Debates of 28 Jul 2021

MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11:50 a.m.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:50 a.m.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Members, we shall go through the Votes and Proceedings of the 35th Sitting of the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Eight Parliament held on Tuesday, 27th July, 2021.
Page 1… 7 --
Yes, Hon Deputy Majority Whip?
Mr Habib Iddrisu 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on page 7, items numbered 3 and 6, the Hon Afenyo-Markin and the Hon Ameyaw-Cheremeh sought permission. They are at an ECOWAS Parliament engagement in the Central Region. That of item numbered 30, the Hon Minister for Youth and Sports
MR K. I. ADAMS]also sought permission and is in Tokyo now for the Olympic Games.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Deputy Majority Whip, do you have their applications?
Mr Habib Iddrisu 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, yes, it was done. They sought permission and it was granted.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Very well, the Table Office should take note.
Page 8 … 12 --
Yes?
Mr Kofi Iddie Adams 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on page 12, item numbered 8(a), the Hon First Deputy Speaker referred the security - I think the title has “National” in addition - So, it would be appropriate to add “National” to “Security Strategy”. “National” is omitted.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, sorry, I am not getting you clearly; “National Security Strategy”. Which one are you referring to?
Mr K.I. Adams 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, “National Security Strategy to the Committee on Defence and Interior”. The “National” has been omitted and it is just written as the “Security Strategy” but the title of the document
you referred to, is “National Security Strategy”.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Hon Member, are we looking at the same thing; “The National Security Strategy-A: Secure and Prosperous Ghana with Regional, Continental and Global Reach and Influence - The Hon First Deputy Speaker referred the Security Strategy to the Committee on Defence and Interior for consideration and report.
Hon Member, which particular one are you referring to?
Mr K.I. Adams 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am referring to page 12; are we not on page 12?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Yes, I am on page 12.
Mr K.I. Adams 11:50 a.m.
So, in referring it, it just reads thus “The Security Strategy referred” but I am talking about the real title which is the referral. But if you think we should omit the “National”, we can move on.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
All right, you mean, “referred the Security Strategy” or you think it should be, “National Security Strategy”?
It is clearer now, so, Table Office, take note.
Mr K.I. Adams 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, then, after the item numbered 8(b), the reports of the Auditor-General I and II and then it says, the Hon First Deputy Speaker referred the reports to the Committee on Defence and Interior. It should rather read, “Public Accounts Committee.”
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Some were annual reports, so, I think they confused the annual reports with the audited reports.
So, these are the audited reports and they were referred to the Public Accounts Committee.
Mr K. I. Adams 11:50 a.m.
Yes, these are 2017 Auditor-General's reports.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 11:50 a.m.
Page
14… 19 --
Yes?
Mr Kofi I. Adams 11:50 a.m.
Mr Speaker, page 18, “moved”… The word “by” should be deleted to read, “moved on Friday, 16th”; it cannot read ‘moved by on Friday'.
Mr Speaker, the third line - “Mr” is repeated for the Hon Member for South Dayi. So, one of them would
Mr First Deputy Speaker noon
Very well, the Table Office should take note with the appropriate corrections.

Hon Members, in the absence of any further corrections, the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 27th July, 2021, as corrected is hereby adopted as the true record of proceedings.
Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh noon
Mr Speaker, kindly indulge me. I am very sorry -- I just saw this and I thought it was very important that I bring it to your notice. It is on page 18 of the Votes and Proceedings -- I just realised that: “Question proposed: Debate arising. Debate deferred”.
Mr Speaker, I thought yesterday, we actually started the debate on Private Members' Motion on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and so, it was actually started yesterday, and it was not deferred. I thought I should bring this to the notice of the Table Office.
Mr First Deputy Speaker noon
It is right because the debate did not
conclude and so, the Question was not put.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh noon
Mr Speaker, you are right. Thank you.
Mr First Deputy Speaker noon
Very well.
Item numbered 5 - Urgent Question to be answered by the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways. Yes, Hon Minister?
URGENT QUESTIONS noon
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND noon
HIGHWAYS noon
Mr Issifu Seidu(NDC -- Nalerigu/Gambaga) noon
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways when the railings of the newly constructed bridge at Kulgona would be fixed to avert the danger its absence poses to motorists.
Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Kwasi Amoako- Attah)(MP) noon
Mr Speaker, the Kulgona Junction to Nalerigu- Jobrojo feeder road is 12kms and connects the Nalerigu-Gbintiri and Nakpanduri communities to Gushiegu in the eastern corridor trunk roads within the East Mamprusi District of
the North East Region. The road is a gravel surfaced road. The structure referred to in the Question is not a bridge but a double two by two meter concrete box culvert structure for which the approach fill is yet to be completed.
Mr Speaker, currently, contract for the rehabilitation of Kulgona Junction to Nayeri to Jabrojo feeder road commenced on the 3rd October, 2016, and was scheduled for completion on 3rd October, 2017. The scope of work included clearing and formation, construction of 900 mms diameter pipe culvert, 1200 mms diameter pipe culvert, a double two- by-two meter box culvert with approach fills and provision of gravel sub-base.
The current progress of work is projected at 10 per cent physical completion and the contractor vacated site after clearing, formation and construction of the double two- by-two meter box culvert. The site is still vacant despite the issuance of a warning letter for the contractor to return to site.
Future Programme
Mr Speaker, the future programme is that a final warning letter will be issued to the contractor to return to site in order to remedy the situation
by the end of August 2021, failure of which the contract will be terminated and repackaged for award.
Mr I. Seidu noon
Mr Speaker, I would like to find out why the contractor vacated site?
Mr Amoako-Attah noon
Mr Speaker, from my Answer, I said that almost 10 per cent of the work is done. It means that the contractor left site very early and the reason for this could be numerous. In this case, it could be due to lack of capacity, non- performance because he cannot complain about lack of payment. That is why we have written to him in the form of a warning letter to return to site and if he does not, the project will be re-packaged and re-awarded.
Mr I. Seidu noon
Mr Speaker, from the Hon Minister's answer, I want to believe that there was no extensive engagement between the Ministry and the contractor because if the contractor lacked capacity, I am not sure he would have been contracted to do the job.
Mr First Deputy Speaker noon
Hon Member, ask your question and leave out --
Mr I. Seidu noon
Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if the Hon Minister could give us the details of this contractor and possibly, if there was
Mr First Deputy Speaker noon
Yes, Hon Minister, who is the contractor?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I wish my Hon Colleague had not gone on the tangent on which he started his question that my Ministry did not do due diligence before awarding that contract. It is regrettable that my Hon Colleague should draw that conclusion and I forgive him because this can only come out of ignorance not to him as a person but in terms of the processes of awarding contracts. That is why, I said, I forgive him because anybody who is not associated with the process will perhaps talk in similar manner.
Mr Speaker, the name of the contractor is Honia A. S. Ghana Limited, the date of awarding the contract was 16th July, 2016, work commenced in October, 2016 and almost by the end of 2016, the contractor had left the site, returned and left the site again.

Mr Speaker, the entire contract sum was GH¢2.5 million and the work done was infinitesimal of this

amount. The contractor had not done enough to even warrant the payment of the first Interim Payment Certificate (IPC). So, if I say that after giving the contractor access to the site, he vacated the site despite the fact that he had gone through the competitive bidding and won the contract with all the support documents.

Mr Speaker, this is not an exceptional case because there are a number of cases like that. It is not every contractor who goes through the process to win a contract that is able to execute it. This does not mean that the Ministry did not do due diligence.

Mr Speaker, even this contract was awarded as far back as 2016 during the tenure of the previous Government and my predecessor, but I would not stand here to say that my predecessor did not do due diligence. Mr Speaker, due diligence was done.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Minister, thank you for giving us sufficient information.
Mr I. Seidu 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, this is a House of records and I would want to clear the air so that the Hon Minister would understand that I did not impugn any negative connotation from the question I asked.
Initially, I asked why the contractor left the site and the Hon Minister also tried to explain that it could have been so many reasons and he cited one as the lack of capacity, and that is why I asked that follow up question. Mr Speaker, I did not intend to say that due diligence was not done before the contract was awarded.
Mr Speaker, my next supplementary question is that the Hon Minister in his Answer said that the contractor is expected to be on site at the end of this month so I would want to find out if he could confirm that a year from today, the road would be completed for the people to have access to it.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
Hon Minister, can you give any such assurance?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I, clearly and unambiguously, stated under “Future Programme” in my Answer that:
“A final warning letter will be issued to the contractor to return to site in order to remedy the situation by the end of August
2021 …”
Mr Speaker, because every contract is a legal document and we
have to go through the processes thoroughly before we finally abrogate the contract if need be. So, if by the close of August, the contractor has not paid heed to all the warning letters, then we would be in the position to terminate it, re-package it and re- award it to a more competent contractor.
Mr Speaker, so we are only hoping that with all these letters, the contractor would return to site. Mr Speaker, thank you.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:10 p.m.
We would now take Question numbered 111 which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Shai-Osudoku Constituency, Ms Linda O. A. Ocloo.
ORAL ANSWERS TO 12:10 p.m.
QUESTIONS 12:10 p.m.
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 12:10 p.m.
HIGHWAYS 12:10 p.m.
Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (NDC -- Shai-Osudoku) 12:10 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to asked the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways when construction works on the following roads in the Shai-Osudoku Constituency would be completed: (i)
Ms Ocloo 12:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, permit me to thank the Hon Minister for his elaborate response. I noticed most of my intended follow-up questions have already been answered, however, I would like to make some quick
comment that requires urgent attention.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:20 p.m.
Kindly ask a question and not a comment.
Ms Ocloo 12:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the contractor has not worked on the diverted road satisfactorily. As we speak now, the residents cannot access the Ayikuma- Doryumu Road when it rains. It would be appreciated if the contractor had put enough gravels and do some work on the same to allow for comfortable movement of residents while we wait for the completion of the project. Hon Minister, kindly work on this.
On the Osuwem - Agortor Road, Mr Speaker, I have noted that -
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:20 p.m.
Hon Member, you are running a commentary. You are only permitted to ask a question. Kindly see the Hon Minister after here and share your observations with him.
The next two Questions are also in your name. So you may ask Question numbered 112.
Ms Ocloo 12:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, all what I am trying to say is that, we are in the rainy season, so I would want to find
out from the Hon Minister what he can do in the interim to salvage the situation?
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:20 p.m.
I have moved on to Question numbered 112. Kindly ask your Question.
Construction of Akuse- Asutsuare, Doryumu Roads, etc.
Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (NDC -- Shai-Osudoku) 12:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what plans the Ministry has to construct the following roads in the Shai-Osudoku Constituency: (i) Akuse - Asutsuare (ii) Doryumu - Agormeda (iii) Asutsuare - Aveyime.
Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Kwasi Amoako- Attah) (MP) 12:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would begin in that order.
i. Akuse - Asutuare
Background
The Akuse to Asutuare Road is part of the regional route (R96) located in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region. The road starts from Asutuare on the main Tema
- Akosombo road through Asutuare, Akuse to Somanya.
The road is gravel surfaced in poor condition.
Current Programme
Regravelling of Asutuare Junction - Asutuare (km11.8 -
17.0)
A contract for the re-gravelling of the Asutuare Junction - Asutuare Road (km 11.8-17.0) commenced on 24th December, 2019, and was scheduled to be completed on 23rd December, 2020. The contractor has abandoned the site. The process to terminate the project is ongoing. The progress of work is projected at eight per cent (8%) physical completion.
Future Programme
The Akuse - Asutuare Road forms part of the Volivo Bridge Project which is expected to start later this year.
ii. The Doryumu -- Agomeda Feeder Road (10.4kms)
Background
The Doryumu -Agomeda Feeder Road (10.4kms) is located in the Shai- Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region. It is a feeder road in poor condition.
Ms Ocloo 12:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have noted that the Hon Minister's response on this project, however, it has taken too long for the termination and repackaging process to complete.
I would want to find out from the Hon Minister when the contractor would come on site?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I partially agree with my colleague, the Hon Member.

It has taken a bit of a time because we had to follow the contractual arrangement, but from my Answer, at least one thing should gladden her heart and the people of her constituency. This road has been associated with the Volivo Bridge, and as I indicated under JICA, the money is available. Funding for that project is available for the bridge and the funding for all these roads was a condition precedent for the Japanese Government to fund the bridge. I am happy to inform you that African Development Bank has also backed this project in funding, which is also available. So as I indicated, work on her roads and the bridge would simultaneously commence before the end of the year -- by the end of the quarter and beginning of the last quarter. At least, there is funding and when the work starts, it would progress steadily.
Ms Ocloo 12:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, since the road is linked to the Volivo Bridge,
I would reserve my comments for now.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:30 p.m.
Thank you. You still have Question numbered 113.
Commencement of Work on Volivo Bridge
Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (NDC -- Shai-Osudoku) 12:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways when actual construction works on the Volivo Bridge would commence.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:30 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Background
The Volivo Bridge is a 540ms long cable-stayed bridge proposed to be constructed across the Volta River from Volivo to Dorfor Adidome on the Eastern Corridor Project. The construction of the Volivo Bridge will include 1.5kms approach road, a toll plaza and a rest stop as ancillary facilities.
The project is being funded by a loan received from the Japan
International Cooperation Agency
(JICA).
Current Programme
The selection of a consultant for the project is completed. The contract for the design review and construction supervision was signed on 24th June, 2019. Detailed design and review of the design was completed in January,
2020.
Currently, procurement of the works contract is underway. Tenders were received from prospective bidders on 11 th June, 2021. Evaluation of tenders is on going and is expected to be completed by end of September 2021, and award of the works contract is expected in the fourth quarter of 2021.
According to the implementation plan, actual construction of the bridge is scheduled to commence in February 2022, but this may take off ahead of schedule.
The construction period will be forty-eight (48) calendar months.
Ms Ocloo 12:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would want to remind the Hon Minister that I have taken copious notice of all his responses and I would keep records.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Adama Sulemana (NDC -- Tain) 12:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg 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.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Background
(i) Namasa - Brodi - Sampa Road
Namasa - Brodi - Sampa Road is 23kms long and forms part of the Regional Road (R93) from Wenchi to Sampa. The Road is gravel surfaced and in poor condition.
Current Programme
The first 8kms of the road (that is, from Namasa to Duadaso) has been
awarded on contract for upgrading to bituminous surface. The title of the contract is “Upgrading of Debibi - Sampa Road (8kms)”.
The project commenced on 17th February, 2020, and is scheduled for completion on 16th February, 2022.
Works executed to date include clearing and drainage works with work progress estimated at 5 per cent physical completion.
Future Programme
Engineering studies for the upgrading of the remaining 15kms stretch of the road has been completed and will be considered in the 2022 Budget for implementation.
(ii) Badu Junction - Badu Road
Badu Junction - Badu Road is 23kms long and located in the Tain District of the Bono Region. The Road is in fair condition.
Current Programme
The road was awarded on contract for upgrading to bituminous surface. The project commenced on 25th September, 2008, and was scheduled for completion on 17th October,
2012. Work progress is estimated at 90.5 per cent physical completion and the contractor has suspended works. The sealed surface has developed defects such as; potholes, gullies and raveling.
The project has delayed unduly and every effort, including warning letters, to get the contractor back to site to complete the project, have proved futile.
The necessary steps are being taken to terminate the contract for non- performance.
Future Programme
The outstanding works including defective sections have been re- packaged for consideration in the 2022 annual budget, once the existing contract is terminated.
(iii) Brohani Junction - Brohani Feeder Road (6.90kms)
Background
The Brohani Junction - Brohani feeder road is a 6.90Kms gravel road in fair condition. It is located in the Tain District of the Bono Region.
Current Programme
The contract for the upgrading of the Brohani Junction - Brohani Road was awarded on 31st August, 2020. Major activities to be executed under this contract include: clearing, formation of road and earthworks, concrete U-drains, construction of new culverts, primer seal and seal as well as safety furniture and markings. Possession of site has been given and contractor is mobilising to commence.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr A. Sulemana 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, on the Debibi Road, when it rains, the people beyond Brodi are cut off. So, what urgent steps can the Minister undertake to at least reduce the inconvenience on the road considering the fact that only 5 per cent has been done, and it is to be completed in
2022?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am not unaware of these problems. I would want to plead with my Hon Colleagues that when any of them faces any such emergency situations, they should please link up with me quickly, so that we would put it under our emergency programme.
Mr A. Sulemana 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, on the Badu Road, especially from Tainso Junction to Badu is worse than when it was started in 2018. I do not know whether the Minister has that information?
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister spoke about trying to terminate the contract and making provisions for it in the 2022 Budget. I am making an appeal just as I did with the Namasa Road. If it is possible, the Hon Minister should give the road some attention, because for some time now, drivers and commuters are unable to ply that road.
Finally, on the Brohani road, I would want to find out --
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:40 p.m.
Hon Member, you are entitled to one at a time. Let him answer the first question.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I want to assure my Hon Colleague that we are giving due attention to all the roads in his area. That is why if he looks at my Answer for the Brohani Junction to Brohani Feeder Road, which is 6.9kms stretch, we have re- awarded it quickly for another contractor to come to site to remedy the situation. The contractor is mobilising. I can give him the particulars of the contractor, so that he would follow-up and they then work together on it.
Mr A. Sulemana 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would be happy to get the contractor. When would the contractor come on site?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, as aforementioned, the contractor is mobilising and this should be between three and four weeks. This will mean the new contractor is visiting the site, getting the site camp and putting up that camp to transfer all his equipment to site. Let us give ourselves between three weeks and one month, the contractor will be on site.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:40 p.m.
Very well, we will move on to the next Question. Question numbered 111 is
in the name of the Hon Member for South Tongu - Very well, I will move on.
Hon Members, Question numbered 118. Yes, Hon Member for Builsa South.
Completion of the following roads:
(i) Sandema - Doninga roads etc.
Dr Clement A. Apaak (NDC - Builsa South) 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg 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.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Sandema -- Doninga Road is part of the Sandema-Doninga- Santijan Road which is 30.5kms long and forms part of the Regional Road (R181). The Road links Builsa North and Builsa South Districts in the Upper East Region and continues to the Upper West Region. The road is gravel surfaced and in poor condition.
Mr Speaker, currently, the road is being constructed under two (2) Lots as mentioned below:
(a) Rehabilitation of Sandema - Doninga - Santijan Road (km 0
- 15)
The contract commenced on 3rd November, 2016 and was re- scheduled for completion on 1st May, 2021. Earthworks and construction of a major box culvert have been completed. Work progress is estimated at 20 per cent physical completion.
The Contractor is not on site due to delayed payment for work done. Efforts are being made to get the Contractor back to site to complete the project.
(b) Rehabilitation of Sandema - Doninga - Santijan Road (km 15
- 30.5)
Mr Speaker, the contract commenced on 3rd November, 2016 and was scheduled for completion on 2nd May, 2018. The Contractor suspended works after the construction of concrete U-drains and culverts of various sizes. Several warning letters were issued to get the Contractor back to site but to no avail. Therefore, the contract has been terminated.
Future Programme
Mr Speaker, the outstanding works have been re-packaged for
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.


MR AMOAKO-ATTAH][MR AMOAKO-ATTAH]

consideration in the 2022 budget for implementation.

12. 50 p.m.

(ii) Wiaga-Fumbisi

The Wiaga-Fumbisi road is under the project titled “Upgrading of Chuchuliga - Sandema - Wiesi Road (40kms)”.

The above project commenced on 16th September, 2016 and was originally scheduled for completion on 17th March, 2019. The project completion date has been extended to 18 th December, 2021. The Contractor has executed stabilised base and primerseal works on the Wiaga - Fumbisi section. The progress of work is estimated at 45 per cent physical completion.

The Contractor is not presently on site and every effort is being made to get the Contractor back to site to complete the project by 18 th December, 2021.

(iii) Fumbisi-Wiesi

There are three (3) ongoing projects under the Fumbisi-Wiesi Road which are:

a. Regravelling of Wiaga - Fumbisi - Wiesi Road (km 27

- 31);

b.Regravelling of Wiaga - Fumbisi - Wiesi Road (km 31 - 35); and

c. Regravelling of Wiaga - Fumbisi - Wiesi Road (km

35 - 40).

(a) Regravelling of Wiaga - Fumbisi - Wiisi Road (km

27 - 31)

The project commenced on 14th September, 2019 and was scheduled for completion on 13th September, 2020. The Contractor has executed drainage works (construction of culverts) and earthworks. The progress of work is estimated at 45 per cent physical completion.

The Contractor is not presently on site and every effort is being made to get the Contractor back to site to complete the project by 31st December, 2021.

(b) Regravelling of Wiaga - Fumbisi - Wiisi Road (km 31 - 35)

The project commenced on 14th September, 2019 and was scheduled for completion on 13th September,

2020. The project has been completed and is in defects liability period.

(c) Regravelling of Wiaga - Fumbisi - Wiesi Road (km 35 - 40)

The project commenced on 14th September, 2019 and was scheduled for completion on 13th September, 2020. The project has been completed and is in defects liability period.
Dr Apaak 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in the Hon Minister's response that regards the rehabilitation of the Sandema- Doninga-Santijan Road, he makes it very clear that the delay is as a result of delayed payment for work done. I would want to find out whether payments have now been made to the contractor, and how soon the contractor would return to site?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, arrangements are on going now for all contractors across the country to be paid. Payment to contractors are from two main sources, either from the Government of Ghana (GoG), which is from the Ministry of Finance, or from the Road Fund. I am happy to announce that the payment from the Ministry of Finance started about a month ago,
and it is ongoing. It covers every single contractor that has a certificate with the Road Fund, and hopefully, the Road Fund Board would be inaugurated by next week. We have already made the schedule with the amount in our coffers now to cover every single contractor who has a certificate with the Road Fund, and it is done on pro rata percentage basis. We are ready for it, and as soon as the names come out, the Board would be inaugurated within twenty-four (24) hours. We are ready for them to start payments to complement what is going on with the Ministry of Finance. So, I can assure the Hon Member that this contractor would be paid in maximum ten days from now to enable him go back to site. So, the Hon Member could keep in touch with me on this assurance.
Dr Apaak 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister is very confident about payments being made upon the inauguration of the Road Fund Board. I hope that it would be executed in good time.
Mr Speaker, regarding kilometre 15 to 30.5, the Hon Minister indicated that the contract has been terminated after several letters have been written to the contractor. He then goes on to speak about the future programme, where he speaks about repackaging it for consideration in the 2020
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I can give that assurance in the sense that immediately after the mid-year budget tomorrow, my Ministry would start putting all roads expected to be captured under the 2022 Budget together. Work is even on-going now to be fed into the November budget to be presented for the year 2022. So, I would want to assure the Hon Member that we are working on all such projects, including this particular project.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 12:40 p.m.
All right, you have done three supplementary questions already. Is this the third one? Very well.
Dr Apaak 12:40 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would keep it brief.
Mr Speaker, regarding the Wiaga- Fumbisi-Wiesi Road, the Hon Minister indicates that the contractor
is not presently on site, and every effort is being made to get him back on site to complete the project by December 18, 2021. This Road was clearly captured in the 2020 Budget, and it was again reflected in the mid- year budget review for the year 2020; page 36. Therefore, can the Hon Minister tell us why the contractor is not currently on site, and also tell us when he would return to site?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have given a vivid account of all the roads, and I thought that my Hon Colleague was going to commend Government on the two fully completed roads. This was a bit delayed due to delayed payment. That is why I have assured the Hon Member that with the elaborate programme being put in place now by Government, the contractor would be paid and he would return to site; and we would commit the contractor to the timelines and schedules by 31st December, 2021. If we make money available, the contractor can deliver. I am sure about that.
Mr Apaak 1 p.m.
For the sake of the record, I appreciate what is being done; but I posed that question because the roads are different, and the response the Hon Minister gave
to the earlier Question is not reflected in the question I just asked.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
We would move on to Question 138 - Hon Member for Nadowli/Kaleo, Mr Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah.
Construction of Bridge over Bagonluu Stream
Mr Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah (Nadowli/Kaleo) 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg 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 have access to the district capital, especially during the rainy season.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, Sigduori and Kankanzie are communities located along the Nadowli-Nator-Takpo (22.0kms) Feeder Road in the Nadowli District of the Upper West Region. A section of the road between Sigduori and Kankanzie crosses an intermittent stream channel that has been observed to be a major hindrance to mobility during the wet season.
Current Programme
There is no programme on the bridge.
Future Programme
Engineering studies would be undertaken to determine the appropriate hydraulic capacity of the bridge by the end of the third quarter of 2021 for consideration in the 2022 annual budget.
Mr Sumah 1 p.m.
Thank you, Hon Minister, for the refreshing assurance. At least, you have indicated that some work would be done to deal with this age-old problem that has even caused deaths in my Constituency.
Hon Minister, from the technical perspective of the Ministry, is the bridge the only alternative that could solve the problem?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, with the highest respect, I did not get the question properly.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
Hon Member, can you repeat the question?
Mr Sumah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, from the technical perspective of the Ministry, is the construction of the bridge the only solution or there are other
Mr Amoako-Attah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I could not have agreed with my Hon Colleague the more that in the paragraph of my Answer, under “Background”, I stated:
“A section of the road between Sigduori and Kankanzie crosses an intermittent stream channel that has been observed to be a major hindrance to mobility during the wet season.”
Mr Speaker, I agree with the Hon Member. We have taken notice of that. We have observed that it causes intermittent problems and challenges to the people during the rainy season. That is why we are undertaking engineering studies to capture it in the 2022 Budget Statement to deal with it, and to make sure that it does not recur again going into the future.
Mr Sumah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, from the response of the Hon Minister, it is clear that by the close of September 2021, we would have the engineering report which I would be glad if the Hon Minister would keep in the known. Do I have the assurance that having acquired that, we would get
that featured in the 2022 Budget Statement?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I do not know whether it is the face mask, but once more, I did not get what the question of the Hon Member is.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
Hon Member, for the record, kindly remove your mask so that the Hon Minister can hear you clearly.
Mr Sumah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I just would want an assurance from the Hon Minister. What I indicated was that from his response, by the close of September 2021, we would have the engineering report. I would want to know if that would be available to me? Having acquired the report from the engineering studies, do we have his assurance that the project would reflect in the 2022 Budget Statement?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I can give the Hon Member that assurance. That is why I indicated that the engineering studies would be undertaken ahead of the presentation of the 2022 Budget Statement. The Budget Statement is always presented in November. It would be done before that time, and it would be captured in the 2022 Budget Statement.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
I move to Question 139, Hon Member for Okaikwei North.
Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, our Hon Colleague for Okaikwei North is not here. With your indulgence, you called Question 117, but our Hon Colleague, in whose name it stands, was not here at the time.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
Hon Member, are you asking the Question on behalf of the Hon Member?
Mr Agbodza 1 p.m.
No, I am making an appeal. They are now in.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
If you are not, let me decide what to do with those who were not here. For now, I am on Question 139.
Mr Agbodza 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member in whose name Question 139 stands is not here, and I cannot see anybody who is available to ask the Question on his behalf.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
Now, if there are any applications, I would listen.
Mr Agbodza 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, thank you very much for your indulgence. I am making an appeal for our Hon Colleague, Hon Joseph Bukari Nikpe,
to ask his Question, Question 115, to be followed by Hon Woyome who is also here now.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1 p.m.
They are here, so, I would want to know why they were not present when their Questions were called? If I am satisfied with their answers, I may give them a second chance.
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe 1 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we had a Committee meeting, and initially, I thought we would Sit at 2 o'clock. The Finance Committee was meeting at the 6th floor; I did not get any notice that we would Sit at 11 o'clock.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:10 a.m.
The notice that the House would Sit at 11.00 a. m. was given on Friday; it was part of the Business Committee's Report that we would Sit at 11.00 a.m. instead of 2 o'clock.
I am only recognising that you were at the Finance Committee's meeting so; you may ask Question numbered
114.
Commencement of the Construction of a Bridge Over
River Oti
Mr Joseph Nikpe Bukari (NDC -- Saboba) 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the proposed bridge over River Oti would link Saboba to the Togo boundary. This would facilitate the movement of goods and services between Saboba and the Togo boundary.
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no programme for the construction of the bridge. However, the future programme is that detailed engineering studies for identification of the appropriate type of bridge would be undertaken and considered in our future programme.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Bukari 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Minister, in his last paragraph states that they would identify the appropriate type of bridge to be constructed over the River. But in 2015, engineers from the Ministry of Roads and Highways visited that same River, did some studies and did some designs. I would like to find out whether those designs still exist in the office or he would want to vary them and do a new design for that river?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, in my Answer under Future
Programme, I did indicate that detailed engineering studies would be done for the identification of the appropriate bridge. It does not mean that no studies had been done on it at all, but we could start engineering studies. Perhaps, feasibility studies were conducted but we need to do a detailed engineering studies to establish exactly what we want. So, some work is obviously done on it because it has been identified as a problem but we are doing detailed engineering of it before we agree on what to do exactly. And we shall include it in next year's Budget.
Mr Bukari 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I ask these questions because we, at the Saboba side of the River Oti are fast losing the lands within the Togolese side because they are encroaching upon it thinking that the River Oti is the end of our country. But we have a lot of land at the other side of the river. I would like to urge the Minister, as a matter of urgency, to consider the design they are doing in good time and fix a bridge so that we would not lose any of our territories to the Togolese side.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, it is a good advice and I thank my Hon Colleague for that; it would be taken into consideration.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:10 a.m.
Hon Members, we may proceed to Question numbered 115.
Construction of a Bridge Over the Kpalba River
Mr Joseph Nikpe Bukari (NDC -- Saboba) 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways the steps being taken to construct a bridge over the 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.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Background
There is an existing Steel Bridge over Kpalba River on the Yendi - Saboba Road. The hydraulic capacity of the bridge is inadequate and gets overtopped by water during rainy seasons.
Current Programme
There is no current programme for the re-construction of the Kpalba Bridge.
Future Programme
The Ministry of Roads and Highways is in the process of signing
an MoU for detailed engineering design and construction of the Kpalba Bridge.
Mr Bukari 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the Minister indicates that for future programmes, the Ministry is signing an MoU. I would like to find out from him when that MoU would be signed and put into action?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, we have all the technical information and we are in talks with about three potential contractors. Any of them could do a good work for us so, I would like to assure the Hon Member that within the next two to three weeks, this MoU would be signed because we want to do thorough work so we would examine all the three contractors and choose the best because this is a problematic bridge and we are being careful. And within three weeks, the MoU would be signed and then, the contractor that would be selected eventually, would move to site to work on this bridge.
Mr Bukari 1:10 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am happy to hear from the Hon Minister that within two weeks, the MoU would be signed. I would like to encourage all that Saboba has a very big market that is patronised by people from three regions, including the North, North East and Oti Regions. From now onwards, Saboba
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:10 a.m.
Very well.
Yes, Hon Member for South Tongu?
Steps Being Taken to Urgently Reconstruct Broken Box
Culverts (Bridges) that Hamper Movement on some roads in the
South Tongu Constituency
Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome 1:10 a.m.
(NDC -- South Tongu): Mr Speaker, I beg 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.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Agbeve - Gladysco at Adzake

Background

The above road forms part of the Agave (Agbeve) - Afedome (21.0kms) feeder road. It is a gravel road with fair surface condition and located in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region. Adzake is located at km 19.00 on the above road.

Current Programme

The Agave-Afedome Road was awarded together with another road under the contract title “Bitumen Surfacing Agave-Afedome (21.0kms) and Kpedzeglo - Agorve Ph II (km: 9.5-17.5)”. Work commenced on 30th August, 2016 and was scheduled to be completed by 30th August,

2018.

The Contractor abandoned the site due to delay in payment for work done. The progress of works is at 14 per cent physical completion. The

Department of Feeder Roads is in discussion with the Contractor to resume work.

Meanwhile the broken culvert located at km18+500 (near Adzake) is being considered as an emergency situation for which variation is to be issued on an ongoing contract to rectify the situation.

(ii) Senakekope - Dikato

Background

The Senakekope - Dikato Road is a partially engineered road with poor surface condition. It is located in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

Current Programme

There is no programme on the road.

Future Programme

Engineering design studies will be conducted on the road to determine the appropriate intervention for the road during the third quarter of 2021 for consideration under the 2022 annual budget.
Mr Woyome 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the bridge at Adzake in question, I am sure this answer might have come
before an action was taken. As I speak, a Contractor is on the site working on the culvert. I thank the Hon Minister for that swift action.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister indicated that the Contractor left due to delay in payment and then in another sentence, he said the Department of Feeder Roads is in discussions with the Contractor to come back. Is the Ministry now ready to pay the Contractor to come back so that we would know that this discussion would end up fruitful?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I also want to thank my Hon Colleague for his kind and honest admission of the quick and prompt action taken on the bridge when he had that discussion with me. It is unfortunate that he was not here when I was answering the last two questions. I took time off to explain the ongoing payments from the Government of Ghana sources, Ministry of Finance and starting next week, from the Road Fund.
I said that we have programmed it in such a way that every Contractor who has a certificate with either the Ministry of Finance or the Road Fund would be covered. We are doing so to empower all Contractors who have left site because of delay in payments
Mr Woyome 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in the second leg of the answer, the Senakekope - Dikato Road, there are three broken culverts. While we are thinking and planning to come back with future plans to engineer and do all the beautiful things as indicated, would it be proper to consider moving in swiftly to repair those culverts? This would enable commuters go about their duties and businesses.
Each time it rains, it becomes so difficult for them to even commute. The culverts are very important, so if this could be catered for urgently, we would be happy. Would the Hon Minister consider that as quickly as possible?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is possible because we have our Mobile Bridge Maintenance Unit (MBMU) and we do not want any part of our country to be cut off. In the ongoing rainy season, we have positioned that unit as a rapid response unit.
Mr Speaker, I want to assure my Hon Colleagues. Last week, in the Upper West and Western Regions, two bridges collapsed at the same time. They were carrying dairy. I
immediately dispatched both Deputy Ministers, one to the Upper West Region and the other to the Western Region. As I speak with you now, Contractors are there to build the bridges.
So, we are ready for that. So, the Hon Member should please liaise with the Ministry and with me and I would give you all the assistance. If there is any problem, that unit would move in to salvage whatever problem develops.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
Mr Woyome 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, no further question. Thank you.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:20 p.m.
Very well.
Hon Minister, thank you for attending upon the House to answer Questions. You are discharged for now. That brings us to the end of Question Time.
At the Commencement of Public Business -
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if I may seek your leave, so that we can take item numbered 8 (b) on page 4 of the Order Paper.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:20 p.m.
Minority Leadership?
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 1:20 p.m.
Mr Speaker, as for laying of Papers, we have no objection.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:20 p.m.
Very well. Item numbered 8 (b), by the Chairman of the Committee.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Chairman is unavoidably absent and I again, seek your leave to lay the Paper on his behalf.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:30 p.m.
Very well. You may do so.
PAPERS 1:30 p.m.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we could take item numbered 19 on page 9 of the Order Paper.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:30 p.m.
Very well. However, before that we could take the Order Paper Addendum and consider the Report of the Appointments Committee.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 1:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have seen the Order Paper Addendum but I would be happy if the Hon Majority Chief Whip could allow us take that Motion on Friday.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:30 p.m.
Hon Deputy Minority Whip why should we take it on Friday?
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 1:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, tomorrow the Hon Minister for Finance would come to the House to present to us the Supplementary Estimate and today, judging from the mood of the House it is not a good day for us to peruse issues and contribute effectively. As the Hon Deputy Minority Whip standing in for my leadership, I would be happy if we could take that Motion on Friday
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:30 p.m.
This Report is not controversial. The decision with the Committee is unanimous. You have room to make your comments on the Report. The Report has been distributed to Hon Members but for those of you who just came in, you may not have had copies but it was distributed while you were away. So, the ushers would make sure that you get copies.
Mr John Jinapor 1:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, taking cognisance of the fact that, that position is a very important one and personally watching the vetting and how you in particular excelled in terms of handling the Committee, one would have wished that at least, if you have the full complement of your leadership in the House, their commentary would also be important for the records. That is why we want to appeal to you to consider so that we could take the Motion on Friday.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:30 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I do not have a problem acceding. I thought we could take it today but if our Hon Colleagues on the other Side have proposed that we should take it on Friday, we would accede to it.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:30 p.m.
Very well. That is the wish of the House.
Hon Members, item numbered 19 on the Order Paper -- Motions
MOTIONS 1:30 p.m.
  • [Continuation of Debate from 27/07/2021.]
    • Mr Kingsley Nyarko (NPP -- Kwadaso) 1:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion.
    Mr Speaker, CSR is one of the management initiatives that is very useful and relevant in the advance of the course of a society especially, within communities. It is normally seen to be a voluntary rather than a mandatory initiative but over decades ago, a number of countries have made legislations that clearly demand corporations to undertake CSR.
    Recently, a plethora of scientific papers have focused on laws that require companies to provide extensive information about their social environmental plans, actions and performance. CSR is increasingly understood as a management process which encourages process-oriented laws. This regulatory approach requires companies to identify social and environmental risks associated with their business operations and establish and execute reasonable plans to prevent harm from the identified risk.
    Mr Speaker, France's duty or vigilance law adopted in 2017, is a clear example. Moreover, this law requires companies to have laws that would make it possible for them to contribute effectively in their respective countries. It also provides
    options for citizens who feel aggrieved as a result of violations by companies to file civil suit to seek redress.
    Mr Speaker, in 2010 as oil extraction got underway in Ghana, government published recommen- dations that asked foreign oil companies to prioritise local sourcing but sadly after years of operations, it became evident that these oil companies reneged on their obligations to make sure that they have local contents in terms of their operations. In 2013, this House passed the Local Content Act that set out specific requirements with regard to local ownership, local sourcing and domestic employment.
    Mr Speaker, this law demands that oil companies give locally owned businesses preference in procurement even when those companies are not able to offer the lowest price. Prior to this legislation, even local talents were ignored with regard to employments and local sourcing. The law specifies that where in case local talent is missing, those companies must nurture, train and grow those talents in terms of knowledge transfer so that in future when they are not available, they would be able to take the mandate and make sure that their companies thrive in this country.
    Mr Kingsley Nyarko (NPP -- Kwadaso) 1:40 p.m.


    Mr Speaker, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Kazakhstan have laws when it comes to local content and development. In 2014, India became the first country in the world to pass a law on corporate social responsibility spending. The law demands that all companies operating in India spend two per cent of their net Indian profit on corporate social responsibility.

    Mr Speaker, Jamsetji Tata, the founder of Tata once said, in a free enterprise, the community is not just a stakeholder in business but in fact, the very purpose of its existence. That is why businesses, corporations and companies must make sure that they oblige themselves in terms of the developmental progress of the communities in which they operate.

    Mr Speaker, I would want to provide some benefits that would accrue to this nation if this law becomes a reality in this country when passed by the House.

    First, it would help, strategically, in investing to support our infrastructural and other social and economic needs and that is very important. Some companies in this country embark on corporate social responsibility but they are not targeted and well-

    coordinated. Some of them are ad hoc and others are done haphazardly but if we have a legislation, it would help us to coordinate all these interventions to the benefit of localities and the nation as a whole.

    Secondly, because of the specific and defined requirements in the legislation, it would place an obligation and responsibility on companies to stay within the law.

    Thirdly, Mr Speaker, specifying requirements in a legislation would create a clear business case that has the potential of reshaping the business environment both domestically and globally.

    Again, the legislation would also provide the citizens to file civil suits against defaulting companies within their environments.

    Mr Speaker, I believe that one relevant and most important legacy that this House could give the nation is to enact this law that will in the end support the socio-economic needs of this country.

    Mr Speaker, as said early on, countries such as Denmark, France, South Africa, China and India all have legislations to this effect. I believe that these countries do this probably through the moral obligations that they

    have and also on the need for them to give back to society. I would be happy if this goes through.

    Mr Speaker, there are big companies that do CSR in this country, as I said early on but with a specific law, guidelines and procedures, we would be able to have a well-coordinated and well-arranged intervention that would benefit specific communities and the nation.

    We are in a country where infrastructural development is a big issue. We need a lot of resources to do that. If at the end of the day, we are able to get companies to even at least provide one or two per cent of their net profit in this intervention, I believe that we would be able to cash in on their profit to advance the course of this country.

    Mr Speaker, on this note and with these few words, I would want to thank you for the opportunity given me.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member?
    The Hon Second Deputy Speaker to take the Chair.
    Mrs Angela O. Alorwu-Taye (NDC--Afadzato South) 1:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for the
    opportunity to contribute to this very important Motion towards enacting an Act to regulate Corporate Social Responsibility.
    Mr Speaker, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility has become an important tool all over the world. Corporate Social Respon- sibility ensures that as corporate organisations achieve a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives, they at the same time address the expectations of stakeholders and shareholders.
    Mr Speaker, the State of Ghana still does not have a comprehensive law that regulates the corporate social responsibility activities of the numerous industries that we have in this country. Because of that, the sector is not regulated by law; and because the sector is not regulated by law, they do what pleases them and at any time they feel like doing it.
    Mr Speaker, it is important that we follow the steps of some countries; England is one, India is another one and also the European Union. They came among other things through this Private Members Motion to put together a Corporate Social Responsibility Act that is cogent, equitable and sustainable in nature.
    Mr Speaker, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:40 p.m.
    Let me give it to the young man.
    Yes, I would come to you, Hon Minister.
    Mr George K. Obeng Takyi (NPP -- Manso-Nkwanta) 1:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this important Motion which is going to affect society in a positive way.
    Mr Speaker, in every society, we may be endowed with certain natural resources which we may have to tap for our individual benefits but for want of financial resources and technical know-how, corporate institutions may take up the opportunity to exploit these natural resources for the benefit and good of society. However, in doing such a business, it may have some damning effects on the people
    who are directly associated with such corporate institutions. In so doing, it is appropriate for such corporate bodies to contribute towards the responsibility of making sure that such societies benefit from their operations.
    Mr Speaker, it is not only limited to the extractive and oil industries where in a summit and workshop, it came out that people living in such areas were suffering directly from the operations and chemical usages with its associated kidney problems and new child birth defects which had to be addressed.

    Mr Speaker, however, considering our situation, we do not have any recognised laws which put pressure on such institutions to alleviate the sufferings of the masses. It is not only the extractive industries, but when we come to our rural areas, we have guards who have been authorised to take care of the operations of those lands and forest resources, and not dissipate and sell such lands and natural resources without making sure that they contribute towards the wellbeing of the people.

    For example, in Ghana, we have traditional authorities selling lands and taking the benefits without contributing directly to the

    infrastructural development of such communities.

    Mr Speaker, there should equally be laws to pressurise our traditional authorities where they can contribute towards road construction and water projects and so on to benefit the people who live in such areas. That aside, when we talk about the effects on society, we may talk about taxes paid by such corporate bodies which contribute to the general good of the society. When it comes to their direct effect on people then corporate social responsibility should not be linked to taxation but should stand on its own, where laws should be made to make sure that such corporate bodies contribute towards the social good.

    When we come to the development of modern technology, we have new companies and corporate bodies coming out with new ways of doing things. For example, those who use the airwaves have direct effect on those making use of them and so, how are they also contributing towards the people's ability of taking care of themselves?

    Mr Speaker, so, I believe that it is towards a good direction for this august House to make sure that there is a law on corporate social responsibility that ensures that no matter the industry one operates in, so long as the populace is consuming a
    Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane (NDC -- Nabdam) 1:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Hon Member who moved the Motion. I would like to add my voice to the fact that it is high time we got laws to regulate Corporate Social Responsibility
    (CSR).
    Mr Speaker, I am the son of a miner and today, when I visit towns like Prestea, Tarkwa and Obuasi and see the level of development over there and compare to that of Johannesburg
    in South Africa, I wonder what we have been able to benefit from with all these years of gold exploratioon.
    It is true that Government gets revenue from it as so many companies come and go; State Gold Mining Corporation, et cetera. It is also true that individuals might have benefitted from it and made good name from it and I would not like to mention names and be individualistic but what about the people of Obuasi for instance? How do we share the benefits such that probably, the State (Ghana) may have benefitted, and what about the individuals?
    Yes, we have had a lot of people who had good careers in the mines, but what about the people of Obuasi? There are alternative livelihood programmes and now that gold mining is not on the increase, we do not have anything to replace it. If one goes to Prestea, it is very terrible; their roads are so bad and yet, we always want to continue with the thinking that CSR is something to be compared to freebies. That is, if one corporate organisation wishes to engage in it, they could do so to a level preferable to them. However, we must start thinking about a law because when one always leaves an empty space, the companies do whatever they wish and some of these moneys that might have been meant for CSR go into people's pockets.
    MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:57 p.m.
    I would like to invite the Western regional Minister.
    Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko- Mensah (NPP -- Takoradi) 2 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I believe that the Motion on the Floor is appropriate and important that we support it by looking for new ways to encourage our corporate organisations to have an impact that is positive, socially and environmentally responsible and can enable our communities econo- mically.
    Mr Speaker, when I became a regional Minister, the issue of UNICEM building a road in the Essikado Constituency to get into their own yard and also serve the community became a major issue in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.

    Mr Speaker, UNICEM Company volunteered to build and pay for the road so that it can be accounted as part of its corporate social responsibility. Mr Speaker, the first time I had an opportunity to go for an
    Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko- Mensah (NPP -- Takoradi) 2 p.m.


    outreach in the region was to visit Tarkwa and attend a community project that was being organised in tandem with the Municipal Assembly and a German-development agency, GIZ. Under the programme, the people of Tarkwa said that if Government was ready to develop their roads, they would also be prepared to play their parts by painting all their buildings so that Tarkwa can also be the Johannesburg of West Africa.

    Mr Speaker, corporate social responsibility is one way that companies can use to promote themselves. Today, a lot of consumers are clear in their minds about what they want their businesses to deliver to them. Even stakeholders are no more just interested in profits, but today, they are more interested in issues that also impact the environment and uplift communities. It is for this reason that as a country, it is proper for us to state in black and white, what we expect our companies to do.

    In fact, when I visited Tarkwa the second time, I told all the Corporate Affairs Managers in the mining industry that I am not interested in seeing any of them building toilet facilities or boreholes because those projects can be done by the

    assemblies. Rather, we want them to build big projects that can support the communities and those that are more or less equivalent or in tandem with the profits they make. So, they should not develop small projects and behave as though they are making impact meanwhile they are not. Mr Speaker, in fact I call it sopi sopi (small small) projects.

    Mr Speaker, just yesterday, my people in Dumase near Bogoso rioted against Golden Star Company Limited because they promised they want to relocate their site but with the restrictions placed on them they have still not come through for two years now. Therefore, the company had just lost its social license and the people rioted against them. Clearly, this shows that corporate social responsibility is important but with a corporate social responsibility environment where there are no checks and balances, I dare say, is useless.

    Mr Speaker that is what we are practising currently in this country because I believe that if the laws were there, what happened yesterday at Dumase with Golden Star Company Limited would not have happened. Because we do not have the laws, articles and Legislatiove Instruments to enable these companies deliver on their corporate social responsibilities.

    Mr Speaker, I dare say that it is time for us to look at the laws at the Registrar General, the Internal Revenue laws or we have to create a new laws so that all the companies in the system can be guided to do what they have to do.

    Mr Speaker, however, it is not all the companies that are creating such difficulties. I know that Newmont Ghana started a one ounce one dollar programme, which they have been able to establish a corporation and are using it to do investments in the regions in which they operate.

    Likewise, the Goldfields Ghana Limited has also built the Goldfields Corporate Social Responsibility Programme and because of this they were able to at least support the Ghana Black Stars to participate for the first time in the 2006 World Cup Tournament. Currently, Goldfields has built a 33 kilometre road at the cost of US$27 million that connects Tarkwa to Aboso and Huni Valley.

    Mr Speaker, clearly, these are game changing investments in the area of corporate social responsibility, but we need to scale it up, but we cannot do so if we do not have proper laws in place to support those who invest in these areas to make sure that the lives of our people would be better than the profits they garner from this country.

    In fact, for the extractive industries, it is very important for us to really sit up and make sure that there is a law that guides them. Otherwise they cannot toe the examples of GNPC Foundation, which for those of us in the western regions, we see a lot of roads being developed in the gas enclave, development of schools across the length and breadth of the country and other works they are doing across the country. Mr Speaker, we need a law that can make sure that people can follow and emulate the footsteps of Goldfields Ghana Company, GNPC Foundation and other companies that think about Ghana and its people.

    In concluding, I fully support this Private Members' Motion and I believe that when it is referred to the Committee, we would join the Committee to give further evidence and support the Committee to insert some provisions or create a separate law to support the development of our country.

    Mr Speaker, thank you very much and I know that it is profitable to support a Corporate Social Res- ponsibility Act in Ghana.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2 p.m.
    We would now listen to the Hon Member for Tema East Constituency.
    Mr Isaac A. Odamtten (NDC -- Tema East) 2:10 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to support the Motion on the Floor.
    Mr Speaker, the issue of corporate social responsibility has gained grounds in recent times, but I dare say that people have looked at this issue as though it is a favour that companies or those who engage in corporate social responsibility are doing for society. I think that the time has come for us to support this Motion and streamline the activities of organisations in the area of corporate social responsibility.
    Mr Speaker, permit me to refer to the definition of corporate social responsibility by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). According to UNIDO, corporate social responsibility is “a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders”. In this definition again is the assumption that companies are those who take advantage of this exercise. It is a fact but it is not only a management strategy but also a means of reaching out to the underprivileged, societies and communities in which these companies operate.

    Mr Speaker, it is also true that the Government, as yet, has not come to a consensus on the approaches for the implementation of corporate social responsibility. With this result, many people have taken the exercise at will and do what pleases them. Mr Speaker, may I remind the House that when we look at sustainability as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, we would realise that the key element of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would hinge on people, partnership, prosperity and planet (environment).

    For me, corporate social responsibility becomes a vehicle through which we can harness the protection of the planet or environment and through which we can share the prosperity of the planet. In sharing prosperity, I call on the House to support this Motion so that we have a legislation that clearly mandates and also supports organisations to do their basic functions in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Mr Speaker, why do I say this? What does it profit us when organisations have undermined or degraded the environment in which they operate and turn around to give freebies to these organisations? I dare

    say, if it would cost us more to salvage the damaged or lack of attention for the environment in which we operate and only turn around to give freebies to these communities, we may not be doing ourselves any good.

    I also want to point to the fact that we should begin to look at how we measure organisations that embark on corporate social responsibility activities. Hitherto, it has been for those who make big profits or the multinational organisations or international corporations who have the where withal to support communities or individuals or micro groups, but I would want this piece of legislation when put forward to consider not just only activities of the multinational companies, but those of even Small and Medium Enterprises and micro businesses to ensure that their operations are not inimical to our environment, but rather promote the very existence of the society in which they operate.

    Again, I would want to support this Motion because I think that the issue of corporate social responsibility is not only a strategic management issue. It is also a means of giving out to charity. It is also a means by which we can support the very communities in which the organisations or businesses operate so that even

    though we look at a global wellbeing under corporate social responsibility, it must also be the place the very society or immediate environment that organisations operate in becomes beneficiaries of the benefits of organisations.

    Mr Speaker, to conclude, we ought to find space in this Bill that brings out the key indicators for measuring compliance to corporate social responsibility. Within that measurement, we would want to see how the organisations promote their profitability and whether it is all about profit and not about the environment. If it is about the environment, how are we ensuring sustainable development such that after these organisations have operated and made their profits, we do not leave the environment worse off such that future generations would suffer?

    Finally, we would want to see how society or the communities are incorporated in the definition of corporate social responsibility so that it does not only become the organisation's tool to reaching out to the public through freebies or charities to promote their brands and to take the benefit of advertisements and others, but also be the expectation of the community in which organisations operate so that we can harmonise the
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:10 p.m.
    Hon Members, from Tema East, let me jump to Tema West?
    Yes, Hon Carlos Ahenkorah?
    Mr Kingsley Carlos Ahenkorah (NPP -- Tema West) 2:10 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to commend the Hon Member who moved the Motion for coming up at this juncture when Ghana has achieved a middle income status where we are supposed to manage a lot of these developmental activities ourselves.
    Mr Speaker, it is interesting to note that most of these corporate social responsibilities that emanate from the private sector find themselves in areas where we least want them. It is important that people who are prepared to assist in our socio-
    economic and environmental development must direct these assistances to areas where Government requests them.
    Mr Speaker, I say this because of how CSR is used or directed in this country. People even give it to their own close relatives or relations especially when they can capture same under the list of what is recognised as corporate social responsibility under the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). I also appreciate the fact that as we speak, there is a corporate social responsibility policy in Ghana. This was signed off by Hon Spio-Garbrah in 2016 when the then Government of Ghana realised that it was important that we get to that stage where corporate social responsibility would be directed in a way which supports the abilities of government and run or develop Ghana in the way we expect.
    In the early 1990s when almost every country was trying to see how they would channel their CSR, Ghana jumped on the bandwagon because that was when we started seeing a lot of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). In fact, we had ad hoc measures or tiny snippets of laws that governed these CSR as a legal framework which did not augur well for the direction in which Government expected it to go.
    So in the year 2005, when the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NePAD) peer review mechanism met, they recommended that Ghana must clarify its concept of CSR with efforts to promote it among other stakeholders like Government, private sector organisations and the like.

    Yes, it started from the Hon Minority Leader who intelligently at that moment thought that we should direct CSR appropriately. However, the document was signed off by Hon Ekow Spio-Garbrah.

    Mr Speaker, I would recommend to allow for any law that would emanate from this Motion to commence from this already established document which lies at the Ministry of Trade and Industry in a form of a policy which has never seen the light of day and of course not implementable because it is only in the form of a policy.

    I am of the view that if we are able to come up with a law to back this policy up, it would not only inure to the benefit of Ghana but also to individual communities which hitherto are deprived of common developmental projects such as the provision of borehole water and others.

    Mr Speaker, with these few words, I commend the Hon Member who moved the Motion and I support same by urging that we pick the document from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and put it into law for it to work.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:10 p.m.
    Hon Members, before I come to leadership, let me invite one Member from each Side.
    Hon Deputy Minority Whip?
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Banda) 2:20 p.m.
    Thank you Mr Speaker and thank you Hon Leader for choosing me. [Laughter]
    Mr Speaker, I beg to comment on the Motion on the Floor.
    Mr Speaker, from where I sit, I was here when the Motion was moved. Yesterday, I was here when the debate commenced and today, I
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Banda) 2:20 p.m.


    am still here. Listening to contributions from Both sides, it looks like we are in support of the Motion. I have not heard any opposing view on this Motion.

    Mr Speaker, permit me to play the devil's advocate. I know the public and the corporate world which would be impacted by our actions or inactions after the outcome of this Motion hence we would be judged and based on that we must look on both sides of the coin.

    Mr Speaker, I have consulted superior and experienced men in this House. I was looking at it from some perspectives. What do we seek to do? Has there been a research on CSR in this country? Is a legislation going to come as a result of a research that has exposed the defects of the status quo?

    Mr Speaker, legislation is obligatory, and if I heard my Hon Colleague on the other Side who said India has passed a law and therefore they have imposed 2 per cent corporate tax on profit, is that what is being recommended for us to do? Is there a research on the cost of doing business in this country? Is there a research on the financial obligations of the corporate world in this country? Is there a research on how the

    corporate tax that is being paid by the corporate world is being spent and the areas where those moneys are being spent?

    I was here when we were passing the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill into law. My Hon Colleague from Takoradi, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah brought an amendment that there should be a 10 per cent tax on the oil revenue to be spent in the Western Region. I was part of those who stood against it and the whole House voted against it. He made good arguments at that time in support of it and he had a support from inhabitants around the Western Region but his amendment did not see the light of day.

    Mr Speaker, from 2011 and we are in 2021 -- has he embarked on any research since he lost the 10 per cent amendment? What has been the impact of the oil activities or the oil industry in the Western Region? At that time, he made serious arguments that they used to have timber. All those were exploited without any development in the Western Region. Their roads were not good; their schools were not good, and so on. So if they have seen oil, they were of the view that the revenue should be spent there.

    Mr Speaker, I have listened to the Hon Member who moved this Motion and the debate in this House and it looks as if the corporate world is being accused, and we want to see how their CSR is being directed as if some of them are not using it well at all.

    Mr Speaker, if you go to Obuasi, I heard my Colleague, the Deputy Ranking Member for the Committee on Health commenting on poor roads in Obuasi even though AngloGold Ashanti is there. Yes, Obuasi might have bad social amenities, they might have bad economic conditions among other things even though AngloGold Ashanti is there. Was Len Clay Sports Stadium not a CSR? Was it not built by AngloGold Ashanti? Let us leave it there.

    The corporate sector is also going to blame Government and ask questions. They pay corporate tax. After paying the corporate tax, is it their duty to construct roads? As for CSR, it is not compulsory and can never be compulsory. Show me any single country in this world which has made CSR compulsory by legislation.

    Mr Speaker, we all know the consequences of the imposition of tax. If we make it obligatory and I am a corporate man, I would transfer it to the end consumer. Therefore, it

    qualifies to be a tax and that would take us to the legal regime of article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, which states as follows:

    “parliament shall not, unless the bill is introduced or the motion is introduced by, or on behalf of, the President --

    (a)proceed upon a Bill including an amendment of a bill, that, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for any of the following --

    (i) the imposition of taxation or the alteration of taxa- tion otherwise than reduction; or.”

    Mr Speaker, if we make CSR obligatory and I am a corporate entity and I transfer it to the end consumer by increasing my prices, does it not qualify to be a tax? Are prices not going to go up if we make CSR obligatory?

    Mr Speaker, judging from that, one may say that this is not a Bill. Accepting this Motion would take us to the arena of a Bill. I am of the view that the activities of some companies -- degrading the areas where they operate and not mending those areas calls for some action. But does that mean we should make it obligatory for all others? I was in this House
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Banda) 2:30 p.m.
    when AirtelTigo Ghana went to my constituency that they have seen on television a very dilapidated school building and therefore they were using their AirtelTigo Foundation CSR to construct a very nice six-unit classroom block for the area. We have Scancom Ltd (MTN Ghana) there, we have Vodafone Ghana there, and we have Globacom Company (Glo) and all the telecom operators there. The headquarters of AirtelTigo is here but they used their CSR to go to my constituency to provide a six- unit classroom block to help Government solve the educational infrastructural problem even though they pay their corporate tax, communications tax and other obligations to the Government.
    So, Mr Speaker, if we do that we would be tying the hands of the corporate entities and prices would be increased. So judging from that, I would want to conclude by saying that it is good the Hon Majority Chief Whip and my Hon Colleagues from both Sides have brought this matter to the Floor. We are now aware of it.

    Right now, there is no firm research apart from what the Hon Chairman for the Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, Mr Carlos Ahenkorah

    has told us. He said that there was a research conducted by Dr Ekow Spio- Garbrah. As a provision for trade, Mr Speaker, you can direct the Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism to do some research on that and get back to us. But if we accept the Motion in this form, and we get to the arena of legislation, we would be overspeeding, which can lead to a crash in the corporate arena.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:30 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member for Old Tafo?
    Mr Vincent Ekow Assafuah (NPP -- Old Tafo) 2:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank your for the opportunity to add my voice to the Motion on whether or not it is apt for Ghana to regulate or enact laws in respect of CSR.
    Mr Speaker, development in Ghana should not only be hinged on Government or the public sector, but rather an all-encompassing and comprehensive strategies should be outlined to be able to include the
    private sector into development. The quest of Government to ensure a cogent, equitable and sustainable national development can only be championed with the inclusion of the private and corporate sectors.
    Mr Speaker, when we say CSR, it could simply be defined as a corporate strategy whereby businesses are made to better society. Alternatively, CSR is the responsibility of an organisation to make a positive impact of its decisions and activities on society and the environment in which it operates through transparent and ethical behaviour.
    Mr Speaker, listening to my very good friend, the Hon Deputy Minority Whip, he talked about the fact that we should mention one country that has regulated or enacted laws to deal with CSR. Today, when he goes to South Africa, there are mechanisms that are regulating CSRs and they have even added punitive sanction to corporate entities that fail to adhere to the principles of CSR. There are also mechanisms that are regulating CSR in the USA, Japan, China, Denmark and United Kingdom. All these countries have systems that regulate CSR.
    Mr Speaker, one critical advantage for us as a nation to regulate CSR is that, the United Nations (UN) has put
    it out that sustainable development has shown that man is using the limited natural resources at faster rate than it is being replaced. What this means is that apart from Government strategies in dealing with sustainable development, there should be systems, not necessarily under compulsion, but mechanisms that are regulated to include the private sector into sustainable development.
    Mr Speaker, there is always a paradox and its business display lingers around at the mention of CSR in Africa. They are publicly viewed with both scepticism and cynicism. These attitudes are common in the African context as a result of our historical, cultural, economic and political realities as well as other considerations. This is because there is an inclination to believe that businesses in the CSR space are motivated purely by self-interest and an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity. These are not always true. And as such, a great deal of eminence must be attached to the execution of CSR in Africa and Ghana for that matter.
    Mr Speaker, with these words, I whole heartedly support an enactment on CSR that there should be some mechanisms that could regulate CSR and even learn from the South African experience of prescribing punitive measures to companies or entities
    Mr Vincent Ekow Assafuah (NPP -- Old Tafo) 2:30 p.m.


    which refuse to practice CSR in Ghana.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:30 p.m.
    Hon Member, I would come to Leadership. Yes, Hon Minority Leader?
    Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 2:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion ably moved by the Majority Chief Whip, Hon Annoh-Dompreh.
    Mr Speaker, I support the Motion, but I would request that he and his team rethink the construct of the Motion, because as observed by many, CSR is voluntary, ethical and social responsiveness. Therefore, for Parliament to want to pass a legislation, it can be construed or misconstrued as a disincentive to corporate governance and independence in our country. It can also be, as has been observed by Hon Ahmed Ibrahim, repugnant to the provisions of article 108 of the 1992 Constitution of creating a tax obligation which can only emanate from Government.
    Mr Speaker, probably, if I were to contribute to deepening the Motion, I would say that this House calls for responsible, ethical CSR in Ghana or responsible, ethical social
    responsiveness, but to legislate? As has been observed by Hon Ahenkorah, I had the privilege to be at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and indeed, it was my wish to leave a legacy behind after the competition policy to have a CSR policy. Work began with some consultation with the stakeholders, in order that - as the Motion reads, with your permission I beg to quote:
    “That this honourable House passes a law to mainstream and streamline Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ghana to ensure…”
    Mr Speaker, I would say, social responsiveness --
    “…equitable and sustainable national development.”
    Mr Speaker, we may not be able to tie the hands of corporate entities. In order that you appreciate the depth of my contribution, I have done research. Organisational stages and Cultural Phases: A Critical Review and a consultative module of Corporate Social Responsibility Development by Francois Moan, Universite Catholique de Louvain; Adam Lindgreen, University of Hull Business School and Valerie Swaen, Universite Catholique de Louvain. I will let the Table Office have it.
    Minority Leader (Mr Haruna Iddrisu) 2:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I just want to highlight some of the concerns that they have raised in their writing, so that this Parliament is guided. With your permission, I beg to quote:
    2. 40 p.m.
    “What do we want to build as corporate values? To create an organisational culture that promotes openness, which does not focus solely on self-interest and adopt other regarding sentiments”?
    Mr Speaker, only last month, I was in Tamale when the Vice President of the Republic, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia came to Tamale Secondary School (TAMASCO), his alma mater, to commission a girl's dormitory. This was a voluntary corporate social responsibility undertaken by MTN. However, if we go to legislate and we are even thinking of additional corporate tax, does Government policy support that? And would the money go into CSR?
    Mr Speaker, however, in commending the Hon Member who moved the Motion, we also need a policy guidance and a legal framework to guide CSR, and I have no difficulty with it. In Ghana, when we take all the major mining
    companies into consideration, the Newmont Corporation in Kenyasi, for instance, is struggling. In Kenyasi, there are no schools and no proper or quality drinking water. The AngloGold Ashanti Mining Company, for instance, is in Obuasi, but the town is deprived. It is same for The Goldfield Mining Company, which is in Dunkwa-On-Offin area. That is why I support the thought behind this Motion but not the construct of it.
    Mr Speaker, therefore, we are beginning to wake these corporate entities up to do more. One can be born generous but others are not generous, so, we cannot legislate on generosity, but that is what we are coming to do. Corporate social responsibility is corporate generosity that considers the reputation of the company beyond the sale of their products. That is what CSR is about, so, do we legislate on the generosity of corporate entities? I have a difficulty with it, but to guide it with policy, I wholeheartedly and fully support it, and I believe that the appropriate Minister to be in charge of it should be the Hon Minister for Trade and Industry.
    As I said, as far back in the year 2013, I believe that after launching the competition policy, I held the first major stakeholder consultation on a CSR Policy for Ghana. That must be

    the first step, but to legislate and to think of two per cent --

    Mr Speaker, today, we are happy, and I must pay royalties by way of commendations to Professor Mike Oquaye, the former Hon Speaker of this House that today, an Hon Member can rise and move a Private Member's Motion. However, it was not ever his thinking that in the use of this procedure, we would not respect the provisions of the Constitution under article 108 of the 1992 Constitution. Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution states and with your permission, I quote:

    “Parliament shall not, unless the bill is introduced or the motion is introduced by, or on behalf of, the President --

    (a) proceed upon a bill…” [Interruption] --

    Hon Member, when it suits you, you would agree --

    Again, article 108(i) reads, and I quote:

    “the imposition of taxation or the alteration of taxation otherwise than by reduction; or…” [Interruption] --

    Mr Speaker, however, if one proceeds with a Bill -- [Interruption] -- yes, one can come through a Bill, so, you should hear me right. If you let the Bill be spearheaded by the Minister for Trade and Industry in the name of the President, then you would be walking right, but to come with a Private Member's Bill, no! I disagree because that would be constitutionally repugnant.

    However, a Minister in the name of the President can bring a Bill, and that is why I am saying that we should let the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Minister for Finance consult and come further. This House cannot, on its own, wake up and start imposing two per cent corporate taxes. We cannot. We have the power to impose taxes but by the construction in the 1992 Constitution, it says that it must be one which is introduced and on behalf of the President.

    Mr Speaker, indeed, this is what scared the late Hon Peter Ala Adjetey and company from giving meaning to the Private Member's Bill. When we go back to his ruling on this matter, we realised that they were afraid of the constitutionality of accepting Private Member's Motion on the imposition and initiation of taxes. However, as I said, I have gone to do some reading and would still want

    to quote from my research document. It says:

    “This emerging recession features both conceptual development and empirical investigation, and it asks the question; what is it that we would want to achieve with Cor- porate Social Responsibility?”

    So, this is the reason I support the movers of the Motion but not the construct of it.

    Mr Speaker, many a time, corporate entities in Ghana give funeral and outdooring donations and behave as if that is corporate social responsibility. That cannot be a CSR. When a corporate body provides a bus to go to the funeral of an employee, they cannot equate that to CSR. But we must also be mindful that CSR is a function of the profitability of the corporate entity. How well they do and how much they give would depend upon the extent to which they are profitable. Accept it or not, tax is a cost to them, and that can undermine their ability to be able to perform that role.

    Mr Speaker, I have also gone further again, and I would conclude with it. As I said, I decided to do some

    small research while sitting here. This is corporate social responsibility by Adam Lindgreen of the University of Hull Business School. He was now concentrating on just supply chain and he says:

    “Organisations voluntarily choose to behave in a more responsible manner, beyond what the law stipulates. Some of these reasons appear defensive whereas others are strategic or even altruistic”.

    Then he quotes Baron, 2001 and Vogel, 2005. So, I would want the Hon Leader to know that I am not against the thought.

    Mr Speaker, I conclude with my research again. Formulation of CSR and its deployment must be based on - if we assume that business firms should be socially responsible, then in what ways should this be exercised? So, we agree with the thinking of the Hon Annoh-Dompreh and his Hon Colleagues that businesses and corporate entities in Ghana must be socially responsible, but how it should be exercised is what this Parliament must guide him on. However, I do not think that his Motion must be for a law.

    As I have said, private member's law manifesting in a Private Member's
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:30 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Majority Leader?
    Majority Leader (Mr Osei- Kyei- Mensah-Bonsu) 2:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to also add my voice to the debate on the Private Members' Motion before us.
    Mr Speaker, the Motion reads 2:50 p.m.
    “That this honourable House passes a law to mainstream and streamline Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ghana to ensure a cogent, equitable and sustainable national development.”
    Mr Speaker, first, let me offer a quick response to my Hon Colleague, the Hon Deputy Minority Whip, who raised issues in respect of article 108 of the 1992 Constitution. Mr Speaker, the article 108 that he quoted which was also rehashed by the Hon Minority Leader provides that:
    “Parliament shall not, unless the bill is introduced or the motion is introduced by, or on behalf of, the President—
    (a) proceed upon a bill including an amendment to a bill, that, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for any of the following—
    (i) the imposition of taxation or the alteration of taxation otherwise than by reduction; or
    (ii) the imposition of a charge on the Consolidated Fund or other public funds of Ghana or the alteration of any such charge otherwise than by reduction;”
    Mr Speaker, as of yet, we are not dealing with a Bill; we are only dealing with a Motion which provides that we should pass a law to mainstream and streamline CSR in Ghana. When the Bill is introduced and we look at its nature and character, and realise that it would impose a charge on the Consolidated Fund, then, this argument would arise. We are not there yet. We are engaged in pre- emptive strike which is not necessary. It is speculative misadventure. Mr Speaker, we are not there yet so, we cannot raise this matter at this stage.
    Mr Speaker, the principle being espoused in the Motion is what we should debate. The activities of corporations, especially those that embark on extraction of natural resources and those that engage in the production of value addition, often impact on the environment -- the
    destruction of the built environment, roads, houses, smoke emissions and so on. This is what this Motion addresses - what to do in such regard. In this regard, it becomes necessary for such companies to assume some other additional responsibilities by way of providing assistance to cushion the impact of their activities on the environment. Mr Speaker, that is what is meant by CSR.
    Is this the first time that Parliament is debating such a matter or engendering appropriate provisions to ensure sanity, equity and sustainability in national development? No, this is not the first time. Mr Speaker, in 1997, this House, in passing the Timber Resource Management Act, addressed its mind to this same phenomenon, and I will quote for us.
    Mr Speaker, section 3 of the Timber Resources Management Act, Act 547, reads 2:50 p.m.
    “Application for Timber Rights
    “(1) Procedure for application for timber rights shall be as prescribed by regulations made under this Act.
    (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1) of this section an application for timber rights shall be made in writing
    Mr Speaker, section 3 of the Timber Resources Management Act, Act 547, reads 3 a.m.
    to the Forestry Commission which shall immediately refer the application to the Timber Rights Evaluation Committee established under section 5 of this Act.
    (3) The application shall be accompanied with—
    (e) proposals to assist in addressing social needs of the communities who have interest in the applicant's proposed area of operations;”.
    The law committed companies to performing CSR. We legislated Act 547 in this House. Indeed, this is not the first time that we are doing this.
    Mr Speaker, this Act is in respect of extracting natural resources. Distinction must be made between enterprises dealing with non- replenishable natural resources and those involved in second level manufacturing activities.
    Mr Speaker, even those of them engaged in second level manufacturing activities, we are talking about emission, smoke, pollution of the environment and so on. The ejection of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. What to do to cushion
    the environment that these companies operate in is what is referred to as
    CSR.
    Mr Speaker, all those who associated with the Motion have related to mining companies. They gave examples from South Africa and compared what happens in Johannesburg to Obuasi. Obuasi had the most endowed gold reserve in the world in terms of quality. The quality of the gold in South Africa is not as rich as that of Obuasi, and yet, look at the circumstance of Obuasi? There was no CSR.
    Mr Speaker, even forestry, we have harvested all our lumber, depleted it and it contributes to climate change in the country. What has happened? Almost nothing has happened. Mr Speaker, with respect, I wish to quote article 36(2)(d) of our 1992 Constitution which provides:
    “The State shall, in particular, take all necessary steps to establish a sound and healthy economy whose underlying principles shall include—
    (d) undertaking even and balanced development of all regions and every part of each region of Ghana, and, in particular, improving the conditions of life in the rural areas, and generally,
    redressing any imbalance in development between the rural and the urban areas;”.
    In such instances, we require the intervention of the State to direct certain corporate bodies to go into otherwise hostile environments to operate. Would we commit them to social responsibility when we ourselves force them more or else to operate in a very unwelcome environment? Mr Speaker, whereas I buy into the principle, it cannot be an omnibus law. We should be careful.
    I disagree with the issue of the imposition of taxation. As I said, we are not there. Let us not jump the gun. We would be called back if we jump the gun. These days, we may be disqualified in athletics. Where we are, are we dealing with a standalone legislation or is it that we would amend existing laws as obtained in the Timber Resources Management Act? That is something?
    Mr Speaker, having said all what I have said, I disagree with the construct and the import of this Motion.

    Mr Speaker, all that we are saying is that there is a missing link; there is

    an identified mischief in our legal regime which we must address.

    Mr Speaker, if that is the case, it falls in tandem with Article 106; not 108. Article 106 provides and with your permission, let me draw your attention to article 106; it says and it relates to Bills that are introduced in this House. And in particular, I would like to advert our minds to article 106(2) of the 1992 Constitution:

    “No bill, other than such a bill as is referred to in paragraph (a) of article 108 of this Constitution, shall be introduced in Parliament unless—

    (a) it is accompanied by an explanatory memorandum setting out in detail the policy and principles of the bill, the defects of the existing law, the remedies proposed to deal with those defects and the necessity for its introduction...”

    Mr Speaker this debate really should inform the construct of a memorandum which would accompany a bill that would be introduced. We do not need a Motion to herald such a Bill. Otherwise, any Bill that is coming to this House that is intended to address a mischief that we have identified, would have to be preceded by a Motion to play the role
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3 a.m.
    Very well, I believe we have had enough debate on this particular Motion. In fact, my information is that there are currently, some Hon Members who are working on a certain Bill almost related to something like this. We probably urge them to link up with the Mover of this Motion and probably, link up with the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as the Ministry of Finance to fashion out something that would be acceptable to the business community as well as our society.
    So, on this note, I will put the Question.
    Question put and Motion negatived.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3 a.m.
    That notwithstanding, I would urge the Mover of the Motion to link up with a group that is to fashion out something as well as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. And let us do something in relation to the Motion we have discussed.
    I thank you very much.
    Yes, Majority Leadership?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, even though quite devastated, I have hope.
    Mr Speaker, shall we take the item numbered 16 on page 7 of the Order Paper?
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3 a.m.
    Hon Members, the item numbered 16 on page 7 of today's Order Paper, Motion?
    MOTIONS 3 a.m.
    Chairman of the Committee on Health (Dr Nana Ayew Afriye) 3 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which requires that no Motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the Motion is given and the date on
    which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Committee on Health on the Change/ Variation Order to the EPC/Turnkey Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Health) and Contracta Construction UK Limited for a sum of one hundred and thirty-eight million, five hundred thousand euros (€138,500,000.00) to complete the revised scope of Works in respect of the execution of the Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks may be moved today.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3 a.m.
    Yes, any seconder?
    Ranking Member for the Committee on Health (Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved Accordingly.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3 a.m.
    Hon Members, we now move to the item numbered 17, the Substantive Motion.
    Change/Variation Order to EPC/ Turnkey Contract Agreement
    between the GoG and Contracta Construction UK Limited
    Dr Afriye 3 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this honourable House
    Dr Afriye 3:10 p.m.
    adopts the Report of the Committee on Health on the Change/Variation Order to the EPC/Turnkey Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Health) and Contracta Construction UK Limited for a sum of one hundred and thirty- eight million, five hundred thousand euros (€138,500,000.00) to complete the revised scope of Works in respect of the execution of the Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks.

    In so doing, I present your Committee's Report.

    1.0 Introduction

    1.1 On Wednesday, 21st July, 2021, Dr John A. Kumah, the Hon Deputy Minister for Finance, presented the following Paper in Parliament on behalf of Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, the Hon Minister for Health:

    “Change/Variation Order to the EPC/Turnkey Contract Agree- ment between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Health) and Contracta Con-

    struction UK Limited for a sum of one hundred and thirty-eight million, five hundred thousand euros (€138,500,000.00) to complete the revised scope of Works in respect of the execution of the Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks”.

    1.2 In accordance with the 1992 Constitution and Order 178 of the Standing Orders of the House, the Contract Agreement was referred to the Committee on Health for consideration and report.

    1.3 The Committee met to consider the Referral and in attendance at its deliberations were Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Hon Minister for Health, Mr Ben Ampomah Nkansah, Director of Infrastructure and other Officials of the Ministry of Health.

    2.0 Background Information

    2.1 Parliament at its Sittings held on Friday, 12th April, 2019, approved by resolution, the EPC/Turnkey Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Health) and Contracta Construction UK Limited for a sum of one hundred and thirty-eight million, five hundred

    thousand euros (€138,500,000.00) for the completion of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks. The approval for the Loan Facility Agreement was also given on the same day. The scope of works for the Project was to include minor repairs to the existing building, complete finishing and furnishing of the facility.

    2.2 Site works had begun when unfortunately, extensive structural integrity tests of the building showed that for purposes of safety and value for money, the structure has to be completely pulled down and rebuilt. The earlier option of the structural reinforcement of the building could not be executed because of the extent of damage and deterioration of the 40- year old building.

    The analysis of the test results indicated that, should the Contractor continue with the current reinforcement, the potential outcome could be a structural collapse. The continuation of the reinforcement will be risky to the builders as well as the patients and health workers who will work in the facility. Prior to the site being handed over, the detailed testing could not be done to ascertain the extent of damage on account of cost.

    2.3 Also, the existing structure on site does not match the design drawings and specifications, consequently it is impossible to predict the behaviour of the structure during propping to undertake the reinforcement works. Apart from the variance in construction, the quality is not up to the design standard specified on the design drawings.

    Currently, the contractor has provided additional props inside the building to avoid potential collapse, while undertaking further testing. Due to the condition of the building, work involved has to be done in a highly technical manner and must be done very slowly and meticulously to avoid potential collapse. This means that the programme for works for reinforcement would take longer than currently envisaged thus impacting on the loan availability period.

    2.4 The Ministry of Health therefore had no option than to agree to the total demolition of the existing building to allow for the construction of a new one. The Ministry's concern and reason for the decision was the safety issues mentioned afore. The scope for the Project had to be revised for the reconstruction works and the only difference would be in the amount of bed space. The revised scope will offer a fully functional building of about five hundred and ten (510) beds but with the same number
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:10 p.m.
    Hon Ranking Member?
    Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (NDC -- Juaboso) 3:10 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion. I can see the Hon Minister is ready to move the Motion for the Resolution. I was struggling to see him.
    Mr Speaker, as indicated by the Hon Chairman, we had a contract between the Republic of Ghana represented by the Ministry of Health, and Contracta Construction UK Limited and this agreement was approved by this House around 12th April, 2019. So, if anything at all, we should be talking about the project
    nearing completion. Unfortunately, we are back to Parliament to reconsider the scope of the project.
    Mr Speaker, this is as a result of an improper integrity test of the structure. There was an already existing structure which was supposed to be completed and equipped but upon further integrity tests, it was found out that there were severe defects in the structure which would probably result in its collapse if they had continued. My question is, could they not have done this integrity test before coming to Parliament for the contract to be approved? That certainly is my worry.
    Mr Speaker, you come from the Ashanti Region and you would realise that there was a lot of brouhaha around the demolition of the structure. So, I thought that when they realised that the structures would be demolished, they should have come back to Parliament before even attempting to demolish the structures. That would have been neater. So, I believe that going forward, if any situation of that nature arises, Ministers must come back to Parliament for approval before attempting to demolish.
    Let me be fair to the Hon Minister that it is one of the few contracts that has come back to Parliament for
    variation of its scope. I would give that credit to him because that is the proper thing to do. Now, according to the variation of the project, we are reducing the number of beds from about 750 beds to about 510 beds.
    Mr Speaker, the reason that was given was that we have the Sewuah Hospital, Afari Hospital, Kumawu Hospital and the Bekwai Hospital project which unfortunately, for the past four to five years, have not seen completion. So, I would plead with the Hon Minister that if they are giving these reasons for augmenting the new scope, then we must expedite action on those projects. This would enable them serve the purposes he is talking about.
    Mr Speaker, in principle, I am not against the variation of the scope of the project because this has to do with the integrity of the structure. We do not hope that we would continue with the structure and it would collapse and kill innocent people.
    Mr Speaker, with these few words, I second the Motion and urged all Hon Members to support it and impress upon the Hon Minister to finish the uncompleted projects within that particular catchment area. Thank you.
    Question proposed.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:10 p.m.
    I would invite two from each Side, then I would come to Leadership.
    Mr Akwasi Konadu (NPP -- Manhyia North) 3:10 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute towards the adoption of the Motion.
    In as much as the Hon Ranking Member agrees with the principle of the variation, it also calls for commendation on the part of the Hon Minister for bringing this to the fore of the House for consideration. His worry has to do with the reduction of the bed size capacity of the hospital and we all have that worry.
    Mr Speaker, it must also be noted that the working areas, the theatres and all other surgical areas would remain intact and that the completion of the Sewuah Afari project which has about a 500 bed capacity is almost complete; the Bekwai project has about 120-bed capacity; the Tepa and Konongo Hospitals are all coming on board and they would complement that.
    The foresight we had 44 years ago was that we intended having the 750 bed capacity. Right now, there are other hospitals, health centres and clinics around which are compensating for some of these. With the structure that has stood for over
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:10 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member for Adentan?
    Mr Mohammed Adamu Ramadan (NDC -- Adentan) 3:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. I also rise to support the Motion for the adoption of the Report of the Committee on Health on the change of variation order to the EPC Turnkey Contract Agreement.
    Mr Speaker, this contract was initially signed and approved in this House on 18th April, 2019 by the 7th Parliament. The terms of the agreement were for the completion and furnishing of the existing seven storey uncompleted structure that had been left at the mercy of the weather for over 40 years. When the site work was commenced in June 2020, the contractors noticed that the building was not as safe and sound as they expected so, they commissioned the structural integrity test of the building and it showed that its structural integrity was extremely comprised.
    Mr Speaker, another independent structural integrity was commissioned and they also confirmed the unsafe condition of the structure. I thought that the comprehensive structural and integrity test could have been done before awarding this contract. At this point, the Ministry and the contractor were left in limbo as to whether to completely pull down the building and start or go along with the existing
    contract work where they needed to provide support for it.
    They did analysis of the cost implications and with the revised scope, they were going to reduce the floors from seven floors to five floors but maintain the same contract sum of €138.5 million.
    However, if they wanted to maintain the seven floors, they had to move the contract sum from €138.5 million to €180 million which meant that some extra funds would be needed. They chose the latter option to pull down the building, reduce the floors from seven to five and reduce the number of beds from 800 plus to something in the region of around 500 plus beds.
    However, they were going to maintain every other thing constant so the number of theatres and out patients' department would have been maintained but giving the reduction in the number of beds, it might not necessarily affect the people around because of the investment in the health sector by the former Administration.
    Mr Speaker, it would be realised that in the Ashanti Regional catchment area, the Kumawu District Hospital, the Bekwai District Hospital, the Fomena District Hospital and also the Military Hospital would make up for that loss. So, clearly, even though there
    Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare (NDC -- Techiman North) 3:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion.
    Mr Speaker, we are at a standstill with regard to this project because things that could have been done earlier were not done properly -- if proper assessment of the 44-year-old building had been done --
    It was stated in the Report that - after Parliament had granted the loan it was later realised that the existing structure on site did not match the design, drawing and specifications. Consequently, it is impossible to predict the behaviour of the structure during propping to undertake the reinforcement work. So, the question to ask is when was this detected? Could this not have happened before it was brought to Parliament? This was not done.
    However, in addition to all that have been said, we are happy that for fear of being criticised they did not go ahead to do the untoward but have come clean to Parliament to say that
    Dr Sebastian N. Sandaare (Daffiama/Bussie/Issa) 3:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion. I am also excited to contribute to the Motion because I passed through the KATH as part of my medical training and I am excited that there are steps to ensure that this project is completed for the good use of the people of Ghana because it is a tertiary facility that would accept patients across the length and breadth of this country.
    Mr Speaker, this is not a new contract but a change in scope and variation. However, the point I want to stress is that if we look at paragraph 2.2 which seems to suggest that after we had signed the contract on 12th April 2019, the structural integrity test was conducted and it was realised that there was the need to pull down the entire structure instead of reinforcement, that is where even at the Committee level when we considered this issue, we were concerned and expressed that Hon Members needed to visit that structure before signing the first
    contract. We did not do that and indeed, we admitted the fact that we did not visit the site to see for ourselves the state of that structure.
    So, when it came to light that it has to be pulled down for a complete structure, we felt that as a Committee, our integrity was tested and we resolved that henceforth, with regard to uncompleted projects where we need as a Committee to also visit to be sure, it would be done.
    Mr Speaker, lastly, the Report suggested that there is no change in value for money which as a medical doctor, I beg to differ. This is because the fact that the number of beds would be reduced from 750 to 510, is a change in value of this project because a situation where we suffer from no- bed syndrome, the reduction in the number of beds would really affect quality in the maternity and children's block.

    In comparison with the other hospitals nearby, compensating for the loss of beds at the KATH is not the case because the quality of care and the patient being treated at the KATH as compared to somebody being treated at the Fomena or Bekwai District Hospitals, we cannot say that
    Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza (NDC -- Adaklu) 3:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this Motion.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to commend the Minister for doing the right thing by bringing the resolution back to Parliament to ratify the changes. I think it is the proper thing to do and all Ministers could learn from that.
    Mr Speaker, the completion of this project would create a situation where all politicians would have a clearer conscience because this building has been standing there for 44 years spanning almost every government in this country. It is sad that the original building would have to be pulled down because - and let us take note of this -- I am sure the original building of Job 600 was built
    around the same time or even earlier. So, for a building built around that time which was never used to be in that deplorable state calls into question the quality of the construction and supervision that was done at that time. We need to pay attention to this.
    Mr Speaker, all the investment that has been done in the past has gone to waste but I agree that the Hon Minister decided it is better to err on the side of caution than to pretend to go ahead with it.
    Mr Speaker, Hon Colleagues have talked about many of the things in terms of the capacity and others already. All I would want to add is that the reason the developer is struggling for space is that for those who know where the hospital is -- the Military has occupied part of that land for a very long time. They do not have any use for it but some veterans. - Those round buildings around the block is of no actual use to the State. It is State land and I know there has been negotiations between the Military and the Hospital and I am told that even Otumfuo intervened at a point in time. Let that discussion conclude so the Hospital can have a full complement of that land because they would need to do expansion in the future.
    It is extremely critical; so, the Hon Minister should try and conclude on
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:30 p.m.
    Yes, let me -- Hon Member, I will come to you.
    Yes, Hon Minority Leader? [Interruption] --
    Very well, so, let me come to the Hon Majority Leader?
    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (NPP -- Suame) 3:30 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for the opportunity.
    Let me also add my voice to commend the Minister for bringing the consideration of this facility back to this House. I think at the same time, we should also be blaming ourselves for not doing what was required of us. When such applications are made to the House, it is imperative for us using our Committees to pursue this to the ground to ensure that the application that we consider really is worthy of consideration. It is not only
    the test for the integrity of that facility and it does not only rest on the shoulders of the Ministry. It also rests on Parliament.
    We also need to do that ourselves because in approving of it, we would want and have to assure ourselves that what we are doing is right. Mr Speaker, if there is no certificate on the integrity of the facility and we approve of the loan to be applied on it, we have abdicated our responsibility. So, we cannot only lay blame on the doorsteps of the Ministry. We must also accept part of the blame.
    Mr Speaker, having said that, as the Hon Governs Agbodza related to, this has been a facility that has stood there for over 45 years. It was General Acheampong who initiated the project in 1974/1975; it really commenced in 1975. So, it has been there for about 45/46 years and we are talking about the integrity of that facility. Job 600 got started in 1963 and yet - in fact, Mr Speaker, it has many more storeys than the facility at Kumasi. The facility at Kumasi was not occupied. In terms of load bearing, this one bears much more load than the one at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Yet, when it came to the analysis of the integrity of that facility, it was found wanting basically
    because it was unprotected. It was not roofed so there were a lot of leakages and seepages that affected not only the blocks; they were not plastered and there was serious corrosion of the iron rods.
    Mr Speaker, but you compared it to Job 600 which is closer to the sea; our sea is so salty and so in terms of corrosion, it should also be suffering much more than the corrosion that perhaps could occur in Kumasi.
    Mr Speaker, so, it is not for nothing that our 1992 Constitution provides that projects that are commenced by preceding Administration should be continued by succeeding Adminis- trations. We have not followed this in the coup regimes for a long time and we should now be looking over our shoulders and come to the determination that coup regimes have not helped this nation in any way. [Interruption] - Most coups? All coups! - [Laughter.]
    Mr Speaker, so, it is important that we would look at this. Sometimes, even when we have to raze down and build from the scratch, it is often less costly. So, doing what the Ministry is trying to do now should be commended.
    Let us not forget that, our own Job 600 we said it was going to cost us
    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (NPP -- Suame) 3:40 p.m.
    US$25 million at the very outset. Through the years, when we finished, it cost us close to a US$100 million. That is what cost escalation can do to refurbishing existing structures.
    Mr Speaker, so, I commend the Minister because in all probability, if they were going to just refurbish, we would see. At the end of the day, they would have come for more money than this. So, what is being done now is good.

    But the issue about the bed capacity climbing down from 750 to 500, I think that in the circumstances, I guess, we would have to accept that because first of all, we should consider that many of the polyclinics that existed; Manhyia, Tafo, Suntreso, Atonsu have all been transformed into hospitals and their bed capacities have also increased.

    Mr Speaker, now, Bekwai, Kokofu, Tepa, Kumawu and also the Military Hospital are all coming on- stream. Then the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital is also coming up to be transformed into a teaching hospital. So, I am not too worried about the capacity in terms of the reduction from 750 to 500, I think it will serve the people. After all, teaching hospitals

    are not supposed to be overloaded and the maternity block is part of the teaching hospital so, to me, it is a good proposal before us that we should consider worthy and we all come together to approve the facility.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:40 p.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Hon Majority Leader, you said you are not too worried about the reduction - I am worried. I am happy that the project has seen the light of day only that the bed capacity has been reduced. In the 1970s if they thought of putting up that number of 750 bed capacity and in the year 2021, we are reducing it to 500, I am a bit worried. Anyway, reasons have been adduced to it.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved Accordingly.
    RESOLUTIONS 3:40 p.m.
    Minister for Health (Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu) 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that
    WHEREAS, by the provisions of article 181(5) of the Constitution the terms and conditions of any international business or economic transaction to which the Government of Ghana is a party shall not come into operation unless the said terms and conditions have been laid before Parliament and approved by Parliament by a Resolution supported by the votes of a majority of all Members of Parliament;
    PURSUANT to the provisions of the said article 181(5) of the Constitution, and at the request of the Government of Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Health, there has been laid before Parliament the terms and conditions of a Change/Variation Order on the EPC/Turnkey Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Health) and Contracta Construction UK Limited for a sum of one hundred and thirty-eight million, five hundred thousand euros (€138,500,000.00) to complete the revised scope of Works in respect of the execution of the
    Modernisation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children's Blocks.
    THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE 3:40 p.m.
    HEREBY RESOLVES AS 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Haruna Iddrisu 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion for the adoption of the Resolution.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon First Deputy Minority Whip is reminding me of an outstanding Statement that he has - I do not know whether we could not allow him to make the Statement? When he finishes, maybe, we can have just one contribution from each Side.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:40 p.m.
    Very well.
    Item numbered 6 - Statements in the name of Hon Ahmed Ibrahim on the Boundary Commission between the Bono and the Savannah Regions.
    STATEMENTS 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to make this Statement.
    For the past two weeks, the Bono Regional House of Chiefs has been meeting on a very urgent emerging issue between the Bono and Savannah regions about their boundary positions.
    Mr Speaker, this happened when a chief in Dollar Power sacked enumerators from the Bono Region from counting them with the reason that the place belongs to the Savannah Region and that they would only allow enumerators from the Savannah region to undertake the exercise in that place even though those communities lie in the Bono Region.
    Similar boundary disputes exist between other regions in the country that is, Greater Accra and Central regions that is, Kasoa and Amanfrom. There is also another dispute between the Eastern and Greater Accra regions that is, Obom Domeabra and Amasaman.
    In the Eastern Corridor, one cannot lose sight of the unfortunate situation in the Volta and Oti regions which has resulted in some people not been represented in the House of Parliament. One can also cite what happened between the Greater Accra and Eastern region and the threat of force being used by some chiefs to shift the boundary position.
    Mr Speaker, some of the effects of these boundary positions are as follows 3:40 p.m.
    1) Over 6,000 structures in the Banda District were not enumerated and this has the
    potential of undermining the credibility of the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
    2) There was a brutal civil- military clash in Domfaase community in the Obom Domeabra area in the Greater Accra Region where, at least, three people lost their lives and about 300 were injured.
    3) In the Oti and Volta Regions, the people of Lolobi, Santrokofi, Akpafu and Likpe have no representation in this Eighth Parliament
    (SALL).
    Mr Speaker, I recommend that the Speaker directs joint communities on Land and Natural Resources, Local Government and Rural Development and Defence and the Interior to assist the Ghana Boundary Commission which is responsible for internal boundary dispute settlement to investigate the matter for amicable dispute settlement and to report to the House.
    Secondly, the Census committee to carry on enumeration at the disputed areas with reference to the timelines.
    Finally, the Ministry for National Security and Regional Security committees of the affected areas must assist the Ghana Statistical Council for the exercise to be conducted (Population and Housing Census).
    Thank you.
    [Hear! Hear!] --
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:40 p.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Mr Haruna Iddrisu 3:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to commend the Hon Ahmed Ibrahim for this Statement and to encourage him to continue to engage with the chiefs and people of the area together with other stakeholders for a peaceful resolution of the boundary dispute.
    Mr Speaker, he has related to several other regions - Savannah, Bono, Oti, Volta and others. We are a peaceful country and you know that these boundaries border on land and who has ownership of land and therefore, they can feel very strongly about it and that can affect the peace, harmony and co-existence of the suspicious parties to many of these.
    So, as the Hon Member has said, even the Population Census suffered as a result of it. I will strongly recommend that our Committee on Defence and the Interior, Lands and
    Mr Haruna Iddrisu 3:50 p.m.
    Natural Resources go into a determination of this matter and probably, the Ministry of the Interior must take particular interest in this because this can trigger and engender conflicts.
    Mr Speaker, therefore, I wholeheartedly support the Statement and urge that you direct the Committees on Lands and Natural Resources, Defence and the Interior to probably go into the matter.

    I should think that we have a Boundary Dispute Commission - and to refer it to them appropriately.

    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:50 p.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Majority Leader?
    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 3:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity.
    I think we must commend the Hon First Deputy Minority Whip for this early warning signal that he has provided us. As a country, we have resolved that we would live in unity and stability as captured in the
    preamble of our Constitution. So, when these infractions come up, and they are detected early enough, we should address them soonest because if we allow them to fester, then other people would also turn round to feed on them and escalate the problem for us. So, I wholeheartedly agree with the prescription of the Hon First Deputy Minority Whip.
    Essentially, this is a local governance matter and the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development is responsible. However, given the issues that are involved, I agree that we could conjoin the leadership of the Committee on Defence and Interior to the main Committee on Local Government and Rural Development, and as he suggested, the Committee on Lands and Forestry.
    Mr Speaker, so I think the leaderships of the Committee on Lands and Forestry and the Committee on Defence and Interior could link up with the Committee on Local Government, Rural Development and Daecentralisation to look into this and report to us. I am not too sure if they can do any good job within one week because it is also related to some other regions. Mr Speaker, even between Greater Accra and the Eastern Region, Greater Accra and Central Region -
    he also referred to the Oti Region, Savannah Region and Bono Region. So, when we proceed on recess, which is supposed to be next week, 6th August, they would have enough time to look at this and report to us when we resume, likely, in the third week of October, 2021.
    Mr Speaker, once again, I would express profound gratitude to the Hon Member for bringing this issue up and I think that the cure lies in assigning the responsibility to the joint Committee to consider and submit a report to us, then we would know the way forward.
    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:50 p.m.
    Hon Members, as much as you are desirous to contribute, I urge you to hold on a bit. The Statement is very important so I would refer it to the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development and direct that the leadership of the Committees on Lands and Forestry and Defence and Interior should join the Committee. The Committee is to report to us -
    Hon Majority Leader, when should the Committee report to us?
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 3:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, if we want them to do any proper and diligent work it will take a
    while. So, we should anticipate the Report upon resumption and this should be in the third week of October, 2021.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:50 p.m.
    Very well.
    So, the Committee is supposed to report to the House when the House resumes from recess.
    Hon Members, I crave your indulgence to admit one more Statement by the Hon Member for Madina Constituency. The Statement is on the abolishment of death penalty.
    Statement on the Abolishment of the Death Penalty
    Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu (NDC -- Madina) 3:50 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you very much.
    Mr Speaker, in December 2020, the plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) saw a record number of 123 States 123 supporting the adoption of its biennial Resolution calling for the establishment of a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty.
    Mr Speaker, there was an increase of 19 votes as compared to 2007, when the first UNGA resolution on this issue was adopted. According to
    Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu (NDC -- Madina) 4 p.m.
    the 2020 Amnesty International Global Report, at least 483 people were executed in 2020. This is the lowest figure recorded in at least a decade, representing a 26 per cent fall as compared to 67 per cent for 2019, and 70 per cent from the peak of 1,634 executions reported in 2015. In Africa, the boldest step was taken by our sister West African country, Sierra Leone, which voted last week to abolish death penalty. The Parliament of Sierra Leone has set a precedent that this Parliament can follow.
    Mr Speaker, globally, the methods of execution of persons sentenced to death for 2020 comprised beheading, electrocution, hanging, lethal injection, and shooting. At the end of 2020, at least 28,567 people were known to be under death sentence.
    In Ghana, statistics from the Ghana Prisons Service shows that no executions were carried out in 2020, despite the imposition of the death sentence on three persons by the Courts. As at the close of 2020, 160 persons comprising 155 men and five women were under death sentence. Yesterday, when the Attorney- General and Minister for Justice came to this House, he reported that as at yesterday, the number was 166.
    Nine prisoners also had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonments.
    Mr Speaker, the Constitutional Review Commission, which was a presidential commission, was set up in January 2010 to consult with the people of Ghana on the provisions of the 1992 Constitution and on any possible reviews that needed to be made to the Constitution.
    The Commission, on page 645 paragraph 75 of its initial report stated as follows that:
    “The Commission recommends the replacement of the death penalty with imprisonment for life without parole”.
    This recommendation was as a result of the wide range of dissatisfaction of Ghanaians with the provisions of the death penalty on our statute books.
    Mr Speaker, on page 44 of the Government's white paper on the Constitutional Review Commission, the Government stated its position as follows:
    “Government accepts the recommendation of the Constitutional Review Commi- ssion that the death penalty in article 3 of the Constitution be
    completely abolished and that the penalty be replaced with imprisonment for life. The sanctity of life is a value so much engrained in the Ghanaian social psyche that it cannot be gambled away with judicial uncertainties.”
    Mr Speaker, the need to completely abolish the death penalty is grounded on the fact that people could be killed only for a future evidence to exonerate them. In order to err on the side of caution therefore, and on account of the fallibilities, imperfection and frailties of our judicial system, we are safer completely doing away with the death penalty from our statute book.
    Mr Speaker, there are two ways to deal with the abolition of the death penalty from our laws. We could do it by Constitutional amendment or with the amendment of the various provisions in the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Act 29) which prescribed death penalty as punishment.
    Article 3 of the 1992 Constitution is an entrenched provision and any amendment would require referendum. This might be the reasons for the delays in operationalising the Government white paper on the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Commission.
    The second approach which I believe could yield a speedy result could be the amendment of Act 29 which would lead to about 95 per cent abolition of the death penalty without constitutional amendment. This position has been forcefully argued by the Amnesty International Ghana and the Human Rights Lawyers like Lawyer Martin Kpebu.
    Mr Speaker, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in his Answer made it clear that the amendment of the Criminal and Other Offences Act is right within the remit of this honourable House.
    Mr Speaker, the constitutional amendment of an entrenched provision comes with cost, the need for resourcing National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to educate citizens, funds and logistics to the Electoral Commission to conduct the said referendum among many others. This could be avoided by the simple amendment of the various death penalty provisions in the Act 29.

    Mr Speaker, the death penalty inflicts not only immense psychological pain and torture on the accused and convicted persons and assassination officers, but also smacks of practices of backward societies.
    Mr Speaker, also, it says 4 p.m.
    “…it is only Parliament which can consider an amendment of the Criminal and other Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29)”.
    Mr Speaker, more than 10 years down the line, Parliament, which is the Legislative Arm of Government is yet to take any major step in this direction. But today, the Eighth Parliament has an opportunity to change the course of history in Ghana.
    We have an opportunity to show that we are pro-life.
    We have an opportunity to show that we cannot condemn killing and yet use killing as a mode of punishment.
    We have an opportunity to join Sierra Leone as shining example in West Africa on the African continent by completely removing death penalty from our statute books.
    Mr Speaker, I therefore call on Members of Parliament, major stakeholders and interest groups to support the Private Members' Bill that has been submitted to this House and admitted by the Speaker of Parliament to begin with the Process of abolishing death penalty from our statute books.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4 p.m.
    I am admitting two contributions.
    Yes, Hon Member for Akatsi South?
    Mr Bernard Ahiafor (NDC -- Akatsi South) 4 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably made by the Hon Member for Madina.
    Mr Speaker, I am only inclined to say that if you go to our prisons now, some people may be languishing in prison for crimes they have not committed, particularly, if we do not have a direct evidence but rely on circumstantial evidence which may be cogent pointing irresistibly to one conclusion. So they are there for crimes they have not committed.
    Mr Speaker, life is only one, and life lost can never be regained. If the person is sentenced to death and execution is carried out and subsequently it turns out that the person is not responsible for the commission of that particular crime, that life is gone and the opportunity to bring the person back is not there for anybody. For that reason alone, death penalty should not be part of our laws, meanwhile, death penalty is part of our laws.
    Mr Speaker, the second reason is that though death penalty is part of
    our laws, recently, it is not being enforced. For anybody who is convicted or sentenced to death, the execution would not be carried out but rather converted into life imprisonment. Why do we keep that law in our statutes, but when it comes to enforcements, it cannot be carried out for a very cogent and significant reason that you may sentence a person and further investigation may be revealed in future that the person is not responsible for the commission of a crime.
    This reminds me of my criminal procedure law lecturer who told us about a rhetorical case where a person was convicted and sentenced to death. The death execution was not carried out. After several years, it turned out that another person has committed an offence and confessed that he was the one who caused the murder resulting into the punishment of A, and that A was not responsible for the crime for which he was punished. Before he was brought out from the prison based on the confession, he had gone blind and is now appealing to the State for compensation.
    This means that he suffered for a crime that he has not committed. If the death sentence was enforced and his life taken, they would not even have
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4 p.m.
    Very well. Let me invite the Hon Member for Abuakwa South.
    Mr Samuel A. Akyea (NPP -- Abuakwa South) 4:10 p.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement on the Floor relating to the need to remove the death penalty from our laws.
    Mr Speaker, I would tell an ancient story which is connected with the people of Akim Abuakwa. The story is that, on the death of Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, there was a very serious allegation that some people from the royal background have murdered the chief, and it was a huge matter. It went to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom and the rest of it.
    Upon the conviction of the accused person, about nine of them, three were hanged and killed. The rest of them who were not hanged but were also roll to death, some evolving evidence came after the three have been killed that these ones are not as guilty as has been done at the court of first instance, which meant that they should be acquitted and discharged.
    Mr Speaker, for the fact that Dr J. B. Danquah fought relentlessly even to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, people who were otherwise innocent, by the fact that they had been convicted and death penalty was part of the laws of the then Gold Coast, they would have died needless deaths.
    This is just one reason why it is believed that no matter how perfect we think the criminal justice system is, it is possible for the innocent to be convicted. The criminal justice system
    does not guarantee that every conviction is sacrosanct.
    As a matter of fact, one could be a victim of a false accusation of witnesses who lawyers could not cross examine properly or for some other reason so that the lives would be converted into positive judicial confessions and the judge based on the evidence adduced could convict an innocent man.

    On this showing alone, it is very important that we should not hung a man even if there is a conviction that he has murdered another person according to the laws of the country.

    Mr Speaker, another point of consequence is that what is the benefit of killing another man for the death of an individual? I am yet to see the benefit. What is more of a punishment if a man is deprived of his liberty for the rest of his life? What death penalty is equal to a person being sentenced permanently - incarcerated without the freedom of the rest of the world and in a very decrepit corner in the prison yard probably doing serious farming and other things? He does not have the benefit of romance; good food and his life is at a very poor level of existence. I believe that is the worst

    death penalty one can have. If a man is supposed to live for about 70 years and then because he has been convicted, at age 46, he is eliminated, the rest of the pain of incarceration, he would not feel it. When a man is killed, his pain is ended. His fears, anxieties and the rest of them would end upon his death.

    So the cheapest way to punish a man for killing another man is to kill him. But the best way to deal with such a man is for him to go through the pain of long incarceration where if a person is 45 years old and kills another and maybe he is supposed to live for 70 years, he is imprisoned for the rest of his life and is deprived of all the luxuries of freedom, I think that is a better way to teach people a good lesson. But I am afraid if a person is killed for killing another man, probably, he would not know the essence of not killing that man.

    Mr Speaker, I endorse the idea that we should try and reform our laws and cancel out the death penalty from our criminal jurisprudence and our Criminal and Other Offences Act so that men who for whatever the reason might be would have the spirit to murder when the justice delivery system should bring them to the point of guilty. Let the guilt be with them until they die. The guilt should not be
    Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (NDC -- Techiman North) 4:10 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably made by the Member of Parliament for Madina.
    Mr Speaker, it is strike learning that capital punishment is irreversible. An innocent man can be convicted and executed for a crime he did not commit. A case in point is that of Cameron Todd Willingham, a man from Texas who was executed for setting his three children ablaze to death. Later evidence showed that the man did not commit the offence. Too late, too bad, he was dead and gone. He could not be set free and compensated. What is more, Ghana practices adversarial legal system as opposed to inquisitorial legal system.
    In adversarial legal system, the judge is not part of the investigation. The judge only listens to both sides - the defence and the prosecution. It goes without saying that the success of a case depends on the industry of a lawyer. If an accused person is unable to hire seasoned representation, it is likely that an innocent person can be convicted and executed for a crime that he did not commit.
    Mr Speaker, there is no research which shows that capital punishment is more deterrent than a prison sentence as was alluded to by the MP for Abuakwa. And so, keeping capital punishment on our statute books does not mean that it would deter people more. What is more, the Amnesty International in Australia published an article on 18th May, 2019 and said that Mongolia and Guinea have abolished death penalties. And106 more countries have turned their backs on death penalty. It is time for Ghana to do same.
    Mr Speaker, Canada abolished capital punishment as far back as 1976 yet their murder cases keep dwindling. I think the time for Ghana to act is now; to take this penalty off our statute books - the easy way as has been stated by the maker of the Statement already is by looking at the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code Act, 29 and 30 to amend the various sections in order
    not to sound repetitive to follow all the due processes and amend the various sections that repeals the death penalty.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this very important Statement.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:10 p.m.
    Hon B. T. Baba I understand you were working at the Prisons Service of Ghana.
    Mr Benson T. Baba (NDC -- Talensi) 4:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably presented by my Hon Colleague, Lawyer Sosu.
    Mr Speaker, as you rightly pointed out, I worked with the Ghana Prisons Service. I headed one of the institutions where all condemned prisoners are sent to. Mr Speaker, I have witnessed the execution of prisoners and I think that if I had not been very smart, an innocent person would have been killed because of mistaken identity. This is why I support the maker of the Statement and the contribution of Hon Ahiafor that in the event of carrying out the execution, it is possible that innocent people are killed. Life cannot be brought back after it has been terminated. What is the chain? Even the judge who is
    pronouncing that sentence, I believe that for the rest of his life, if he gets to know that people have been executed -- those he passed sentences on, he would never be happy. It works on them. There is a psychological effect. When it comes to the prisons, the Director-General of Prisons, the Officer in charge of that prison of which I was and the medical doctor and the chaplain are all to be witnesses to this kind of execution.
    Mr Speaker, in my time, it was not mere hanging. It was by firing squad and one would see young men who have gone through reformation and have reached a point of regretting for their sins being executed at the firing squad.
    Mr Speaker, as I am talking to you, having listened to the Statement and the contributions, definitely, it has an effect on me.

    I have seen prisoners who are going to die and bless me for the good care that I gave to them. They tell me ye de Nyame gya wo. To wit, we leave you in God's care. At times when I sleep and wake up meditating, I remember some of these words, and I ask whether there could not have been alternative. The alternatives are there in the books. Life imprisonment;
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:20 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Cletus Avoka?
    Mr Cletus Avoka (NDC -- Zebilla) 4:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for
    the opportunity. I thank the Hon Member for Madina for making this Statement.
    Mr Speaker, I dire say that I oppose this Statement that says that we must abolish the death penalty in the country; I am against it. Personally, I hate violence and anybody who hates violence should also hate violent crimes. Those of our proponents for the abolishing of death penalty, with the greatest respect and apology, are those whose relatives or loved ones have not been gruesomely murdered, those whose bread winners have not been taken away for no good reason, and these are advocates of the abolishment of death penalty. The day this country will abolish that, then we would say hurray, we would have legalised violent crime in the country. Then we would have surrendered to the criminals to come and take the country and do what they want. That is the meaning of abolishing the death penalty.
    Mr Speaker, I recalled in 2009, when I was the Minister for the Interior, I told the Police that in law, you can defend your property and yourself to the extent of taking life of the aggressor. Then the human rights advocates like some of my Hon Colleague Members in this House who are advocating for the abolishing of this penalty said, “Avoka said shoot to kill.” I said, yes, I have said it and
    the law supports it. I have challenged them. I told them that at 2 a.m. when there is a distress call that armed robbers have attacked a house, the human rights activists should come for me to put in a pick-up with the Police or the soldiers, and when they get near the house, they should raise a white handkerchief and tell them they have come to arrest them, but not to kill them. They should see whether they would go home that day, and that was the end. I got my freedom. None of the human rights activists ever said, “Avoka said shoot to kill”.
    Mr Speaker, a person can be in his house with his family at about 1 a.m. or 2 a. m., somebody forcefully opens the door and in the person's presence, he rapes his wife and takes all hard-earned property. Instead of going home with that, the robber then shoots and kills the head of the family and takes his money. Is this somebody who should stay in prison forever, he should also die, simple.
    What are the principles of punishment? Reformative, retributive and deterrent. Where is the deterrence? The common law says and the Judges have held that when they decided to punish somebody, an offender, to serve as a deterrent, his previous good records become
    immaterial. If they want to punish somebody to serve as a deterrent, so that people will not continue to commit that offence, the person's good records become immaterial, that is the common law principle. Should we abolish this common law principle that there is no more deterrence and retribution, but only reformation? They talked about imprisonment. When somebody comes to kill my wife and my children or rape my wife in my presence and take my property, then the person is given life imprisonment. Then another government comes in four years' time and pardons those imprisoned. Is that what the society wants?
    Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague said some things here and it is the opposite and I would quote, in the first paragraph, on page 2:
    “The sanctity of life is a value so much engrained in the Ghanaian social cycle and that it cannot be gambled away with judicial uncertainty.”
    So, my sanctity of life can be gambled away by armed robbers and thieves -- [Laughter] -- Is that what he means? How often do we have this judicial uncertainty? Once in a while. We have this judicial uncertainty, but every day, there is murder and killing. So, we should endorse everyday's violent killings, so
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:20 p.m.
    I would finally give the Hon Habib Iddrisu the chance to draw the curtains on this debate.
    Mr Habib Iddrisu (NDC -- Tolon) 4:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I was enjoying my Hon Senior Colleague's opposition to the Statement made by the Hon Member of Parliament for Madina on the capital punishment. Even though I differ from his argument, suffice to say that there is no evidence or there is no world research that has proven the fact that capital punishment or the killing of people by execution has actually solved any problem in the world - there is no such evidence. It is only in our statutory books to deter criminals, but the fact is that it has not been able to solve that purpose. If we look at the reason we have actually put those in our statutory books, it was because we were living in a military regime at that time. There were military uprisings then, and so this provision was brought about in order to bring sanity to our society. However, at the moment, in this contemporary world that we live in, killing someone to solve a killing would never help the society. Two
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:20 p.m.
    Hon Majority Leader, you should just close us on this Statement.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 4:20 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I yield to the Hon A. B. A. Fuseini, except to make just one observation. This is because it is not as simplistic as we are making it appear. First of all, we must recognise that the 1992 Constitution in chapter three on fundamental human rights recognises the death penalty, and we do know that that is an entrenched provision. So, it is not just in respect of the Criminal and Other Offences Act. We may have to then amend the entrenched portion of the Constitution by a referendum. So, it is not that simplistic. Having said so, as I said, I would just want to yield to the Hon A. B. A. Fuseini. I want him to conclude with proverbs.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:20 p.m.
    I would call on the Hon A. B. A. Fuseini, but then, there should be no proverbs.
    Alhaji Bashir Fuseini Alhassan (NDC -- Sagnarigu) 4:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,

    Mr Speaker, I know that it is not for nothing that this subject matter evokes a lot of passion and emotions. Our people say that one must have a head before he can chew corn. The right to life is so sacred that there is nothing that can be compared with it. It is such an expensive thing created by the Almighty God (Allah) that it is one of the single things that are irreplaceable. Once it is taken, it is taken, and it is taken forever.

    So the process of taking it must of necessity involve some degree of human empathy that what would move to want to take the life of your fellow citizen unjustifiably - Mr Speaker, for somebody to neglect to even go beyond that kind of empathy that just the life that you have is so precious to you that you would not want to lose it, why would you want somebody else to lose that same life that you are not ready to lose?

    Mr Speaker, I just pause to ask a simple question. Why are you so unwilling to take your own medicine? If one thinks it is easier to deprive
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:40 p.m.
    It has been a lively debate.
    Respectfully, Hon Majority Leader, any indications?
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 4:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I believe we can now take an adjournment until at 11 o'clock in the forenoon. I so move.
    Mr Ahmed Ibrahim 4:40 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to second the Motion for adjournment. Mr Speaker, in doing so, I just want to add that tomorrow is the day for the midyear review of the Budget Statement, and once we are adjourning till 11 o'clock in the forenoon, Hon Members must do well to come in their numbers.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister too must be here on time. I know today our Hon Leader has given the Hon Minister some guidelines because this is a midyear review. We would review the Budget Statement that was passed for 2021, even though some sectors have not commenced using their allocations.
    ADJOURNMENT 4:40 p.m.