Debates of 8 Dec 2021

MR FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER
PRAYERS 1:15 p.m.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Hon
Members, we shall proceed to correct
the Votes and Proceedings and the
Official Report. We have the Votes
and Proceedings of Tuesday,
December 7, 2021.
Pages 1 - 12
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa 1:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, please on page 12, item
numbered 15(i), the name of the
Spanish entity we are contracting
with, Compania Espanola de Segurus
a las exportacion Cia de Serugus y
Reaseguros, Mr Speaker, that is the
last two lines at item 15(i) ‘Seguros' from the website of the company, is
“Segoros”. So instead of a ‘u' it should be an ‘o'.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Very well.
Page 13 - 14
Mr Ablakwa 1:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, please
on page 14, item numbered 18, under
Motions, the figure provided does not
tally with what we have in words, so,
I am not sure which one is correct.
We have seven million, three
hundred and thirty-three thousand,
six hundred and twenty-one euros
and fifty-six cents in words, but in
numbers, it is €7,330,621.56. That is the challenge, as to whether it is
“330” or “Three Hundred and Thirty- Three”. So if the Table Office could pay attention to that.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:15 p.m.
Very well. The Table Office would
take note and effect the correction.
Page 15?
Hon Members the Votes and
Proceedings of Tuesday, 7th
December, 2021 is hereby adopted,
subject to the corrections as the true
record of proceedings.
We have two Official Reports,
the first one is on Thursday, 29th July,
2021. Any corrections please?
  • [No correction was made to the Official Report of Thursday, 29th July, 2021]
  • [No correction was made to the Official Report of Tuesday, 2nd November, 2021]
    • Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:15 p.m.
    Is
    the Minister for Finance here?
    Mr Afenyo-Markin 1:15 p.m.
    No, Mr
    Speaker, we have the Minister for
    Fisheries and Aquaculture Develop-
    ment.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:15 p.m.
    Very well, so we would start with the
    Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture
    Development. Question number 5(d),
    Hon Minister for Fisheries and
    Aquaculture Development.

    Yes, the Question is in the name

    of the Hon Member for Effutu. You

    may ask your Question now.
    URGENT QUESTIONS 1:15 p.m.
    MINISTRY OF FISHERIES 1:15 p.m.
    AND AQUACULTURE 1:15 p.m.
    DEVELOPMENT 1:15 p.m.
    Mr Afenyo-Markin 1:25 p.m.
    Thank you,
    Mr Speaker. Hon Minister, I would
    like to know from you, with the
    implementation of these measures in
    checking illegal, unregulated fishing
    activities, what you foresee as the
    likely challenges that your Ministry
    will face since most of the canoes that
    are involved in this are artisanal
    fishermen using these forms of
    fishing. What challenges do you
    foresee?
    Mrs Koomson 1:25 p.m.
    Thank you, Mr
    Speaker. The challenges are many, as
    the Hon Member rightly mentioned,
    when we start with the enforcement,
    they will comply because they also
    need to work for their daily bread and
    for that matter, they will comply
    despite the challenges that they
    encounter.
    Thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:25 p.m.
    Yes?
    Mr Afenyo-Markin 1:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    will the Minister agree with me that
    considering the nature of the
    challenges, there will be the need for
    an all-inclusive sensitisation program
    to be in place for a successful
    implementation of this, and I mean
    even including Members of
    Parliament in such sensitisation?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:25 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister?
    Mrs Koomson 1:25 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker, we will include all stakeholders. Even in my answers, I mentioned that sensitisation will be done, so I am assuring the House that we will include Members of Parliament, especially the Select Committee in all these discussions and sensitisations.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:25 p.m.
    Yes?
    Mr Afenyo-Markin 1:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    have nothing more useful to ask. I thank you for the opportunity.
    Mr Godfred Seidu Jasaw --
    rose --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:25 p.m.
    Very well. Yes, Hon Member for Wa East? Why, are you fishing in any water body in Wa East?
    Mr Jasaw 1:35 a.m.
    Yes, and the Hon
    Minister is quite aggressive in supporting fish farming in Wa East. I have to commend her. Mr Speaker, I just have a quick follow up. I noticed that the Ministry is implementing a number of initiatives to reverse the EU's yellow card warning, but at the same time, fisher folks in these areas are complaining that their livelihoods are being lost.

    What is the balance that the Hon

    Minister has to strike because the

    livelihoods of our people are being affected and at the same time we are struggling to meet the European Union (EU) requirement? What specific balance are you trying to achieve with this, to satisfy EU or your countrymen?
    Mrs Koomson 1:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    am serving my country, and at the
    same time serving the EU because we
    are all stakeholders. Definitely, when
    you ask someone who is involved in
    illegality to stop - That is what the person does to get more fish, for
    instance, using light to aggregate fish
    and then catching them with maybe
    chemicals. When you ask the person
    to stop and he goes without the light,
    definitely he will not get the quantity.
    So, you should expect all these
    complaints. As I promised the House,
    we would collaborate with
    Parliament to see the way forward
    supporting our fisherfolk. We are
    here to support them, and not to make
    their lives - Thank you.
    Mr Edwinn Nii Lantey
    Vanderpuye: Mr Speaker, thank you
    very much. This is very important for
    us Members of Parliament on the
    coastal line. Let me commend my
    sister who is looking fairer than
    normal -- [Interruption] You cannot hear me? It is because you are
    looking fairer than you used to. She
    is looking more beautiful.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    Please ask your question.
    Mr Vanderpuye 1:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    as a follow up to the Question — [Interruption] This issue of
    enforcement of regulations
    pertaining to the use of illegal
    methods of fishing has been a
    problem, but the issue has to do with
    our own enforcement of our
    regulations pertaining to fishing. Just
    like any other law or regulation in this
    country, people would always look
    for ways and means to subvert the
    system for their own selfish interest.
    It is however how we enforce our
    regulations that will make the people
    comply. Compliance is as a result of
    enforcement. We cannot continue to
    have the regulations on paper without
    enforcing them because the problem
    we are having with the fisheries
    industry -- [Interruption]. It is not a question, let me express this first, it is
    important to me. She just said --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    Hon
    Vanderpuye, sorry. I wanted to ask
    that if you want to make a statement,
    kindly submit it.
    Mr Vanderpuye 1:35 a.m.
    No, I am not
    making a statement.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    Then kindly ask your question,
    please.
    Mr Vanderpuye 1:35 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    want to know what the Ministry is
    doing to ensure that our regulations
    on the use of inappropriate methods
    of fishing are fully enforced to avert
    the situation whereby we will, as a
    country, be reprimanded by the
    international community and the
    conventions we have signed on to.
    Mrs Koomson 1:35 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr
    Speaker. We have now given more
    support than ever to the Fisheries
    Enforcement Unit. So, in
    collaboration with the enforcement
    unit, I believe we can work on this.
    We have also provided gadgets along
    the coast for them to test fish with
    chemicals in them. In case any fish is
    being caught with a chemical, we
    would make sure that the person is
    prosecuted. So, now, we have the
    gadgets with the fishers along the
    coast.
    I just also mentioned that
    Government has given approval for
    us to procure the research vessel and
    patrol boats. In fact, we can do the
    patrols on land, but on the sea, it
    becomes a problem. So, Government
    has now given us approval to buy
    four patrol boats, so that we can use
    them to patrol on the sea to deter all
    these illegalities.
    Also, we have given them the
    approved nets. In fact, from next

    month, I would go round to distribute

    these nets to the fishers because

    sometimes they complain that they

    cannot afford the approved nets. So,

    the Ministry is working to get them

    subsidised ones, as we give them the

    outboard motors and premix to meet

    the cost half-way. This would also

    clean the system gradually. These are

    some of the things the Ministry is

    embarking on. Thank you.
    Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije 1:35 a.m.
    — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    I
    will go to the lady before I come to
    you.
    Mrs Dzifa Gomashie 1:35 a.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, I would like to ask the Hon
    Minister what we can do to assist her
    as Members of Parliament (MPs)
    especially with regard to the
    chemicals that are used for fishing
    and the light. The Hon Minister
    knows that loshila, or as it is called in
    my language, lafifi, or momoni in twi.
    When we were children, these
    stinking fish used to attract flies then
    you know that it is a real thing.
    Now when people carry koobi
    and loshila and not one fly wants to
    settle on it, it means that it is a
    problem that we are facing as a
    country. I want to know if the Hon
    Minister has any role for the MPs to
    assist her to address this situation
    because our health is at stake. It is
    good to hear that she wants to go to
    the communities going forward. I
    would like to personally invite her to
    Ketu South, so that we would go
    around my beaches to see what she
    can do for my people. I thank the Hon
    Minister for her presence.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    Hon
    Gomashie, unfortunately, your ques-
    tion requires that you file that
    yourself. It does not flow out of the
    answer she gave.
    Mrs Gomashie 1:35 a.m.
    No, she did.
    The Hon Minister mentioned that
    chemicals were being used for fishing
    and its effects. So, I just want to ask
    her to use the opportunity to get MPs
    to assist her to address the issues. Mr
    Speaker, I think that is an answer too.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    Hon
    Minister, did you relate to chemicals?
    I did not hear that. If you did, can you
    respond to her question?
    Mrs Koomson 1:35 a.m.
    Thank you Mr
    Speaker. First of all, I have
    mentioned here and I will repeat that
    in collaboration with Colleague MPs,
    we all have to do this sensitisation.
    Therefore, I will be very glad if the
    Hon Member comes out with a
    comprehensive programme on her
    area, then we can embark on this

    sensitisation. Also, the Food and

    Drugs Authority (FDA) is

    collaborating with us to work on this.

    It is a matter that is on my table, so

    we are considering that one as well to

    see if we can have the gadgets to

    work on all those things. Thank you,

    Mr Speaker.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:35 a.m.
    I
    will give the last one to Hon Okoe
    Vanderpuije.
    Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije 1:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would like to know
    from my Hon good Friend, the
    Minister, when we should expect the
    patrol boats. This is because, that is
    the core of the situation. The local
    fisherfolk will tell you that we are
    always after them, but we do not go
    after the international illegal - [Interruption] - I do not want to mention names. We do not go after
    the Chinese especially, who use
    heavy equipment such as trawlers.
    They catch our fish and go away with
    it, then we go after the local
    fisherfolk.

    That is the biggest challenge that

    we have and no amount of

    sensitisation is going to get them to

    accept what we are trying to do, until

    they see that we are also safeguarding

    their territories and environment so

    that their business would do well. Mr

    Speaker, I wish to know how soon we

    should expect that so I could tell

    them.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, kindly hold on let me listen
    to the Hon Majority Chief Whip.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:45 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, I heard my Hon Colleague.
    The question is clear, but the
    concluding statement is unfor-
    tunately, should be expunged --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, can I --
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:45 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, he mentioned a specific
    country's national and I think it is a wild allegation especially, where
    there is no evidence, hence that
    should be expunged. It would be
    unfortunate for it to go into our
    records because the Hon Member has
    no evidence to prove that.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, I direct that it reflects
    foreign vessels only.
    Hon Minister, kindly tell us
    when our patrol boats will come.
    Mrs Koomson 1:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ghana Navy in collaboration with the enforcement units do sea patrol just

    that it is not regular. I want to assure the Hon Member that we have already started that. With the electronic monitoring system that we have in place, any vessel that is unauthorised on our waters could be identified. I just mentioned that even those vessels which are so much engaged in illegal activities, they are infractions. We made sure that they paid the fines before they were given their license last quarter and I would still make sure that by the end of this quarter, if we identify any vessel that has been engaged, the person would be fined and would have to pay before they could go back for fishing. Very soon, I know they would bring their complaints to Hon Members because we would enforce the laws and make sure that the right thing is done at the right time.

    Mr Speaker, with regard to the
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Minister, thank you for
    attending upon the House to answer our Questions. You are discharged.
    Is there another Question for the
    Hon Minister? [Interruption] -- What is the number? [Interruption]
    -- Question 683 and 684? Very well.
    Hon Member for Upper
    Denkyira East?
    Ms Zuwera Mohammed
    Ibrahimah: Mr Speaker, there is also
    Question 244 as well.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, I have taken note. I have
    called the Hon Member for Upper
    Denkyira East, so you would ask your
    Question after he has asked his.
    ORAL ANSWERS TO 1:45 p.m.
    QUESTIONS 1:45 p.m.
    MINISTRY OF FISHERIES 1:45 p.m.
    AND AQUACULTURE 1:45 p.m.
    DEVELOPMENT 1:45 p.m.
    Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson) 1:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the marine subsector accounts for the bulk of domestic fish production and fisher population in Ghana. Sustaining the subsector is therefore, key to the fisheries sector and the livelihoods of the over 186 fishing communities along the coast.
    Accordingly, the Ministry has
    put in place measures to protect and sustain marine fisheries resources including:
    • the implementation of the all
    Fleets Closed Season aimed at recovery of overexploited fish stocks and rebuilding of depleted fish stocks;
    • intensified fisheries law enforcement through sea and land patrols as well as inspections;
    • deployment of observers on board all industrial vessels,
    • installation of Vessel Moni- toring System (VMS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS), electronically monitor the activities of the vessels at sea.
    The artisanal fishers, who con-
    stitute the majority of the marine fisher population, are also being
    provided with authorised fishing inputs such as approved fishing nets to address the proliferation of illegal fishing nets which has been observed to be a major cause of illegal fishing in the artisanal subsector.
    The Ministry has also reviewed
    the National Fisheries and Aqua- culture Policy developed in 2008 as part of the steps towards the revision of the existing Fisheries Act, 2002. The revised policy has extensively outlined measures for management of marine fisheries such as regular assessment of status of fish stocks, establishment of marine protected areas and climate smart fisheries.
    Plans are advanced to procure
    patrol boats and a research vessel for the sector to enhance surveillance operations at sea and provide evidence for policy directives.
    Mr Speaker, the fisheries sector
    has over the years been dominated by the marine sub-sector. The over dependency on the subsector has greatly contributed to the over- exploitation of marine fisheries resources. To address the situation, the Ministry is promoting aquaculture development with the objective of growing the aquaculture subsector to increase its contribution to domestic fish production and reduce the over dependency on marine fisheries resources.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member for Upper
    Denkyira East?
    Dr Awuah 1:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am
    very satisfied with the Hon
    Minister's response.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    We
    would take Question 242 which
    stands in the name of the Hon
    Member for Tema East, Mr Isaac
    Ashai Odamtten.
    Is the Hon Member in the

    We would take Question 244

    which stands in the name of the Hon

    Member for Salaga South.

    Non - availability of Premix Fuel

    to Fisher Folks in Salaga South

    Constituency

    Mrs Zuwera Mohammed

    Ibrahimah (NDC -- Salaga South): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister

    for Fisheries and Aquaculture Deve-

    lopment whether the Ministry is

    aware of the general unavailability of

    premix fuel to artisanal fisher folk in

    the Salaga South Constituency, and if

    so, what are the Ministry's urgent plans to deal with the situation.
    Mrs Koomson 1:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ministry has not received --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, kindly hold on.
    Hon Members, having regard to
    the state of the business of the House,
    I direct that the House sits outside the
    regular Sitting hours.
    Hon Minister, you may
    continue.
    Mrs Koomson 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ministry has not received reports of
    any shortage of premix fuel at
    landing beaches within the Salaga
    South Constituency. Reports indicate
    that the supply of premix fuel to the
    five landing beach communities at
    Salaga South namely; Makango
    Main, Makango Lower, Kejewu
    Battor, Kafaba and Mataheko have
    been regular, adequate and without
    any major challenge so far this year.
    The same persists at various landing
    beaches across the country. Some
    reforms introduced have denied
    unauthorised persons from assessing
    the subsidised products and diverting
    for other activities.
    Ms Ibrahimah 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, it
    is refreshing to hear from the Hon
    Minister that there is no shortage of
    premix fuel, but I would want to find
    out from her whether she is aware
    that the premix fuel which is

    subsidised by Government and

    supposed to be sold for GH₵7.50 per gallon is being sold to the fisher folks

    at GH₵20 per gallon and that is part of the basis of their complaints.

    Is the Minister aware of that

    situation and what is her Ministry

    doing to ensure that the kalabule, to

    wit, clever bully, is eliminated from

    the premix fuel business?
    Mrs Koomson 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ministry is aware that some people at
    the landing beaches haul premix fuel
    and sell them at a higher price, so, as
    I said, some measures are being
    taken. We are also planning to
    automate the sale of premix fuel.
    When it is automated, they would be
    issued with a card which would have
    the subsidy. The fishermen would go
    with that card to draw their fuel. We
    believe when this is put in place, it
    would completely eradicate all the
    unauthorised people who buy the fuel
    and sell them at a higher price.
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:55 a.m.
    Hon
    Member, yes, are you done? -- [Interruption] -- Very well.
    This was about Salaga, so how
    come I am getting --
    Yes, Hon Member for Afram
    Plains --
    Ms Betty Nana Efua Krosbi
    Mensah: Mr Speaker, I would like to
    ask the Hon Minister what measures
    she would like to put in place to
    minimise the politicisation of the
    supply of premix fuel to the various
    landing beaches.
    Mrs Koomson 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, to
    the best of my knowledge, I do not
    know of any such act because
    constituting membership of the
    Landing Beach Committee is backed
    by law.
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:55 a.m.
    Sorry, are you rising on the same
    matter?
    Very well.
    Hon Member for Cape Coast
    South?
    Mr George K. Ricketts-
    Hagan: Mr Speaker, it is on the same
    matter. On the issue of replenishing
    the fish stock to halt the recent
    decline, I know we have had an
    annual closure of fishing season at
    sea. I would want to find out from my
    Hon Minister whether there is any
    evidence that closing the fishing

    season at sea annually actually

    improves the fish stock?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:55 a.m.
    Hon
    Member, which Question were you
    following up on because the Question
    she answered was in relation to
    premix fuel? Closing the fishing
    season at sea has not been answered
    yet. You intended to ask a question
    earlier, you did not get the chance
    but, please, you cannot add it to this
    one.
    Mr Ricketts-Hagan 1:55 a.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, it is all issues on fisheries so
    -- [Laughter] --
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:55 a.m.
    Kindly ask your own question on
    fisheries.
    Yes, let me give the last one to
    you.
    Mr James Agalga 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    in the Hon Minister's response to an earlier question, she stated that plans
    are far advanced to procure four
    patrol boats and a research vessel for
    the sector.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:55 a.m.
    Hon
    Member, we have gone past that one.
    If you want a follow up question,
    please, it should be in relation to
    premix fuel.
    Sorry, I would proceed. The
    next Question is in the name of the
    Hon Member for Ablekuma North,
    Ms Sheila Bartels.
    Ending the Illegal Practice of
    Trans-shipment at Sea
    Ms Sheila Bartels (NPP -- Ablekuma North) 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    rise to ask the Minister for Fisheries
    and Aquaculture Development, what
    the Ministry is doing to end the illegal
    practice of trans-shipment at sea,
    otherwise known as “Saiko”.
    Mrs Koomson 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ministry has been leading the
    campaign to wage war against opera-
    tors engaged in illegal fishing
    practices including “Saiko” through collaboration and engagements with
    stakeholders for voluntary compliance.
    In addition, a new National Plan
    of Action to Prevent, Deter, and
    Eliminate Illegal, Unregulated and
    Unreported Fishing (NPOA-IUU),
    (2021-2025) is being implemented.
    Action taken by the Ministry as part
    of implementing the NPOA include:
    • observers placed on all industrial vessels during
    fishing expeditions

    • Electronic monitoring of vessels at sea

    • Intensified at sea inspections and beach combing

    operations to strictly monitor

    compliance of fisheries laws

    and regulations.

    • Arrest and prosecution of offenders for infractions

    under the out of court

    settlement committee.
    Mrs Bartels 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would like to find out from the
    Minister the impact of these new
    legislations or policies on the
    operations of the fisheries and
    whether they are actually achieving
    the goals?
    Mrs Koomson 1:55 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, as
    I mentioned, the plan is to prevent,
    deter and prosecute and I believe it is
    helping the Ministry to achieve its
    goal. There used to be serious
    “Saiko” operations at sea. After the introduction of these measures since
    the reopening of fishing at sea for
    industrial vessels in September, we
    have not had any issue of “Saiko”.
    Ms Bartels 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would like to commend the Hon
    Minister for Fisheries and Aqua-
    culture Development for a great and
    excellent job done. Thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    Very well.
    You have had the opportunity
    already. Has the Hon Member for
    Tema East Constituency come back
    and is he in the Chamber now?
    Yes, Hon Member, you may
    now ask your Question numbered
    242.
    Mr Benjamin Ayiku Nartey 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to ask the Question
    on behalf of the Hon Member for
    Tema East --
    Mr Isaac A. Odamtten 2:05 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, sorry, I was at a Committee
    meeting.
    Mr Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    So, you are not the
    Hon Member for Tema East?
    Some Hon Members 2:05 p.m.
    He said
    he was asking the Question on behalf
    of the Hon Member.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    The
    Hon Member should have sought
    permission from me. I did not grant
    that and I thought he was the Hon
    Member for Tema East Constituency.
    Very well.

    So who is the Hon Member for

    Tema East Constituency? Kindly

    take off the mask so I can identify

    you.

    Very well.

    You may ask the Question now.

    Economic impact mitigation

    measures available for peasant

    and artisanal fisher folks

    Mr Isaac A. Odamtten (NDC

    -- Tema East): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Fisheries

    and Aquaculture Development what

    economic impact mitigation measures

    are available for peasant and/ or

    artisanal fisher folk for the 2021

    closed fishing season which is

    imminent.
    Mrs Koomson 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    during the implementation of the
    2021 Closed Season, the Ministry
    supported fishers across the four
    coastal regions, namely; Greater
    Accra, Volta, Central and Western
    Regions with some relief items
    including 15,000 bags of rice and
    6,250 cartons of cooking oil and
    outboard motors. The Ministry has
    also initiated the distribution of
    approved fishing nets to artisanal
    fisher folks in the Volta and Central
    Regions. Other regions are yet to
    benefit from this intervention by
    Government under the Fishing Input
    Support Scheme.
    Mr Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    Yes, do you have
    any follow up question?
    Mr Odamtten 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it
    appears that the peasant fisher folks
    along the coast, especially Tema
    Harbour, which hosts a lot of migrant
    fishermen are not given the needed
    support prior and after the closed
    season. Would the Hon Minister
    assure this House that giving the
    numbers at the Tema Fishing Habour,
    before, during and after the closed
    season, the fisher folks themselves
    would receive the support that the
    Hon Minster mentioned?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister, the Hon Member
    says that the things you share, the
    fisher folks or the local people do not
    appear to receive them. Would you
    assure him that you would ensure
    they get them?
    Am I right?
    Mrs Koomson 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I,
    together with my Hon Deputy
    Minister were very much involved in
    the distribution of the relief items,
    especially in Tema, and the whole of
    the Greater Accra Region. However,
    we would still assure that come next

    year, we would provide more to

    support the fisher folks. Thank you.
    Mr Odamtten 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    am the Hon Member of Parliament
    for the Tema East Constituency and
    soon after the distributions, the
    complaints from the fisher folks to
    my office have been enormous and
    increasing by the day. I would be
    surprised if, indeed, the fisher folks
    got the required quantities.
    I promised my supplementary
    question on the fact that we have a lot
    of migrant fishermen at the Tema
    Fishing Harbour and that is what is
    creating the problems for the local
    fishermen in Tema; it is either their
    location or proportionate allocations
    were not made so the people did not
    get what is due them. I take the
    assurance from the Hon Minister that
    going forward, she would ensure that
    the needful is done.
    My other supplementary
    question is that the challenge of the
    closed season in Tema is exacerbated
    by the fact that the port activities
    prevent the local fishermen from
    fishing around the port area and so,
    during Closed Season and even after,
    it appears the peasant fishermen are
    not able to fish around or within the
    20 nautical miles of the port area. Has
    this issue come to the attention of the
    Hon Minister?
    Mrs Koomson 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    do not have any idea about this, and
    as he has mentioned it, I would send
    the Fisheries Commission Executive
    Officer to do this enquiry and come
    back with a report.
    Mr Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    Yes, your last
    follow up question if any.
    Mr Odamtten 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    guess from the posturing of the Hon
    Minister, she would want to consult
    for my other questions to be
    addressed but if that does not happen,
    I would come back. Thank you.
    Mr George K. Ricketts-Hagan
    -- rose --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    Hon Member, are you asking a
    question relating to Tema because we
    have moved away from all the
    general ones and we are now on
    specifics.
    Mr Ricketts-Hagan 2:05 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    the question I wanted to ask early on
    is even more relevant with Question
    numbered 242 than the previous
    Question. What I wanted to know
    was that the idea of the annual closure
    of the sea to be able to increase the
    fish stock in terms of size and
    volume.

    I would want to know whether

    there is any evidence that by doing

    so, the fish stock actually becomes

    bigger in terms of volume and size

    because I do not understand the

    science. The ocean or the sea is not a

    lake where you would keep the fishes

    to grow bigger. They move along the

    ocean and it is a seasonal thing. So

    you could get bigger fish in Ghana

    and they would end up in la Côte

    d'Ivoire --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:05 p.m.
    Hon
    Member for Cape Coast South,
    nothing stops you from asking your
    own Question but when you are
    asking your follow up question, our
    rules are that they must emanate from
    the Answer the Hon Minister gave.
    The Question numbered 242
    was in respect of whether there was
    available economic impact mitigation
    measures for peasant farmers during
    the closed season. That was the
    Question she answered and yours
    must follow from this Answer. Yours
    is probably somewhere else and I
    suggest that you file your own
    Question.
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:15 p.m.
    Hon
    Vanderpuye, I have given you one
    opportunity already so I do not intend
    to give you another one and this
    Question is filed for Tema East
    Constituency and you are at
    Odododiodioo.
    [Interruption] --
    The Hon Member has already
    answered the Question numbered
    684. I am afraid we have gone past
    there.
    Hon Minister, thank you for
    attending upon the House to answer
    Questions. You are discharged now.

    The Hon Minister for Youth and

    Sports will now take the seat

    The first Question is in the name

    of the Hon Member for Tamale

    North, Mr Suhuyini Alhassan Sayibu.
    MINISRTY OF YOUTH 2:15 p.m.
    AND SPORTS 2:15 p.m.
    STATUS AND DETAILS OF 2:15 p.m.
    ASTRO TURF FACILITY AT 2:15 p.m.
    BORTIANOR NGLESHIE 2:15 p.m.
    AMANFROM 2:15 p.m.
    STATUS AND DETAILS OF 2:15 p.m.
    FACILITY AT MAMPONGTENG 2:15 p.m.
    - KWABRE EAST 2:15 p.m.
    THE MIDDLE BELT 2:15 p.m.
    DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2:15 p.m.
    REGION 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTI 2:15 p.m.
    TUENCY 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    TITLE 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRACT 2:15 p.m.
    REGION 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTI 2:15 p.m.
    TUENCY 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    TITLE 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRACT 2:15 p.m.
    EAST 2:15 p.m.
    REGION 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTI 2:15 p.m.
    TUENCY 2:15 p.m.
    TITLE 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRACT 2:15 p.m.
    GRAND TOTAL 2:15 p.m.
    THE ZONGO DEVELOPMENT FUND 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTION 2:15 p.m.
    COST OF 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    ASHANTI 2:15 p.m.
    KUMASI 2:15 p.m.
    METRO 2:15 p.m.
    KUMASI- 2:15 p.m.
    MENHYIA 2:15 p.m.
    OF A 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    RECREATIONAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF WITH 2:15 p.m.
    SPECTATOR 2:15 p.m.
    STANDS, LIGHTS 2:15 p.m.
    ASOKORE 2:15 p.m.
    MAMPONG 2:15 p.m.
    AKOREM 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCTION 2:15 p.m.
    OF ARTIFICIAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF FOOTBALL 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTION 2:15 p.m.
    COST OF 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    ABOABO 2:15 p.m.
    EASTERN 2:15 p.m.
    BIRIM 2:15 p.m.
    CENTRAL 2:15 p.m.
    AKIM-ODA 2:15 p.m.
    AKIM ODA 2:15 p.m.
    UPPER 2:15 p.m.
    BOLGATAN 2:15 p.m.
    GA 2:15 p.m.
    BOLGATANGA 2:15 p.m.
    GREATER 2:15 p.m.
    ACCRA 2:15 p.m.
    OKAIKWEI 2:15 p.m.
    SOUTH 2:15 p.m.
    OF ARTIFICIAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF FOOTBALL 2:15 p.m.
    PARKS AT 2:15 p.m.
    FADAMA 2:15 p.m.
    ASHANTI 2:15 p.m.
    OLD TAFO 2:15 p.m.
    H 2:15 p.m.
    GONJA 2:15 p.m.
    MUNICIPAL 2:15 p.m.
    SALAGA 2:15 p.m.
    EAST 2:15 p.m.
    PRU EAST 2:15 p.m.
    CONVERSION OF 2:15 p.m.
    GREEN PARK TO 2:15 p.m.
    ASTROTURF AT 2:15 p.m.
    YEJI 2:15 p.m.
    WESTERN 2:15 p.m.
    SECONDI 2:15 p.m.
    TAKORADI 2:15 p.m.
    METRO 2:15 p.m.
    ESSIKADO 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCTION 2:15 p.m.
    OF A 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    RECREATIONAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF WITH 2:15 p.m.
    SPECTATOR 2:15 p.m.
    STANDS, LIGHTS 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTION 2:15 p.m.
    COST OF 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    SHAI 2:15 p.m.
    OSUDOKU 2:15 p.m.
    DODOWA 2:15 p.m.
    SAVANNA 2:15 p.m.
    H 2:15 p.m.
    SAWLA 2:15 p.m.
    TUNA 2:15 p.m.
    KALBA 2:15 p.m.
    LARBANGA 2:15 p.m.
    ASHANTI 2:15 p.m.
    KUMASI 2:15 p.m.
    METRO 2:15 p.m.
    BANTAMA 2:15 p.m.
    GREATER 2:15 p.m.
    ACCRA 2:15 p.m.
    GA 2:15 p.m.
    CENTRAL 2:15 p.m.
    SOWUTUOM 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCTION 2:15 p.m.
    OF A 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    RECREATIONAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF WITH 2:15 p.m.
    SPECTATOR 2:15 p.m.
    STANDS, LIGHTS 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTION 2:15 p.m.
    COST OF 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    CENTRAL 2:15 p.m.
    ABURA 2:15 p.m.
    ASEBU 2:15 p.m.
    KWAMAN 2:15 p.m.
    KESE 2:15 p.m.
    DUNKWA- ON 2:15 p.m.
    - OFFIN 2:15 p.m.
    EASTERN 2:15 p.m.
    ATIWA 2:15 p.m.
    WEST 2:15 p.m.
    KWABENG 2:15 p.m.
    TURF WITH 2:15 p.m.
    BONO 2:15 p.m.
    SUNYANI 2:15 p.m.
    MUNICIPAL 2:15 p.m.
    CHIRAA 2:15 p.m.
    RECREATIONAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF FOOTBALL 2:15 p.m.
    PITCH, INNER 2:15 p.m.
    PERIMETER, 2:15 p.m.
    LIGHTS AND 2:15 p.m.
    SPECTATOR 2:15 p.m.
    STANDS 2:15 p.m.
    ASANTE 2:15 p.m.
    AKIM 2:15 p.m.
    NORTH 2:15 p.m.
    AGOGO 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCTION 2:15 p.m.
    OF A 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTION 2:15 p.m.
    COST OF 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    EASTERN 2:15 p.m.
    EAST AKIM 2:15 p.m.
    MUNICIPAL 2:15 p.m.
    KYEBI 2:15 p.m.
    SPECTATOR 2:15 p.m.
    STANDS 2:15 p.m.
    NORTH 2:15 p.m.
    EAST 2:15 p.m.
    MAMPRUSI 2:15 p.m.
    WALEWALE 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCTION 2:15 p.m.
    OF A 2:15 p.m.
    COMMUNITY 2:15 p.m.
    RECREATIONAL 2:15 p.m.
    TURF FOOTBALL 2:15 p.m.
    PITCH, INNER 2:15 p.m.
    PERIMETER, 2:15 p.m.
    LIGHTS AND 2:15 p.m.
    CHANGING 2:15 p.m.
    GHANA NATIONAL GAS COMPANY 2:15 p.m.
    NO 2:15 p.m.
    REGION 2:15 p.m.
    DISTRICT 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTI 2:15 p.m.
    ON 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRA 2:15 p.m.
    CTOR 2:15 p.m.
    CONTA 2:15 p.m.
    CT 2:15 p.m.
    PERSON 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRACT 2:15 p.m.
    TURF AT 2:15 p.m.
    SEKONDI 2:15 p.m.
    UG 2:15 p.m.
    SUPPORT 2:15 p.m.
    PITCH AT 2:15 p.m.
    THE 2:15 p.m.
    UNIVERSITY 2:15 p.m.
    OF GHANA 2:15 p.m.
    WITH 2:15 p.m.
    SHOCK 2:15 p.m.
    PADS 2:15 p.m.
    GYAMF 2:15 p.m.
    I 2:15 p.m.
    PREMP 2:15 p.m.
    EH 2:15 p.m.
    NATIONAL 2:15 p.m.
    HOCKEY 2:15 p.m.
    CENTRAL 2:15 p.m.
    UCC 2:15 p.m.
    ASHANTI 2:15 p.m.
    KNUST 2:15 p.m.
    WESTERN 2:15 p.m.
    ELLEMBELLE 2:15 p.m.
    PARK AT 2:15 p.m.
    AMPAIM 2:15 p.m.
    SAL 2:15 p.m.
    LIMITED 2:15 p.m.
    GODIN 2:15 p.m.
    GREATER 2:15 p.m.
    ACCRA 2:15 p.m.
    ADENTAN 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCT 2:15 p.m.
    ION OF 2:15 p.m.
    ARTIFICIAL 2:15 p.m.
    FOOTBALL 2:15 p.m.
    PITCH 2:15 p.m.
    NCILLARY 2:15 p.m.
    FACILITES AT 2:15 p.m.
    WEMBLY 2:15 p.m.
    SPORT 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTR 2:15 p.m.
    UCTION 2:15 p.m.
    GHANA 2:15 p.m.
    NANA 2:15 p.m.
    ATWI 2:15 p.m.
    NO 2:15 p.m.
    REGION 2:15 p.m.
    DISTRICT 2:15 p.m.
    PROJECT 2:15 p.m.
    DESCRIPTI 2:15 p.m.
    ON 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRA 2:15 p.m.
    CTOR 2:15 p.m.
    CONTA 2:15 p.m.
    CT 2:15 p.m.
    PERSON 2:15 p.m.
    CONTRACT 2:15 p.m.
    ADENTAN 2:15 p.m.
    TEMA 2:15 p.m.
    CONSTRUCT 2:15 p.m.
    ION OF 2:15 p.m.
    MODERN 2:15 p.m.
    FACILITY 2:15 p.m.
    GHANA 2:15 p.m.
    TENNIS 2:15 p.m.
    FEDERAT 2:15 p.m.
    ION 2:15 p.m.
    ISMAIL 2:15 p.m.
    A 2:15 p.m.
    ABDUL 2:15 p.m.
    THE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2:15 p.m.
    GREATER 2:15 p.m.
    ACCRA 2:15 p.m.
    WESTERN 2:15 p.m.
    CENTRAL 2:15 p.m.
    REGION 2:15 p.m.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:15 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, any supplementary
    question?
    Mr Sayibu 2:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank
    you. I wish to commend the Hon
    Minister for taking his time to give a
    comprehensive list of projects, and in
    some cases including the cost of
    those projects.
    Mr Speaker, my follow up
    question relates to the distribution of
    this turfs. Having gone through the
    Answer provided, one would notice
    that there is no Astro turf in the
    Northern Region, Volta Region and
    Upper West Region. Mr Speaker, out
    of about 89 Astro turfs, Ashanti and
    Eastern Regions alone have benefited
    from more than 30 of them.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to
    find out from the Hon Minister if this
    is a fair distribution of such a facility
    championed by State agencies and by
    the Ministry and what went into the
    determination of such a skewed
    distribution of these Astro turfs.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:15 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister?
    Mr Ussif 2:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, my
    Answer is very clear and I have
    mentioned that we collaborated with
    the other institutions such as the
    Middle Belt Development Authority,
    Coastal Development Authority as
    well as the Northern Development
    Authority.
    Mr Speaker, most of these
    funds are from the ‘One Million Dollar per Constituency' allocations. Hon Members of Parliament would
    mostly have to collaborate with the
    District Assemblies to determine
    what these facilities would be used
    for. In this case, most of the projects,
    especially in the Middle Belt
    Authority are where the Hon
    Members of Parliament worked very
    closely with the District Chief
    Executives (DCEs) to determine the
    projects that they want to do. Also, I
    believe that every constituency was
    given its share of the One Million
    Dollar per Constituency.
    So, I would urge that going
    forward, Hon Members should
    collaborate very well with their local
    assemblies in determining the
    projects that they want to be
    executed. Mr Speaker, there are
    projects that are currently ongoing
    under this initiative in the Tamale
    North Constituency.
    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Mr Sayibu 2:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am
    not entirely satisfied with the Answer
    provided in relation to how skewed
    the distribution is but as the Hon

    Minister has invited, we would do

    some follow ups later.

    Mr Speaker, my next question

    relates to the cost of these projects.

    There seemed to be very worrying

    disparities as far as the cost is

    concerned. You would notice that

    whereas some institutions are

    constructing these Astro turfs at a

    maximum of GH₵1.5 million, some of the institutions are constructing

    almost similar Astro turfs for

    GH₵3.2 million and GH₵1.9 million in some cases. For example, on page

    39, we have “Savannah Region - Salaga - conversion of Green Park to Astro turf at Salaga” which costs GH₵1.9 million. Also at Eastern Region - Birim Central - Akim-Oda conversion of green park to Astro turf

    at Akim-Oda also costs GH₵1.7 million as compared to GH₵1.9 million in the case of Salaga and in

    the case of Yeji.

    Mr Speaker, it is even worse

    when you look at Okaikwei South - Fadama where the construction of

    artificial turf football parks cost

    GH₵3.2 million. I can give more examples where similar projects are

    done in other areas for GH₵1.8 million. Can the Hon Minister

    explain to us what accounts for this

    very serious price disparities as far

    the projects are concerned and when

    the descriptions and facilities are

    almost the same as indicated by the

    Answer?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:15 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister?
    Mr Ussif 2:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    descriptions might be the same but
    the scope of work might differ. For
    example, even though the one at
    Ngleshie-Amanfrom is an Astro turf
    Park, it is a 1000-seater capacity.
    Also, because major social events are
    held at the one at Fadama, we have
    provided seats. Mr Speaker, some of
    these projects have inner and outer
    parameter fencing so there are
    differences in the project scopes and
    that is why there are differences in the
    costs and execution.
    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:15 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, you can ask your last follow
    up question.
    Mr Sayibu 2:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, going
    through the Answer, it is not entirely
    correct that the scopes differ and I
    would just go through a few.

    For instance, construction of one

    artificial turf at Apenkwa, the scope

    is the same and yet the figure is about

    GH₵1.3 million but when you look at

    the construction of Astro turf at

    Kansaworado, the scope is the same

    again yet the cost is GH₵1.6 million.

    Mr Speaker, my last question is

    related to the safety of these Astro

    turfs. I would like to find out what

    assessment the Ministry has done in

    relation to how best Astro turfs can

    promote soccer. This is because in

    most cases they are used as soccer

    pitches in this country. Given the

    publicised research that shows that

    the use of Astro turfs is fading out in

    developed countries - Indeed, our own soccer star, Sammy Kuffuor,

    recently bemoaned the springing up

    of these Astro turfs and indicated

    how they are being put aside in

    Europe and Germany. He is,

    therefore, worried about how it can

    affect the development of soccer. So,

    I would want to find out from the Hon

    Minister what assessment was done,

    as far as the impact of these Astro

    turfs on the growth of soccer is

    concerned, before the promotion of

    the construction of same across the

    country.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister?
    Mr Ussif 2:25 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr
    Speaker.
    Mr Speaker, there were very
    detailed assessments of our sports
    facilities across the country and the
    need for us to have sports facilities at
    the basic level, especially at the
    district level, to be able to provide the
    needed sport infrastructure to
    develop the talents that God has
    given to this country. My Brother is
    right that the Astro turf, as compared
    to the natural grass, is preferable, but
    the conditions, especially the weather
    and the maintenance cost involved,
    are very severe because once there is
    a heavy usage of the natural grass, the
    cost in maintaining the natural grass
    becomes even more expensive as
    compared to the Astro turf. That is
    why Government took a decision that
    once you get the quality Astro turf,
    the lifespan can even go beyond 10 to
    50 years. That is why we took a
    decision to ensure that we get the
    needed sports infrastructure through
    the artificial Astro turfs for the
    country. Thank you so much.
    Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh
    -- rose --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Member? The Whips
    would have the last words. You
    would wait and have the last word for
    the Leaders. Looking at those who
    have not asked their Question
    today --
    Yes, the lady in the middle?
    Ms Rita N. O. Sowah 2:25 a.m.
    Thank
    you, Mr Speaker. I want to draw the
    Hon Minister's attention to Table 4.4, the item numbered 2: “Construction of 1 No. artificial turf at Apenkwa”. When you go to the item numbered
    22, you have the same thing:
    “Construction of 1 No. Astroturf at Apenkwa” at the same cost. I want to find out from the Hon Minister if
    there are two projects at Apenkwa.
    Yes, the item numbered 22, Table
    4.4.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister? You appear to
    have done a double counting.
    Mr Ussif 2:25 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr
    Speaker. It is only one Astroturf at
    Apenkwa, not two. Thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    I
    wanted to give the opportunity to the
    Hon Member for Bole-Bamboi.
    Mr Yusif Sulemana 2:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    I am grateful.
    Mr Speaker, I want to find out
    from the Hon Minister whether they
    have put in place any mechanism to
    ensure that these facilities are
    maintained because having gone
    around and having seen some of
    them, the facilities have already
    started to deteriorate. What have they
    put in place to ensure that they are
    maintained? Thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister?
    Mr Ussif 2:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, we have
    directed the National Sports
    Authority to have a maintenance
    manual for all these facilities so that
    it does not take you to decide when
    and how to maintain them. There is a
    maintenance manual that is prepared
    for all these Astro turfs and even our
    sports stadia so that you know as and
    when to do what at the various
    facilities.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    Hon
    Ranking Member for the Committee
    on Youth and Sports.
    Mr Kobena M. Woyome 2:25 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Speaker, from the answers
    given and relating to the source of
    funding being ‘One Million Dollar per Constituency', let us take a look at the table on page 37. From the
    table, Nsawam alone has three Astro
    turfs. Is the Hon Minister alluding to
    the fact that per the statement, they
    got funding from wherever, from any
    of the development authorities to
    construct three, even four for
    Nsawam alone, out of their allocation
    of One Million Dollar per

    Constituency? Is that what he is

    trying to say?
    Mr Ussif 2:25 a.m.
    Thank you, Mr
    Speaker.
    Mr Speaker, yes, the ‘One Million Dollar per Constituency' is a yearly allocation that is given to

    Yes. The Member of Parliament for

    Nsawam Adoagyiri prioritises sports

    infrastructure over other infra-

    structure in his constituency. Even

    now the Hon Member has already

    written two letters on my desk

    requesting me to visit Nsawam to

    establish a sports academy. He has

    even started engaging. So I would

    urge Hon Members to also do same

    so that we would work together to

    promote sports.

    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr William Okofo-Darteh 2:25 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you for the
    opportunity.
    Mr Speaker, I want to ask the
    Hon Minister how the progress of
    these projects are being monitored. I
    have one of these projects in my
    constituency, specifically in my
    hometown, Faaman. If you look at
    page 38, Table 4, the item numbered
    19, the price is GH₵1.425 million. Mr Speaker, this project has been left
    at the mercy of the weather for almost
    a year now. You have the carpet, the
    goal post and all other things just
    lying there. I wonder if there is
    anybody monitoring the progress of
    these projects. Could the Hon
    Minister tell me? Thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:25 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister?
    Mr Ussif 2:35 p.m.
    Thank you, Mr
    Speaker,
    Mr Speaker, the said project is
    funded by the Middle Belt
    Development Authority, and I said in
    my Answer on page 38 that the
    Authority would monitor the
    progress of work, then the Ministry
    will assist in commissioning the
    project and take over the facility to
    manage it after completion.

    So, in terms of construction, it is

    the Authority that is responsible for

    the progress of work but once it is

    finished, the Ministry would take

    over to ensure that we maintain it for

    the good people of his constituency.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Terlabi?
    Mr Ebenezer O. Terlabi 2:35 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, in Table 4.0 of the Hon
    Minister's Answer, which talks about the Middle Belt Development
    Authority, it says: “The Authority has undertaken the underlisted
    construction of Astro turfs.” The item numbered six in the table lists the
    Eastern Region; Lower Manya
    Krobo, precisely Odumase Krobo,
    my hometown.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to
    know from the Hon Minister whether
    they are now going to construct the
    Astro turf or it has been constructed?
    This is because there is nothing there
    but the cost of the construction is
    attached to it. I come from Odumase
    Krobo and there is nothing to that
    effect. Can the Hon Minister clarify
    it? Is it now going to be constructed
    or has it been constructed already?
    The Hon Minister should tell us.
    Mr Ussif 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I said as
    Hon Members of Parliament, we have a responsibility of ensuring that we work very closely with the local assembly and the authorities that we have established, and these projects fall under the Middle Belt Development Authority. As a Hon Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, the Hon Member knows about this project and he knows that the contract has been awarded; the contractor has
    mobilised, and is currently on site. He knows about it.
    Mr Terlabi 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, there
    is nothing there.
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Della Sowah. After that I will --
    Mrs Della A. Sowah 2:35 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. I would want to find out from the Hon Minister why Kpando is not on his list for the construction of Astro turfs? I was quite surprised not to find Kpando on his list because to the best of my knowledge, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has assured the people of Kpando that they are going to construct an Astro turf there.
    Mr Speaker, again, the Hon
    Minister said letters were on his table. The chiefs of Kpando have written to him a letter for more than four months now, just asking him that they would want to reconstruct the wall around the Sports Stadium but we still have not received a reply.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister, why have you not responded to Kpando?
    Mr Ussif 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    crosscheck with the Ministry and
    ensure that we respond to their letters.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    The
    last one would go to the Hon Member
    for Sawla/Tuna/Kalba.
    Mr Andrew D. Chiwitey 2:35 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, the Hon Minister indicated
    that an Astro turf has been con-
    structed in the Sawla/Tuna/Kalba
    District, however, the Sawla/
    Tuna/Kalba Constituency has not
    benefitted from this project. The Hon
    Minister said that Hon Members of
    Parliament should have some colla-
    borations with the Ministry and the
    Authority. Mr Speaker, if the
    Authority decides to do a project
    without notifying the Hon Member of
    Parliament, then how would that Hon
    Member know and corroborate? Yet,
    the Hon Minister claims it is money
    for Hon Members --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, it is not an argument time.
    Please, ask your question.
    Mr Chiwitey 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, my
    question is that the Sawla/Tuna/
    Kalba Constituency has not bene-
    fitted from any project, yet, the Hon
    Minister has quoted an amount of
    GH₵1.8 million as the amount spent on the project in my constituency.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, the Hon Member says that
    the Sawla/Tuna/Kalba Constituency
    has not benefitted. So, how come
    their name is on the list?
    Mr Ussif 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I will
    crosscheck with the District but
    Larabanga is the community where
    the Astro turf is and the project is
    being funded by the Zongo
    Development Fund. So, I would
    crosscheck because I am not sure
    whether Larabanga is part of the
    Sawla/Tuna/Kalba Constituency or
    not. I would have to crosscheck.
    Mr First Deputy speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Majority Chief Whip?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    I just made an interesting observation
    and I thought I should bring it to the
    attention of the Hon Minister. I
    realised that he itemised a number of
    Astro turf projects, and if we look at
    it carefully, all of them were
    sponsored by agencies under
    Ministries that are different from the
    Ministry of Youth and Sports.
    Therefore, I wish to find out from the
    Hon Minister why he is holding
    himself responsible for these
    projects, especially when they were
    funded by agencies different from his
    Ministry?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, he said that they are
    collaborating with those agencies.
    So, I think it is as a result of his
    collaborations.
    Very well, I would move on to
    the next Question for the Hon
    Minister, and it stands in the name of
    Mr Kofi Arko Nokoe, the Hon
    Member for Evalue Ajomoro Gwira.
    Mr Avedzi 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    former Minister for Youth and Sports
    wanted to ask a question. So, you
    may allow him to just ask his
    question to clarify --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Hon
    Deputy Minority Leader, I beg you, I
    have given more than 15 people the
    opportunity to ask their questions,
    and not everybody can ask a question.
    Also, I saw that the Hon
    Member came in recently. So, for his
    punishment, he should wait for
    another person to speak first.
    Mr Avedzi 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, so that
    is his punishment, right?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    I am
    not talking about the Hon Nii Lantey.
    Mr Avedzi 2:35 p.m.
    No, I am talking
    about the Hon Nii Lantey.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    I
    was talking about the Hon Bawa. I
    thought you were talking about the
    Hon Bawa, and not the Hon Nii
    Lantey. However, the Hon Nii Lantey
    has had two opportunities and that
    was why I did not permit him to ask
    another Question. Please, we have
    about six more questions for the Hon
    Minister for Youth and Sports.
    Mr Avedzi 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we
    have agreed to do only Questions
    today.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Therefore, you as the Hon Deputy
    Minority Leader may give your
    opportunity to him.
    Very well.
    Yes, Hon Member?
    Mr Vanderpuye 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    thank you very much for this
    opportunity. I agreed perfectly that
    this is in collaboration with other
    agencies therefore, I would want to
    ask a question. On page 43, the item
    numbered 13; table 4.3, I see
    Bawjiase community of the Effutu
    Municipal District. I do not whether
    Ghana's map has been changed. This is because Bawjiase is not in the
    Effutu Municipality.

    Also, with Bukom, my own

    place, I would want to find out why

    under the Coastal Development

    Authority (CODA), all these Astro

    turfs that are being constructed,

    unlike the other tables we have seen,

    had their cost and the contractors

    attached to it, but with this one, under

    the Costal Development Authority,

    there is no cost and the contractors

    are also missing.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:35 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Minister, why is the
    Coastal Development Authority not
    providing cost and the name of the
    construction company?
    Mr Ussif 2:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    have to crosscheck the facts on the
    Bawjiase project. This is because it
    might be a typing mistake that we
    would have to correct. However, as I
    said, with most of these sports
    facilities, Astro turfs, the Ministry is
    working in collaboration with other
    agencies therefore, the answers
    provided by those agencies instructed
    to construct them are what I have
    provided. So, if the Hon Member
    needs further and better particulars on
    that particular project, I would liaise
    with CODA and get the Hon Member
    the needed information.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    Very well, I think that I can now
    move on to the next Question in
    relation to the Ministry of Youth and
    Sports and it is by the Hon Member
    for Evalue Ajomoro Gwira.

    Completion of Axim Sports

    Complex
    Mr Kofi Arko Nokoe (NDC -- Evalue Ajomoro Gwira) 2:45 p.m.
    Thank
    you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity.
    The name is Kofi Arko Nokoe and
    the Constituency is Evalue Ajomoro
    Gwira.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon
    Minister for Youth and Sports when
    the Axim Sports Complex would be
    completed.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Ussif?
    Mr Ussif 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the first
    phase of the Youth Resource Centre
    at Axim in the Western Region is 90
    per cent completed. The Ministry is
    awaiting funds to complete the
    project by the end of the year. The
    purpose of this centre is to equip the
    youth in the constituency with the
    appropriate skills to contribute their
    quota to the development of this
    country.

    Thank you.
    Mr Nokoe 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, in the
    Hon Minister's response, he indicated that the project is about 90
    per cent complete and he also said
    that it was expected to be completed
    by the end of this year. Today's date is 8th December, 2021. Would the
    Hon Minister be kind enough to tell
    the people of Evalue Ajomoro Gwira
    when this crucial project would be
    completed?
    Mr Ussif 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ministry has just mobilised and
    resourced the contractor, and he
    would go to site to complete the
    project. I can assure the Hon Member
    that the project would be completed
    for the people of Axim for the
    purpose of which the project was sent
    there.
    Mr Nokoe 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I wish
    to thank the Hon Minister for what he
    just said. It is my prayer that he sticks
    to it.
    Mr Speaker, I end with the
    humble appeal that this project is so
    crucial to the people of Axim. I have
    been at the site several times and I
    can say there are visible spots of
    deterioration. It is my appeal that the
    Hon Minister sticks to his words and
    ensures that this project is completed
    and put to use.
    rose
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Ranking Member for the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture?
    Mr Woyome 2:45 p.m.
    I just would want
    to know whether the Hon Minister is departing from the Answer given that the project would be completed by the end of this year. In an answer to a follow-up question, the Hon Minister said he was sure it would be completed. We want specific answers whether the Hon Minister is altering what is written in the Order Paper.
    Mr Ussif 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, in my
    Answer, I stated that the Ministry was waiting for funds to complete the project. We have just received it and we have mobilised the contractor to go to site. I can assure this House that the project would be completed and it would be put to use.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    The Hon Minister did not assure that it would be completed this year. The record must be clean.
    Mr Ussif 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I cannot
    commit that by the end of this year the project would be completed because we have just given resources to the contractor. Therefore, what I can assure this House is that the project would be completed and put to good use.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    Very well, I would move on to the
    Question numbered 246 by the Hon
    Member for Prestea/Huni-Valley.
    Completion of artificial turfs at
    Aboso and Prestea
    Mr Robert W. Cudjoe (NDC
    -- Prestea/Huni-Valley): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for
    Youth and Sports when the
    construction of artificial turfs
    (Astroturf) at Aboso and Prestea
    would be completed.
    Mr Ussif 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Scot
    Stadium Astro Turf in Prestea is a
    Ghana National Petroleum Corpora-
    tion (GNPC) sponsored project
    which was contracted to IT Walters.
    The Project commenced on 10th
    May, 2020, and the current state of
    the project stands at 15 per cent of
    ground preparation. The project
    would be completed subject to timely
    release of funds.
    Aboso Astro Turf
    Mr Speaker, the TT Park Astro
    Turf in Aboso is a Coastal Develop-
    ment Authority (CODA) sponsored
    project which was contracted to Astro
    Ghana.
    The Project commenced on 19th
    May, 2020, and the current state of
    the project stands at 80 per cent
    complete with the artificial turf fixed,
    floodlights installed and fencing
    completed. The project would be
    completed subject to timely release of
    funds.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    Any follow-up questions?
    Hon Member for Prestea/Huni-
    Valley, you have three more oppor-
    tunities before anybody comes in.
    Mr R. W. Cudjoe 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    I want the Hon Minister to explain to
    this House and also the people of
    Prestea/Huni-Valley what has
    changed the narrative between 10th
    May, 2020, and today. On 10th May,
    2020, when the sod-cutting ceremony
    was performed, it was categorically
    stated that GNPC had provided full
    funding for the project and that the
    contractor was expected to complete
    it within six months.
    Mr Speaker, I would juxtapose
    that to his Answer which says “The project will be completed subject to
    timely release of funds”. Where are the funds released by GNPC and why
    has six months now resulted in 20
    months?
    Mr Ussif 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, my
    Brother knows that from 20th May,
    2020, the whole world has not been
    the same. COVID-19 pandemic
    struck the entire world and GNPC
    had to put its house together and
    reorganise itself. There was
    lockdown across the country and
    their operations also suffered as a
    result of that. I have engaged GNPC
    to ensure that this project is
    completed.
    Mr R. W. Cudjoe 2:45 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    from paragraph 2 of the first part of
    the Answer, the Hon Minister said
    that 15 per cent of ground preparation
    has been completed. In construction,
    ground preparation constitutes 20 per
    cent of the whole project so 15 per
    cent of 20 per cent means 3 per cent,
    and that is insignificant. It is just like
    nothing has been started at all.
    There is this letter that has been
    sent from the stakeholders, the
    Hemang and Prestea Traditional
    Authority to the Municipal
    Assembly. The stakeholders would
    want to go the natural way by
    growing grass and, maybe, after 6
    months, the field can be used. I do not
    know whether the Hon Minister is
    privy to this information. If he is not,
    then I would want him to know that
    the stakeholders, myself inclusive,
    would want to go the natural way, by
    growing grass and after 6 months, the
    field could be used. The delay has
    denied the people of Prestea/Huni-
    Valley the opportunity to develop
    their sporting skills and talents. Three
    teams qualified this year to the
    second division —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:45 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, kindly ask the question
    please.
    Mr R. W. Cudjoe 2:45 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, does the Hon Minister
    agree that we go the natural way or
    we should wait for the Astro turf?
    Mr Ussif 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am not
    aware that the stakeholders have
    changed their minds. They should
    write to the Ministry and copy GNPC
    so that together we can sit and see the
    way forward. For now, the contract
    that was awarded to IT Walters is for
    an Astro turf. There is a contract in
    place, so we would have to sit
    together and see the way forward. So
    my answer is that they would have to
    write formally.
    Mr R. W. Cudjoe 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker
    -- 2:55 p.m.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, you are done; you have
    asked three questions already.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member?
    Mr Yao Gomado 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    going through the Regions that
    benefitted from the Astro Turf, the
    Oti Region was not mentioned. I
    would like to know how the selection
    of those regions --
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, please, that is not a follow
    up to this Question. We are now
    doing follow up to Answers. You
    may ask your own Question of the
    Hon Minister at another occasion.
    Thank you.
    Yes, Hon Leader?
    Mr James Klutse Avedzi 2:55 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, according to the Hon
    Member, it is not that the people of
    Prestea have changed their minds not
    to have the Astro Turf. They are
    saying that because of the delay, if
    they could go the natural way and
    grow the grass, they could be using it
    until the contractor comes to site. So,
    I would like the Hon Minister to
    clarify that aspect.
    Mr Ussif 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    urge the Member of Parliament to
    engage the stakeholders there to write
    officially to me so we could take a
    decision.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Very well, I will proceed. The
    Question numbered 247 stands in the
    name of the Majority Chief Whip.
    Possible Construction of Sport
    Centre in Nsawam-Adoagyiri
    Ms Lydia Seyram Alhassan 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have been authorised
    by the Hon Majority Chief Whip to
    ask the Question on his behalf. With
    your kind permission, may I go
    ahead?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Please proceed.
    Ms Alhassan (on behalf of) (Mr
    Frank Annoh-Dompreh) (NPP -- Nsawam-Adoagyiri): Mr Speaker, I
    beg to ask the Hon Minister for Youth
    and Sports whether the Ministry has
    any arrangement to build a Sports
    Centre in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri
    Constituency?
    Mr Ussif 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Ministry has initiated “One Consti- tuency One Astro Turf Policy” to ensure every constituency in the
    country has been provided with
    modern pitches to develop the
    potentials of our youth and Nsawam-
    Adoagyiri Constituency would not be
    left out. The Ministry is seriously
    pursuing this agenda to promote
    decent sporting activities in the

    country and to unearth talents for

    international competitions.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Are
    you alright, no follow up questions?

    Hon Members, Question numbered

    353 is in the name of the Hon

    Member for Adentan, Hon

    Mohammed Adamu Ramadan.

    Urgent Steps to Prevent Future

    Flooding at the Recently

    Commissioned Astro Turf at

    Adjiringanor

    Mr Mohammed Adamu

    Ramadan (NDC -- Adentan): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon

    Minister for Youth and Sports what

    urgent steps the Ministry is taking to

    prevent future flooding of the

    recently commissioned Astro Turf in

    Adjiringanor as the rainy season has

    begun.
    Mr Ussif 2:55 p.m.
    The Adentan
    Municipal Assembly has awarded a
    contract to Messrs Rai-Maddy
    Engineering and Consultancy
    Limited for the construction of
    connecting roads and storm drains in
    and around the community of the
    facility.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, hold on and let Mr Second
    Deputy Speaker take the Chair. -- [Pause] -- Please, continue with your answer if you are not done.
    Mr Ussif 2:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am
    done.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:55 p.m.
    Follow up question, please.
    MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:59 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Member for Adentan, you
    may go on.
    Mr Ramadan 2:59 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, you
    are welcome.
    Hon Minister, I crosschecked
    from the Assembly and this Answer
    indicates that the Assembly has
    awarded the contract to Rai-Maddy
    Engineering and Consultancy
    Limited but I tried to confirm from
    the Assembly and they are not aware
    of this. The Assembly has not
    awarded any contract to this
    company. So if this contract has been
    awarded, probably, by the Depart-
    ment of Urban Roads; I can say on
    authority that nothing has been done
    with respect to the scope we are

    talking about - connecting roads and storm drains. Nothing of that sort has

    been done around that area. I do not

    know if you are aware of that.
    Mr Ussif 2:59 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, as I said
    in my Answer, the contract has been
    awarded. The work actually is yet to
    start therefore I would urge the Hon
    Member for Adentan to liaise with
    my Ministry so that together we
    could see to it that the contractor,
    whether it is the Municipal Assembly
    or the sponsored company - because it was Ghana Gas that sponsored that
    facility — so that I would crosscheck to see the exact agency that awarded
    the contract to them for them to do
    the drainage work there. So, let us
    communicate and see to it that it is
    done.
    Thank you.
    Mr Ramadan 2:59 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Adenta is lucky to have so far, two
    Astro Turfs. One was awarded in
    2019 by the Ghana National
    Petroleum Commission (GNPC) and
    the other was awarded in 2020 by
    Ghana Gas. The one awarded by
    Ghana Gas has been completed; that
    is the one at Adjiringanor. But the
    one that was commenced in 2019, Mr
    Speaker — Table 4.4 indicates the year, the constituency and the
    amount. I would have wished it
    would also indicate how far the job
    has gone because, for the one in
    Mamomo, what has been done so far
    is less than 20 or 30 per cent. So like
    the Hon Minister said, that the Hon
    Chief Whip had written a letter to him
    for him to come to his Constituency,
    I also would like to extend this
    invitation to the Hon Minister to
    come with me to the Constituency so
    that he could see what has been done
    so far.
    Mr Speaker, the sad thing is that
    this used to be the only park in the
    community where the youth played
    football, yet they have taken over the
    park and nothing is happening there.
    So, if the Hon Minister could indulge
    me so that he would come with me to
    the Constituency and see what has
    been done so far.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:59 p.m.
    So the question is to invite the Hon
    Minster to join you.
    Mr Ramadan 2:59 p.m.
    Yes, I am
    inviting the Hon Minister. And then
    my final --
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:59 p.m.
    Hon Minister, this is not a question;
    he is just throwing an invitation.
    Mr Ramadan 2:59 p.m.
    My final
    question is, when you look at the
    breakdown in Table 4.4, GNPC has
    awarded 28 different Astro Turf

    projects. But if you go through the list

    carefully, you would find that the

    items numbered 1 to 8 have been

    repeated as 21 to 28. So if we can

    strike that out, it would be captured

    correctly that GNPC has awarded 20

    and not 28 Astro Turfs.

    Mr Speaker, thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:59 p.m.
    Very well. It does not demand an
    answer.
    Hon Members, we move to
    Question numbered 396, which
    stands in the name of the Hon
    Member for Sissala West, Hon
    Adams Mohammed Sukparu.
    Hon Member, the Hon Minister
    will listen to you now.
    Status of Ten Youth Resource
    Centre Projects in
    the country
    Mr Cletus Seidu Dapilah (on
    behalf of) (Mr Adams Mohammed
    Sukparu) (NDC -- Sissala West): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister
    for Youth and Sports the status of the
    ten (10) Youth Resource Centre
    projects in the country.
    Mr Ussif 2:59 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, work is
    at various stages in the construction
    of the ten (10) Youth Resource
    Centres across the country. The
    major objective is to improve youth
    development through recreation,
    sports and entrepreneurship training,
    to encourage the youth to acquire
    livelihood skills in order to make
    valuable contribution to national
    development.
    The progress of work, from
    commencement to date for the ten
    (10) Youth Resources Centres are
    discussed below:
    a. Youth Resource Centre - Ho, Volta Region
    Progress of work to date: 80
    per cent;
    b. Youth Resource Centre - Nyinahini, Ashanti Region
    Progress of work to date: 95
    per cent;
    c. Youth Resource Centre - Dunkwa-On-Offin,Central Region
    Progress of work to date: 80
    per cent;
    d. Youth Resource Centre - Navrongo, Upper East Region
    Progress of work to date: 78
    per cent;
    e. Youth Resource Centre - Axim, Western Region
    Progress of work to date: 90
    per cent;

    f. Youth Resource Centre - Dormaa Ahenkro, Brong

    Ahafo Region

    Progress of work to date: 98

    per cent;

    g. Youth Resource Centre - Koforidua, Eastern Region

    Progress of work to date:

    94 per cent;

    h. Youth Resource Centre - Wa, Upper West Region

    Progress of work to date: 90

    per cent;

    i. Youth Resource Centre - North Kaneshie, Greater-

    Accra Region

    Progress of work to date: 90

    per cent; and

    j. Youth Resource Centre - Yendi, Northern Region

    Progress of work to date: 70

    per cent.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:05 a.m.
    Thank you very much.
    Hon Member, any supplementary
    question?
    Mr Dapilah 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Hon Minister just mentioned the
    timelines for completion and
    percentages of these projects. I am
    aware that these projects were
    awarded somewhere in 2018 and it
    appears that none of them has been
    completed. What assurance can the
    Hon Minister give to this House and
    for that matter, the people of Wa in
    the Upper West Region on when their
    Youth Resource Centre among others
    would be completed? What are the
    timelines?
    Thank you very much.
    Mr Ussif 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    want to assure the Hon Member that
    in spite of the Answer I gave on the
    current date and progress of work,
    currently, the second phase has
    started in the Upper West Region. As
    we speak, the fence wall is being
    constructed, the seats have been
    installed and the floodlights have
    been purchased and are currently in
    the Upper West Region. So, he
    should be rest assured that this
    project would be completed on time
    to be put to good use.
    Mr Dapilah 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    know the Hon Minister is a young
    man who wants to ensure that sports
    development is enhanced in the
    country. I would hold him to the
    answers he has given and I know that
    he would deliver.
    Thank you very much.
    rose
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:05 a.m.
    Very well. Is it a constituency
    specific question? Let me come to
    Hon Woyome.
    Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is because the answer
    has provided a broader perspective to
    the question, that is the reason I just
    want to ask. The Hon Minister made
    mention of the first phase, meaning
    the statistics provided are for the first
    phase of the project. Could he
    enlighten us on the scope of the first
    phase and the subsequent phases?
    Would they go through the first and
    second phases to full completion or
    first, second and third phases to full
    completion? He should let us know.
    Mr Ussif 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    model designed for the Youth
    Resource Centre project is in two
    phases, the first and second phases.
    The scope of work for the first phase
    includes an International Federation
    of Association Football (FIFA)
    standard football pitch, an eight-lane
    running track, three spectator stands,
    a VVIP stand, a tennis court, a
    handball court, a gymnasium, a
    counselling centre, an Information
    Communication Technology (ICT)
    centre, an entrepreneurship centre
    and a restaurant. Also, depending on
    the site, some centres have hostel
    facilities as part of the first phase.
    Some sites however do not.
    Thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:05 a.m.
    Yes, Hon Member for Madina?
    Mr Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, I wish to enquire from
    the Hon Minister the sources of
    funding for the Youth Resource
    Centres that have been listed in the
    Answer.
    Thank you.
    Mr Ussif 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    sponsoring agency for the Youth
    Resource Centres is the National
    Youth Authority (NYA). We all
    know that the NYA gets an allocation
    from the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF). So, part of it
    is used to fund this project.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:05 a.m.
    Hon Member for Nadowli/Kaleo?
    Mr Anthony Mwinkaara
    Sumah: Mr Speaker, thank you for
    the opportunity to follow up with a
    question.
    The resource centres are at
    various stages of completion and the
    Hon Minister indicated that very
    soon, the one in Wa would be

    completed. This is refreshing to

    know. Could he tell us whether these

    projects are on schedule, per their

    original contracts and completion

    dates? If not, what is the reason?
    Mr Ussif 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    project currently is not on schedule
    per the contract signed. This is
    because of the COVID-19 situation
    we find ourselves in globally. It has
    affected the mobilisation of logistics
    and also the completion of the
    project. However, we have engaged
    the consultant and contractors to
    ensure that the Wa Youth Resource
    Centre is completed on time. As we
    speak, the contractor is on site.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:05 a.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Members, we would move
    to Question numbered 397 which
    stands in the name of the Hon
    Member for Ho Central, Hon
    Benjamin Komla Kpodo.
    Hon Member, you may ask your
    Question.
    Completion of Volta Regional
    Youth Resource Centre
    Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo
    (NDC -- Ho Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for
    Youth and Sports when the Volta
    Regional Youth Resource Centre
    which includes an Astro Turf sports
    facility at Nuvenu, near Ho, would be
    completed.
    Mr Ussif 3:05 a.m.
    Mr Speaker, the first
    phase of the Youth Resource Centre
    in the Volta Region is 80 per cent
    complete and the Ministry is awaiting
    the release of funds to complete the
    project on schedule. The objective of
    this project is to provide centres for
    youth development, and leverage on
    sports to provide them with skills to
    contribute their quota to the
    development of this country.
    Thank you,
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:05 a.m.
    Hon Member, any further question?
    Mr Kpodo 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Hon Minster said that the project is
    80 per cent complete. The response is
    too scanty to give me any information
    about the project because he said they
    have started the project with the
    following things as part of the scope.
    A FIFA standard football pitch, an
    eight-lane modern track, tennis,
    handball and volleyball courts. It is
    also supposed to have a gymnasium,
    a multi-purpose ICT centre, an
    entrepreneurship centre, a counselling
    unit and a modern restaurant. If one

    visits the site, one would see nothing

    there, yet he said it was 80 per cent

    complete. I want to know whether he

    has varied the scope.
    Mr Ussif 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we have
    not varied the scope. The scope for
    the first phase still stands and I want
    to assure my senior Hon Colleague
    that the project as he said - the FIFA standard football pitch is currently
    done and he is aware. The eight-lane
    running track and the three spectator
    stands are all done and they would be
    increased in the second phase. So,
    they would be five instead of three.
    The capacity would increase from the
    5,000 to about 8,000. The tennis and
    hand ball courts and the gymnasium
    are all done. The counselling section
    is also done - all these scopes are captured and done. The seats are
    being installed and he is aware.
    President Nana Addo Dankwa
    Akufo-Addo does not take the people
    of Ho Central for granted. We would
    complete it.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:15 p.m.
    Hon Member for Ho Central, do you
    have any further questions? I hope
    you are alright?
    Mr Kpodo 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have
    been to the field. Some seats have
    been installed but cattle graze on the
    grass. He said it is a football pitch that
    has eight lanes - when was the last
    time he went there? He is not even
    sure of the capacity. Is the capacity
    5,000, 7,000 or 10,000?
    Mr Ussif 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the first
    phase as I said is 5,000 but the good
    news is that, there would be a second
    phase which would have a fence wall
    to protect the spectators and the
    athletes who would use the facility.
    We would also increase the stand
    from three to five which would
    increase the capacity from 5,000 to
    7,000.
    Mr Kpodo 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, he has
    confused me even more -- [Laughter] - This is because when
    the Hon Minister paid a visit to the
    place, the report was that the capacity
    had increased from 5,000 to 10,000
    and the former price of US$1.8
    million had gone up to US$2.4
    million. He said it is either 5,000 or
    7,000 - I do not know which. My interest is in the completion of the
    project, so I would want to ask the
    Hon Minister why the contractor is
    no longer on site and when the project
    would be completed.
    Mr Ussif 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, in my
    answer to the Hon Member, I
    indicated that the contractor would go
    back to site as soon as funds are
    released. Once we get the funds
    released, we would mobilise the
    contractor to go back to site.

    However, I could assure him that this

    project would be completed and put

    to good use for the good people of Ho

    Central.
    Mr Kpodo 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I know
    I have exhausted my supplementary
    questions.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:15 p.m.
    Hon Member, you know you have
    exhausted it but you are a senior Hon
    Member so I could allow you.
    Mr Kpodo 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I want
    to know if the Hon Minister could
    give us an idea -because this project was awarded and was to last for nine
    months but it was extended. Nothing
    has happened, so I need some better
    assurance that when funds are made
    available - I know funds were available and that was why the
    project was commenced.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:15 p.m.
    I
    know funds would be available when
    the Budget Statement is sorted out.
    Hon Minister, the Hon Member
    needs an assurance.
    Mr Ussif 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we await
    patiently for the approval of the
    Appropriation Bill and once that is
    done, my senior Hon Colleague
    should be rest assured that the project
    would be completed.
    Mr Bawa 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, from
    what the Hon Member for Ho Central
    said, the first phase involved the
    growth of grass for cattle to chew.
    However, I want to know from the
    Hon Minister the last time he visited
    the project site because there is
    contradiction between what the Hon
    Member said and the picture he has
    painted.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:15 p.m.
    Hon Member for Bongo, the entire
    Question was specific to Ho Central
    and the Hon Member himself did not
    ask that question because probably,
    he knows the Hon Minister has
    visited the site.
    Mr Bawa 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    stadium is only located in Ho but it is
    a national asset. It is possible people
    from Bongo could go there to play
    football.
    Mr Ussif 3:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I had a
    discussion on this project with the
    Hon Member for Ho Central when
    we went for the Budget Statement
    retreat in Ho. I also visited the site
    just to ensure that I have the facts so
    that I could respond to questions on
    it.
    Mr M. M. Ibrahim 3:15 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, he indicated that he visited
    the site alone but in his own
    statement, he said he had interactions

    and discussions with the Hon

    Member for Ho Central in Ho and yet

    he chose to visit the site alone.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:15 p.m.
    Hon Member, so what is your
    question?
    Mr M. M. Ibrahim 3:15 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, I am scandalised. The Hon
    Minister should prove to us that he
    had a discussion with the Hon
    Member.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:15 p.m.
    Hon Member, your question has been
    turned down.
    Mr Woyome 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, if
    the Hon Minister actually visited the
    place, he would have noticed that
    even the entrance to the project site
    was not accessible so he could not see
    all the challenges the Hon Member
    talked about.

    Could he give us a specific

    time he thinks he would have these

    projects completed for the people of

    Ho? He should be mindful of that

    assurance because your Committee

    on Government Assurances is

    actually taking record of all that he is

    saying.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Hon Minister, hold on. Hon
    Woyome, the next Question stands in
    your name, so take it as well.
    Question numbered 398 — Hon Woyome, please, ask your Question.
    Mr James Klutse Avedzi — rose
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Hon Leader?
    Mr James Klutse Avedzi 3:25 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, Hon Woyome asked a very
    relevant question. Please, allow the
    Hon Minister to answer the question
    because I know he has the answer.
    Then, he can follow up with his own
    Question.
    Mr Ussif 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    want to assure my senior Hon
    Colleague and Member of Parliament
    for South Tongu that once this
    Budget Statement and the Economic
    Policy of the Government is
    appropriated, there is no way this
    project would not be completed. The
    project would be completed once we
    get the funds.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Very well, now let me come to you,
    Hon Woyome. Your Question is 398;
    you may take it now.

    Intended Use of Land Acquired

    near Agblogbloshie

    Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome

    (NDC — South Tongu): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for

    Youth and Sports the intention for the

    acquisition of the land near

    Agbogbloshie, what the size of the

    land is, and what plans the Ministry

    has to immediately put the said land

    to its intended use.
    Mr Ussif 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Government is yet to decide on what
    the land would be used for.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Yes, any follow-up questions, Hon
    Woyome?
    Mr Woyome 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this
    short Answer — [Laughter] — seriously, the Question stands on
    three legs. Actually, the Question
    requests to know the intention for the
    acquisition, the land size, and also the
    plans the Ministry has for the place.
    However, the Answer given does not
    reflect the Question I asked.
    Moving forward, a few weeks
    ago, on August 21st, 2021, there was
    this news item titled, “Agblogbloshie hosts 111 Hospitals”. I would just want to find out from him whether
    there has been any Executive
    Instrument (E.I.) from the President
    varying the use of the land.
    Mr Ussif 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am not
    aware of any Executive Instrument to
    vary the use of the land, but what I
    know is that State lands are vested in
    H.E. the President. As of now, he is
    the one who has the overall authority
    to decide the use of the land. The land
    was given to the National Youth
    Authority to use and currently, there
    is no E.I. to vary it. However,
    Government could decide to use it for
    any other project.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Hon Woyome, your last supple-
    mentary question.
    Mr Woyome 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Hon Minister would agree with me
    that on such occasions, we would not
    debate the issue because of the fact
    that he is the President, but he has to
    do the right thing by issuing the E.I.
    to vary it. There was an E.I. that
    vested the place, specifically for
    youth and sports activities, among
    others. Therefore, if the E.I. is
    varying the land use now, there must
    be that decision to do the appropriate
    thing.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Now, let us jump to the Question
    numbered 399. [Interruption] — Is there a follow-up question?

    But, Hon Member, do you live at

    Agbogbloshie? [Laughter] —

    Anyway, Hon Member for —
    Mr Bernard Ahiafor 3:25 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, thank you very much. I
    would want to ask the Hon Minister,
    what is the size of the Agbogbloshie
    land?
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Very well, Hon Minister, what is the
    size of the land that you intend to
    acquire?
    Mr Ussif 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the land
    size is about 60 acres but I have to
    crosscheck to get the exact size.
    People have encroached the land, and
    since the decongestion, we are yet to
    fence it and then measure the exact
    size.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Very well.
    Let me now come to the
    Question numbered 399 that stands in
    the name of Hon Member for
    Ashaiman, Mr Ernest Henry
    Norgbey.
    Provision of Astro Turf for
    Ashaiman Constituency
    Mr Ernest Henry Norgbey
    (NDC — Ashaiman): Mr Speaker, I
    beg to ask the Hon Minister for Youth
    and Sports when the Ashaiman
    Constituency would benefit from the
    Government's intervention of providing Astro Turf for
    communities.
    Mr Ussif 3:25 p.m.
    The Ministry of
    Youth and Sports has initiated the
    “One Constituency One Astro Turf Policy” in view to ensure that every constituency in the country is being
    provided with modern pitches to
    develop the potentials of our youth,
    and Ashaiman Constituency will not
    be left out. The Ministry is seriously
    pursing this agenda to promote
    decent sporting activities in the
    country and to unearth talent for
    international competitions.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Yes, Hon Norgbey?
    Mr Norbey 3:25 p.m.
    I would like the
    Hon Minister to advert to the
    Question very well. I asked when
    Ashaiman would benefit from the
    Government's intervention. I did not ask whether Ashaiman is part of the
    project or not. But the Answer given
    does not answer my Question —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:25 p.m.
    Hon Norgbey, he has answered your
    Question together with the entire
    programme that the Government has
    for all the constituencies.
    Mr Norgbey 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    asked the Hon Minister when
    Ashaiman would also benefit from
    the agenda of the Government. When
    would it be implemented?
    Mr Ussif 3:25 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Ashaiman constituency will get their
    share of the Astro Turf under the
    “One Constituency One Astro Turf” Initiative when the Budget Statement
    and the Economic Policy of the
    Government is approved and
    An Hon Member 3:25 p.m.
    Which
    budget? Which budget?
    Mr Norgbey 3:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I do
    not know whether the Hon Minister is
    referring to the 2022 Budget
    Statement and Economic Policy of
    the Government, but this agenda for
    the Government to provide Astroturf
    for communities has been in
    existence for almost five years now.
    He is now talking of when the Budget
    Statement is approved —
    I have not seen anything in the
    2022 Budget Statement and Econo-
    mic Policy of Government to that
    effect.

    Mr Speaker, we are all aware

    that Ashaiman produces very notable

    footballers like Thomas Partey, Abu

    Iddrisu, Awudu Issaka, Dan Quaye,

    Kofi Nimo, and so on, but as we

    speak, we do not have a single

    Astroturf in Ashaiman.

    Mr Speaker, I would want the

    Hon Minister to assure the people of

    Ashaiman that they would benefit

    from the Astro Turf immediately.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:35 p.m.
    Hon Henry Norgbey, the Hon
    Minister has already assured you.
    You would have to wait, probably,
    after next week when the
    Appropriation Bill is passed, you will
    see that Ashaiman will benefit.
    Mr Norgbey 3:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, that
    is why I am saying that there is no
    provision in the Budget as such. So if
    the Hon Minister is giving me
    assurance on this particular Budget, I
    am a bit confused about it because
    there is nothing in the Budget to that
    effect. I would just want the Hon
    Minister to assure the people of
    Ashaiman that it will happen within
    the shortest possible time. Or, he
    should give us when exactly it would
    happen.
    Mr Ussif 3:35 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I want to
    assure my Hon Colleague and
    Member of Parliament for the good
    people of Ashaiman that in

    considering this Budget, the Ministry

    of Youth and Sports has goods and

    services and CAPEX, and the

    Committee on Youth and Sports will

    be sitting on Friday, so I am inviting

    him to come and see the huge amount

    allocated at the CAPEX column. This

    is to ensure that this policy of “One Constituency, One Astro Turf” (1C1A) comes to fruition and the

    good people of Ashaiman will not be

    left out when the Budget is

    appropriated.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:35 p.m.
    Hon Members, please I may give the
    Hon Leader the opportunity. This is a
    specific Question to Ashaiman and I
    am not going to admit any - No. Please indulge me. This is Ashaiman-
    specific.
    Hon Leader, I am giving the
    opportunity to you.
    Mr James Klutse Avedzi 3:35 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, everybody lives in
    Ashaiman. If you go there, the whole
    world lives in Ashaiman, so we all
    live in Ashaiman but that is just by
    the way.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister in
    all the Answers he has provided is
    linking the projects to the approval of
    the Budget. I would want to remind
    the Hon Minister that this is a House
    of records. He will be taken on if the
    Budget is approved and the projects
    are not done. So he should take note
    that we will hold him to the
    assurances he has given that once the
    Budget is approved, all these projects
    will be done. Let me remind him that
    it is just 12 months.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:35 p.m.
    Very well.
    Then all of us can be assured
    that next week, we will get rid of the
    Appropriation Bill and the Hon
    Minister for Youth and Sports will —
    So, Hon Leader, can you give us
    any indication —
    Hon Minister for Youth and
    Sports, on behalf of the House, I
    would like to thank you very much
    for attending upon the House to
    answer Questions from Hon
    Members. We are so grateful and you
    are hereby discharged.
    Mr Habib Iddrisu 3:35 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, I think a lot has been done
    and we are in your hands for
    Adjournment, except to add by way
    of correcting my Hon Colleague from
    Ashaiman Constituency that Awudu
    Issaka is not from Ashaiman. He was
    born in Sunyani and he played in
    Tema Football Club, so he is not from
    there.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:35 p.m.
    Hon Members, let us turn to the item numbered 6 on today's Order Paper which is Statements and we have a couple of them that have been admitted.
    Please, let us take one or two of
    the Statements that have been admitted. So the (joint) Statement, which is on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, stands in the names of Hon (Dr) Clement A. Apaak, Ms Dakoa Newman, Dr Prince Hamid Armah, Mr Rockson- Nelson Dafeamekpor.
    STATEMENTS 3:45 p.m.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:55 p.m.
    Hon Member, thank you very much.
    Yes, Hon Member for Okaikwei
    South?
    Ms Darkoa Newman 3:55 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, please, the Hon Member has
    already taken the Statement so there
    is no need.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:55 p.m.
    So in all, I thought you were part of
    them, then, let me come to the Hon
    Member for Trobu?
    Mr Moses Anim (NPP -- Trobu) 3:55 p.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker for
    the opportunity to comment on the
    Statement.
    Mr Speaker, today, the whole
    world is about inclusiveness. The
    target is not to leave anybody behind.
    Inclusiveness indicates that we are
    not to leave anybody behind. Mr
    Speaker, if there is a group of people
    who are supposed to lead this journey
    of inclusiveness, then it is the
    physically challenged. This is
    because it is easier to leave them
    behind and especially the way we
    have conducted ourselves as history
    indicates, very easy to leave them
    behind. It is even purported that
    parents easily get rid of them after
    birth; leave them behind; disregard
    them; and the stigmatisation
    continues.
    Mr Speaker, therefore, there is
    the need for inclusive education
    which can easily be identified with
    the physically challenged. The other
    group of physically challenged
    people whose disability seems
    intangible are the slow learners - the below average students. The below
    average student or the slow learner is
    physically challenged and it is the
    reason we need the smaller class sizes
    and empowered teachers to get very
    close to the slow learners. The slow
    learner is slow but sure, therefore,
    when he is able to grasp what he is
    supposed to, he holds on to it and as
    slow as he is, becomes very sure.
    That is one critical area we would
    have to look at - the slow learner. That is why it was decided in the
    policy of this Government that the
    Class A schools must, at all cost,
    enroll 30 per cent of the students from
    the rural areas where the slow
    learners come from. When they come
    to the Achimotas and the Presecs,
    they outperform those who had
    education in the cities and the so-
    called international schools.
    Mr Speaker, there is supposed to
    be a deliberate policy to ensure that
    we are not leaving anybody behind
    which is very important. Our attitude
    towards the physically challenged is
    bad. Mr Speaker, recently, I had a
    very peculiar experience at the
    airport. When we compare the way
    we receive the physically challenged,
    even at our airports, to how they are
    received at Heathrow Airport, we
    would realise that we are really in
    trouble. We are not training people
    such that they would pay attention to
    the physically challenged. If the
    physically challenged person gets to
    the Kotoka International Airport and

    does not approach anybody, he or she

    is just left unattended. However, a

    physically challenged person gets to

    Heathrow Airport and the moment he

    or she is identified, is attended to.

    There are physically challenged

    students outside this country who

    have personal assistants (PAs). There

    are visually impaired people outside

    this country who have note-takers - people who take their notes for them

    and are performing so well. There are

    physically challenged in this country

    who are so learned and brainy and

    doing a good job. That is why in

    inclusive education at the basic level,

    we should fuse up both the physically

    and the non-physically challenged. In

    the classroom where the physically

    challenged is able to beat the non-

    physically challenged to mathematics

    or any other subject, the stigma-

    tisation would stop. After all, they are

    supposed to come into the world of

    work with those who are not

    physically challenged. Therefore,

    when in the same classroom and they

    are beating them to it, the respect and

    the dignity will be accorded them.

    Mr Speaker, it is very important.

    Let us also look at the opportunities

    that we can create for them after they

    have had the best education and we

    get them jobs. They are very useful.

    There are things that they can do that

    the non-physically challenged

    cannot. I have seen some of them

    performing so well.

    Mr Speaker, recently, two of

    them wrote the “Makola” exams. Two visually impaired wrote the

    “Makola” exams and passed one touch! -- [Interruption] --
    An Hon Member 3:55 p.m.
    Hon Anim,
    what is “Makola Exams”? -- [Laughter] --
    Mr Anim 3:55 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I know
    you are a renowned lawyer.
    “Makola” is the professional education for our law students. Is that
    not how we call it? Well, I have seen
    Hon Ahiafor standing up -- [Interruption] -- What is it called? Ghana School of Law? Thank you.
    Mr Speaker, coming back on
    track, two visually impaired persons
    were the first to move from the Senior
    High School (SHS) to University of
    Ghana School of Law (UGSoL), two
    of them.
    Mr Speaker, as I speak, they had
    Second Class Upper and the two of
    them wrote the Ghana School of Law
    Entrance Exams and passed outright.
    So one can see that the moment they
    are empowered and are given the
    opportunity to learn, they exhibit it.
    We see a lot of them by the roadside
    begging. Meanwhile, if they were

    given the platform to move on and to

    learn, they would not be begging. We

    are, therefore, telling parents and also

    trying to reach out to parents that

    these are people who can equally

    compete at all levels. They can only

    compete when they are given some

    advantageous platform that can

    leapfrog their abilities.

    Mr Speaker, let me stop here by

    associating myself to the Statement

    made and let us go - In fact, we have done a lot. Ghana has really done a

    lot for the physically challenged but

    when you look at the gap between

    best practices elsewhere and where

    we are, we still have a big gap ahead

    of us. I think putting ourselves

    together and having a deliberate

    policy, we should get them where

    they want to be.

    Thank you very much, Mr

    Speaker, for the opportunity to

    comment on the Statement made by

    my Vandal Mate, Hon Apaak.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:05 p.m.
    Yes, let me come to the Hon Member
    for Madina.

    Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu (NDC

    -- Madina): Thank you very much Mr Speaker.

    Mr Speaker, I want to thank the

    makers of this all-important

    Statement because I have always

    maintained that the development of a

    nation is defined by how the nation

    treats its most vulnerable people.

    So, how we treat persons with

    disability is very key in this nation

    and I am very happy that our Hon

    Colleagues brought this matter to the

    fore. Unfortunately, we have, as a

    nation, consistently exhibited the

    lack of commitment to the cause of

    persons with disability.

    Mr Speaker, when you look at

    the Disability Act, there was a 10-

    year moratorium for all public

    buildings to be disability friendly. As

    we speak today, there are agencies

    and government buildings across the

    State which are not disability

    friendly. Consistently, people in

    authority take decisions that

    completely undermine support for

    persons living with disability. For

    example, with the recent decision to

    close all tollbooths across the

    country, you saw what happened

    because these tollbooths are manned

    by persons with disability. We did not

    even consult them, and there was no

    prior notice. They woke up one day

    and said people cannot work

    anymore. Mr Speaker, it only shows

    how insensitive we have been as a

    people towards the cause of persons

    living with disability in this country.

    Mr Speaker, let me refer the

    House to article 15(1) of the 1992

    Constitution which says, and with

    your permission, I quote: “The dignity of all persons shall be

    inviolable.” It says “the dignity of all persons,” including persons living with disability. Unfortunately, we

    have all undermined persons living

    with disability and undermined their

    dignity. How do we ensure that we

    promote and preserve the dignity of

    persons living with disability?

    Mr Speaker, other nations

    through employment generation - for example, when you go to France

    there is a piece of legislation that says

    that if a person has a company with

    more than 20 workers, at least six per

    cent must be persons living with

    disability. So, if one is a business

    owner and flouts this law, he is made

    to pay and when he pays, this money

    is collected in one agency which is

    used to support the cause of persons

    living with disability. Unfortunately,

    Mr Speaker, we have not as a nation

    come up with policy directions and

    pragmatic steps that will protect

    persons living with disability.

    Mr Speaker, before I bring my

    comment to an end, if you look at

    article 17 of our Constitution that

    says that “all persons shall be equal before the law,” it seems even though the 1992 Constitution says that all

    persons shall be equal before the law,

    unfortunately, when it comes to

    persons living with disability, they

    are not accorded equal protection and

    equal opportunity before the law. It is

    on this note that I support the Hon

    Member who made the Statement,

    and it is my hope that the Statement

    will indeed be referred to the

    appropriate committee so that

    pragmatic steps will be taken to

    protect person living with disability

    in Ghana.

    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:05 p.m.
    Yes, let me come to the Hon Member
    for Oforikrom
    Dr Emmanuel Marfo (NPP -- Oforikrom) 4:05 p.m.
    Thank you very much,
    Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to
    associate myself with the Statement
    that has been made and to also
    associate myself with the concerns
    that my Hon Colleagues who have
    spoken before me have made. I think
    with this issue of implementing our
    Disability Act and taking actions to
    protect the dignity of persons living
    with disability, there are a couple of
    things that I find to be very practical
    that we should begin to work on.

    Mr Speaker, first of all, we need

    to start with data. Our various local

    assemblies are supposed to have data

    on persons living with disability. We

    need to find out to what extent they

    are complying with this requirement

    to have basic data about people who

    have some disability of a sort. This is

    because without data one would not

    be able to plan for interventions to be

    able to deal with the challenges that

    these people would face. So, I would

    strongly want to suggest that the

    Ministry of Local Government must

    see to it that the requirement to have

    data on people living with disability

    in the various Metropolitan,

    Municipal and District Assemblies

    (MMDAs) are taken on board

    seriously.

    Mr Speaker, the other thing that

    is very basic that we can look at is the

    requirements. I recall that some time

    ago when we were passing the

    Common Fund Formula, we directed

    that at least 20 per cent of the funds

    that are allocated to people living

    with disability should be used to

    support children with learning and

    development difficulties. I do not

    know whether the district assemblies

    have been complying with that kind

    of requirement or whether they are

    consciously allocating resources to

    make sure that children with autism

    and development challenges in the

    various districts have been targeted

    for this kind of support. So, I would

    also want to strongly urge that the

    Local Government and Rural

    Development Ministry and the

    relevant Parliamentary Committees

    take charge and make sure that as part

    of our oversight, we ensure that the

    district assemblies are also

    complying with this.

    Mr Speaker, if we want to talk

    about issues on disability, we would

    keep on talking and talking, but I

    think the time has come for us to have

    a Parliamentary caucus that would

    focus their advocacy on disability

    and people with all kinds of

    vulnerabilities. So, just like we have

    a population caucus, I think that the

    time has come for the Parliament of

    Ghana to have a strong disability

    caucus that will continue to advocate

    for the rights of people with

    disabilities to be respected and

    advocate for policies that would

    target these people to be formulated

    and implemented.

    Mr Speaker, the last point is on

    the issue of integrating certain skills

    into the training of people who are

    providing critical services to the

    public, that is: nurses and maybe the

    Police. We know that there was a

    time that the news reported of a

    pregnant woman who was deaf that

    had a complication, went to the

    hospital and because she could not

    communicate with the nurses about

    what she was going through, she had

    to die. Therefore, our nursing training

    colleges should have just a little

    component of training that will allow

    everybody who is on the forefront of

    providing critical service to do basic

    things like sign language, and to able

    to provide first aid or get some basic

    information to assist people who may

    be in dying need. If somebody has a

    disability, is deaf or has a problem

    and goes to the Police Station how

    would that person complain about his

    situation? So, we need to look at

    these basic things that we can do to

    ensure that we give true meaning to

    the dictates of the Act on disability.

    Mr Speaker, with these few

    words, let me thank you very much

    and commend the Hon Member for

    this Statement.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    Very well. May I come to the
    Leadership?
    Yes, Hon Deputy Minority
    Leader?

    Mr James Klutse Avedzi

    (NDC -- Ketu North): Mr Speaker, I rise to thank the Hon Member who

    made the Statement in recognition of

    the International Day of Persons with

    Disabilities. We have laws that make

    provision for part of the District

    Assembly Common Fund to be spent

    in the interest of people with

    disability.

    There is one thing that we do not

    take a critical look at. It is about how

    the assemblies utilise these funds. Do

    they actually use this fund in the

    interest of the people that are

    supposed to benefit? Mr Speaker, in

    the rounds of the Public Accounts

    Committee, we saw that most of the

    district assemblies misuse the funds

    allocated for people with disability.

    They use part of the funds for other

    things, and we direct them at the

    Committee level to refund the monies

    to the account, and use for the people

    with disability.

    Mr Speaker, this is a very

    important thing that all of us should

    take interest in, and ensure that in our

    various assemblies, they do not

    misuse and misapply the funds, but

    rather use it for the benefit of people

    with disability. It is only this way that

    we as a country can contribute in a

    little way to ensure that they do not

    suffer just because of their features in

    terms of their disability.

    I want to thank the Hon

    Members who made the Statement,

    and to remind us of this aspect of our

    fund. Also, we can analyse and see

    the amount that we allocate to them.

    I think it is about three per cent of the

    District Assemblies Common Fund

    for people with disability. Is it

    enough for these people?

    Mr Speaker, the criteria for

    selection of people with disability

    and who benefits is another thing we

    should look at. Instead of sharing the

    money to them, we can establish

    them one after the other, so that it

    becomes some capital upon which

    they can survive rather than giving

    them GH₵100 or GH₵200 which they can spend within a short period

    and go back to their original state.

    Mr Speaker, these are issues we

    should look at critically, and the

    Committee on Local Government

    and Rural Development could be

    tasked to do some assessment to see

    if there is something that could be

    done to increase the allocation,

    ensure that the money is not

    misapplied by the assemblies, and

    ensure that the money is used to

    establish people with disability so

    that they can survive for long. That

    would help us all as a country.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    Yes, Majority Leadership?
    Majority Chief Whip (Frank
    Annoh-Dompreh): Mr Speaker, I
    rise to speak in support of the
    Statement, and begin on the note
    where my Hon Colleague ended. I
    regret how these monies are doled out
    to persons involved.
    The first aspect is, if you look at
    the allocation made to the lined
    budget allocated, clearly, in the face
    or the extent of the volume of work
    on the ground, it is inadequate. The
    second one has to do with the concern
    about really doling out monies to
    persons with disability without really
    thinking about the sustainable way of
    life. Let us dole out these funds to
    support them, but we should also look
    at some entrepreneurial development
    of these persons so that they can have
    a sustainable way of living.
    Mr Speaker, the narration has
    often been limited to Non-Govern-
    mental Organisations (NGOs), and
    intermittently, they come in to put up
    one or two interventions. We need to
    mainstream it to a main development
    agenda of the country, the blueprint
    of our development agenda. That has
    to be done, but regrettably,
    Governments that have come and
    gone have not demonstrated enough
    commitment especially in this line of
    business. It is something that we have
    to bring up and pay particular
    attention to.
    Mr Speaker, awareness is
    something that is lacking. We should

    have a concerted effort as a country

    to break that barrier and lift up a

    sense of awareness because people

    have their own conceptions about

    disability. We would have to break

    the jinx of the way persons with

    disabilities are treated across the

    country and move ahead. If you look

    across the country, a few numbers of

    the projects are disability compliant,

    but as to whether we have pushed for

    this to be recognised in our laws and

    to be seen as a need in our blueprint

    is also another issue.

    Mr Speaker, it is an important

    Statement, and I would be very

    happy, if at your discretion, it could

    be referred to your Committee to do

    some further work on it, and probably

    raise the discussion beyond the

    Statement level for it to generate the

    attention that it deserves. I support

    the Statement fully, and I would want

    to commend the Hon Members who

    made the Statement for a well-

    thought out Statement.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    Hon Members, upon the request of
    the Hon Members who made the
    Statement and the concluding
    remarks of the Hon Majority Chief
    Whip, I hereby refer this Statement to
    the Committee on Gender and
    Children as well as the Committee on
    Local Government and Rural
    Development to look into it and
    report back to Parliament. [Hear!

    Referred to the Committees on

    Gender and Children, and Local

    Government and Rural Development.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    Are the Hon Dr Kingsley Nyarko and
    Hon Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah
    around?
    If they are not around, then, I
    would go to Leadership for any
    indications.
    Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh 4:15 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think that we have had
    enough for the day, and judging from
    the sense of the House, we can
    adjourn to tomorrow.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    Hon Members, I am told the referral
    is supposed to go to the Committees
    on Employment, Social Welfare and
    State Enterprises, Gender and
    Children as well as Local Govern-
    ment and Rural Development.
    Referred to Committees on
    Employment, Social Welfare and
    State Enterprises, Gender and
    Children and Local Government and
    Rural Development.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    On that note, we will bring the curtain

    down. Hon Members, the time is 4.24

    p.m. so I will go ahead to adjourn the

    House.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 4:15 p.m.
    Your referral
    is spot on, except that probably, for
    the Committee on Local Government
    and Rural Development, it should not
    be the entirety; we should involve the
    Leadership because it comes under
    the purview of the first Committee
    you referred the matter to, so that we
    involve the Leadership.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:15 p.m.
    Very well, let it be so. Hon Members,
    I will go ahead to adjourn the House.
    ADJOURNMENT 4:15 p.m.