Debates of 23 Jul 2021

MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11:17 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:17 a.m.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Hon Members, we shall begin with the Votes and Proceedings of the Thirty- Second Sitting of the Second Meeting, dated Thursday, 22nd July, 2021.
Page 1…4
Mr Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I was here yesterday, but my name happens to appear on the “absent” column. My name is Hon Alexander --
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Hon Member, on what page are we? On what page does your name appear as “absent”?
Mr Hottordze 11:17 a.m.
It should have appeared on page 4.
Mr Hottordze 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, it is on page 7, the item numbered 22.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Very well, the Table Office should take note and make the appropriate correction.
Page 8…10
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Yes, Hon Majority Chief Whip?
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, I may take you back to page 7. On page 7, the Hon Daniel Botwe, who is captured under the item numbered 15 had completed the leave of absence form, which I sighted. He applied for it, and I transmitted same. He applied
to be absent for the period of 22nd to 23rd of July, 2021. So, he was due to resume on the 27th of July, 2021, but I have realised that he has been marked absent. So, I would want to draw the Table Office's attention to it in order to make that correction.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Are you aware of whether the Rt Hon Speaker has approved and forwarded it to the Table Office? I think that you should verify that first, then after that, you could make your application.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, with respect, I have done that verification and can confirm that.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
So, you could confirm that the Rt Hon Speaker has approved same and it is with the Table Office?
Very well, the Table Office should please effect the appropriate change.
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Yes, Hon Minority Chief Whip?
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on page 6, my name; Hon
Ahmed Ibrahim, the Hon Member of Parliament for Banda has been captured under the names of Hon Members who were absent with permission, but I was here yesterday.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Hon Member, what number is your name captured under on page 6?
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, my name is captured under the item numbered 8.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Very well, the Table Office should make that correction.
Mr Eric Afful 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on the same page 6, the item numbered 5, I have been captured as being absent, but I was present yesterday.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Very well.
Page 9…14
Mr Samuel O. Ablakwa 11:17 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on page 14, the item numbered 3 (iii), it should be “Government Relations Manager”, and not “Government Relation Manager”.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Very well.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:17 a.m.
Hon Members, we would move on to the item numbered 5 on today's Order Paper - Presentation of the Business Statement for the tenth week.
Yes, Hon Majority Leader?
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 11:27 a.m.
Majority Leader/Chairman of the Business Committee (Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu) 11:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Committee met yesterday,
Thursday, 22nd July 2021, and arranged Business of the House for the Tenth Week ending Friday, 30th July, 2021.
Mr Speaker, the Committee accordingly submits its Report as follows 11:27 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, taking congnisance of the buildup of Questions asked of various Ministers of State, has scheduled a considerable number of Questions for response by the Ministers. It is the expectation of the Business Committee that this arrangement would help reduce the backlog of Questions considerably before the House adjourns sine die. Thus the Business Committee has scheduled the following Ministers to respond to Questions asked of them during the week:
No. of Question(s)
i. Minister for Defence -- 2
ii. Attorney-General & Minister for Justice -- 2
iii. Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources -- 3
iv. Minister for Health -- 7
v. Minister for Food and Agriculture -- 7
vi. Minister for the Interior -- 3
vii. Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection -- 3
viii. Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation -- 1
ix. Minister for Youth and Sports -- 2
x. Minister for National Security -- 1
xi. Minister for Works and Housing -- 2
xii. Minister for Roads and Highways -- 10
Total Number of Questions -- 43
Mr Speaker, in all, twelve (12) Ministers are expected to attend upon the House to respond to forty-three (43) Questions during the week. The questions are of the following types:
i. Urgent - 2;
ii. Oral - 41
Mr Speaker, having regard to the number of Questions scheduled for the week, the Business Committee proposes that as much as possible, Questions which are constituency-

specific be limited to only the Hon Members in whose names the Questions stand to ask the main Question and also follow up with supplementary Questions.

Mr Speaker, that then means that the Questions would be limited to those who have asked the Questions and so other Hon Members would not be granted space to ask any questions in respect of the constituency-specific Questions.

Statements

Mr Speaker, pursuant to Order 70(2), Ministers of State may be permitted to make Statements of Government policy. Statements duly admitted by you 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.

Mid-Year Review of the Budget

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, 29th July 2021, the Hon Minister for Finance is scheduled to move a Motion for the adoption of the Mid- Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana and Supplementary Estimates for the 2021 Financial Year. All Hon Members are entreated to avail themselves at plenary for this critical business.

Mr Speaker, Leadership is in discussion with proponents of the Motion that request the House to investigate the interferences by some members of the state security agencies in the presidential and parliamentary elections of Ghana. Upon conclusion of the discussions, the said Motion would be programmed for debate in the House possibly in the course of the week. Failing that, we may have to take it in the ensuing week. What it means is that, before the House adjourns sine die, it would come up for discussion.

Sitting on Monday and Sitting Time during the Week

Mr Speaker, the House is programmed to sit on Monday, 26th July 2021. This is to enable the Rt Hon Speaker and the House to receive some eminent personalities in connection with the Millennium Excellence Awards, 2021, and for the conduct of related business. Sitting is expected to commence at 2.00 p.m., and all Hon Members are entreated to avail themselves for this important national event.

Mr Speaker, despite your earlier directive for Sittings to commence at 2.00 p.m. on all days of the week except Friday, the Business Committee recommends that, in view of the Business scheduled for the week under consideration, Sittings commence at 11.00 a.m. each day. This is to ensure that enough time is availed the House to transact the Business programmed for the week, including the tall order of Questions.

Conclusion

Mr Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 160(2), and subject to Standing Order 53, the Committee submits to this honourable House the order in which the Business of the House shall be taken during the week.

Statement by the Speaker

Statements

Committee Sittings

Urgent Questions --
Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey (Keta) 11:27 a.m.
To ask the Minister for Defence the urgent safety measures being put in place to protect the journalist who recorded military brutalities in Wa, and his family.
Questions --
*228. Mr Christian Corletey Otuteye (Sege): To ask the Minister for Defence the reasons for the deployment of the army to the Sege Constituency and when the soldiers will leave Sege to their station.
*159. Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (North Tongu): To ask the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice the status of the pursuit of justice in the following murder cases: (i) Ahmed Hussein-Suale (ii) Hon J. B. Danquah Adu (iii) Hon
Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey (Keta) 11:27 a.m.


(h) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee of the Sekyere Kumawu District Assembly for the Year 2020.

(i) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee of the office of the Savannah Regional Co-ordinating Council for the Year 2020.

(j) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the Year 2020.

(k) Annual Statement by the Audit Committee of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration for the Year

2020.

Motions --

(a)Adoption of the Report of the Representatives from the Parliament of Ghana to the ECOWAS Parliament on the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 27th May to 12th June, 2021.

(b) Adoption of the Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration) and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Mutual Exemption of Entry Visa Requirements in respect of Diplomatic, Service/Special and Ordinary Passport Holders.

Committee Sittings

Urgent Questions --
Mr Eric Afful (Amenfi West) 11:27 a.m.
To ask the Minister for Food and Agriculture the plans the Ministry has to re-open the 2021/2022 main crop season to purchase the abundance of cocoa beans which have been harvested by cocoa farmers in Ghana having regard to the exigencies of the season.
Questions --
*145. Mr Frederick Yaw Ahenkwah (Jaman North): To ask the Minister for Food and Agriculture what accounts for
the inability of the Ministry to fix a satisfactory minimum producer price for cashew in the 2021 cashew crop season despite the coming into fruition of the Tree Crop Authority.
*146. Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah (Kintampo North): To ask the Minister for Food and Agriculture the status of the proposed Cattle Grazing Parks at the Kintampo North Municipality.
*147. Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor (South Dayi): To ask the Minister for Food and Agri- culture when the report on the audit commissioned on “Cocoa Roads” under construction would be ready and if Members can be given copies.
*194. Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw (Wa East): To ask the Minister for Food and Agriculture when the contractor working on the warehouse project in Bulenga in the Wa East District will hand over the facility for use by the community.
*195. Ms Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West): To ask the Minister for Food and Agriculture when the construction of the warehouse for Krachi West will commence and be completed.
*196. Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw (Wa East): To ask the Minister for Food and Agriculture what specific arrangements are being put in place to supply agro- inputs (seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, weedicides) to farmers in Wa East Constituency under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme.
*150. Mr Peter Lanchene Toobu (Wa West): To ask the Minister for the Interior what measures the Ministry is putting in place to ensure that safety and security is assured the people of Wa West Constituency who suffer attacks by robbers on daily basis.
*186. Mr Mohammed Adamu Ramadan (Adentan): To ask the Minister for the Interior what urgent steps Government is taking to improve the security situation and incidence of armed robbery within the Adentan Constituency.
Mr Eric Afful (Amenfi West) 11:27 a.m.


(g)Adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of Import Duties, GETFund Levy, NHIL, Import VAT, and EXIM Levy amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of three million, eight hundred and seventy-one thousand, one hundred and forty-seven United States dollars twenty- one cents (US$3,871,147.21) on machinery, equipment and raw materials to be procured by Matrix Industries Limited under the implementation of the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.

Consequential Resolution

Committee Sittings

Questions --

*44. Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza (Adaklu): To ask the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection what circumstances led to the termination of appointment of Mrs Gertrude Quashigah at the School Feeding Secretariat, and her subsequent reinstatement.

*182. Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey (Keta): To ask the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection what steps the Ministry is taking to minimise, if not eliminate, the growing concerns about child abduction in the country.

*183. Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey (Keta): To ask the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection what plans the Ministry has to address increasing domestic violence among women and girls in the country.

*143. Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah (Ho West): To ask the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation on measures the Ministry has put in place in and around Weija-Gbawe Earth- quake Zones to prevent disaster and loss of lives and properties.

*152. Mr Suhuyini Alhassan Sayibu (Tamale North): To ask the Minister for Youth and Sports how many astro turf pitches the Ministry has constructed or facilitated, at what cost, and at which locations.

*166. Mr Kofi Arko Nokoe (Evalue Ajomoro Gwira): To ask the Minister for Youth and Sports when the Axim Sports Complex will be completed.

*164. Mr Peter Lanchene Toobu (Wa West): To ask the Minister for National Security on the state of the project in which CCTV cameras were to be fixed in all Police Stations across the country.

*169. Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey (Keta): To ask the Minister for Works and Housing what plans the Ministry has towards dredging the Keta Lagoon, which is the largest natural lagoon in West Africa.

*229. Mr Christian Corletey Otuteye (Sege): To ask the Minister for Works and Housing when the Ministry will commence the construction of the Ada West Sea Defence Project.

Statements --

Presentation of Papers --

Motions --

That this Honourable House approves the Mid-Year Review

of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana and Supplementary Estimates for the 2021 Financial Year.

Committee Sittings

Questions --

*111. Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (Shai- Osudoku): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when construction works on the following roads in the Shai- Osudoku Constituency would be completed: (i) Ayikuma - Doryumu Junction (ii) Osuwem - Agorta (iii) Asutsuare Junction - Asutsuare.

*112. Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (Shai- Osudoku): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what plans the Ministry has to construct the following roads in the Shai-Osudoku: (i) Akuse - Asutsuare (ii) Doryumu - Agormeda (iii) Asutsuare - Aveyime.

*113. Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (Shai- Osudoku): To ask the Minister
Mr Eric Afful (Amenfi West) 11:27 a.m.


for Roads and Highways when actual construction works on the Volivo bridge would commence.

*114. Mr Joseph Nikpe Bukari (Saboba): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the construction of a bridge over River Oti will commence.

*115. Mr Joseph Nikpe Bukari (Saboba): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways the steps being taken to construct a bridge over Kpalba River to allow constituents to easily access both sides of the river especially during rainy seasons when the river overflows its banks and floods the area.

*116. Mr Adama Sulemana (Tain): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what plans are there to construct the following roads in the Tain Constituency: (i) Namasa - Brodi - Sampa (ii) Badu Junction - Badu (iii) Brohani Junction - Brohani.

*117. Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome (South Tongu): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what steps the Ministry is taking to urgently

reconstruct broken box culverts (bridges) that are hampering movement from one community to the other on the following roads: (i) Agbeve - Gladysco at Adzake (ii) Sanakekope - Dikato, on the boundary between South Tongu and Dangbe East Districts.

*118. Dr Clement A. Apaak (Builsa South): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when work on the following roads will be completed: (i) Sandema - Doninga (ii) Wiaga - Fumbisi (iii) Fumbisi - Wiesi.

*138. Mr Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah (Nadowli/Kaleo): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what plans the Ministry has to construct a bridge over the Bagonluu stream between Sigduori and Kankanzie to enable people from the south-western corridor to have access to the district capital, especially during the rainy season.

*139. Ms Theresa Lardi Awuni (Okaikwei North): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the following roads in Okaikwei North Constituency will be con-

structed: (i) The road from the Akweteman Chief's Palace that links the Accra - Kumasi highway (ii) the inner road within Alogboshie (iii) Abofu township road that links the N1 Highway.

Statements

Presentation of Papers --

Reports of the Public Accounts Committee on the Auditor- General's Reports.

Motions --

Committee Sittings --

Mr Speaker, let me proffer an amendment to the Business for Friday. As usual, we have programmed the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways to be with us on Friday, 30 th July, 2021. Unfortunately, he is programmed to travel outside Ghana on that day. Thus, we would have to swap the Hon Minister's Questions for another day. It would be difficult for us to do it on Thursday, 29th July, 2021, given what we intend to do on that day - the midyear review of the Budget Statement and the Supplementary Estimates. In all probability, we would

rather take the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways on Wednesday and have some discussions with the Hon Ministers programmed for Wednesday and shift their Business to Friday.

Thank you very well.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:27 a.m.
Let me start with the Hon Member for Pru East.
Dr Kwabena Donkor 11:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, two weeks ago, I put in an Urgent Question meant for the Hon Minister for the Interior on the high rate of armed robbery in the eastern corridor of the Bono East Region. Mr Speaker, I still find the Hon Minister for the Interior come to the House, and that Urgent Question has not been taken. I would be grateful if the Hon Leader of Government Business and the Table Office would add that Urgent Question to the Questions meant for the Hon Minister for the Interior.
Mr Mahama Ayariga 11:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I raised a question of bringing the Hon Minister for Food and Agriculture to address us on the crisis relating to access to subsidised fertiliser for farmers across the country. On that day, the Hon Deputy
Mr Mahama Ayariga 11:37 a.m.


MR AYARIGA] MR ABLAKWA]

Leader advised that we should rather put together an Urgent Question so that the Hon Minister, during the week, would be brought here to respond to those Questions and in the process, we would have the opportunity to understand what is causing the crisis. I did put in the Urgent Question but this week, we did not see the Minister here. And also, I noticed that the Question has not been advertised so that the Minister for Agriculture would come and address the issue of the crisis of access to fertiliser.

Secondly, I noticed that the Leader has also indicated that Motions that some Hon Colleagues and I filed which have been advertised several times, and ceased being advertised, he says that there are some discussions in relation to the Motion which calls for investigation of some matters relating to the security agencies. I see in this Business of the House that he says that there are ongoing discussions about them, and if those discussions are resolved, we would get back to those Motions. Can the Hon Majority Leader elucidate on that because I am a key proponent of that Motion and no discussion has been held with me. So, I do not know the nature of discussions and what the plan is?
Dr Zanetor Agyeman- Rawlings 11:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you very much.
About two days ago, two Questions were advertised that I was supposed to ask the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection which has subsequently not found expression in the Order Paper. And in the Business Statement, I have noticed that they are not there for next week either, and I was just wondering if perhaps, some light could be shed on that— one of them is with regard to the numbers of young children, mothers and persons with disability begging along our ceremonial streets. And the other one has to do with the Efua Sutherland Park.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa 11:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am most grateful.
I would like to thank the Hon Majority Leader for the presentation of the Business Statement. The first concern I have is under the item numbered 2(e) -- Motions and Resolutions. I observed that the Chairman of the Business Committee speaks to only one of the Motions that are pending before the House. That is the Motion relating to the security agencies' interference with Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. But there are two other Motions that have been admitted by
Mr Speaker and programmed earlier. The Motion relating to a bi-partisan probe on the Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited; the Airport Antigen Test.
Then, there is a second Motion on an investigation into recruitments into security agencies from 2017 to 2020. Someway, somehow, those two Motions, last week and this week, have not found expression in the Business Committee's Statement to the House. I would like to find out from the Chairman of the Business Committee the status of those two pending Motions since they are not finding expression in the Business Committee's Statement.
Mr Speaker, the second matter of concern is the continuous vacillation on our Sitting time. We either want to Sit at 10 a. m. or we want to Sit at 2 p. m. You are told to prepare to be Sitting at 2 p. m. and that is going to be the trend and then, again, it changes and we are told because of the nature of business for the ensuing week, we should revert to 10 a. m. It is making it very difficult for Hon Members to plan and schedule their activities. We do know that the work of a Member of Parliament is multi- tasking; it is not only what happens in the House but even Constituency engagements, meeting with other
bodies and all of that so we need to have some certainty about when we would want to Sit as a House. Is it 10 a. m. or 2 p. m.? But the constant vacillation is creating a great deal of inconvenience for a lot of Members of Parliament.
Mr Speaker, thirdly, I observed that on Thursday, we have a good number of Questions that have been programmed; at least nine Questions. And on the same day, the Hon Majority Leader informed us that we would take the Mid-Year Review.
Has this been factored in; are we sure that we can take the Mid-Year Review and still have all of these Questions responded to? They are not one or two or three but so many, so perhaps, as the Majority Leader is looking at some re-arrangements- Wednesday or Friday because of the Minister for Roads and Highways' Communication to the House, so probably, we may want to re-look at it if we could spread some of these Questions on the other days, because from experience, normally, when we have Mid-Year Review, the Statements are so long that after that, we are not able to do any other business. So, I do not know how the Hon Majority Leader intends that we combine all of these Questions with the Mid-Year Review.
Mr Anthony M. Sumah 11:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you very much.
Just to draw the attention of the Chairman of the Business Committee to a correction that may have to be made. Through the engagements yesterday, I think the Question numbered 143 which stood in the name of the Hon Member for Ho West had been re-scheduled for today but it still finds expression in the Business Statement for next week on page 6. I think that is a repetition that should be taken off.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:37 a.m.
Very well, Hon Majority Leader, you may respond to these issues first.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:47 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member who first intervened raised issues about an Urgent Question that he has asked of the Minister for the Interior. He says to us that it is outstanding.
Mr Speaker, unfortunately, last week I was not here, so I am unable to have a full grasp of the question but I would follow up with the Minister for the Interior to see if it is possible to have space for him next week? The Minister for the Interior is programmed to be with us next week, so I would follow up but I am not privy to that Urgent Question.
Mr Speaker, Hon Ayariga is also giving an indication that he also filed a Question for the Minister for Agriculture in respect of prices of fertilisers. He is saying that the Question is not programmed for next week. Again, the Hon Minister is programmed to be with us next week, so I would have a discussion with him to see the status of that Question. So, on his arrival, it could be part of the questions to be responded to.
Then, the other relates to a Motion on security matters and I said that we were having some discussions on it. The statement was to the effect that the Hon Member responsible for the
Motion had not been contacted. As the Speaker referred the matter to us, that is the level of leadership to have that discussion, I thought that maybe, you had been contacted. I have however had some preliminary discussions with the Hon Minority Leader. I must admit that we have not concluded, but I think that it is important that we carry it on board.
Also, those others who filed the other Motions, it is about the same effect. It just relates to when to begin the investigation and I think that if Parliament has to do it, it should be all embracing. We would however deal with it. We all appreciate the principle, so I would continue the discussion with the Hon Minority Leader and latest by Tuesday, we should conclude this and see how to go along with it.
Mr Speaker, if I heard her right, Hon Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings said that some Questions that she asked have not been responded to but have disappeared from the Order Paper. I am not too sure of the nature of those Questions but I would have a discussion with her to see how to bring them back to the front burner.
Hon Ablakwa raised some issues, one is to do with two Motions, with the first one in respect of the Frontier
Health Service. I think that it is still outstanding. I thought that the issues that he related to when the man appeared before the Committee came up in my view, were adequately and sufficiently responded to. If he however thinks that we should still investigate, so be it. We would continue the discussion with him, Rt Hon Speaker and the Hon Minority Leader, and then accordingly if it is worthy to be brought back, it would certainly be brought back.
Mr Speaker, then we have recruitment into the security services. Again, I guess it is of the same order that Hon Ayariga raised. I think that it is about the same thing and the response would be about the same. It just relates to when to begin. The common strands affect the two Motions, so we would deal with it and then see how best to capture it and move on with it as a House.
Mr Speaker, the other one has to do with the time of Sitting -- either 10 a. m. or 2 p. m. I think that we exempted Fridays to have Sittings begin at 10 a. m., just to accommodate our Muslim brothers and sisters. The other three days, that is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, we generally agreed to commence business at 2 p. m., except as I said, beginning next week, we would not commence business at 10 a. m., but

rather 11 a. m. This is because there is a tall order of agenda, especially with respect to Questions.

The House would soon adjourn sine die and Hon Members who have filed Questions would want to have those Questions responded to, so that at least, going back home, they would have something in hand to tell their constituents. So, it is for that reason primarily that we have decided to begin Sittings at 11 a. m. beginning next week. So, for the next two ensuing weeks, Sittings would begin at 11 a. m. and not 10 a. m. I explained that at the very outset.

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, again, we would begin at 11 a. m. for the Mid-Year Review and the Questions that have been slated. Question time lasts for one hour, so if we keep to time, we could deal with it in one hour before the commencement of the presentation of the Mid-Year Review and Supplementary Estimates by the Minister for Finance. It is our own time consciousness, so if we indicate to ourselves that we would meet at 11 a. m. and on that particular day, if you have filed a Question and you are not present, the Question would be skipped, so that at exactly 12 p. m. the Minister for Finance would come and do the presentation.

Mr Speaker, the Hon Member for Krowor said that she filed an Urgent Question and is pleading with the House to admit same. I have heard but it does not lie with the House to admit the Question but it lies with Mr Speaker. So, maybe, I would have to touch base with Mr Speaker to see the status of the Question.

I think that we have been reminded that Question 143 is slated to be responded to today. It has been captured in the Order Paper again. I want to believe that it was an oversight and I am thankful to the Hon Member for bringing this to our attention. We would effect the necessary amendments.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.
An Hon Member 11:47 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I filed a Question to the Minister for Finance, three weeks ago seeking an answer as to why Police Officers who went on voluntary retirement have not been put on monthly pension? I do not know if it is still in your office and has not been approved or it is the Business Committee that I have to look at.
I just want to draw your attention that during the vetting of the Minister for Finance, he expressed shock that they had not been put on pension. From 2017 to date, all Police Officers
who have gone on voluntary retirement have not been put on pension.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:47 a.m.
Hon Member, are you asking a question or you have a question pending?
An Hon Member 11:47 a.m.
Mr Speaker, let me drop it here. Thank you for the opportunity.
Mr Agbodza 11:57 a.m.
Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity and I thank the Hon Majority Leader for presenting the Business Statement for the ensuing week.
Mr Speaker, I can understand the Committee's determination to give us enough time to work in the next two weeks and that is why they brought the Sitting to 11 a. m. That is good but if only once again, we would turn up at 11 a. m., we would be able to maximise the time that we have.

May I make an appeal to the Hon Majority Leader -- he said that generally, we agreed to start Sitting at 2.00 p.m. but I do not remember taking part in any decision to start Sitting at 2.00 p.m. All I know is that the Rt Hon Speaker said we would start Sitting at 2.00 p.m. so, if he is able to bring the Sitting time to 11.00

a.m. I would want to appeal to him to reverse it to 10.00 a.m. permanently again. That would be the wish of many Hon Members in the House. Since it could be changed for the next two weeks to 11.00 a.m. when we finish with the two weeks, the Sitting time should be brought back to 10.00 a.m. so that we would not Sit at 2.00 p.m. The original 2.00 p.m. was not a decision I took part but it was a directive.

Mr Speaker, may I take it that when we start Sitting at 11.00 a.m. it would mean that it is an extended Sitting because normally that is what we say since we used to start at 2.00 p.m. and we would start at 11.00 a.m. it means we would Sit beyond the required Sitting hours.

Mr Speaker, I filed a Question with regard to the disbursement of GETFund to contractors. The activities of GETFund affects every Hon Member of Parliament in terms of what they do. The Question was previously scheduled but all of a sudden it disappeared. I would want to appeal to the Hon Majority Leader that as quickly as possible, if the Hon Minister for Education would be brought to the House to answer my Question in relation to which contractors have been paid since the House approved the US$1.5 billion for the clearing of the arrears. The Hon Minister has agreed to answer
Mr Agbodza 11:57 a.m.


the Question but it has not been scheduled.

Mr Speaker, lastly, I would want to encourage all of us to adhere to the time that the Hon Majority Leader has proposed. If Sitting would start at 11.00 a.m., we should start by that time so that we could all do some business for the next two weeks before we retire to our various constituencies.
Mr Vincent Oppong 11:57 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I filed three Questions about six weeks ago. One was on funding sources for the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani but I have not heard anything about that Question. There was another Question about the Sunyani Airport and still I have not heard anything about it. I would want to find out from the Hon Majority Leader, whether it is possible that if Questions are filed in Parliament and because of any reason it cannot be taken, we could be given feedbacks. Six weeks is quite a long time and I do not think it is fair.
Mr Speaker, secondly, the 2.00 p.m. Sitting has had effect on the health of some of us because we get home around 8.00 p.m. before we have our dinners and immediately after that we go to bed. We all need to consider our health, so I would want
to suggest that if we could Sit at 11.00 a.m. and close by 2.00 p.m. or 3.00 p.m. we could adjourn. I do not think it is right for us to be treated the way we are being treated.
Mr Rockson-Nelson E. K. Dafeamekpor 11:57 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Business Statement.
Mr Speaker, I have filed three Urgent Questions. I have made the point that we are masters of our own rules and therefore, there should be a procedure for an Hon Member to be notified if his or her Question or Urgent Question has been admitted. Some of the Urgent Questions are even very urgent - they are so critical and time bound and so when they are admitted and not answered at the appropriate time, they lose their relevance.
Mr Speaker, for instance, we woke up on Monday, to the news that insurance companies in the country have been given directives to raise their minimum capital or face closure by the end of the year. We have just enacted the new Insurance Act, which came into effect in January this year. I have filed an Urgent Question for the Hon Minister for Finance to come and explain the circumstances, while we have given COVID-19 relief to companies yet we have asked
insurance companies to raise their minimum capital or face closure by the end of the year. The Urgent Question has not been admitted and I pray that it would be done so that by next week it could be taken.
Mr Speaker, again, some Statements are time bound so when the time elapses and the Statements are admitted and one is asked to present them on the Floor, they lose their essence. So, I would want to plead with the Hon Majority Leader that since we are the masters of our own procedure, there should be space on the Business Statement to show that particular Statements have been admitted for the week so that Hon Members could prepare to present them.
Mr Albert A. Alalzuuga 11:57 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I filed a Question for the Hon Minister for Employment and Labour Relations to explain to me why about 21 National Builders Corps (NABCO) employees in the Garu Constituency have been declined payment since November 2020 even though they are still working. All efforts from the coordinators at the regional and constituency levels have proven futile - and this includes other constituencies in the region. I have monitored the Business Statement over a month and my Question has
still not been scheduled. I would be glad if the Hon Majority Leader could give me the reason.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:57 a.m.
Mr Speaker, today is Friday and it is already past 12 noon and we are still litigating issues arising from a very innocuous Business Statement.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member for Adaklu, Mr Agbodza, said that we should bring Sitting back to 10.00 a.m. and that he did not participate in any decision. What has this got to do with the Business Statement? However, I omitted to relate to the point he made about having extended Sittings. We would have extended Sittings and not double Sittings. The Hon Minority Chief Whip insists to call it “double Sitting''. We do not have “double Sittings'' in a day - we have “extended Sittings'' in a day. If we have “double Sittings'', we have to technically recognise that they are two different Sittings. We never have that in a day. The Hon Minority Chief Whip, should not introduce any matter that would have financial implications to this House.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member again said that he filed a Question in respect of contractors who have been paid since the House approved the US$1.5 billion. Admittedly, some of these Questions really, could be
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:07 p.m.


subject matters for Committees to probe into. Our Committees should be proactive and that could be much more impactful than to ask that which contractors have been paid.

Let us allow the Committees to work. I think it is going to yield greater dividends in some of these matters.

Having said so, if a Question has been asked already in respect of that, I guess I would have some consultations with them and see the status of it. If it has to be answered too in the House, it would be so done.

Mr Speaker, a colleague also says that he has filed three Questions six weeks ago and he wants to know the status. I would plead with the Hon Member that if he has filed Questions, usually, the better thing to do is to route it through their Whips and then they could probe to let him know the status of those Questions. If the Speaker has admitted the Questions, they would be able to tell him but on many occasions, Hon Members jump over the heads of the Whips and submit the Questions directly to the Speaker's Office and then come to this House to ask the status of those

Questions. I would not be able to tell you because the Rt Hon Speaker does not keep me updated about the number of Questions that have been submitted to him, so, unfortunately, I am not able to relate to that.

Mr Speaker, the same Hon Member then tells us that we should consider shortening the Sitting times because of health considerations. I agree with him; I do not know his age but the Hon Muntaka would advise him that we have a very well equipped gymnasium here. When we adjourn, he should please apply himself to the facility and I believe that it would do him a lot of good. But I am not really saying to him that we are not mindful of the times of Sittings. We need to be mindful of that so that we do not imperil ourselves.

Mr Speaker, the Hon Rockson Dafeamekpor is talking to us about obligations imposed on insurance companies in respect of the new legislation that this House has passed. Once we pass legislation in this House and it is assented to by the President, that becomes part of the laws of this country and citizens are obligated to comply with the laws. I do not know what he means by the time to be given to them - I am not too sure; if there is anything, it would relate to a transitional period which would be captured in the law. Beyond

that, I am not able to respond to any other obligations imposed by the law. Usually, when we pass any new law, we grant space for transitional arrangements. Beyond that period, I am not able to respond to any other business that he wants this House to be apprised of.

Mr Speaker, I believe the Hon Dafeamekpor. I entreat him to be with us at the Winnowing Committee. He has ceased to be part of it and let him not introduce any extraneous matters in this House outside the remit of the law.

Mr Speaker, I agree with the Hon Dafeamekpor when he says that perhaps Statements that are admitted by the Speaker should be made known to the Business Committee so that Hon Members would conduct some research and come to contribute meaningfully to the Statements.

Also, if they are known ahead of time, we could then inform relevant sector Ministers to prepare to come and respond to the Questions that relate to certain specific sectors. That is the way to grow Parliament. Unfortunately, on many occasions, leadership is kept in the dark; somebody comes to read the Statement and its impact is negligible.

It does not help the debate in this House. We have been talking to the various Speakers and not only the current Speaker - they would promise to relate to us and they do not. So, I do not know how we are going to cure that mischief.

Indeed, if we want to have meaningful, well-informed debate on any Statements or contributions to any Statement that is made in the House, the better approach is to let us know the Statement that has been admitted. But many of the Speakers, unfortunately, with respect, keep them under their armpit and little value is added when the Statements are read in the House.

Mr Speaker, I think the last one relates to a question that an Hon Member says he has filed with the Hon Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture which has not yet been responded to. The Hon Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture is slated to be in the House next week. Accordingly, if the Hon Member could relay to me the Question that is outstanding, perhaps, we can bring that on board so that when the Hon Minister comes he would respond to same.

I thank you very much.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:07 p.m.
Very well. The House has accordingly adopted the Business Statement for
ORAL ANSWERS TO 12:07 p.m.
QUESTIONS 12:07 p.m.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, 12:07 p.m.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND 12:07 p.m.
INNOVATION 12:07 p.m.
Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah (NDC - Ho West) 12:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, finally this Question would be asked today. I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation on measures the Ministry has put in place in and around Weija-Gbawe Earthquake Zones to prevent disaster and loss of lives and property.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Dr Kwaku Afriyie) 12:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, as you are aware, Weija-Gbawe is one of the areas in the country marked as prone to earthquake.
The subject of earthquake is an inter-sectoral one involving the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and MESTI. Although there are lead national institutions tasked with disaster prevention and management in Ghana such as NADMO, Geological Survey Authority, and the District Assemblies themselves, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation through its agencies, the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and the Environmental Protection Agency has also played very important part in ensuring that disaster and loss of lives and property are prevented at Weija -Gbawe. The Ministry's role comes to play on this subject through the LUSPA which is responsible for zoning and the EPA which is responsible for granting permits for developments.
Mr Speaker, as part of efforts to prevent disaster, loss of lives and property in 2015 and 2018, the EPA visited the Weija-Gbawe area to critically examine activities within the
area that poses threat to human lives and properties. Some observations included:
Illegal quarry activities along the sections of the Weija Ridge;
More importantly, sections of the ridge were being mined at an indented angle of 30o posing danger to the illegal miners and residents around the ridge;
Schools and churches were also located within the immediate area of influence on the impact of activities at the northern section of the ridge (Alpha Nare International School, Calvary Baptist Church among others); and
There were also buildings close to the cliff hence, in the event of any landslide, these structures will be destroyed, and lives lost.
Mr Speaker, from those observations, the EPA in consultation with the Ga South Municipal Assembly, the Geological Survey Department and the Minerals Commissions instituted the following measures/recommendations to ensure that human lives and properties are saved.
Halting of all illegal activities in the area and the miners evicted; stabilisation of the quarry by the operator; and
Survey Department to be engaged to stop processing of documents within the areas that are identified as dangerous for human habitation.
Mr Speaker, in addition to the above, the EPA is enjoined by the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 1999 (LI 1652) to carry out environmental impact assessment before granting permits for undertakings. The EPA will continue to apply these Regulations to any prospective developer who applies for permit to ensure the prevention of disaster, loss of lives and property.
Mr Speaker, it must be noted that the illegal mining activities in that area has stopped as I speak now. Unfortunately, there has been extensive build up in the area and some buildings are so close to the cliff that it has become a matter of worry. The EPA will continue to work with other relevant stakeholders to deal with this concern.
The EPA will continue to educate and sensitise the population on the dangers associated with earth quake zones.
Mr Bedzrah 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the third line of paragraph 5 says: ‘Unfortunately, there has been extensive build up in the area and some buildings are close to the cliff…'
I would like to find out from the Hon Minister as to who gave development permits for those buildings to be constructed in these areas?
Dr Afriyie 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, unfortunately, I did not understand the tail end of his question.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:17 p.m.
Hon Minister, he asked who gave development permits out for those who have constructed buildings around the Weija dam. Is that right?
Dr Afriyie 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, my information is that there were a plethora of actions and inactions which led to the build-up in that area and I need to go back to make a determination on it. This is because the permit system involves several sectors; the Local Assembly, the EPA
itself and then the Building Inspectorate Division of the Assembly. So, I really need to go back to do a search on this.
Mr Bedzrah 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, once again, I know that the Ministry is involved with some Ministries that is, the Inter-sectorial committee. I would like to find out from the Hon Minister if the Inter-sectorial committee has any plan to re-settle those who are there now to a different location?
Dr Afriyie 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, my information is that meetings have been going on to assess the risk posed and the actions to be taken. However, honestly, a closure has not come on that and so, we have not reached a conclusion to re-settle the people as of now.
Mr Bedzrah 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, again, from the Hon Minister's Answer, he stated that; one of the recommendations is to ensure that human lives and property are saved, hence halting all illegal activities in the area and the miners evicted.
Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether licence has been given to other people who are not illegal miners and are still mining there. This is because he says the measure is to halt illegal mining; but have those mining there been licensed to do so?
Dr Afriyie 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, that is why we are saying that the mining activities ongoing does not mean they have been given a blanket mining - that area is vast and the information I have is that those that pose immediate threat have been stopped.
Mr Speaker, we must appreciate that even before the years 2015 and 2018, these activities were ongoing. So, for those who have been assessed to pose no immediate threat, they are ongoing. If the Hon Member who asked the question thinks there are areas that in his evaluation, poses threat, he can approach my Ministry and we will dispatch the EPA to go and ascertain the specific areas. For now, the information I have is that those areas with ongoing mining activities do not pose any immediate danger.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:17 p.m.
Hon Members, our decision is that we will restrict follow-up questions to only the Member who asked the Question. There are 18 more Questions to be answered and we are not going to admit --
So, Hon Minister, thank you for attending upon the House to answer Questions. You are discharged.
Now, I will vary the Order and invite the Hon Minister for Trade and
Industry to take his seat. We will go to Question numbered 165 by the Hon Member for Bole/Bamboi.
Interest on Loans for 1D1F Beneficiary Companies
Mr Yusif Sulemana (Bole/ Bamboi) 12:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Trade and Industry how much had been expended on subsidising loan interest for the One District One Factory companies, and the list of beneficiaries with matching amounts in the last four years.
Mr Alan Kyerematen (Minister for Trade and Industry) 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, over the last four years, a total amount of GH¢260,961,056.42 has been disbursed as interest subsidy for 128 1D1F companies to support loan facilities which have been granted to the companies by Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).
Mr Speaker, the PFIs have approved loans totalling GH¢2.69 billion on the back of the interest subsidies of which GH¢1.66 billion have already been dispersed.

The PFIs involved in the transactions under reference include GCB Bank Limited, Prudential Bank
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would refer to the first sentence of the Hon Minister's Answer which states
that: “…a total amount of GH¢260,961,056.42 has been disbursed as interest subsidy …”

For instance, if someone takes an amount of GH¢100 million, then what the Ministry is telling us is that the interest rate would be 20 per cent, the Ministry would take care of 10 per cent and the participating financial institution would also take care of 10 per cent. Mr Speaker, the 10 per cent is what would give us this amount so I would want to find out how this money is disbursed to the participating financial institutions? I want to know whether it is done monthly, or how is it done?
Mr Kyerematen 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, respectfully, I would encourage the Hon Member to read the entire text of the Answer. The loans are extended to these companies by the PFIs and all what the interest subsidies are meant to achieve is to de-risk the loans.
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am not satisfied with the response by the Hon Minister. Perhaps, I did not put my question well.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister told us at the Committee level that Government is subsidising 10 per cent of the cost of the facility and the participating financial institutions would also take care of the remaining 10 per cent. So, I am asking how the Government pays its 10 per cent to the participating financial institution?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:27 p.m.
Hon Minister, how does the Government pay the banks?
Mr Kyerematen 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the money is disbursed directly to the PFIs through the GIFMIS system.
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would refer to the last sentence of the Hon Minister's Answer which states that:
“Mr Speaker, in the light of the above, the Ministry considers it inappropriate to provide the list of beneficiaries with matching amounts as requested by the Hon Member”.
Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister if these moneys that are being paid is the taxpayers' money or not? If yes, why should the participating financial institutions as well as the beneficiaries not be ready to disclose this very
important information to the taxpayers?
Mr Kyerematen 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in my advertised Answer, I made reference to the MoU that has been signed between the banks and the companies. There is a clear provision for preserving the confidentiality of the information. My understanding is that although the information the Hon Member requested for is available, it cannot be disclosed without the approval of the participating banks.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:27 p.m.
Hon Member, that was your third and last supplementary question.
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the second supplementary question was to seek for clarification.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:27 p.m.
Very well.
I would give you one more opportunity.
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister is saying that because of the clause in that agreement, he is unable to disclose to Ghanaians how much of their money has been spent in subsidising these companies. I want to know if that is the case.
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.


Member, that is exactly what he said. He said that the agreement says that it cannot be disclosed without the consent of the account holder. Even though Government is supporting them, it is still a private account.
Mr Y. Sulemana 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, Government is paying some amount of money with respect to this business so I am just asking for the 10 per cent component that the Government is paying. They should tell us that the companies that have benefitted or would benefit and the amounts they have received because these are moneys from taxpayers. So, I thought that once it is moneys from the taxpayers then the people of this country ought to know.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:27 p.m.
Hon Member, I think the answer is the same. If there is an opportunity to look at this then the Committee on Trade and Industry, which you are a member, have the best chance. So I would suggest that the Committee would deal with this and inform the House.
Hon Members, the decision is that because of the numbers, we would not admit follow-up questions outside who asked the Question. This is what we agreed on at pre-Sitting.
Alhaji Muntaka 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I agree except that on this particular Answer, it is problematic for the Hon Minister to say that the component that Government is using to support the companies cannot be disclosed because it is a private business. I do not think that part is private.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:27 p.m.
Hon Member, but he has given us the entire figures and in requesting --
Alhaji Muntaka 12:27 p.m.
But the details of which entities are the beneficiaries -- because it is the only way we can perform oversight. We cannot perform oversight with global figures. We have to receive the breakdown so that we can follow and perform oversight. [Interruption]
I am drawing the attention of Mr Speaker to the Answer that the Hon Minister has given. The Hon Minister may say that to give the Answer in an open gallery would be difficult so he may want to do so in a closed Sitting, but to say that it cannot be provided because the banks must give consent - I believe we have to look at this other than that we would not be able to perform oversight of this.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:27 p.m.
That is why I suggested that the Committee would deal with them to obtain that information. This is like announcing
the interest that is charged on a loan that I have taken from a bank in this open gallery. That may not be fair.
We would now proceed to Question numbered 225 which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem, Mr Samuel Atta-Mills.
Closure of Komenda Sugar Factory
Mr Samuel Atta-Mills (NDC -- Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/ Abirem) 12:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Trade and Industry why the Komenda Sugar Factory is still closed, and what has happened to the strategic investor the country was promised.
Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen) 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, as presented to Parliament during my Ministerial vetting in February this year, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, working in collaboration with its Transaction Advisor, Pricewater- houseCoopers Ghana Limited, is in the process of concluding the Conditions Precedent for the activation of the Concession Agreement with the selected Strategic
Investor, Park Agrotech Limited, to commence operations at the Komenda Sugar Factory.
As previously indicated, Park Agrotech Limited is an agro- processing company based in Ghana who together with its technical partner based in India, have significant expertise in the sugar cultivation and processing industry.
Mr Speaker, in my Ministerial vetting, I also referred to various incentives that Park Agrotech was requesting for as part of the proposed Concession Agreement. Working with the Transaction Advisors, the Ministry has painstakingly worked through these various requirements and requests and as part of these arrangements, Park Agrotech has applied for and has been granted 1D1F status by the Ministry. This will enable Park Agrotech to take advantage of the incentives and benefits as approved by Parliament for the 1D1F registered companies and therefore commence operation of the Komenda Sugar Factory expeditiously.
Mr Speaker, I have instructed the Transaction Advisor and Park Agrotech to ensure that the Conditions Precedent to the Concession Agreement and a Road Map for the opening of the factory is finalised by the end of August to enable
Mr Atta-Mills 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister was here on 4th April, 2019. He told us that the factory would be operational in 12 months. In November, 2019, he brought a strategic investor to Komenda and introduced him to the chiefs.
We are in July, 2021. When would this factory be opened as he hopes everything would be finalised in August, and that operational activities would commence before the end of the year?
The 12 months have come to pass and another promise has been made. Could he give us a definite date? This is because the potential 7,500 people who would have jobs in this factory are still waiting. Could he give us a date?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:37 p.m.
Hon Member, he gave you a date. If you could rearrange your question. He has already given you a date.
Mr Atta-Mills 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, let me rephrase it. In 2019, he gave us 12 months. That date has come and gone. That should have been April, 2020 for the factory to be operationalised. Now he tells us that
activities would commence in august. How sure is he? We need a specific date because the previous date is gone.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:37 p.m.
Yes, Hon Minister, your first date has elapsed. How sure are we that they would be operational on this date?
Mr Kyerematen 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am sure. [Laughter.]
Mr Speaker, for the avoidance of doubt, in my earlier presentation to this august House, I explained the chronology of the development of this transaction and indicated that when we sign an agreement, there are conditions precedent that are required to be fulfilled before the agreement could be enforced.
The strategic investor admittedly is interested in Government providing certain guarantees of incentives without which it would be difficult for the investor to fulfil the Conditions Precedent.
I appeared before this august House yesterday, and there was a debate about the extent to which these incentives and exemptions ought to be granted to the 1D1F companies automatically. I know that this subject is still to be debated. So I do not want to get into the substance of that debate.
However, be that as it may, we have agreed with the transaction advisor that they should complete the fulfilment of this Conditions Precedent.
Condition Precedent means that, as a party, if you are unable to fulfil part of the conditions, Government has the right to terminate the agreement. But be that as it may we are hoping that they would conclude and finalise the fulfilment of these conditions precedent by August, 2021. Once this is done, it paves the way for us to require the company to commence the activation of the factory before the end of the year.
Mr Atta-Mills 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in 2019 when the Minister was here, he said that Park Agrotech is willing to invest US$28 million for the first three years in capital expenditure and working capital including paying an annual concession fee of US$3.3 million. How much of this has this company paid, and is it part of the Conditions Precedent?
Mr Kyerematen 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would like to clarify for the benefit of the Hon Member that, based on the technical proposal submitted by the strategic investor during the valuation process, they have made the commitment to make that investment and to also pay that concession fee.
Until and unless the Conditions Precedent are fulfilled and the agreement becomes enforceable, on what basis do we require the strategic investor to make those payments?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:37 p.m.
Very well. Are you done?
Thank you, Hon Minister for --
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:37 p.m.
Hon Members, I was asking you whether you are done?
Very well.
Mr Atta-Mills 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if the Hon Minister is now telling us this. How sure is he that the company was going to pay the US$28 million? This was promised in 2019. If that company has not done that, and he is now telling us that he has instructed the transaction advisor to make sure that the agreement and roadmap for the opening of the factory is finalised by the end of August, how sure is he that this would be fulfilled by August, 2021 for this factory that has the potential to create 7,500 direct and indirect jobs to be operational by the end of this year?
Mr Kyerematen 12:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if the question is how sure, I am sure. [Laughter]
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 12:47 p.m.
HIGHWAYS 12:47 p.m.
Dr Hamza Adam (NDC -- Kumbungu) 12:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways why the road projects on the following roads in the Kumbungu Constituency have come to a standstill: (i) Kumbungu - Gbulung road (ii) Gbulung - Nyankpala road (iii) Bontanga - Dalum road.
Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Kwasi Amoako- Attah) 12:47 p.m.
(i) Kumbungu - Gbulung road
Background
The Kumbungu - Gbulung road forms part of the Kumbungu - Tolon trunk road, which is a regional road (R91). The road connects Kumbungu and Tolon through Gbulung, all in the Northern Region.
The Kumbungu - Gbulung section is 10kms long and gravel surface in fair condition.
Current Programme
The Kumbungu - Gbulung road is being upgraded to a bituminous surface under the contract titled “Upgrading of Kumbungu - Tolon Road (km 0 - 10)”.
The contract commenced on 31st March, 2020 and is scheduled for completion on 30th March, 2022.
Work executed to-date is as follows:
Roadside Clearing 100 per cent;
Earthworks (Up to formation) 50 per cent; and
Concrete Works (Culverts only) 20 per cent.
The progress of work is estimated at 30 per cent physical completion.
The Contractor vacated site for a while due to delayed payment for work done, but has now resumed work on site and is presently working on the construction of a 3-cell, 3x3 box culvert and earthworks.
(ii) Gbulung - Nyankpala road
Background
The Gbulung - Nyankpala road is 11.2kms and is located in the Tolon District of the Northern Region. It is a gravel road in poor condition.
Current Programme
Contract for the upgrading of the Gbulung - Nyankpala feeder road was awarded under the contract titled ‘Bitumen Surfacing of Nyankpala - Gbulung Feeder Road (11.2kms)'. The contract commenced on 3rd August, 2018 with an expected completion date of 2nd August, 2020.
The contractor has vacated site due to delayed payment for work done. A warning letter has been issued to him to resume work but he has since not responded. A final warning letter will be issued for the reactivation of the site by 2nd August, 2021 failure to which the contract will be terminated and re-packaged for award.
Work done to-date is detailed below:
Clearing -- 11.2kms;
Blading -- 11.2kms;
Culverts (various sizes) --29 Nos.; and
Concrete U-drain --3,842ms.
Progress of work is projected at 44.40 per cent physical completion.
Future Programme
The contractor's response to the warning to reactivate the site will be monitored, failure of which the contract would be terminated and re- package for award.
(iii) Bontanga - Dalum road
Background
The Bontanga - Dalum road forms part of Kumbungu - Dalum - Nawuni road, which is a Regional Road (R92). The Kumbungu - Dalum - Nawuni road is 17.1kms long and is made up of two (2) sections as below:
a) Kumbungu - Bontanga Junction road is 5.1kms long and is bituminous surfaced.
Dr H. Adam 12:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I appreciate the response of the Hon Minister. He indicated that the contractor on the Kumbungu- Gbulung road has resumed work and I can confirm that because when I was there recently, I saw the contractor at site. But I want to find out whether the contractor has now been paid. This is because if he indicated that the contractor left site as a result of non- payment and he is back, I want to be sure that the contractor would not leave site again. So in this situation, I want to find out whether the contractor has now been paid?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank my Hon Colleague for his honest admission of the Answer I gave that the contractor abandoned site but has come back.

As I honestly indicated in my Answer, the problem that faced all the contractors working on the road was delay in payment, but we have taken measures to send back all such

contractors to site and I would give you the name of the contractors working on those projects as the Hon Member have requested. Kumbungu-Tolon Road, the contractor is Naagamni Construction Limited; on the Gbulung-Nyankpala Feeder Road, the contractor is Baa- Ntima Limited; and the Bontanga- Dalum Road, the name of the contractor is Ucomm Construction Limited.

Hon Member, in case you are unable to put down the names, if you contact me, I will give you all the names. I would want to assure you that we are working hard. Once they return, they will complete the project.
Dr H. Adam 12:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the road from Gbulung to Nyankpala is a very terrible one; it is in a deplorable state. I must indicate that at the peak of the rainy season last year, the road was ceased, and we are getting indication that we would experience same this year.
Mr Speaker, I would want to know from the Minister as he alluded in the submission. What immediate measure would be taken to secure the road for the people on that road this year while we await the resumption of the contractor?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I indicated in my answer that the road is a gravel road and it is in poor condition; the 11.2 kms stretch. As part of our normal work at the road sector, wherever road or any particular stretch of any road is in poor condition, we cover them under our routine maintenance programme and we try to do that to cover all roads across the country as much as our resources and capacity can cover. So, until we work on the road, we would ensure that we cover the entire stretch under our routine maintenance programme at least to make the road motorable.
Dr H. Adam 12:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Minister has indicated that the contractor on the Bontanga-Dalum Road has done the base course, and it has again deteriorated. This is not the first time that the contractor has gotten to that level. Around 2016, the contractor got to that same stage. This time around towards the end of the 2020, the contractor did the base course again. If he goes to the site now, he would see that the road has deteriorated again as he has confirmed.
Mr Speaker, if he also looks at the duration that the contractor will use to finish the work, he would realise
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am doing everything possible for all contractors who abandoned site due to the delayed payment to go back. As I speak now, all those contractors under GoG are being paid now. The programme is running and it would be followed next week from the Road Fund. Within the next two or three weeks, all contractors would have received some payment. As they receive their payments, they go back. It includes the contractor who is working on that road. We will ensure that the problem that kept them out is resolved. They have to be paid and they have to be empowered to go back.
When they go back, I am hopeful that Government would do whatever it takes to keep them on site, so that they complete these projects. Going back is urgent in the phase of the ongoing rainy season. We would ensure that.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:57 p.m.
Yes, Hon Member for Yilo-Krobo?
Construction of some Roads in Yilo Krobo
Mr Albert Tetteh Nyakotey (NDC -- Yilo Krobo) 12:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when the following roads in the Yilo Krobo Constituency will be constructed: (i) Sikaben Junction - Agogo Township (ii) Huhunya - Boti road (iii) Sutapon - Opesika Area roads.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, starting with Sikaben Junction - Agogo Township.
Background
The Sikaben Junction - Agogo Township feeder road is 10.2kms long. It is located in the Yilo Krobo district of the Eastern Region. It is a bitumen surfaced road in poor condition.
Currently, there is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road. The future programme is that assessment of the road will be carried out by the end of the year 2021 for the necessary intervention. The execution of the works will be considered under the 2022 annual budget.
(ii) Huhunya - Boti road
Mr Speaker, this is a feeder road measuring 31.4kms. It is located in the Yilo Krobo district of the Eastern Region. It is a bitumen surfaced road in poor condition.
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road. The future programme is that, an assessment of the road will be carried out by the end of the year 2021 for the necessary intervention. The execution of the works will be considered under the 2022 annual budget.

(iii) Sutapon - Opesika area roads

Background

The Sutapon - Opesika area roads are made up of Nsutapon - Opesika (4.5 kms), Obawale - Perpertifi (12.4kms) and Nsutapon - Ahinkwa (8.25 kms) feeder roads totaling 25.15kms. They are located in the Yilo Krobo district of the Eastern Region. The roads are gravel surfaced in poor condition.

Current Programme

There is no upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the said roads.

Future Programme

Engineering design studies will be conducted by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021. The execution of the works will be considered under the 2022 annual budget.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:07 p.m.
Yes, Hon Member, do you have any follow up question?
Mr Nyakotey 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Huhunya-Boti Road is the road that leads to the Boti Falls, which is a key tourist destination and a source of livelihood for many in the area. The Sikaben-Obualey Road leads to the Agogo Market, which is a transit point for food supply to Ashiaman, Accra and Koforidua. Would the Hon Minister consider an award of a maintenance contract such as pothole patching works on the bitumen surfaced parts and grading of the gravel surface?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:07 p.m.
So, Hon Member, what was your question? I did not get the question, I only heard you make a statement. So, what question did you ask the Hon Minister?
Mr Nyakotey 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would repeat the question. Would the Hon Minister consider an award of a maintenance contract such as pothole
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes, all these roads are very important trunk roads - the Huhunya- Boti Road and the Sutapon-Opesika Roads. Therefore, I would want to assure the Hon Member that any road in bad condition, as I have already said, would come under our Annual Road Maintenance Programme, and it is aimed at ensuring smooth riding surface for the time being until a real programme is made for the roads. I have indicated that engineering works and studies would be done before the end of the year, and it would be captured under next year's budget, the year 2022. So, we would continue to do that.
Mr Nyakotey 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I appreciate the response from the Hon Minister, but I have a final question. There is a broken bridge on the Sikaben-Obualey Road, and it exposes a valley underneath. This broken bridge is a potential hazard. Therefore, would the Hon Minister consider a temporal fix for the bridge to avoid the loss of lives?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is almost automatic that if any road anywhere is being rehabilitated, the
scope of work would cover not only the road itself, but all the other interventions like side drains, bridges, box culverts and all that. They are all inclusive, but if for any reason there is any particular broken bridge, that would be isolated and treated as an emergency situation, but if that does not happen, then I want to assure the Hon Member that the rehabilitation of all the aforementioned roads automatically would go with the rebuilding of all bridges and all culverts.
Mr Nyakotey 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker --
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:07 p.m.
Hon Member, you have asked three supplementary questions, so, we would move on to the next question.
We would take the Question numbered 96, which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Builsa South, the Hon Dr Clement Apaak.
Completion of Roads in the Builsa South District of the
Upper East Region
Dr Clement A. Apaak (NDC - Builsa South) 1:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have noticed that I have two Questions that stand in my name, the Questions numbered 96 and 101. Therefore, I would wish to plead with you to allow me to ask them sequentially.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:07 p.m.
Hon Member, proceed with this one first.
Dr Apaak 1:07 p.m.
Very well, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when work on the following roads would be completed: (i) Fumbisi - Zamsa (ii) Kaadema - Naga (iii) Uwasi - Katagri phase 2 (iv) Uwasi - Katagri phase 3 (v) Gbedema - Kunkwak - Seniesi phase 1.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
i Fumbisi - Zamsa
Background
The Fumbisi-Zamsa (12.6 kms) road is a partly earth and partly gravel surface feeder road in poor condition. It is located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region.
Current Programme
A contract for the Spot Improvement of the above road was awarded under a programme to mitigate the effects of floods after the rainy season in the Upper East Region.
The works commenced on 27th March, 2019 and was expected to be completed on 27th September,
2020. The contractor, however abandoned site in April, 2021 after completing the following;
12.6kms Vegetation clearing;
12.6kms Formation;
15Nos 1/900mms pipe culverts;
1No. 1/1200mms pipe culverts and
8Nos 2/1200mms pipe culverts.
Two warning letters have been issued but the contractor is yet to respond by reactivating the site. The contractor's response is being monitored until the end of the third quarter of 2021 after which the necessary processes would be initiated to terminate the contract for non-performance and re-award. Progress of work is projected at 33 per cent physical completion.

Future Programme

In the event that the contractor reactivates the site by the end of September 2021, he is expected to complete the contract within six months. In the event where it is re- awarded, it is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Dr Apaak 1:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I do not intend to ask too many follow up questions, but just one or two. The Hon Minister in his Answer regarding the Fumbisi-Zamza road indicated that it is 12.6 kilometres. Mr Speaker, that is inaccurate. In fact, that road goes through Uwasi before it gets to Zamsa, and the entire stretch is 33.5 kilometres. The distance between Fumbisi and Uwasi alone is 16.7 kilometres, so, it cannot be the case that the Fumbisi-Zamsa road would be 12.6 kilometres. I would want to draw the attention of the Hon Minister to this.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister spoke about two warning letters to the contractor. He went on to list what the contractor has done. With all due respect, I have been there myself and I have inspected the road. The work so far done is atrocious, and cannot be classified as 33 per cent. The culverts and other fixtures were
dissolving at the onset of the first rains. Mr Speaker that is how bad it is.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:17 p.m.
Kindly ask your question.
Dr Apaak 1:17 p.m.
I would want to find out from the Hon Minister what it would take to get the contractor back to site to complete the contract that he has been awarded?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:17 p.m.
Hon Minister, what would bring the contractor back to site?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague has disputed the length of the road. This is the technical information available to me, so, I do not know how he managed to take the length of the road. However, I will take what he has said, and compare it with the information we have. As of the moment, I can rely on the information I have here.

I have also indicated the actions to be taken to get the contractor, and for that matter, all the contractors working on the various sections of the road went back to work.

I have given an indication of when they started and what they have done. So we are taking steps to make sure

that once they are still in possession of the contracts, they either go back to complete the work, failure of which we would do the needful by terminating the contracts and re- awarding them.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Dr Apaak 1:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I appreciate the Hon Minister's response. And I also appreciate the fact that he is willing to crosscheck; it is my constituency, much more like his own and I know what I am talking about. I have traversed this road several times and I know the distances.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister speaks about waiting to get a response from the contractor, and he indicates that two warning letters have been issued. The import of my earlier question was to get a timeline because we cannot just leave it to the wishes and caprices of the contractor when the people are suffering. That cannot be the best way to go. I would like to find out from the Hon Minister whether he is going to give or he has given the contractor a timeline to return to site or expect the consequences that he has prescribed in his Answer?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:27 a.m.
Hon Member, the Hon Minister has given an answer. You have worked at the Ministry before; there is a procedure that they would follow. So, if you have another question please ask, otherwise, I would ask you to ask your other Question.
Dr Apaak 1:27 a.m.
Very well, I would rest my case on this Question.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:27 a.m.
In that case, please, go to the Question numbered 101.
Dr Apaak 1:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I appreciate your magnanimity.
Completion of Gbedema, Kanjarga Roads, et cetera
Dr Clement Abass Apaak (NDC -- Builsa South) 1:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when work on the following roads will be completed: (i) Gbedema - Kanjarga - Fumbisi (ii) Gbedema - Kunkwak - Saniesi phase 3 (iii) Kanjarga - Musidem - Kalasa (iv) Kanjarga - Nyandema (v) Kanjarga - Doninga.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:27 a.m.
Yes, Hon Minister?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:27 a.m.
Hon Minister, can you resume your seat? We will resume in five minutes.
-- [Pause] --
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:27 a.m.
Hon Minister, you may continue.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I would begin with the Gbedema - Kanjarga - Fumbisi road.
Gbedema - Kanjarga - Fumbisi
Background
The Gbedema - Kanjarga - Fumbisi road is a 17.0kms feeder road located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region. It is a gravel road in poor condition. The road was awarded on contract for rehabilitation in 2015 but was terminated for non-performance of the contractor.
Current Programme
Following the termination of the contract, a stop gap intervention including clearing and shaping of the
road to maintain accessibility was awarded in late 2020. Only 40 per cent of the intervention has been achieved.
Future Programme
The entire road has been prepared for upgrading for which the procurement of works is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2021.
(ii) Gbedema - Kunkwak - Saniesi Ph. III
Gbedema - Kunkwak - Saniesi Ph. III (Km 7.0 - 11.7) is one of the Minor Spot Improvement contracts on the above road which is located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region.
Current Programme
This contract was awarded concurrently with phases I & II under the Minor Spot Improvement programme in 2020. The works commenced on 31st August, 2020 and is expected to be completed on 15th October, 2021. Work executed to date include:
3.39Kms of vegetation clearing.
1No 900mm diameter pipe culvert.
3Nos 3/900mms diameter pipe culverts.
1No. 1200mms diameter pipe culverts.
3Nos 3/1200mms diameter pipe culverts.
Progress of work is projected at 65 per cent physical completion. The work is expected to be completed by the end of October, 2021.
(iii) Kanjarga - Musidem - Kalasa
Background
The Kanjarga - Musidem - Kalasa (8.8kms) feeder road is a gravel road located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region. It is a road in poor condition.
Current Programme
The contract for the rehabilitation of the road was awarded on 7th October, 2016, and commenced on 13th November, 2016. The works were expected to be completed on 12 th November, 2017 but was extended to 30th September, 2021.
The contractors are re-organising to continue the work after extension
of time has been granted to enable them complete the works.
Work done to date include:
8.8Kms of vegetation clearing;
8.8Kms of road formation;
13Nos of 1200mms pipe culverts;
1No. of 3/1800mms pipe culverts;
Progress of work is projected at 52 per cent physical completion.
(iv) Kanjarga-Nyandema (6.6kms)
Background
The Kanjarga - Nyandema (6.6kms) road is an engineered feeder road located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region. The road is partly gravel and partly earth and is in poor condition.
Current Programme
There is no major upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road.
Future Programme
The engineering design studies and estimates have been carried out and would be considered under the 2022 Budget.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:27 a.m.


(v) Kanjarga-Doninga

Background

The Kanjarga-Doninga (13km) feeder road is an engineered feeder road located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East region. The road is partly gravel and partly earth and is in poor condition.

Current Programme

There is no major upgrading or rehabilitation programme on the road.

Future Programme

The engineering design studies and estimates have been carried out and would be considered under the 2022 budget.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Dr Apaak 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I noticed that under the Gbedema - Kanjarga - Fumbisi Road, the Hon Minister indicates that 65 per cent physical completion and that work would be completed at the end of October 2021. Given that almost every road in Builsa South is in poor condition as per the responses given, could the Hon Minister assure this House that
the timelines given as exemplified by the October 2021 date would be met by the various contractors?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I want to assure my Hon Colleague that we shall keep a close eye on all these roads. I must admit honestly that these roads are not in good condition, so we have to give them special attention. That would be done from my Ministry and I invite him for both of us to work together to make sure that it is done for the benefit of the people.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:37 a.m.
Very well.
I would move on to Question numbered 97, standing in the name of the Hon Member for Gomoa East, Mr Desmond De-Graft Paitoo.
Delayed Construction of Millennium City to Pentecost Road
Mr Desmond De-Graft Paitoo (NDC - Gomoa East) 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what has caused the delay in the construction of the road from Millennium City to Pentecost, in the Gomoa East Constituency, and when work is expected to resume.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
Background
Millennium City is a rapidly developing community located in Kasoa in the Gomoa East Constituency of the Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region.
Current Programmes
The Department of Urban Roads (DUR) has an ongoing contract titled ‘Rehabilitation of Millennium City Junction - Pentecost Retreat Centre Road (7.2kms)' in the area. The road, when completed, shall provide access to communities along the project corridor such as Yesu Krom, Millennium City Estate, Winger and Adade.
The project commenced in October 2016. There was a variation to the contract which was approved in November 2017, and the project completion period was also extended to April 2018.
Progress of works is at 71 per cent physical completion. The works have stalled due to delay in payment for work done.
Works done to date;
9900ms of 600mms Concrete U-drain;
2050ms of 900mms Concrete U-drain;
1No. 900mms diameter Pipe Culvert;
2No. 1200mms diameter Pipe Culvert;
1No. double 1200mms diameter Pipe Culvert;
1No. double 1500mms diameter Pipe Culvert;
1No. double 1800mms diameter Pipe Culvert;
2No. 3m x 2m double cell Box Culvert;
Earthworks (100%), sub-base (100%), 2.8kms primer seal and 1.5kms 1st seal.
Future Programmes
Efforts are being made to get the contractor remobilise to site by the first week of August 2021, to complete the outstanding works within eight months.
Mr Paitoo 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, from the Hon Minister's Answer, I would like to know the name of the contractor working on the site. It is clear that the contractor is not on the site. If the Hon
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:37 a.m.
Hon Minister, which contractor is there, has he vacated the site and for how long? Hon Member, that would be your three follow-up questions together.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the name of the contractor is New Case Properties and Investment Limited. I have to explain that work has not been going on for some time now but I cannot say technically, that the contractor has left site. The contractor is on site and in possession of site. Once in a while, you would see him doing minor works, but I admit that he has not been as active as you would expect.
From my Answer, you can see that substantial work has been done and the delay is partly attributed to delay in payment which is being sorted out. That is why I have given the assurance in my Answer that the contractor would be back to site within the first week in August. We would make sure that he stays on site and it would take the contractor a maximum of eight months to finish the entire 7.2 kilometre stretch of road.
Thank you.
Mr Paittoo 1:37 a.m.
Mr Speaker, according to the Hon Minister, by 1st August, 2021, efforts are being put in place for the contractor to go to site to complete the work in eight months. I would like to know from the Hon Minister, what pragmatic steps he has made to assure the House that the contractor would receive payment to go back to site by 1st August, 2021 which is next week Sunday? What measures has he put in place to ensure that the contractor would receive payment and go to site by the date he has quoted?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am very confident of what I am saying and if by that time, the contractor is not on site, it would be a big surprise to me.

This is because every step has been made. A short while ago in an answer to one of our Hon Colleagues, I indicated that from the Ministry of Finance, the GoG payments which is payment to all contractors with interim payment certificate is in currency and it would be followed by road fund payment if the Board is inaugurated next week. Payments are on-going and the company undertaking the work, which is NewCase Investment, is part of the list which has been scheduled for payment. I am

confident and I know what I am talking about and it would come to pass.
Mr Paitoo 1:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I want to thank the Hon Minister for his answer. However, the contractor started the work in 2016 and the variation was done in 2017 but the completion of the contract was extended to April 2018 then to 2019, 2020 and 2021. So, based on these analyses, I would want to be sure whether what the Hon Minister said, that the contractor would go to site and complete the work in eight months --
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:47 p.m.
Hon Member, he has given that answer so if you have another supplementary question you could ask him otherwise, you are done.
Hon Members, Question 98, which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Kintampo North, Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah.
Completion of Roads
(Kintampo Municipal Township et cetera)
Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah (NDC -- Kintampo North) 1:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for
Roads and Highways when the following roads, which were awarded on contract in 2015/2016, would be completed: (i) Kintampo Municipal Township (ii) Sronase - Busuama (iii) Ntankuro - Kunsu.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
(i) Kintampo Municipal Township
Background
Kintampo is the capital of the Kintampo North Municipality of the Bono East Region within the middle belt of Ghana. It is a popular tourist zone because of the Kintampo Waterfalls and other attractions.
Current Programmes
The Department of Urban Roads (DUR) has three ongoing projects in the area titled: (1) ‘Rehabilitation of Selected Roads in Kintampo (3.75kms)', (2) ‘Rehabilitation of Selected Roads in Kintampo Municipality (10.0kms)' and (3) ‘Rehabilitation of Nkoranza and Kintampo Town Roads (12.0kms) - Lot 1'.
1. Rehabilitation of Selected Roads in Kintampo (3.75kms)
The project commenced in February 2017 for completion in February 2018. However, to date,
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:47 p.m.
Hon Minister, kindly hold on.
Hon Members, having regard to the state of the business of the House, I direct that the House Sits outside the regular Sitting hours.
Hon Minister, please, continue.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Future Programme
The project will be terminated and re-awarded by end of year, 2021.
(iii) Ntankro - Kunsu

Background

The Ntankro - Kunsu feeder road is 24.1kms long and located in the Kintampo North Municipality of the Bono East region. It is an engineered road with poor surface condition.

Current Programme

There is no rehabilitation programme on the road.

Future Programme

Engineering design studies and estimates have been carried out and the procurement of the works will be considered under the 2022 budget.
Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah 1:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would like to know from the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways if any certificates were raised for payment of work done by those contractors.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:57 p.m.
Yes, Hon Minister, do you have that information? This is because that was not directly the Question you were asked of, but if you have the information, share it.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes, as work progresses, Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) are raised and as they are raised some are paid and I know that the contractor working on the Kintampo Municipal Township Roads - and if he cares to know the name of the contractor, he is Universal Construction and Engineering Ltd - There were a number of certificates raised totalling GH¢1,389,960.00 and the contractor working on the selected roads in Kintampo - if he also cares to know, the name of the contractor is Resource Assets - and he has raised up to date certificates 1 and 2 totalling GH¢3.24 million.
The name of the contractor working on the Suronuase to Ntraban road is Kiluu AA Ghana Ltd. It has also cumulatively raised certificates up to about GH¢4.4 million.
So, yes, all these three contractors have raised certificates and I know that from time to time when certificates are raised, they are paid. For instance, the Contractor, Resource Assets, working on the Kintampo roads is a very good contractor and I am confident - it is within my knowledge that he has been paid some amounts in the past.
I thank you.
Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah 1:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, let me commend the Minister for Roads and Highways for giving me the facts about the contractors working on the road. I need to commend him for that.
What I would ask as a second supplementary question is that with Universal Construction Limited, I would like the Minister for Roads and Highways to try and find out, if even not here, if really they have been paid with the certificates they have raised? So, is the Suronuase to Ntraban road;
if they are also paid because if they are not paid and we are terminating their contracts, then we may not be fair to them as a nation? Those to be terminated, if at all, when are they going to be re-awarded?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, re-awarding naturally follows immediately after the termination of a contract. There is an existing ongoing contract. So, it stands to reason that once it is terminated, it must be given to a more competent contractor.
Mr Speaker, with your permission, if I could put something on record? I know that particularly we the Members of Parliament, and I am one of you and I know the effect on us when contracts are awarded and delayed and the contractors leave site. The pressure that all of us come under from our constituents, has never been lost on me. I would want to assure him that currently, my Ministry is reviewing all such contracts.
A lot of people come for jobs; they qualify. We give it to them only to realise that they do not have the capacity to execute the contract even though they may have all the necessary
and relevant documents but we all know that road construction is not a joke. One must come in prepared and quite resourceful.
I am putting this on record because it would come up and respectfully, I would need the support of all of you because at the end of the exercise which is ongoing all such delayed projects that cannot be attributed to the fault of the employer or Government, would be terminated en masse to ensure that we deal with only potential contractors who have the capacity and who are resourceful.
Very soon, there would be a lot of hue and cry in this country and people would come up and say that we have terminated their contracts. I think my Ministry and my good self would have the capacity to deal with it if that matter comes up. All of us here are the sufferers and I would need your support so that all these questions and answers and delays would end.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah 1:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, my last supplementary question.
Still finding out from the Minister for Roads and Highways but before
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Hon Member, go and discuss this with the Minister at his office.
I would move on to the Question numbered 99 in the name of the Member for North Dayi, Ms Joycelyn Tetteh.
Hon Member for North Dayi - Ms Joycelyn Tetteh?
Very well.
The Hon Member is not here and so, I will go to the Question numbered 100 standing in the name of the Member for Upper Manya Krobo - Mr Bismark Tetteh Nyarko.
When Contractors will return to Site and Timeline for Road Completion
Mr Bismark Tetteh Nyarko (NDC -- Upper Manya Krobo) 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when contractors working on the following roads will return to site, and the timelines for the completion of the roads: (i) Akatawiah-Sekesua- Sumueh Junction (ii) Korlewa- Anyaboni-Asesewa road.
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Akatawiah-Sekesua -Sumueh Junction road forms part of the Akatawiah -Terwanya (21.0kms) feeder road. It is a gravel road with fair surface condition and located in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region.
Currently, contract for the Bitumen Surfacing of Akatawiah - Terwanya feeder road (21.0 kms) was awarded on 31st May, 2018. Works commenced on 28 th September, 2018 and was expected to be completed on 27th January, 2020. The contractor has vacated site due to delay in payment for works done. Progress of work is projected at 35 per cent physical completion.
The Future Programme is that the continuation of the works is dependent on the employer's ability to honour payment for work done.
(ii)Korlewia -Anyaboni -Asesewa road.
The Korlewia -Anyaboni - Asesewa road forms part of the Mensa Dawa -Apimsu -Asesewa (24.0kms) feeder road. It is a gravel road with fair surface condition and located in the Upper Manya KroboDistrict of the Eastern Region.
Currently, contract for the Bitumen Surfacing of Mensa Dawa -Apimsu -Asesewa feeder road (24.0Kms) was awarded on 31st May, 2018. Works commenced on 26th July, 2018 and was expected to be completed on 24th September,
2020. The contractor vacated site due to delay in payment for work done. Progress of work is projected at 45 per cent physical completion.
The continuation of the works is dependent on the employer's ability to honour payment for work done.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Yes, Hon Member, any follow-up questions?
Mr B. T. Nyarko 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, could the Hon Minister tell us who the employer for the two contractors are as well as their sources for financing such projects?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Hon Member, do you mean the employer?
Mr B. T. Nyarko 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Hon Member, if you did not know the employer, why are you bringing the Hon Minister here? The employer is the Ministry and that is why the Minister is here but kindly ask another or re-frame your question.
Mr B. T. Nyarko 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I asked that question because it is being circulated in the District that one of the projects is being financed by GHACEM. Another is that it is being
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Hon Minister, is any of the roads discussed financed by GHACEM?
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, that information is not available to me. I will cross-check but to the best of my knowledge, all these projects are government projects. Of course, every project is a government project and if any is being funded by any funds or organisation, we have roads being financed by COCOBOD but they are not COCOBOD roads. They continue to be Government of Ghana (GoG) roads; we have some roads being funded by mining companies but they still belong to Government of Ghana because all roads are public roads. I will check whether GHACEM is funding these roads but for now information is not available to me.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Hon Member, do you have any follow-up questions?
Mr B. T. Nyarko 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, my second question is to find out when government could pay the contractors so that they can continue the work?
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, payment to contractors from the Consolidated Fund is in currency and I have already indicated today that following the planned inauguration of the Road Fund next week, payments from the Fund will also commence.
So, any contractor that has done any work either under GoG or Road Fund; (these are the two main sources of funding of government projects) is likely to be paid part of the outstanding bills from now going into the next few months.
Mr B. T. Nyarko 2:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, these roads we are talking about, prior to awarding the contracts, were bitumen surface roads with potholes. As we speak, the projected percentage of physical work completed has been reversed to even zero. The work done by the contractors that are yet to be paid have been washed away by the rains.
Mr Speaker, my humble request to the Hon Minister is that these two roads all lead to the Asesewa and Sekesua markets. If he could find a short-term solution for us, at least, one
or two graders to re-shape the road while we wait for the contractor to return to site.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:07 p.m.
Hon Minister, do you have any plan to provide remedial measures while they wait for the contractor?
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker, naturally, these roads will come under our regular and ongoing routine maintenance programme.

Fortunately for my Hon Colleague, I know these particular roads within the Hon Member's Constituency. Mr Speaker, I have personal knowledge of these roads so I would invite the Hon Member that we should work together to make the roads motorable because everyone knows the importance of the Asesewa market. We have to do proper engineering and proper work on these two roads.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:17 p.m.
Very well.
We would now move to Question numbered 102 standing in the name of the Hon Member for Saboba, Mr Joseph N. Bukari.
Construction of some Abandoned Roads in Saboba
Constituency
Mr Joseph Nikpe Bukari (NDC - Saboba) asked the Minister for Roads and Highways the measures being put in place to resume construction works on the following roads, which were abandoned since 2017: (i) Saboba - Yendi (ii) Saboba - Chereponi (iii) Ugando - Wapuli - Sunsun.
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:17 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
YENDI - SABOBA - 2:17 p.m.
CHEREPONI ROAD 2:17 p.m.
Mr Bukari 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister in his Answer indicated that the contractor on the Yendi-Saboba road suspended works on March, 2018. Mr Speaker, from 2017 to date, the Contractors raised their interim permit certificates which have not been honoured till date.

I am asking, if he is so desirous of the continuation and completion of the roads, why then the failure to honour the certificate that would actually get the Contractor get back to site and complete these roads?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
Yes, Hon Minister, why are you not paying them to return to work?
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I do not have that vital information with me here for certificate raised and payments done. So I cannot say that no payment has been effected at all. While there might be some outstanding payment, I would have to crosscheck the number of IPCs paid, how many have been honoured and what is outstanding.
Obviously, some amount would be outstanding because I indicated in my Answer that the delay in executing the work and even the fact that they have abandoned site was due to delay in payment. So that is not in contention, but for the fact that nothing has been paid at all, since I do not have the information here, I cannot either admit or deny that, but I would crosscheck.
Mr Bukari 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister admits that the delay was due to non-payment of the IPCs, but my issue is that we are in the rainy season in the North, and very soon, Saboba would be cut off from the rest of the country due to poor road network in our district.
I would want the Hon Minister to tell me what emergency measures he would put in place so that this would continue to be part of Ghana and not cut off from the rest of the country?
Mr Amoako-Attah 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I can only assure my colleague and good friend, the Hon Member, that it is not in the interest of anybody and for that matter not in the interest of Government to see any part of our country cut off.
We shall continue to work closely together. It is not only in his Constituency involving Saboba and
Chereponi, respectfully, but in any part of Ghana, Government would not wish that any part is cut off. Should that even happen, we would not wait for it, but I can assure you that wherever it happens, that problem would be dealt with under emergency.
We would continue to keep watch on all roads and continue to carry out routine maintenance. We know all such trouble spots. We have them in our database and so would keep close eye and make sure the Hon Member's constituency is not cut off.
Mr Bukari 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is true that the Hon Minister is my good friend, but on this occasion, I would want him to let our friendship reflect in my roads so that the friendship would be consolidated the more.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
Hon Minister, thank you for attending upon the House to answer Questions.
Mr James K. Avedzi 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member for North Dayi has communicated to the Hon Member for South Dayi to ask Question numbered 99 on her behalf.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
Sorry, she lost it. We have too many Questions already.
Mr Avedzi 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is just a short Question, which would take two minutes.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
I know. The Business Committee would reschedule it. But today, we still have two ministers to --
Mr Avedzi 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is better we spend two minutes to do this than for the Hon Minister to come again.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
The Hon Minister would come here every week, anyway. Already, I am enduring so much pain. I would want us to move on.
Hon Minister, thank you. You are discharged.
Mr Alexander K. Afenyo- Markin 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, before the application was made, Leadership conferred and we agreed to humbly appeal to Mr Speaker to grant this special leave for Question numbered
99.
Mr Speaker, I am adding my voice to the application by Hon Avedzi, and we are not challenging your ruling.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
Early on in the day, at the Leadership meeting, only the Deputy Whip was available and I complained about the
Mr Afenyo-Markin 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we cannot challenge you but only pleading that it is just this one. It is just a plea from both Sides. We are in your hands. Mr Speaker, may you live long.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
Then both Sides can get out, go and come back. Mr Speaker does not have that privilege of going back and forth.
Mr Afenyo-Markin 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, you would have a long life. Mr Speaker may you have a long life. [Laughter]
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
If you insist, I would suspend Sitting for one hour, stretch and come back.
Mr Afenyo-Markin 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister is ready to close it. Thank you Mr Speaker, have a long life.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:27 p.m.
I have not agreed. I am saying that the gentleman has not been sympathetic
towards the Speaker. If we insist, I would suspend Sitting for one hour, then we would all come back and resume proceedings.
I am enduring such back pain. There are two other ministers waiting to answer Questions. However, very well, ask your Question.
Completion of Botoku - Tsorxo roads and Wadamaxe - Aveti
Roads
Mr Rockson-Nelson E. K. Dafeamekpor on behalf of (Ms Joycelyn Tetteh) (NDC - North Dayi)): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when works on the following roads would be completed: (i) Botoku - Tsorxo roads (ii) Wadamaxe - Aveti.
Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Kwasi Amoako- Attah) (MP) 2:27 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
(i) Botoku - Tsorxo
Background
The Botoku - Tsorxo road forms part of the Vakpo - Tsrukpe - Botoku Feeder Road (23.6kms) and located in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region. The first section which starts from Vakpo to Botoku (10.6kms) is tarred and in fair
condition. The second section from Botoku through Tsorxo to the bank of the Dayi River (8.0kms) is gravel surface in fair condition.
Current Programme
Contract for the Bitumen Surfacing of Vakpo - Tsrukpe - Botoku Ph. III (Km:11.6-19.6) commenced on 18th November, 2016 and was expected to be completed on 18th November, 2017. The expected completion period was extended to 28th August, 2021. Works done to date include:
8kms clearing and formation;
25,026m3 of Cutting to formation;
4,070ms of 600mms concrete U- drains;
3.5kms of sub base.
Progress of work to date is projected at 36 per cent physical completion. The contractor has suspended work due to delay in payment.
(ii) Wadamaxe - Aveti
Background
The Wadamaxe - Aveti feeder road is 8.6kms long and is located in the North Dayi District of the Volta
Region. It is a gravel road in fair condition.
Current Programme
Contract for the upgrading of the Wadamaxe - Aveti feeder road was awarded in 2016 under the cocoa roads programme. The works commenced on 10th January, 2017 and was scheduled for completion by 10th January, 2018. COCOBOD instructed the suspension and re- scoping of the works up to the sub- base level and this has been completed.
Mr Dafeamekpor 2:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:37 p.m.
Hon Minister, I think I can now discharge you.
Thank you for attending upon the House to answer Questions.
There are five more Questions.
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:37 p.m.
Yes, Hon Deputy Majority Leader?
Mr Afenyo-Markin 2:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I may have to thank you
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:37 p.m.
Minority Leadership?
Mr A. Ibrahim 2:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we have no objection to the variation of the order of business.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:37 p.m.
Very well, Addendum Order Paper, Motion.
MOTIONS 2:37 p.m.
ECOWAS, 2:37 p.m.
Mr Musah A. Ayaba (NPP -- Mion) 2:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion moved by the Leader of the ECOWAS Delegation.
As clearly stated in our Report, a lot of issues were discussed in Abuja from May to June and a lot of Resolutions were adopted and I would like to request the House to approve this Report submitted by the Leader of the Delegation.
Mr Speaker, with your permission, I would like to refer to my notes. Some of the regulations and issues
Mr Musah A. Ayaba (NPP -- Mion) 2:37 p.m.


that were resolved were to strengthen monitoring and financial corporations in the ECOWAS community.

Second, regulation of ECOWAS hydro-met initiative. This has to do with disaster risk management and climate adaptation.

Third, regulation on gender strategy and action plan for disaster risk reduction. This has to do with how women, children and persons with disabilities would be supported in case there is a disaster.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker to take the Chair.
Mr Ayaba 2:47 p.m.
Another regulation is on regional flood risk management strategy. There were a number of regulations that were discussed and approved. But I made a personal observation and I would like to put it before the House. From the various country reports, I was not particularly impressed with the attitude of member States with regard to the payment of the ECOWAS levies. This is because if we look at the ECOWAS as a community, we are so much dependent on these particular levies to run the activities of the ECOWAS community. So if it happens that member States are not paying much attention to the payment of this levy, it means a lot and this can affect the
activities of the community. So with this House, I would like to appeal that some measures are taken to ensure that member States pay more attention to the payment of this levy and the introduction of payment of interest in case a member State is not paying so that member states would be in a hurry to pay their levies.
Mr Speaker, with regard to the security situation, I think we need to pay much attention to Mali, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

The security situations in these neighbouring countries is not good, and Ghana must take keen interest in this situation so that it will not escalate to our borders.

Mr Speaker, with this, I second the Motion.
MR SPEAKER
Mr Speaker 2:48 p.m.
Yes, Hon Dafeamekpor?
Mr Rockson-Nelson E. K. Dafeamekpor (NDC -- South Dayi) 2:48 p.m.
Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to add few words in support of the Motion ably moved by
the indefatigable Deputy Majority Leader and Leader of the Delegation.
Mr Speaker, it is very instructive going through the Report to discover that indeed, our respective Member representations to the ECOWAS Parliament is to be elected through universal adult suffrage. With your permission, I beg to refer the House to page 6 of the Report, particularly, paragraph 4, sub-paragraph 5. The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament made reference to that and urged the ECOWAS Community to take concrete steps to ensure that future representations are through universal adult suffrage to further anchor our democratic credentials.
Mr Speaker, indeed, this point also finds favour with the speech delivered by the President of the Republic of Ghana, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr Speaker, it reads at page 12 of the Report as follows 2:48 p.m.
“President made reference to paragraph 1 of Article 18 of the Supplementary Act relating to the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, which stipulates that represen- tatives shall be elected by direct
universal suffrage by the citizens of Member States. He averred that elections that elections by direct universal suffrage will give through legitimacy to the institution and foster the requirement of accountability to citizens of the region.”
Mr Speaker, this is a very important requirement that as a country, we must take steps to give effect to.
Mr Speaker, another matter that the President, the Chairman of ECOWAS touched on in this address to the ECOWAS Assembly is the fact that the continuous closure of our borders will, indeed, frustrate the spirit of integration as a sub-region. With your permission, I beg to quote:
“The President expressed concern about the closure of borders within the Community, and indicated that every effort must be made to keep the borders opened at all times to advance the integration objective. It is understandable that member-states have concerns relating to the spread of the deadly virus, illegal movement of arms, ammunitions and drugs, and uncontrolled transhumance incursions. The President pointed out that
Mr Speaker 2:48 p.m.
Let me give the opportunity to the Hon Member behind, since you are in Leadership, you will always have your bite.
Dr Kingsley Nyarko (NPP -- Kwadaso) 2:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to also add my voice to the Motion.
Mr Speaker, if you look at page 4 of the Report, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, His Excellency Sidie Mohammed Tunis made some observations, and I think that these observations are critical for us to look at. If we look at paragraph 4.3, he
talked about some critical issues such as integration, trans-border crimes and mutually agreed legislative competencies of ECOWAS interests and benefits. These are important issues that, in my view, need our attention, especially if we want to move the sub-region forward.
Mr Speaker, on the issue of integration, we are in the sub-region with diverse strengths, abilities and diversities. I think that this is the right time for us to leverage on these unique abilities for our collective progress and development. The era of fear and suspicion must give way to mutual trust. I remember, our first President talked about the ‘United States of Africa'. I believe when we keep on engaging, we should be able to integrate to our benefit. Integration will advance economic progress and development.
Mr Speaker, the issue of trans- border crimes is becoming a headache on us, because daily, we hear of terrorist attacks and petty crimes. How do we come together to fight these things? I think that our military forces must work in concert to be able to address this challenge that is gradually bringing our respective countries on their knees.

This is because where we do not have peace and security, it would be difficult for us to attract the investments that we need to propel our respective countries forward.

Mr Speaker, another issue that he talked about, which is on paragraph 4.4 has to do with the adoption of Strategic Plan. I think that it is very important because the plan provides direction for the House to execute its programmes and other activities. Therefore, I think that it would be a step in the right direction for a national Parliament such as ours to have copies of the Strategic Plan for us to study so that we would know what is going on in the ECOWAS Parliament and in other jurisdictions.

Mr Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic was also addressed, and it was said that at the end of 26th May, 2021, about 20,485 active cases had been recorded. How do we then deal with this pandemic? I think that we should be very proactive in dealing with this matter. This is because if we are not able to do it, we are going to be disadvantaged in terms of losing lives, investments and all that.

Mr Speaker, I would conclude by referring us to page 10 of the Report, which is on the speech made by our
Mr Kofi Iddie Adams (NDC -- Buem) 2:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Report from our representatives at the ECOWAS Parliament. Indeed, going through the Report, there is an indication that a lot of work was really done by the ECOWAS Parliament in such a short period.
Mr Speaker, I would start my comment from the contribution made by our own, Justice Edward Asante, who is a Justice of the ECOWAS Court, on page 8. He specifically talked about the need for institutional memory, and said that if the tenure is shortened to the four years as indicated by the previous contributor, it makes it quite difficult for the ECOWAS court to have the necessary memory that it needs to be able to build itself to deal with cases and issues that would come before them. It is therefore very important to urge our representatives that in the next consideration, this matter that was raised by the Justice of the ECOWAS court is seriously given some attention and the issue of tenure worked on.
Mr Speaker, again, the message from the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr Taylor, also touched on a very important subject, which is the growing youth population in West Africa. She said amongst other things that about 60 per cent of Africa's population comprises of the youth, and we need to be planning so well for this young population and the opportunities that we would be creating for them in the foreseeable future. One such platform is the integration of our individual States, so that we can open much more opportunity and create market space
for the young ones who would want to go into various forms of businesses to have a larger market to deal with.
Mr Speaker, another area of interest to me in looking at the Report is the regulation on ECOWAS hydromet initiative, which has to do much more with our weather report issues. These days, we hear of all kinds of disasters, and recently, we just witnessed what happened in Europe and other countries that suffered so much. They have very good warning systems, and I am sure that that is what helped to save the situation. We can imagine if this should happen in our part of the world, and that is why ECOWAS' consideration for developing systems where we would be able to aid each other in terms of weather report will help so much in agriculture, health, transport system, road, aviation and what have you. Therefore, I would want to encourage our member-States to look into that matter quite seriously.
Mr Speaker, the other area of concern to me, is the report by the Joint Committee on Political Affairs, Peace and Security. Mention was made of the situation especially in Mali. Truly, if we would want to fight terrorism that is affecting our various countries, then we would need to take into consideration what is happening in the various countries, and that is
why I join to support this very good Report.
However, I would also want to draw the Hon Chairman's attention to the mis-spell of the name of the Vice President of Liberia on page 4. Even though other pages had it correct, on page four, the last paragraph had the name written as “tailor” as in someone who is involved in sewing. So, that should be corrected and captured appropriately as was spelt on other pages. The correct spelling is “Taylor”.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Speaker 2:57 p.m.
I do not know what the pleasure of the House is? I want us to continue. I do not know whether there are other matters, but definitely, the Hon Deputy Minority Whip would get the opportunity to contribute.
Yes, Hon Deputy Minority Whip?
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Banda) 2:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to make few comments in support of the Motion on the floor. I have gone through the Report, and it is a very good one. It gives me hope that our representatives in the ECOWAS Parliament are on top of the problems in the sub-region.
Mr Speaker, having been a member of the ECOWAS Parliament
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Banda) 3:07 p.m.
before, I have some few issues to raise. The first one is in connection with the enhancement of the powers of the community Parliament. They talked about direct election on universal adult suffrage.
When we take a look at our delegation, its composition and the kind of diversity that we brought together before we sent them to the ECOWAS Parliament, it is on that basis as rich as it is today. This is because we did a very good consultation before using Parliament as an electoral college to elect people to go and represent us. Now, we are talking about election on universal adult suffrage in the sub-region. How is it going to be, and who would bear the cost? Have we taken cognisance of that universal adult suffrage? We should look at the quality of our team.

Will universal adult suffrage on direct basis produce such a result? The answer is no. Democracy can produce any results, but sometimes, a guided democracy would give the best, and that is what we are doing now. Why do we want to change this status quo?

Mr Speaker, I will go against that considering the number of countries that constitute the Community

Parliament. When you go through the Report, they themselves said that six or seven out of the 15 countries face security problems. That notwith- standing, they have been able to use their current status to elect some people to represent them. Fancy the whole ECOWAS sub-region going into direct election of universal adult suffrage to produce 150 members to constitute the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Ghana is a peaceful country, we will do ours, but Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso may not be able to do it. Will we wait for them until they elect their members before we constitute an ECOWAS Parliament? I have an issue with that.

The main problem of the ECOWAS Parliament is its advisory status. Is it that it does not have legitimacy that is why its laws are not binding? The Heads of States of the Community Parliament must tackle that issue. We are in a sub-region where nobody wants to relax his liberties or powers a little.

A sovereign country wants to have sovereign laws with a Community Parliament with advisory status - ECOWAS Parliament has been advisory status from 1852 in the pre- colonial era, and that is what we still

have. If they still want their laws to bite, we should know what to do. The panacea for that is not by direct election or universal adult suffrage.

Mr Speaker, out of the 15 countries, only five - Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone - are English speaking. Mr Speaker, any elections you go in the community parliament, be it ECOWAS, African Union (AU), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), or any continental elections, the English speaking countries are always marginalised and voted against. So, why should I support direct election or universal adult suffrage?

We were recently at IPU; when we went to Russia with Prof Mike Oquaye, there was a vacancy. The Hon Majority Leader and I paraded our Hon Minority Leader to represent us. Before we realised, Senegal, Guinea - the African countries, we were there and they were speaking French, and we did not know what they were saying. They just produced the results, and we were nowhere to be found.

Mr Speaker, that brings me to a serious issue that we must make French a second language in our basic schools. We must take it seriously. We

must make the teaching of French in our basic schools compulsory. It should be a core subject just as we take English. Mr Speaker, we are all fighting for limited spaces. Whether we like it or not, we cannot live in isolation; we will move with them.

If you go to the French Embassy now, the French Ambassador to Ghana will speak English and French, and she speaks English fluently as we do. Therefore, the teaching of French should be made a compulsory subject in our basic schools so that when our children go on to the international arena, we can still be competitive. Other than that, we would narrow our opportunities, and that narrows the spaces for the future of our children.

Mr Speaker, if you go through the Report, the whole 115 members and the Heads of States lamented seriously on the closure of borders, and they thought about the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Mr Speaker, it is AfCFTA, not ECOWAS Continental Free Trade. Therefore, if all the 15 countries in the ECOWAS sub-region can make economic gains to achieve the goals for the formation of ECOWAS, we must tackle the closure of borders with all seriousness and sincerity.
Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah (NDC - Ho West) 3:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I also rise to support the Motion, and request that this House adopts our Report.
Mr Speaker, one thing that is clear about the ECOWAS Parliament as an institution within the ECOWAS community is the fact that we have three arms of Government. We have the Judiciary, the ECOWAS Court; the ECOWAS Commission itself where the Heads of States and the
Commissioners meet, and then we have a Legislature, ECOWAS Parliament, as part of the institution of state.
Mr Speaker, we noticed during our deliberations that most of the decisions that we take at the ECOWAS Parliament do not go down to the various countries for implementation. Even if they come, most national Parliaments do not ratify them. Mr Speaker, the current Speaker, Dr Sidie Tunis, has made it clear that we would follow through to monitor and make sure national Parliaments ratify every decision that is taken.
3.137 p. m.
Mr Speaker, during our meeting, one thing that also came to the fore was the fact that the insecurity in our sub-region is worrying, more especially when our colleagues from Mali, as the Report has stated, were asked to go home when we met the first time because the Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission met with his other colleagues in Ghana, and took a decision that Mali should be suspended from the ECOWAS Community. When we agreed that we were going to suspend them, the ECOWAS Court came with a letter that we should allow them to be part of the ECOWAS Community. That
brought some misunderstanding between the Court as institution and that of the Legislature as interference.
Mr Speaker, we largely agreed that since the Heads of States have agreed that they should be suspended from the ECOWAS itself, we also would not allow them because we have noticed that we have elected Members of Parliament from the previous National Parliament who also wanted to be part of the Parliament because they were delegated to be part of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Then, the Junta also sent another delegation to be part. So, there was confusion; two teams came to be part of the ECOWAS Parliament. Who do you accept? Do you accept the Junta or you accept those who were elected before the coup d'état? And so, the Community Parliament decided that just as the Commission has agreed with the Heads of States, they should stay off ECOWAS Parliament until they resolve their issue.
Mr Speaker, insecurity in our sub- region is worrying. Nigeria for instance, as we were discussing their country Report, we noticed that Nigeria has a serious problem. Even those of us who were there were afraid to go out in the evening because of the insecurity. The bandit would
Mr Johnson Kwaku Adu (NPP -- Ahafo Ano South) 3:07 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to speak to the Motion on the floor of the House.
Mr Speaker, I would begin by commending the President, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS.
Mr Speaker, he came to grace the occasion for the opening ceremony, which was very commendable. A lot have been said by my Hon Colleagues and I would like to touch a little on the security situations within the sub- region. Some of the issues that came up during the session were drug and child-trafficking. And ECOWAS Parliament as an institution is making all efforts to make sure this phenomenon becomes a thing of the past or be reduced to the barest minimum.
Mr Speaker, moreover, proliferation of small arms also came up as a big issue. If we look around, we could see that there have been some exigencies within the sub-region and proliferation of small arms is a big issue that needs to be looked at. Again, organised crime, money laundering, terrorism and cybercrimes
were some of the issues that came up during the session.
Mr Speaker, some other important dignitaries were also invited to the session, and among these were the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. She stated that about sixty per cent of Africa's population is youth, therefore, we need to develop the potentials of these youth who are the future leaders of our countries. And that if we are able to do that, it takes all concerted efforts of the various Presidents to make sure that we provide a lot of opportunities for these youth to be able to get trained in some skills so that instead of concentrating on jobs and other things, they would not go into civil wars and other issues.
Mr Speaker, another issue that came up was about payment of levies by the various countries. Some countries have not been paying levies, which is the only source of funding for the ECOWAS Parliament as an institution. Ghana was an exceptional country which has been a paid-up member for this levy and Ghana was commended for that.
Mr Speaker, there are also issues about peace and security within the sub-region which need to be tackled drastically. What we have realised now is that ECOWAS Parliament has tried in making sure that some
Mr Speaker 3:07 p.m.
Yes, Hon Minority Leader?
Mr Haruna Iddrisu (NDC -- Tamale South) 3:27 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I should thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion for the adoption of the Report of Ghana's Representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament. And in doing so, I commend our able representatives at the ECOWAS Parliament, at least for this Report.
We are assured by the content of the Report that there was a swearing- in and a major delivery by the President of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Mr Speaker, even before I refer you to some pages of the Report for the purpose of making my contribution, I heard the First Deputy Minority Whip, Hon Ahmed disagreed with the principle of direct election of members of the ECOWAS Parliament. I believe that the ECOWAS Parliament must necessarily be styled on the model of the European Parliament.

The European Parliament has directly elected representatives of up to 736 Members of Parliament, who are directly elected, representing the 500 million European citizens. Therefore, I want to humbly disagree with him. It is an objective and ambition for the future. The ECOWAS Parliament must work towards that as a goal and that is how we can enrich the frontiers of democracy and allow for its direct election.

Mr Speaker, I would throw another challenge to our delegation to ECOWAS Parliament. They are talking about the Legislative branch of the ECOWAS Parliament. What has happened to the Judicial and Executive branches? We only know that our President is favoured today as the Chairman of ECOWAS. Kudos to him, but what has happened

to the ECOWAS Court of Justice and what is its status?

We are building and we need to build strong and viable institutions, so having only the Legislative branch of ECOWAS Parliament in my view is just not enough. Therefore, our delegation must provide leadership in advocating strongly for the establishment of the ECOWAS Court which is its judicial organ. We already have the Executive which is the ECOWAS Heads of States, currently chaired by our President.

Mr Speaker, let me refer you to portions of the Committee's Report, page 6, paragraph 4.6 in particular. It is on the political situation in Mali. I beg to quote this paragraph for emphasis.

“The Speaker indicated that Africa has been following closely unfolding developments in Mali. Earlier in the year, the ECOWAS Parliament embarked on a Fact-Finding Mission to Mali and held discussions with all stakeholders in the transition process...”

Mr Speaker, we are calling on our delegation to strongly go and advocate for the return of democratic rule and governance in Mali. This is

what we expect of them. Those days are over when African States allowed for these interventions. Let us look at Ghana's democracy; with all its weaknesses and infractions, we are a democracy. Mali cannot be a proud member of ECOWAS when it does not meet the minimum democratic criteria.

So, we expect President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to provide leadership and the leadership is that he must facilitate an early resolution of the crisis in Mali which resolution must necessarily bring about the needed democratic reforms in Mali to make it stable for it to get developed.

Mr Speaker, may I further refer you to the Committee's Report? This time, on page 20 are some overambitious goals. Before I go to page 20, it is my argument that wherever in this Report, we have “human rights”, the “human” should be spelt with a capital “H”. So, we have “Human rights” and when we come to the second line on page 16, there is “human rights”. It should always be “Human rights” and that is the global standard when it comes to matters of Human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Mr Speaker, as I said, let me conclude while supporting this by
Mr Speaker, my emphasis is on this 3:27 a.m.
“Normal exchange rate variation: plus/minus 10 per cent”. In the last few years, Ghana has been doing 13 per cent depreciation of the cedi which is affecting us. Worst of all is, “Total Public Debt to GDP Ratio: less than or equal to 70 per cent.”
Ghana is currently at 76.1 per cent as officially reported, and by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, higher than that. In fact, only yesterday, the IMF after
issuing its Article 4 Report, stated that Ghana risked becoming a debt distress country. Therefore, Parliament would have to take a position to limit and narrow the taste of Government for borrowing because it can lead to some worsening economic situations in our country. We have already been downgraded.
Mr Speaker, lastly is affirmative action. I know your position on the matter as you have encouraged that Parliament should pass an Affirmative Action Bill. We are still waiting for Ghana's Affirmative Action Bill, but if Ghana is to achieve anything meaningful in increasing the participation of women in public service, it is my strong argument that the 1992 Constitution would have to be amended. This is because in East Africa, in relation to the proportional representation, whether Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Eritrea or Zanzibar as part of Tanzania, they have managed through the proportional representation to increase women through the quota system.
We are not able to do that because in the 1992 Constitution, you cannot discriminate on the basis of gender. Therefore, even as the Constitution of Ghana is carved, I do not see how. Unless we decide that in constituencies such as mine which is
a safe seat, when I am exiting as I would do in some foreseeable future, I can encourage a woman to run for Tamale South. Then that woman is sure that she would come to Parliament.
Mr Speaker, probably the Hon Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu can dedicate his safe seat to a woman. Our women here cannot endure the rigorous abuses and sometimes insults associated with it.
Mr Speaker, again, our President would have to focus on the fight against terrorism and its eminent threat to Ghana, particularly from Burkina Faso, through the Sahelian region and remnants of people from the fallout from the destroyed Libya. I hear that close to Paga, Hamile and some other areas in the Upper West and Upper East Regions, there are genuine infiltrations into the territories of Ghana. Therefore, the Minister for Defence, the Minister for the Interior and the Minister for National Security would have to pay particular attention to northern Ghana.
I know the intelligence agencies are working on the risk of terrorism. Many of them have come in on motorbikes and some of them come in trying to hide behind preaching in
the name of religion. Islam is a peaceful religion and the meaning of Islam is “peace”, therefore, people should not hide in its name to do those evil things in the name of religion.
We would have to up our game because the threat of terrorism is real in Ghana. I know that our national intelligence and security Ministers are at it. Our success cannot only be measured in prayers only but in equipping you adequately to stand it.
Mr Speaker, with these words, I support the Motion. Thank you.
Mr Speaker 3:27 a.m.
Yes, Deputy Majority?
Mr Afenyo-Markin 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank all Hon Colleagues who caught your eye to have a bite on the issues raised in the Report. Indeed, we are the ambassadors of Ghana's Parliament in the sub-region. The concerns raised have been well noted and same shall be carried out when we go on our next mission.
I thank Hon Members once again for supporting the Motion.
Mr Speaker 3:37 p.m.
Hon Deputy Majority Leader?
Mr Afenyo-Markin 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we would take Question 91 on the original Order Paper.
Mr Speaker 3:37 p.m.
Hon Members, I grant the application of the Hon Deputy Majority Leader to go back to the original Order Paper and take Question 91, which stands in the name of the Hon Member for South Tongu, Mr Kobina Mensah Woyome.
The Hon Minister has already taken the chair, so Hon Member, you may ask your Question.
ORAL ANSWERS TO 3:37 p.m.
QUESTIONS 3:37 p.m.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS 3:37 p.m.
AND CULTURE 3:37 p.m.
Mr Kobina Mensah Woyome (NDC -- South Tongu) 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture what role the Ministry is playing to ensure that Ghana is showcased and marketed in a unique manner as a tourism destination, as Ghana is preparing to host the All Africa Games in 2023, involving over fifty- four countries participating, besides, several thousands of athletes, business people and officials will be attending.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (Dr Mohammed Awal) 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Plans for All Africa Games in
2023
The Ministry through its Agency, the Ghana Tourism Authority has been working closely with the Local Organising Committee set up by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to oversee the organisation of the games. Amongst others, the Ministry of Tourism is leveraging the games in four key areas:
1) Cultural Infusion
The ministry has proposed the infusion of cultural elements in the opening and closing ceremonies of the “All African Games.”
Kente Sash's to be presented to all participating countries and athletes' shirts would be sewn for the coaches as gift items as they depart from the country. Branded dresses would be won by ladies to team practice.
Sales of made in Ghana items at all stadia.
2) Marketing
The GTA is using this event as a key advertising and marketing opportunity for the country's tourism. The Authority intends to advertise key messages using targeted messages on key websites of the participating countries under the banner “visitghana.”
The Authority is developing a mobile app “visit Ghana” which will populate all tourist sites, businesses, and attractions; one platform is ready for use to access information and transact business online.
Explore possible branding of the game's village and stadium with tourism themes.
TV City tour for the players and the creation of jingle by these
players to be used in advertising our tourist sites.
Branded shirts/ Aprons would be given to food vendors and street hawkers.
3) Product Improvements
GTA has recently set up a MICE secretariat to work with Industry players to create a database of available venues and sites that can host certain events on the back of the Games.
Training of Tour Guides and their registration and licensing is underway to ensure excellent service delivery.
Nationwide site enhancement is ongoing to improve tourist experience on our sites.
Tour operators have been brought on board to organise city tours and other packages.
Working with operators of hotels and other facilities to enhance their facilities in preparedness' of the anticipated boom.
4) Beyond the Return
The Ministry will leverage the games to enhance Ghana's
Mr Woyome 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have no further questions.
Mr Speaker 3:37 p.m.
Hon Members, we would take Question 104, which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Gomoa West, Mr Richard Gyan- Mensah.
Hon Member, you may ask your Question.
Steps taken to Prevent the Recurrence of the Tragic Apam
Beach Drowning Incident on Various Beaches.
Mr Richard Gyan-Mensah (NDC -- Gomoa West) 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture what pragmatic steps are being taken by the Ministry to prevent the recurrence
of the tragic Apam beach drowning incident on our various beaches.
Dr Awal 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Apam Incident
The Unfortunate incident in Apam, happened at an unregulated beach. Ghana's 539kms of rugged coastline provide many visitors with a relaxing break but most of these beaches are “open” beaches and people go to these beaches unchecked. These beautiful beaches however have hidden dangers which travellers should be aware of. With the passage of the Legislative Instrument on sites and attractions (LI2393) the Ghana Tourism Authority has intensified its collaborations with the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), the various Assemblies in coastal areas, NADMO and the rest on sensitisation and education in coastal communities and on preventive measures. In addition;
The Authority has begun the process of Registering and Licensing all built up beaches.
Work with the maritime Police and Ghana Navy on beach patrols at open beaches.
Safety guidelines for Operators and Users of the various
beaches has been drawn by the Authority. Signages on safety notices are to be fixed at vantage areas of beaches where users are at risk.
Plans are underway to carry out training workshops for life savers/guides by GTA in collaboration with NADMO, Ghana Navy and the Marine Police.
Mr Speaker 3:37 p.m.
Hon Member, do you have any supplementary question?
Mr Gyan-Mensah 3:37 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would want to find out from the Hon Minister if he could inform the House of any timelines for the erection of this safety signage at the beaches because as it stands now the beaches are closed but very soon, we hope they would be opened. So when should we expect these signs at the vaious beaches?
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we are using this lean time to have a lot of consultations with stakeholders and we are very sure that when the beaches are fully opened, these signages would be erected.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Member, any further supplementary?
Mr Gyan-Mensah 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, at Apam, plans are underway to erect watchtower at the beach.
I would like to know from the Hon Minister if the community and I can count on him for any support or collaboration?
Dr Ibrahim M. Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we are engaging all stakeholders to ensure that tourism is not only very enhanced, but safety of the people are also enhanced. So, we would have a lot of collaboration and I can assure him that we would work together to achieve safety at the Apam beach.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Member, you still have the last opportunity - Or you do not have any questions, so, we move on.
Mr Gyan-Mensah 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I think it is all right. I thank you so much.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Members, we would move to the next Question numbered 134 which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Okaikwei North, Hon Theresa Lardi Awuni.

Data on Job Losses and Business Collapses Due to the Continued Closure of Cinemas

and Theatres
Ms. Theresa Lardi Awuni (NDC-Okaikwei North) 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture whether the Ministry has gathered data on the number of job losses and business collapses associated with the continuous closure of cinemas and theatres.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, there is no specific data available on the number of job losses and business collapses because of closure of cinemas and theatres.
However, across the entire industry, data shows a 58 per cent decline in revenue. The Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana Health Service and the National Task Force on COVID-19 has engaged operators throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period. Under the Ghana CAPBUSs stimulus package administered by the Ghana Enterprise Agency, businesses within the cinema and the theatre value chain were encouraged to apply for support.
Ms Awuni 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we know cinemas and movies are an integral part of the tourism industry. If
the Minister says that they do not have data on them, would the Minister agree that the percentage decline may be more than the 58 since the available data is insufficient to make a conclusive assessment of the tourism industry?
Dr Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, what we have now is 58 per cent decline in revenues and that is all we have as of now.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Member, your last supplementary question.
Ms Awuni 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, would the Minister consider gathering data to ascertain the true impact of COVID-19 on the cinemas and theatres?
Dr Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we are gathering data and we are consulting with stakeholders and I would make sure such data is available when we are done.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Members, we would move to the Question numbered 135 which stands again in the name of the Hon Member for Okaikwei North, Hon Theresa Lardi Awuni.
Yes, Hon Member, you may continue?
Reasons behind the Continued Closure of Theatres and
Cinemas
Ms. Theresa Lardi Awuni (NDC-- Okaikwei North) 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to ask the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture the reason behind the continued closure of theatres and cinemas as the impact of the pandemic has considerably abated.
Dr Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the continued closure of the cinemas and theatres was in line with the President's directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Presidents directives has always been based on expert medical advice.
However, the cinemas and theatres have been reopened with stringent adherence to COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines and protocols regulated by GTA. These protocols and guidelines were put in place in close consultation with the Cinema and theatre operators.
Ms Awuni 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, how many of the companies are encouraged to apply for the Ghana Enterprise Agency benefit from the stimulus package?
Dr Awal 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it was advertised in the dailies and websites; and every Ghanaian in that sector was encouraged to apply.
Ms Awuni 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, without specific data, on what basis is the government disbursing the stimulus package?
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Members, I got lost somewhere because I think we are now at question numbered 135 but the supplementary questions - and that is why I did not invite the Minister but he zealously rushed to come and answer the other one.
We are at question numbered 135 but your supplementary questions are for question numbered 134 which we have finished.
So, Hon Member, your supplementary question should be on the substantive question advertised and numbered as 135.
Ms Awuni 3:47 p.m.
Very well, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Members, well, I am advised that question numbered 167 is not coming off today and that we would move to questioned numbered 149 which stands in the name of the Hon Member for South Dayi, Hon Rockson-Nelson Etsi Kwami Dafeamekpor.
Mr Speaker 3:47 p.m.
Hon Minister, on behalf of the
House and on my part, I would want to thank you for attending upon the House and answering the Questions.
We thank you for coming and you are hereby discharged.

Sorry?
Mr Alexander K. Afenyo- Markin 3:47 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Question standing in the name of Mr Dafeamekpor - I would want to be double sure of his name.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
I do not know what you people are doing now, there should be no disorder.
Hon Member, you may ask your question.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 3:57 p.m.
Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
indeed, my ‘Kwami' is spelt with an ‘I' and not ‘e'.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Defence whether the soldiers who protected some Chinese nationals to engage in “galamsey” in Tontokrom have been arrested.
Minister for Defence (Mr Dominic B. A Nitiwul)(MP) 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, records available at the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) show that no member of the GAF has ever protected Chinese nationals at Tontokrom or any other part of the country to engage in illegal mining popularly called “galamsey”.
Mr Speaker, the video posted by a reporter of Luv FM in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, 16th January, 2021, at Aprampama Forest Reserve was at the Heritage Imperial Mining site which is owned by a Ghanaian called Donald Entusah.
This is just to re-iterate the point that no member of the GAF has been arrested because the Ghanaian soldiers have not protected any Chinese nationals to engage in “galamsey”.
Mr Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, for the records, I used the term, “illegal mining”.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Hon Member, just a minute.
[Pause] --
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Yes, the Answer is now found at page 13. I could not find it. Hon Member, if you have any supplementary questions, you may ask now.
Mr Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, for the records, I used the expression ‘illegal mining' and not ‘galamsey'.
From the Minister's Answer, is he suggesting that the military indeed offers protection for private mining sites in this country?
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
It is your first sentence or statement that I do not understand. Is it the case that you said, you did not use the expression ‘galamsey', but ‘illegal mining' in your Question?
Mr Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, ‘galamsey' is in the Question.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Yes, you rather used ‘galamsey' and then the Hon Minister's Answers refers to it as ‘illegal mining' popularly called ‘galamsey'.
Mr Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, my supplementary question is that
from the Minister's Answer as contained in paragraph 2, suggests that indeed, the military offers protection for private mining sites. Is that what he means to tell the House?
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Hon Minister, well, the Hon Member is talking about paragraph 2 of your Answer just for clarity sake. What do you want to imply?
Mr Nitiwul 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I will not say you have bailed him out but I did not suggest -- I only said the military found at that site were at the Heritage Imperial Mining site which is owned by a Ghanaian. I have not made any suggestion as they could have been there for various reasons; security and so on. All I said was that the site at which these people were found, is a company owned by a Ghanaian and not a Chinese and not to talk of ‘illegal mining'.
Mr Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, was the presence of the soldiers at the mining site that the Hon Minister mentioned meant to effect arrest of offenders or to give protection? They must have been there for a purpose.
Mr Nitiwul 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, they were there on an authorised operation by the Military High Command to arrest people who they suspected
Mr Dafeamekpor 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, that will be all.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Well, Hon Member, you did not have any other option. You have exhausted your three supplementary questions.
So, from the information I have been given, that is all the Hon Minister is here to answer. On behalf of the House, I would like to thank the Hon Minister so much for attending upon the House to answer the Question. You are hereby discharged.
Leadership it is after 4 p.m. and you are in my hands now. If you intend to go further, I would have to take some 10 minutes break and come back. We have some Statements, if you are interested, I will come back. Today is Friday.
Mr Afenyo-Markin 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, at this point we are entirely in your hands. As it pleases you.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
There are some key Statements that are commemorative and some are quite important. I do not know if we could take about two and that is why I just want to ease the
pressure on me and then come back so we take the two Statements. One has to do with the issue of death penalty and it is an anniversary that is always celebrated and should have been done yesterday or so. So, we can do it today and the second one on boundary disputes which, as we know, is a burning matter now in the country.
So, we can take the two Statements and then call it a day. Just give me less than 10 minutes, I will be back.
Mr Afenyo-Markin 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, your pleasure is granted.
Sitting Suspended -- 4.06 p.m.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Hon Members, thank you.
We would go straight to Statements and we have a Statement that stands in the name of Hon Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Hon Member for Madina Constituency. The Statement is on the abolishment of death penalty. It is quite a short Statement so I want to permit the Hon Member to make the Statement.
However, One side of the House is empty.
Hon Minority Chief Whip?
Alhaji Muntaka 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I think the most appropriate thing for us to do at this time is to adjourn the House. Even though the two Statements are from our Side of the House, we can see that the other Side of the House is virtually empty; not a single person is seated there. Mr Speaker, it is rightly so because today we started Sitting at 10.00 a.m. and today is Friday. So, I think that it is only appropriate for us to end proceedings for today. I would say sorry to the two Hon Colleagues on our Side who would have had the opportunity to make their Statements, but we can prioritise the Statements for our next Sitting day.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 3:57 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I do agree with my Hon Leader for us to prioritise the Statements for next week.
Mr Speaker, but the Hon Deputy Majority Leader was here when you said we should suspend Sitting for 10 minutes. He is the acting Hon Leader for Government business so if they treat the Minority side this way, then the next time they make an application and we reject or object, I hope that Mr Speaker and citizens would
understand if we take certain positions. Mr Speaker, it has never happened that an indication is given and instead of the acting Hon Leader of Government business whipping Hon Members on his Side into the Chamber, they have all rather abdicated their seats.
Mr Speaker, this is unfair, but I do agree with my Hon Leader that we should prioritise the two Statements for next week. However, this is highly unfair.
Mr Speaker 3:57 p.m.
Well, it is surprising to me because I indicated that the suspension could be less than 10 minutes and I got from Both sides that you are prepared for the suspension after which we would take the two Statements. The total absence of your Hon Colleagues on my Right is surprising, but once Hon Members have indicated that they are tired, then we can take a bow.
I would proceed to adjourn the House and you know we would have a special Sitting on Monday.
ADJOURNMENT 3:57 p.m.