemployed, we do not even know the number that are skilled and unskilled. This would go a long way in organising or fashioning out a tailor-made project for these people. If we say we are creating jobs for about 300,000 people, how many of these jobs would go to people who are unskilled; how many of these would go to people who are skilled? These are the things that we need to segregate.
Mr Speaker, I am excited about the robust labour market database. In 2015, if the House would recall, the European Union had made a commitment to give some support for this particular project and I am so happy that it is encapsulated in the request for this particular loan.
I am also hoping that once the House approves of this, we would have some level of coordination. Many agencies of State are doing just about the same thing that NBSSI would be doing.

Mr Speaker, for instance, as we make commitments from this facility to give young people start-up capital, the MASLOC and NYEP are also giving young people start-up capital. So, at the end of the day, we have a lot of public agencies scattered all over the place doing just about the same thing and there is no policy coherence as far as executing this project is concerned.

Again, if we look at the issue of building the capacity of young people, it is one of the reasons this House in December 2016 gave approval of the

National Youth Authority (NYA) Act which gave a certain percentage of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to the Authority so they can use it to do a lot of work for the youth.

Mr Speaker, my suggestion is that there are so many youth related activities that are scattered and it makes policy coherence a bit difficult. We need to bring them together in order that they are able to reach out to the number they are supposed to be reaching out to.

Finally, just a correction on page 2 of the Report in line 7 which with your permission, I read:

“These improvements lead to a considerable number of jobs and increase productivity through rapid urbanisation and gradual structural transformation that saw the services”

Mr Speaker, I think this should be inserted with the Report. With this, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion.

Mr Ras Mubarak

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

Debates of 30 Jul 2020

PRAYERS 11:03 a.m.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:03 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:03 a.m.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu 11:03 a.m.

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah 11:03 a.m.

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:03 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:13 a.m.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 11:13 a.m.

Majority Leader/Chairman of the Business Committee (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu) 11:13 a.m.

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows 11:13 a.m.

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows 11:13 a.m.

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows 11:13 a.m.

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows 11:13 a.m.

Mr Ras Mubarak 11:23 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah 11:23 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.

Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza 11:23 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu 11:23 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:23 a.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:23 a.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:33 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:33 a.m.

STATEMENTS 11:33 a.m.

Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu) 11:33 a.m.

Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu) 11:43 p.m.

Mr Speaker 11:43 p.m.

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 11:43 p.m.

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 11:53 a.m.

Mr Speaker 11:53 a.m.

Mr Ras Mubarak (NDC -- Kumbungu) 11:53 a.m.

Mr Patrick Y. Boamah (NPP -- Okaikwei Central) 11:53 a.m.

Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu NPP - - Bekwai) 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

MOTIONS 12:03 p.m.

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah) 12:03 p.m.

AND 12:03 p.m.

AND 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Alex Adomako-Mensah (NDC -- Sekyere Afram Plains) 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC -- Bia East) 12:03 p.m.

Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye (NPP --Ayensuano) 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

RESOLUTIONS 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP -- Ejisu) 12:03 p.m.

THIS HONOURABLE 12:03 p.m.

HOUSE HEREBY 12:03 p.m.

RESOLVES AS 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP - Ejisu) 12:03 p.m.

MOTIONS 12:03 p.m.

Chairman of the Finance Committee (Dr Mark Assibey- Yeboah) 12:03 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:03 p.m.

Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo (NDC - Ho Central) 12:03 p.m.

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 12:33 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:33 p.m.

Minister for Communications (Mrs Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful) 12:33 p.m.

Minister for Communications (Mrs Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful) 12:43 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:43 p.m.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful 12:43 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:43 p.m.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful 12:43 p.m.

Mr Speaker 12:43 p.m.

PRAYERS

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Mr Speaker

Mr Haruna Iddrisu

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Majority Leader/Chairman of the Business Committee (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu)

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its report as follows

Mr Ras Mubarak

Mr Speaker

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah

Mr Speaker

Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza

Mr Speaker

Mr Haruna Iddrisu

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

STATEMENTS

Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu)

Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu)

Mr Speaker

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

Mr Speaker

Mr Ras Mubarak (NDC -- Kumbungu)

Mr Patrick Y. Boamah (NPP -- Okaikwei Central)

Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu NPP - - Bekwai)

Mr Speaker

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah

Mr Speaker

MOTIONS

Chairman of the Committee (Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah)

AND

AND

Mr Speaker

Mr Alex Adomako-Mensah (NDC -- Sekyere Afram Plains)

Mr Speaker

Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC -- Bia East)

Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye (NPP --Ayensuano)

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr Speaker

RESOLUTIONS

Mr Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP -- Ejisu)

THIS HONOURABLE

HOUSE HEREBY

RESOLVES AS

Mr Speaker

Mr Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP - Ejisu)

MOTIONS

Chairman of the Finance Committee (Dr Mark Assibey- Yeboah)

Mr Speaker

Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo (NDC - Ho Central)

Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu)

Mr Speaker

Minister for Communications (Mrs Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful)

Minister for Communications (Mrs Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful)

Mr Speaker

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful

Mr Speaker

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful

Mr Speaker

RESOLUTIONS