Debates of 17 Jun 2022

MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11:03 a.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:03 a.m.
Hon
Members, we shall skip the items
numbered 2 and 3 and move to the item
numbered 4 on today's Order Paper — Correction of Votes and Proceedings and
the Official Report.
Hon Members, we would begin with
the correction of Votes and Proceedings
of Thursday, 16th June, 2022.
Page 1…14 —
Dr Kingsley Nyarko — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:03 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Kwadaso?
Dr Nyarko 11:03 a.m.
Mr Speaker, item
numbered 14 on page 14, in the second
paragraph, “The Hon Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Industry and
Tourism presented the Report of the
Committee on the Bill”; I was wondering if it could include the name of the
Chairman of the Committee.
Mr Speaker, thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:03 a.m.
Clerks-
at-the-Table, have you taken note?
Hon Member, may you repeat?
Dr Nyarko 11:03 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am asking,
would it be possible for us to include the
name of the Chairman of the Committee
because the name is excluded? However,
if we look at the others, the names of the
Chairpersons or Ranking Members are
included. That is my concern.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:03 a.m.
Very
well.
Clerks-at-the-Table, please take note.
Page 15…17.
Hon Members, in the absence of any
further corrections, the Votes and
Proceedings of Thursday, 16th June,
2022, as corrected, is adopted as the true
record of proceedings.

Hon Members, we do not have any Official Report so we would turn to item numbered 5 — Business Statement for the fifth week.

May I respectfully invite the Leader of

the House to present the Business Statement?
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 11:13 a.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:13 a.m.
Thank
you very much, Hon Leader.
Hon Members, the Business Statement
for the ensuing week has been presented
to us. Are there any issues Hon Members
would like to raise?
Some Hon Members — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:13 a.m.
I would
start from the back bench.
Yes, Hon Member?
Mr Teddy A. Safori 11:13 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I
filed a Question under the Ministry of
Gender, Children and Social Protection,
which was admitted and advertised in last
week's Business Statement and
scheduled for today, 17th June, 2022.
However, it did not find space in today's
Order Paper or the Business Statement.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:13 a.m.
Hon
Leader, did you hear the question?
Mr Samuel O. Ablakwa — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:13 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for North Tongu?
Mr Ablakwa 11:23 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am most
grateful for the opportunity. I commend
the Hon Majority Leader and Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs for the pre-
sentation. I have a few issues to raise. The
first relates to the mid-year review. Is the
Hon Majority Leader able to give us an
indication that we can work with? July is
almost upon us, and when we are made
aware, we can start preparing ourselves in
readiness for that presentation.
The second issue relates to Urgent
Questions that the Hon Member for
Adaklu, Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza,
and I have filed. We filed three Urgent
Questions on 3rd June, 2022. I checked
the Questions book at the Table Office
earlier today, and I noticed that it has
been duly forwarded to the Rt Hon
Speaker, indicating that the Question has
gone through the appropriate processes. I
would have thought that with the Hon
Minister for Finance coming to the House
on Wednesday, next week, after his
inability to be present yesterday, we
would have added these Questions
relating to the National Cathedral. It is a
matter of enormous national interest, and
it also relates to article 178 of our 1992
Constitution, whether the Hon Minister
for Finance can be spending without
parliamentary approval. [Interruption] I
want you to know the nature of the
Question — [Laughter] — I see the Hon Majority Leader does not want me to go
into the nature of the Question. It will

Business of the House

give him further elucidation on the

importance of the Question.

I do not think it is too late for the Hon

Majority Leader to consider ensuring that

these Questions are added to those that

the Hon Minister for Finance will be

responding to on Wednesday, next week,

22nd June, 2022.

Mr Speaker, with regard to the Hon

Minister for National Security's briefing, it is quite unfortunate that we do not have

a specific day for it. However, out of this

honourable House, we see a lot of activity

that the National Security apparatus is

engaged in and they are engaging other

community leaders, the clergy, chiefs and

others. Hon Members of Parliament are

crucial in our constituencies and it is

really imperative that we are also

engaged. So, I would like to appeal to the

Hon Majority Leader to do some work in

expediting action so that we could receive

an early briefing since the Hon Minister

for National Security says that there is an

imminent threat so that we would also be

kept in the picture accordingly.

Finally, there are a few matters the Rt

Hon Speaker had given timelines. A

number of issues such as the Police use of

excessive force in the Beposo Senior

High School in the Ashanti Region, and

Nkoranza. The Rt Hon Speaker gave

specific timelines but we have not

received updates on those referrals. So, if

the Hon Majority Leader has any updates

because some of them are due and the

ensuing week would be the timeline

provided by the Rt Hon Speaker, so that

we could keep track on these matters.

Mr Speaker, thank you.

Some Hon Members — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:23 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Builsa South?
Dr Clement A. Apaak 11:23 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
I would also want to raise a number of issues. The first has to do with the spelling of some of my communities captured on Page 7 under Question numbered 264 (ii) should be “Bachongsa” and not “Bachangba”., The item numbered (iii) should also be “Yipala” and not “Tipala”.
The other issue that worries me greatly
has to do with the Private Member's Motion that I filed with my Hon Ranking Member which has to do with some GH₵68 million expended to procure past examination questions and examiners' reports. I have noticed, quite worryingly, that for some time now, the said Motion neither appears on the Business of the House nor in the Order Paper. Interestingly, a similar Motion which has been filed calling for a bi-partisan investigation into examination mal- practices in relation to West African Examinations Council (WAEC)

Business of the House

administered examination has been constantly appearing. I would want to know why this is the case.

Mr Speaker, it is indicated in the Order

Paper that the Hon Minister for Finance

is to answer some 16 Questions. Quite

honestly, it should be more. I know that I

have filed four Questions to the Hon

Minister for Finance and none of them

has found expression. Truly, no one

should be surprised because for the past

eight months, the Hon Minister for

Finance has not appeared before the

honourable House to answer to a

Question. The last time that we expected

him to appear was on 24th March, 2022,

and he chose to address the media in

relation to mitigation measures to address

the economy that is currently in a nose-

dive than to come to Parliament and

respond to our Questions.

Yesterday, he chose not to be in the

House — and these are very important matters that we expect him to speak to.

Ghanaians are beginning to lose

confidence in us as an institution.

There are many issues that require

government officials to speak to on the

Floor, yet that is not happening. We stand

the risk of losing our relevance if this

continues.

Mr Speaker, thank you.

Some Hon Members — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:23 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Ningo-Prampram?
Mr Samuel N. George 11:33 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I
just have few issues to raise. The first one
has to do with the security of this
honourable House. The Ministry of
National Security launched the “See Something Say Something” campaign. This House is a primary target or what we
would call a high value target and the
question that I would want to ask is what
is the preparedness of the Parliamentary
Service Board and the Parliamentary
Service in ensuring the security of the
premises and precincts of Parliament?
The Marshall's office has drawn up elaborate plans for beefing up the security
of this place but it does not appear to be a
priority of the Parliamentary Service. We
have instances where persons walk into
Job 600 and knock on the office doors of
Hon Members of Parliament. They may
not get access to the offices of Leadership
because of the structure of their offices
but they get to our offices. So, what plan
does the Parliamentary Service have for
the “See Something Say Something” campaign and beefing up security on the
premises?
The second issue has to do with when
H. E. the President would set up the
emoluments committee as enshrined by

Business of the House

article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution. It

is extremely important that as we Sit in

this Parliament, we know our conditions

of service. As Hon Members of the

Eighth Parliament, we do not know our

conditions of service. With the

depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, the

time value of money makes it imperative

that we are paid our proper salaries now

and not four years later.

Mr Speaker, when the Hon Majority

Leader pays us our salaries, people turn

around and say that we are taking fat ex

gratia whereas that is our delayed salaries.

When would H. E. the President set up the

emoluments committee? This is because

even the Hon Majority Leader who is the

also the Leader of Government Business

does not know his conditions of service.

If he is asked what his salary is today as

Hon Majority Leader of Parliament, he

does not know. Even the Rt Hon Speaker

does not know his conditions of service.

The final issue is if the Business

Committee could schedule a joint

briefing of the Hon Ministers for the

Interior, Communications and Digitali-

sation and Finance in this House on the

critical issue involving the Ghana Card.

The Ministry of Communications and

Digitalisation, has issued a deadline for

31st June, 2022, and that on 1st July, 2022,

they are going to deactivate SIM cards.

The Bank of Ghana says that from 1st

July, 2022, one cannot access the moneys

that they paid into their own account

without a Ghana Card and they are all

making reference to L. I. 211. Even the

Electoral Commission is preparing to

bring us a Constitutional Instrument

(C.I.) that aims to create a new voter's register using the Ghana Card.

However, today, for majority of our

constituents, some of whom have

registered since year 2018, the National

Identification Authority (NIA) is unable

to provide them with their Ghana Cards.

So, as representatives of the Ghanaian

people, what would this House do

between now and 31st June, 2022, to

ensure that our constituents who have

registered for the Ghana Card could get it

so that they are not disenfranchised?

If the NIA is unable to provide those

cards for Ghanaians who are willing and

ready to acquire those cards, we stay the

hands of those agencies not to put our

constituents in jeopardy. What plans do

we have to ask the Hon Minister for the

Interior, who oversees the NIA; the Hon

Minister for Communications and

Digitalisation, who oversees the National

Communications Authority (NCA); and

the Hon Minister for Finance, who has an

oversight over the Bank of Ghana, to

appear before us to deal with these issues

of timelines vis-à-vis the Ghana Card.

Business of the House

Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:33 a.m.
Hon
Leader, would you respond to those ones
first or I should take more — Very well.
Yes, Hon Member for South Dayi?
Mr Rockson-Nelson E. K.
Dafeamekpor: Mr Speaker, thank you
for the opportunity. I would want to begin
from where the Hon Member for Ningo-
Prampram, Mr Sam George, left off.
Mr Speaker, my worry is that the NIA
came to brief the House on the efforts
they are making to ensure that every
qualified Ghanaian is registered. As part
of the demands and steps they had taken
to ensure that everyone was registered —
Mr Speaker, in my constituency, the
district office is stationed far away from
the people and it costs a lot of money for
somebody to move from, for example,
Dzemeni to Kpeve or Peki to get
registered. When they register, it takes a
lot of time for them to even get the cards
issued. Due to the financial implications,
the people are mostly unwilling to go and
get registered. So we are asking the NIA
to go round and do the registration for
communities as they did before but they
are most unwilling to do that. This has
become a difficult situation for Hon
Members of Parliament to transport
people to and fro. So we want to urge the
House to also urge the NIA to send its
men and women around to do the
registration at the convenience of the
people.
Mr Speaker, secondly, I raised the
issue of outstanding Private Member's Motions that continue to linger on our
Order Papers. I have realised that
Business is not heavy so I urge that we
take those Motions to free up the Order
Paper to accommodate more but it is not
happening. We want to work so the Hon
Majority Leader should feature the
Motions for us to take them so we could
free up space for more.
Also, the Hon Majority Leader
indicated two weeks ago that in addition
to Questions that would be admitted from
Hon Members, going forward, there are
about 736 outstanding ones. I see that the
Questions that were featured for the Hon
Minister for Finance last week have been
repeated for next week because he could
not come. Although it is a good thing, it
means that Questions that would have
been featured next week would not get
the opportunity. I would want to urge that
the Hon Deputy Ministers take time to
come and answer the Questions. We do
not always have to have the substantive
Hon Ministers as those who have to come
to the House to answer Questions. The
Hon Deputy Ministers could get the
answers and come and respond to Hon
Members so we could free up space to

Business of the House

have the outstanding Questions that have

not been featured.

Mr Speaker, thirdly, we have a lot of

Bills before us and some of them have

been referred to Committees. However, it

appears that they are lingering at the

Committee level.

Therefore, we would want to urge the

Hon Majority Leader to bring some

pressure to bear on Hon Chairmen of

Committees to expedite work on these

Bills so we could take them.

The life of this Parliament is four years

and we have already spent 18 months, with only two-and-a-half years to go. If we are not careful, some of those Bills would fall into an effluxion of time and would elapse. I do not think we intend for those Bills to suffer.

Mr Speaker, finally, I have directed

Questions to the Hon Minister of State at the Office of the President concerning some matters. The indication is that that they have been remitted to the Hon Minister to respond but it is taking forever. I would, therefore, want to urge the Hon Leader of the House to, as it were, feature those Questions so I could have those responses.

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the

opportunity.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:33 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Bongo?
Mr Edward A. Bawa 11:33 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
thank you — [Interruption] — Yes, Mr Speaker can address me as “Hon Bongo” or “Hon Bawa”. So Mr Speaker is right to say “Hon Bongo”.
Mr Speaker, I have realised that if Hon
Members want their Question to be admitted, they should never add the word “COVID” to it. [Laughter] This is because about two or three months ago, I filed a Question with regard to some procurement processes that had gone on at the Ministry of Health. The Question was scheduled, then I got a call from the Table Office that they had brought the wrong response to the Question so they were rescheduling it. That was done for a number of times.
Mr Speaker, luckily enough, you were
in the Chair last Friday when they brought the Question and there was no response in the Order Paper. I drew the attention of the Hon Deputy Majority Leader that if they could consider rescheduling it to bring it this week. In fact, he stood in this Parliament and indicated that he would ensure that the Question would find expression in the Business of the House for this week. The Business for the week is out, I have checked and it has not been programmed. I just want to ask the Hon Majority Leader when Questions related to “COVID-19”, particularly mine, would be admitted.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:33 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Ho Central?

Business of the House
Mr Benjamin K. Kpodo 11:33 a.m.
Mr
Speaker, thank you.
This is about the fourth time I have
raised issues on the two Questions I posed
to the Hon Minister for Finance on the
District Assemblies' Common Fund. Last week, I raised it and the Hon Deputy
Majority Leader said I should follow up.
I did and the result is that the Rt Hon
Speaker had approved the Questions as
far back as 23rd March, 2022. However,
up till now, those two Questions have not
been listed and the Hon Minister has not
appeared even before the Committee on
Local Government and Rural Development
to answer similar Questions. So, I would
want to find out from the Hon Majority
Leader if he could slot these Questions
for the Wednesday encounter with the
Hon Minister for Finance.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:33 a.m.
Very
well.
Yes, Hon Member for Ellembele?
Mr Emmanuel A. Buah 11:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
thank you.
Before I got to the House, I read the
petition from the research assistants.
They lamented their salary and welfare,
and the fact that they had not been paid
for some time now while the proposed
increment had also not taken effect. This
must be addressed because we can
imagine how important these research
assistants are. I know that we have talked
about it and a lot of work is being done on
it but it has taken some time. I would be
happy to know where we are on that
matter.
Mr Speaker, if we listen to some of the comments made earlier about the NIA, it is clear that a lot of Ghanaians are still struggling to get the Ghana Card. We are aware that the Electoral Commission (EC) intends to use the Ghana Card as the identification card for the 2024 elections. If that is the case, then we need to bring the NIA officials to this House to address all those bottlenecks now before we get close to the election year and becomes a problem. If it is a problem and Ghanaians do not have that identification card, then we must go back to the EC to address that issue.

This is a matter that is of national security interest and must be addressed. [Pause] —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
Hon Majority Leader, may I go on?
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
I believe we can take them all in one
swoop, except that there are many
Questions that really have no relation
with the Business Statement before us.

Business of the House
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
Very
well.
Then, let me go to Mr Acheampong.
Mr Richard Acheampong 11:43 a.m.
Mr
Speaker, since the Hon Minister for Finance is billed to answer about 16 Questions next week — and since the year 2020, there have been some outstanding issues which the Hon Minister was supposed to address this honourable House on, in respect of total revenue received and the amount ceded to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in terms of article 252 of the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Speaker, several letters have been
written to the DACF indicating how much they owe and up to date, this has piled. We need an explanation because we are talking about decentralisation of local governance. The actual money which is supposed to be disbursed to the local level is done. So, the Hon Minister should tell us when he would do the reconciliation with them, in terms of how much the Ministry owes the DACF and when those resources would be given access?
Mr Speaker, for example, in the 1st
quarter, they are supposed to get, say,
GH₵1.2 billion and GH₵600 million is ceded to the DACF and they would
distribute the GH₵600 million with a balance of GH₵400 and nothing is said to anyone. Since the year 2020 - we are now in 2022, so, if the Hon Chairman of the
Committee could at least, slot in this very
Question asked by Mr Kpodo, so that
come next week Wednesday, the Hon
Minister would appear before the House
and tell us how much the Ministry of
Finance or Government owes the DACF
and the steps they have put in place to
make those resources available for local
development.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Tamale Central?
Mr Murtala Muhammed Ibrahim 11:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker, mine is just a little correction
to make.
The words I wrote — that is in
Question numbered 385 — “To ask the
Minister for Finance how much revenue
the State generated from the sale of power
to neighbouring countries since 2017”.
The words; “since 2017” has been
omitted. So, if the Clerks-at-the-Table
could take the necessary steps to add the
omitted phrase, “since 2017”.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
Hon
Member, please repeat the question.
Mr Ibrahim 11:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker, Question
numbered 385; “To ask the Minister for
Finance how much revenue the State
generated from the sale of power to our
neighbouring countries since 2017”.

Business of the House

Thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
We
shall listen to the Hon Member for
Adaklu.
Kwame Governs Agbodza: Mr
Speaker, we thank the Hon Majority
Leader for the Business Statement.
Mr Speaker, I would like to seek your
help on this; all our Leaders who present
the Business Statement get frustrated
when we say things like “I filed a Question” or “Why should you not bring this Hon Minister here?” Can we have a mechanism whereby, if Hon Members
feel strongly about something, can make
presentations to the Business Committee
before their meetings are held? So, if they
decide not to include one's Question, reasons would be given as to why such
was not included. However, when they
get frustrated that it is not part of the
Business Statement, we do not know
what agenda they have when they go to
plan the Business Statement. So, can
Parliament have a mechanism where we
could make requests to the Business
Committee for certain items to be
included?
Mr Speaker, on the issue my Hon
Colleagues have talked about, and as we
speak, in Adaklu, I have complaints about
people who tried to register for the
Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) Card who say that
when they went to register, the cards they
got, bore their names but had another
person's picture. They were asked to go and re-register and after they had done so,
they were told that was double
registration, and so, they would not have
access to their cards. In addition to what
my Hon Colleague has said, I think these
are some of the reasons for which the
National Identification Authority (NIA)
has to come and apprise the House so we
know what we can do. This is because
there is a general understanding that we
do not have the actual plastic cards to
issue to our citizens. When they register,
they do not get the card and we also do
not know when they would get their
cards. We strongly feel that the NIA
should appear before the House to update
us.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
I
would take the last slot from the Hon
Minority Leader.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu 11:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
thank you for the opportunity. I would
like to assure Mr Kwame Agbodza that
his concerns have been noted but until the
Standing Orders have been reviewed, he
could opt for making a representation to
any member of the Business Committee
including me, of matters that are of
concern to him or any Hon Member. So
that we could articulate and raise same at
the Business Committee.

Business of the House

Mr Speaker, I have just one point to

emphasise and that has to do with the

point made by Mr Sam George which

refers to the Hon Majority Leader and

Chairman of Government Business. The

matter of the national identity card as

well as the contemplation of the Electoral

Commission of Ghana, to use it as basis

of registration or for the conduct of the

2024 elections, makes it a democratic

imperative that every deserving Ghanaian

has the national identity card.

A failure on their part would throw our

democracy to jeopardy. Therefore, the

matter that has been raised in many areas

— in fact, I normally drive out of my house through the Tamale Regional

Office, popularly known as the Regional

Coordinating Council and on a daily

basis, as I leave town in the morning, I see

queues of old men and women as well as

young people just at the gate of the

Regional Administration. When you

make enquiries, they tell you they are

there to apply for their national identity

cards. That public good must be made

increasingly and easily available to the

Ghanaian.

Finally, I was briefly at the Business

Committee as I could not stay until the

end of the meeting. There is a simmering

problem with the poultry industry in

Ghana. Poultry farmers have difficulty

accessing poultry feed. I understand that

a number of poultry related businesses are

folding up due to some difficulties related

to the business.

Mr Speaker, we are already an

unacceptable net importer of poultry

when we have the capacity and capability

to produce the poultry that we need. It is

my recommendation that the Hon

Minister for Food and Agriculture would

come and brief this House on the state of

the poultry industry in Ghana, the

challenges, and what could be done to

assist them because it remains a major

source of employment apart from

satisfying the protein needs of Ghanaians.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
Thank
you very much. Hon Majority Leader,
may I respectfully invite you to respond?
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:43 a.m.
Mr Speaker,
I certainly would endeavour to respond to
the Questions relating to the Business
Committee Report before us. There are
some Hon Members who have the
uncanny ability of fielding Questions
here in the Chamber on Fridays which do
not bear any semblance to the Business
Committee's Report that is submitted to
us and I see one of them; Mr Samuel
George — [Laughter].
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member has
raised issues that have nothing to do with
the Business Committee's Report.

Business of the House

Of course, if we have the Hon

Minority Leader who is also a member of

the Business Committee always trying to

cause internal bleeding to the Com-

mittee's Report, then we are in trouble. He is part of the Business Committee but

does not raise these matters, yet when we

come to plenary, he would find a way to

raise questions. How does a question on

poultry farmers relate to the Business

Committee Report before us which is a

Report both of us fashioned? [Laughter].

Mr Speaker, he is an Hon Member of

Parliament as well as the Committee, and

he knows that the issue that he has raised,

important as it is, has nothing to do with

the Business Committee Report which is

before the House.

Mr Speaker, but let me begin from the

Hon Member at the Backbench who

raised a question about his own issues. He

said he has outstanding Questions

relating to the Ministry of Gender,

Children and Social Protection, which

were slated for today, but they have not

found expression on today's Order Paper. We would have to look at it, and see when

to programme the Questions. Perhaps

next week, we would look at that--
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 11:43 a.m.
[Gavels] Hon Members, may we please
give the attention to the Hon Leader? We
have raised some issues and he is
responding to them.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Hon, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa would
like to know exactly when we would have
the Mid-Year Review. On two occasions,
we have this response to this House by
stating and giving indications and I would
not want to repeat what I said. It is the
duty of the Hon Member to be in the
House to listen and when he is absent,
whatever is transacted in the House, it is
his responsibility to apprise himself a bit.
It is not for me to be repeating myself
every time as I have given the indication
on two occasions already.
Mr Speaker, the same Hon Member
said that he has Urgent Questions and that
he is sure had been forwarded to the Rt
Hon Speaker on the 3rd June, 2022. The
fact that he submitted Questions and they
have got to the Rt Hon Speaker, as he has
diligently traced and tracked, I thought he
was going to say that the Questions had
been admitted by the Rt Hon Speaker. If
the Rt Hon Speaker had not admitted the
Questions, they would not come to the
Business Committee for programming.
So, he has some further work to do as
regards to tracing and tracking. I think it
is important that he has undertaken to do
this. We would liaise with the Table
Office to see the status of those
Questions, and what must be done sequel

Business of the House

to the admission of the Questions or

otherwise by the Rt Hon Speaker.

My Speaker, I agree with my Hon

Colleague that the National Security

apparatus is having some engagements

with the civil society and the general

populace, and it is important that we are

briefed because when we go back to the

constituencies, we should be well-

positioned to respond to issues that may

come before us.

Mr Speaker, the final question from

Mr Okudzeto is about the provision of

timelines to some outstanding issues in

respect of some shooting incidents in

Nkoranza and Beposo, and the Islamic

School, which I bear testimony to the Rt

Hon Speaker when he said that the

Committee has been given up till early

next week to report to us.

I know the Committee has submitted a

request to the Rt Hon Speaker to be

funded to go and discharge that

responsibility. I hope they would be given

the necessary resources immediately for

them to prosecute that assignment — [Interruption] —

Hon Member, I have responded to the

Question on Mid-Year Review. It is your responsibility to trace and track what you said in the House. I have given that indication in terms of dates on two occasions here. The Hon Member is lost. I gave the indication here. If he was not

Mr Speaker, regarding Dr Clement

Abas Apaak's, Question numbered 264, he said that the names of some of the communities have been misspelt. I guess his handwriting may not be legible enough to the Clerks-at-the-Table, so he should do what is appropriate. Next time, maybe he could type out the names of those communities, now that he has admitted that his handwriting is not legible enough.

The Hon Member said that he filed a

Question to the Hon Minister for Finance, but a Motion which addresses a similar matter has appeared on the Order Paper. I would have to look at it, and see what to do. He appealed that when the Hon Minister appears on Wednesday, 22nd June, 2022, he should Answer more than 16 Questions. We could programme him to Answer 30 Questions, but how would that benefit the House? Question time is for an hour, so if the Hon Minister has to Answer more Questions, he would not be able to get to the bottom of the issues that may be raised. So the fewer the Questions, the better it would be for us, so that we would get to the very bottom of those Questions that are asked. If indeed we want to be very probious, I am of the view that, the 16 Questions would be one too many for him to Answer.

Mr Speaker, as for Dr Apaak's own subjective analysis of the economy in

nose-dive, I would not litigate the matter

with him, because he must get his

Business of the House

bearings right. In any event, it has nothing

to do with the Business Statement before

us.

Mr Speaker, the Hon Member for Ningo Prampram, Mr Samuel Nartey George, also raised issues about the security situation in the House, and I think it is a legitimate concern. It is not for the Parliamentary Service but the Service itself is just for the staff. It is one of the issues that, perhaps, we would have to deal with. The Parliamentary Service relates to the public service component who are required to provide services to the Hon Members of Parliament (MPs). It appears that within the ambit of the Constitution, matters relating to Parlia- ment, and indeed, MPs are not sufficiently covered. It is one of the reasons why perhaps, looking at the Constitution holistically, we have to provide for, because the Parliamentary Service Board really deals with the public servants who are working with us, and not the Hon MPs. That is where we have the difficulty.

So, perhaps, in doing serious intro-

spection on the Constitution, it is som- ething that should engage our attention. Notwithstanding, it is important that we find ways to deal with this because of circumstances in the countries around us. We should take our own security very seriously.

Mr Speaker, the conditions of Hon

MPs — every Administration has been very guilty of this, and it is because the

Presidents have shown extreme sensi-

tivity to the plight of the workers in the

general body polity. The very day one is

inaugurated to begin business as an MP,

they should know their conditions of

service, but it does not happen.

It is the reason some of us have been

advocating that as a House, we should

agree for the emoluments Committee,

appointed under article 71 of the

Constitution, to build in the necessary

triggers in the Reports they submit to us,

so that there would be that automaticity if

those conditions are triggered. Thus, once

a person becomes a Member of

Parliament, they know that these are the

conditions of service, and not for us to be

required to ritualistically set up these

Committees every four years, which

would attract a lot of brouhaha which in

my view, is not necessary.

Today, people talk about ex-gratia

being given to Members of Parliament

and Ministers, and so on. There is nothing

like ex-gratia. It is gratuity that is paid to

Members of Parliament, not ex-gratia;

the difference must be known to people.

Unfortunately, we also fall into that trap

and talk about ex-gratia. Members of

Parliament are not paid ex-gratia, but

gratuity, which is totally different. Mr

Speaker, perhaps, all of us have to put our

heads together, alongside, maybe,

Business of the House

officers from the Presidency so that going

forward, we would know the appropriate

thing to be done so that this ritual of

having our heads “on the gavel” every four years becomes a thing of the past.

Mr Speaker, on the National Identification Authority and the issuance of cards for the people of this country, I agree that ultimately, the card should be what bears testimony of one's Ghanaian identity, so that we could use it to vote. Are we there yet? That is the issue that perhaps, we may have to interrogate because the card should be sufficiently complemented by the records from the Births and Deaths Registry, which is not functioning effectively as we would have wished. The two, together, should provide us with the basis for us to identify who is a Ghanaian, and who is not; who then would be eligible to vote, and who would not be eligible to vote. Hence, we should find a way of synchronising the activities of the Births and Deaths Registry.

Fortunately, we have passed a new Act

quite recently. And when we talk about the lack of job opportunities for our graduates, it provides enough space for them to be able to go to the communities and undertake this assignment. We should not forget that, apart from the Births and Deaths Registrars, every zone and every community would have officers. How many communities do we have in the system? If we want to sufficiently implement that law, it would offer opportunities to our graduates. Therefore, we need to look at that and I

believe that it would be a very useful complement to the activities of the National Identificiation Authority (NIA), and ultimately legitimise the identity cards which would be issued.

I think the Hon Rockson Dafeamekpor

related to the same thing in the first issue

that he raised and so, I would not go over

that. He also said that there are Private

Members Motions which we must

prosecute in the course of the ensuing

week. I believe that there are many of

them that are really harmless, and we

would have to deal with them. Maybe,

next week, and the ensuing week, there

are about three or four that we can deal

with.

He also insists that Hon Deputy

Ministers must be allowed to answer

Questions in the absence of the

substantive Hon Ministers. We should

come to some determination on that; we

keep wavering. On some occasions, we

say that we would not permit Hon Deputy

Ministers to answer Questions. If we

agree, then in the absence of the Hon

Ministers, let the Hon Deputy Ministers

come and answer Questions, so that we

are able to clear the backlog of Questions.

Mr Speaker, on the issue of Bills that

are outstanding, we would be able to start

some of them today because the 7th

Parliament passed many Bills and it was

unprecedented in the history of the Fourth

republic and we must follow that path.

Business of the House

Mr Speaker, the Hon Bawa says that if

one wants their Questions to be

Responded to in the House, they should

not add COVID-19. He should advise

himself then, if he knows that to be the

truth. [Laughter] I believe he said that on

a lighter note. On the Question that he

said he has asked, if the Rt Hon Speaker

has admitted it, we would follow through

to its logical conclusion.

The Hon Kpodo has revisited an old

matter. It is an ancient matter that he has

raised in the House, and I think that we

should sometimes be pragmatic, and not

dogmatic. This is because we have total

national revenue, but there are statutory

payments that must be made by this

country. Is it the case that one would do

their allocations before considering how

much debt they owe? So that one

becomes international because one is not

able to fulfill their debt obligations? What

should be the better way about that? I am

aware that the courts have made a

pronouncement on this, but I think that

pragmatism should take the place of

dogmatism.

Mr Speaker, the Hon Armah-Kofi

Buah raised issues about research

assistants and their remuneration. I guess

Leadership would have some consul-

tations on that. Again, he spoke about the

NIA cards; It is a repetition of what has

already been asked.

Hon Acheampong's question about total revenue and amounts to be allocated

to the Common Fund and how much is in

arrears is about the same as the other.

Mr Speaker, the Hon Murtala says we

should add, “since 2017” to his Question, numbered *385, which reads:

“To ask the Minister for Finance how much revenue the state

generated from the sale of power

to neighboring countries.”

I do not know the original Question

that he filed. If he wants this change to be

effected, certainly, it would amount to a

new Question, and he must know what he

must do: he must go through the process

again. Since I do not know his original

Question, I would not like to comment

further on that.

The Hon Abgodza asked about

Business to the House; that is, what

comes before the Business Committee.

We only programme what comes before

us. We do not suo moto generate Business

for the House, and I think I have related

to this question on many occasions. He is

an Hon Senior Member of this House; he

should not bring rudimentary questions

Mr Speaker, we have sufficiently

addressed the issue raised by the Hon

Minority Leader on whether the Electoral

62 Business of the House

Commission would use the NIA cards. I

have also responded to the issue about

poultry farmers.

Mr Speaker, thank you very much for

the opportunity.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:03 p.m.
Hon
Members, the Business Statement for the
ensuing week as presented by the Hon
Leader of the House is hereby adopted.
Thank you very much Hon Leader.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:13 p.m.
Hon
Members, we would move to the item
numbered 6; Questions. We have 14
Questions and one Urgent Questions so
that is a total of 15 Questions, all for one
man, the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways.
Hon Members, per Standing Order 60
(2), we are supposed to use one hour for
the Questions. Looking through the
Questions, it appears most of the
Questions are constituency-specific
hence we are not going to entertain any
supplementary question from any
Member apart from the owner of the
Question. I would also like to indulge you
to limit the supplementary questions to
two. So the owner of the Question may
have two supplementary questions. We
need to cover all the Questions.
Hon Minister, may I also implore you to be straightforward to the Answers. Let me begin with the Hon Member for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa, Dr Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare. He would begin with the Urgent Question.
Hon Member, you may now ask your
Question.
URGENT QUESTIONS 12:13 p.m.
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 12:13 p.m.
HIGHWAYS 12:13 p.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:13 p.m.
Hon
Member, do you have any supplementary
question?
Mr Sandaare 12:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes, I do.
Considering the fact that we are in the
rainy season and the road being severely
damaged, divided by deep trenches,
would the Hon Minister consider an
urgent measure to fill these deep trenches
at Dakyie-Kakalapare and Saanwie as
portions of the road while enough time is
given the contractor to mobilise to work
on the full road because with the rains,
children cannot go to school and pregnant
women cannot visit health facilities. Even
the elderly cannot also cross these
trenches. I am asking if urgent measures
could be taken to fill the deep trenches
while work goes on the full length of the
road.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:13 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Minister?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
would like to assure my Hon Colleague
that once a contractor has been identified
and once a Variation Order (VO) is being
issued, it means that it should be taken
that there is a contractor on site and we
shall carry out that message for the
contractor to keep an eye on the road
before he starts work. Wherever the road
has a problem like he said — areas where the school children cross, the contractor
on site would have a sitting engineer as a
supervising engineer and that would be
done and he would keep an eye on the
road.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:13 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Member?
Mr Sandaare 12:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, with the
serious nature of the situation, may I know from the Hon Minister when the contractor would move to the site even though he has said the contractor is mobilising. Mobilisation could take even a year, so I may know when the contractor would move to the site considering the urgent nature of the situation

Urgent Questions
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
normally, with all things been equal,
mobilisation is between two and three
weeks and the contractor would be on
site.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:13 p.m.
Very
well. We would now move to the
Question numbered 330 and it stands in
the name of the Hon Member for Bongo,
Mr Edward Abambire Bawa.
Hon Member, you may ask your
Question now.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 12:13 p.m.
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 12:13 p.m.
HIGHWAYS 12:13 p.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:23 p.m.
Yes,
Mr Bawa, any further questions?
Mr Bawa 12:23 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, you would realise that
even in the Answer from the Hon
Minister for Roads and Highways, he
admits that the roads are in very bad
shape. We are just entering the rainy
season — Even though the road is in bad shape, it is a major road that links Ghana
to Burkina Faso, and most of the people
who live in that enclave are into
commercial business between Burkina
Faso and Ghana. So, when it rains, it
renders the whole place not motorable,
what that means is that the people are not
able to engage in their businesses, and
this comes with its own cascading effects
in terms of how they lose their incomes.
Mr Speaker, while we wait for a
possibility of putting this in the 2023
Budget, is it possible that the Ministry
could consider getting graders and other
equipment to work on the road, because
as we speak now, there are bridges that
were constructed, but were not
completed; they have not even been filled
up with gravels. So, even in terms of
motoring, it is a risk, particularly if one is
riding in the night. Therefore, could the
Hon Minister consider using the
Agencies under his Ministry, whether it is
the Department of Feeder Roads, to see
how they could just make the road a bit
more motorable while he captures this in
the 2023 Budget?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
wish to associate myself with all the
concerns expressed about the road by my
Hon Colleague, and we shall ensure that
we bring it under the ongoing routine
maintenance for such roads. The most
important thing is that we have to get in
touch quite often, and I would make sure
that the Regional Directorate of the Urban
and Feeder Roads gives the Hon Member
all the necessary assistance for the road to
be motorable between now and the end of
the year until it is captured in next year's Budget, which would be presented
sometime in November this year.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Bawa 12:23 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I am glad that the Hon Minister has
indicated this. I would definitely call
upon him. If this is done before the year

Oral Answers to Questions

ends, the Hon Minister can count on me

to go on every mountain to let them know

that he keeps his word.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:23 p.m.
Thank
you.
We will move on to the Question
numbered 349, which stands in the name
of the Hon Member for Salaga South, Ms
Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah. Today, I
have mentioned all your names. You may
ask your Question now.
Completion of Roads in Salaga South
Ms Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah
(NDC — Salaga South): Mr Speaker, I
beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways when the following roads will
be constructed to ease transportation
challenges for the people of Salaga South
Constituency: (i) No. 1 - Abromase (ii)
Abromase - Akamade (iii) Abromase -
Kigbatito (iv) Steel Bridge -
Sarikingonakura (v) Abromase - Kijawu
Battor (vi) Makango - Salaga (vii) Salaga
- Kulpi (viii) Salaga - Kafaba (ix) Salaga
- Yayiele - Boankwa (x) Salaga - Lamsal
(xi) Salaga - Dagoubia (xii) Takpu -
Silmunchu (xiii) Makango - Gbetekpo.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:23 p.m.
Hon
Minister, these are 13 separate roads.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:33 p.m.
I thank you, Mr
Speaker.
Mr, Speaker, (i) No.1 - Abromase (ii) Abromase - Akamade (iii) Abromase - Kigbatito (iv) Steel Brigde - Sarikingonakura (v) Abromase - Kijawu Battor, (xi) Salaga - Dagoubia, and (xii) Takpu - Silmunchu.
Background
Mr Speaker, the background to the
roads is that the list of roads numbered (i)
to (v), (xi) and (xii) as mentioned above
are a network of feeder roads located
within the Salaga and Akamade enclave
in the East Gonja District of the Savannah
Region. Some of the roads are partially
engineered while others are un-
engineered with poor surface conditions
Current Programme
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no
programme on any of these roads.
Future Programme
Mr Speaker, the future programme is
that engineering design and condition
surveys have been carried out on the
roads for upgrading interventions. The

Oral Answers to Questions

procurement and execution of the

interventions will be considered under the

2023 Government Financial Policy.

Mr Speaker, I would like to take the

roads one after the other and to expatiate

on them:

(vi) Makango - Salaga

Background

Mr Speaker, Salaga is located in the

eastern part of the Savannah Region and

it is the capital of the East Gonja

Municipal Assembly. The road from

Tamale - Salaga - Makango (IR4) is an 83km stretch with about 27km bitu-

minous surface and in good condition,

whereas the remaining 58km is gravel

surfaced and in fair condition.

Current Programme

Mr Speaker, currently, the Makango -

Salaga road is being constructed under

the contract titled, Rehabilitation of

Tamale - Salaga - Makango, covering a

distance of 52km. The project com-

menced on 21st January, 2021 and it is

expected to be completed by 20th January,

2023. Physical progress of work com-

pleted to date is estimated at 25%. The

contractor is on site and works are ongoing.

(vii) Salaga - Kulpi

Background

Mr Speaker, the total length of the

Salaga - Kulpi Road (R146) is 52.5km. It

falls within the Savannah Region of

Ghana and also connects travellers to the

Northern Region of the country. It is a

gravel surfaced road.

Current Programme

42.5km out of the total length of

52.5km of the Salaga-Kulpi road has been

awarded on contract under the title,

‘Rehabilitation (unpaved) of Salaga -

Sauli Quartas Road'. The works

commenced on 31st December, 2020, and

it was expected to be completed by 3rd

June, 2022. There are eight lots in all and

are at various stages of works progress.

Future Programme

Engineering Studies on the out-

standing 10km is underway. When

completed, estimates would be submitted

to the Ministry for consideration.

Oral Answers to Questions

(viii) Salaga-Kafaba

Background

The Salaga-Kafaba feeder road is

30km long. It is located in the East Gonja

District of the Savannah Region. It is an

engineered road with fair surface

condition.

Current Programme

Contract for Spot Improvement of the Salaga-Kafaba (30km) road was awarded for commencement on 10th February, 2022, and it is expected for completion by 10th December, 2022. The contractor was given possession of the site on 27th January, 2022 but has so far failed to commence works with no reason. A warning letter is to be issued to the contractor to show presence and commence with the works by the end of August, 2022, failure to which the necessary contractual processes will be followed to terminate the contract for reaward.

(ix) Salaga-Yayeile-Boankwa & (xi)

Salaga-Dagoubia

Background

The Salaga-Yayeile-Boankwa (29.6km)

and Salaga-Dagoubia (12.0km) are

engineered feeder roads with poor surface

conditions and located in the East Gonja

District of the Savannah Region.

Current Programme

There is no programme on any of these

roads.

Future Programme

Engineering designs and condition

surveys for upgrading of the roads have been carried out for rehabilitation and it would be considered under the 2023 Government Financial Policy.

(x) Salaga-Lamsal

Background

The Salaga-Lamsal road forms part of

the Bau-Accrape feeder road which measures 21.2km long. It is located in the East Gonja District of the Savannah Region, with fair to poor surface condition.

Current Programme

There is no programme on the road.

Future Programme

Engineering design and condition

studies have been carried out on the road

for rehabilitation and would be

considered for execution under the 2023

Oral Answers to Questions

Government Financial Policy as part of

the future programme for the road.

(xi) Makango-Gbetekpo

Background

The Makango-Gbetekpo is identified

also as Gbetekpo Junction-Gbetekpo

feeder road (13.5km). It is a partially

engineered road in poor condition and are

located in the East Gonja District of the

Savannah Region.

Current Programme

There is no programme on this road.

Future Programme

Engineering designs and condition

surveys for upgrading of the roads have

been carried out for rehabilitation and

would be considered under the 2023

Government Financial Policy.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:33 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Member, do you have any further
supplementary questions?
Ms Ibrahimah 12:33 p.m.
Mr Speaker, of the
Answers of the Hon Minister, clearly, we
in the Salaga South Consistency and East
Gonja Municipality for that matter,
would be gearing up to be labeled under
the year of roads in 2023 because all our
roads seem to have to wait before the
2023 Government Financial Policy.
Mr Speaker, in the meantime, the
current nature of the roads is becoming
very debilitating for the welfare of the
people of the East Gonja Municipality.
The Makango-Salaga road, which the
Hon Minister says is 25 per cent
complete, and that there is a 27km
bituminous surface -- I am not sure whether I understand what bituminous
surface means. Does it mean that it has
been tarred? Well, I can assure the Hon
Minister that there is no bitumen, not a
single kind of bitumen on the road —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:33 p.m.
Hon
Member, you may have to just ask the
supplementary question. The
commentary is too much.
Ms Ibrahimah 12:33 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am
responding to the Answer from the Hon
Minister. He says there is bitumen on the
road, but there is no bitumen on the road.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:33 p.m.
So, just
ask the supplementary question in
relation to that.
Ms Ibrahimah 12:33 p.m.
Mr Speaker, there is
zero bitumen on the road and the
contractor has been offsite for more than
one month now. Just yesterday, there was
an accident on the stretch between Milchi
and Kinkilin, where they are trying to

Oral Answers to Questions

construct a bridge, because nonusers of

the road on a daily basis are not aware of

the nature of the road. So, it is beginning

to cause problems for the people of the

municipality.

Mr Speaker, I would like to know

whether the Hon Minister can assure us

tha t they would get the contractor back

on road, so that work can progress to save

lives and property.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:33 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
was talking about the Makango to Salaga
stretch of the road, and I did say that the
length of that road is 83km, out of which
27km has a bituminous surface cover,
with 58km still at the gravel stage.
Mr Speaker, I would like to emphasise
that this information is solid and
authentic. Perhaps, I do not know whether
the Hon Member has travelled on the
entire 83km stretch of the road. At least,
27km out of the 83km have bituminous
surface, and that information is authentic.
However, I agree with her; all the
damaged areas and most deteriorated
areas would be put under our ongoing
routine maintenance programme until the
rains are over for us to see what can be
done in the area.
Mr Speaker, so, I would like to assure
the Hon Member that it would be done.
Ms Ibrahimah 12:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would
not want to engage the Hon Minister on
what is either correct or wrong
information.
However, I would like to assure the
Hon Minister that I am the Member of
Parliament for that area, and I travel on
the road. I was there two weeks ago, and
there was no bitumen on the road. The
Hon Minister could double check with his
officers in the Municipality to get
accurate information.
Mr Speaker, the Salaga-Kafaba road,
which is one of the most damaged roads
in the constituency, became unbearable
for everybody so I had to privately find a
grader to reshape and put some gravels on
it in order to make it motorable and a little
bit comfortable for commuters from
Salaga to Kafaba and vice versa. In the
Minister's Answer, he said the contract was awarded in February this year, yet as
of 18th June, 2022, there was no
contractor on the road. I would want the
Ministry to take note of this development
on that road in reviewing, re-awarding or
getting the contractor back to site. We
would really appreciate it if this is done in
an expeditious manner so that the road
can be constructed properly.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Oral Answers to Questions
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:43 p.m.
Hon
Minister, she just asked you to take note.
We would move to Question numbered
*480 in the name of Hon Member for Ho
Central. Hon Member for Ho Central,
stop making the calls. You are next, so
you may ask your Question now.
Completion of works on
Ziavi Dzogbe - Anfoeta Road
Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo (NDC
— Ho Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways
why work on the road from Ziavi Dzogbe
in the Ho Municipality to Anfoeta in the
Ho West District has come to an apparent
halt, and when that road project will be
completed.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Ziavi-Anfoeta feeder road is 17.50
kilometres. It is an inter-district feeder
road linking Ziavi Dzogbe in the Ho
Municipality to Anfoeta in the Ho West
District of the Volta Region. It is a gravel
road with poor surface condition.
Contract for the bitumen surfacing of
Ziavi-Anfoeta feeder road (17.50km) was
awarded on 3rd October, 2016 for
completion by 17th May, 2018. The
contractor has delayed the completion of
the works excessively by achieving only
23 per cent progress as at the expiration
of the expected completion date. The
contract has therefore been terminated by
the Department of Feeder Roads (DPR)
Entity Tender Committee. The contract
will be repackaged for award as the future
programme for this road.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Kpodo 12:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would like
to ask the Hon Minister whether he is aware
of the cause of the delay of the works.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:43 p.m.
Hon
Minister, are you aware of the cause of
the delay of the work?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
there could be many causes to the delay
of a contract work being undertaken by
any contractor. It could be as a result of
lack of funds or delay in payment. It
could also be as a result of the contractor
not having the capacity to execute the job,
and in this particular case, I am convinced
that given the background information
and what I am privy to, it was lack of
capacity.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:43 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Kpodo, your last supplementary
question.
Mr Kpodo 12:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in this
particular case, I am also very much
aware that the contractor had issued two
certificates amounting to GH₵5 million,
and he was paid only GH₵1 million, and
that accounted for the delay in the

Oral Answers to Questions

progress of the work. Thus, I would want

to find out from the Hon Minister, given

that the contractor was not capricious in

the delay caused to the project, would he

consider a revocation of the termination

and a restoration of the contractor to site

since the option being proposed here

would perhaps stop the work altogether?
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, for
this information and I believe he knows
it, the name of the contractor is Messrs
Nato Builders Limited, and the total
contract sum for this project was almost
GH₵27 million. For a contractor with
that type of work and a contract sum of
something in the region of GH₵27
million, even if he had worked up to a
certified amount of GH₵5 million, that
alone should not stop him from working
unless he is demonstrating his lack of
capacity to do the work. The job was
terminated, and once it was, if the
contractor has now organised himself and
wants to undertake it, and wants to
approach us and negotiate, so be it.
Otherwise, my Ministry would go ahead
to take fresh inventory on the project,
repackage and re-award same to a more
competent contractor.
I would also like to assure the Hon
Member and every contractor working on
our roads that though Government is
trying as much as possible to support
everybody to deliver, we would also not
take it kindly with contractors who come
for contracts, knowing very well that they
do not have capacity to deliver. My Ministry
would no longer tolerate such contractors.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:43 p.m.
Hon
Members, we move to Question
numbered *485, which stands in the name
of the Hon Member for Tamale North,

Hon Suhuyini Sayibu, are you not

aware that you are the Hon Member for

Tamale North?
Mr Suhuyini Alhassan Sayibu 12:53 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, my apologies. I did not hear you
when you mentioned it the first time.
Thank you very much for indulging me.
Construction of Storm Drain from
Naaluro Estate to Taha
Mr Suhuyini Alhassan Sayibu (NDC
— Tamale North): Mr Speaker, I beg to
ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways when the storm drain from
Naaluro Estate through Gumani, Kalpohini
to Fuo and Taha in the Tamale North
Constituency will be constructed to

Oral Answers to Questions

protect residents from the yearly floods

they endure.
Mr Amoako-Attah 12:53 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
channel, which is mainly earth, comes
from Gurugu/Choggu through major
culverts on the Kumbungu main road in
the Sagnarigu Constituency through
Naaluro Estate - Gariba Lodge - Gumanai/Tuuanyili - Nyanshegu - Kalpohini - Fuo - Taha communities within the Tamale North Constituency all
within the Tamale Metropolitan Area.
The main channel has three known
branches: the first one is from Choggu
area behind Nothern School of Business
(NOBISCO) to meet the main channel at
the Naaluro Estate near Gariba Lodge.
The second channel is the continuation of
a lined one from Anbariya School/
Nyanshegu area to meet the main one at
Tuunayili, and the third branch is from
Kalpohini community, which meets the
main channel at the Tuunayili/Kalpohini
section.
Mr Speaker, the estimated length of
the main channel is about 8.60km of
varying cross-sectional dimensions, and
4.60km for that of the branch channels,
also of varying cross-sectional dimensions.
Current Programme
The channel is primarily under the
purview of the Hydrological Services
Department of the Ministry of Works and
Housing. However, the Department of
Urban Roads, as part of some ongoing
projects, has constructed critical sections
of the channel as follows:
1. Emergency works around Gariba
Lodge
A contract to undertake emergency
works at the Gariba Lodge section of the
main earth channel commenced in
February 2019. The details of the emer-
gency works that were undertaken included,
but not limited to, the following:
a. Excavation of the inlet and
outlet channels of the Gariba
Lodge culvert to improve
drainage.
b. Excavation to open up the
intersection of Nyanshegu/
Tuunayili/Kalpohini section
of the main earth channel also
to improve drainage.
c. 100m and 30m concrete lining
of the outlet and inlet channels
of the Gariba Lodge culvert
respectively to further improve
drainage.
These works were completed by
20th May, 2019.

Oral Answers to Questions

2. Rehabilitation of Gurugu and Jisonayili Area Roads in

Sagnarigu Municipality Phase 1

(4.87km)

The above contract commenced on

18th January, 2021 for completion by 17th

July, 2022. Under this contract, 1No.

double 3m x 2m box culvert was

constructed at Naaluro Estate on the

channel from Choggu to Naaluro Estate

which has enabled access to and from

Naaluro Estate to the Kumbungu main

road through Choggu Yapalsi. The works

were completed by 28th February, 2022.

3. Construction of 1No. Double 3m x 2m Box Culvert at Choggu

Yapalsi, Sagnarigu Municipality

The above contract commenced on

14th August, 2019 for completion by 6th

November, 2019. Under this contract,

1No. double 3m x 2m box culvert was

constructed on the main Channel from

Gurugu to Gariba Lodge that links Naaluro

Estate/Choggu Yalpalsi commu-nities on

one side and to Gurugu/ Jisonayili

communities on the other side. The works

were completed by 28th May, 2020.

4. Rehabilitation of Global Dream Area Roads in Tamale - Phase 1

(4.00km)

The above project commenced on 15th

January, 2020 for completion by 14th

July, 2021. There is a request pending

approval under this contract to construct

a 3No. triple 3m x 3m box culvert on the

Fuo/Taha main road. This is to address

the over-topping of the road during the

rainy season.

Future Programme

The Department of Urban Roads will

continue to liaise with the Hydrological

Services Department to address flooding

along the Channel.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 12:53 p.m.
Mr
Sayibu, any further question?
Mr Sayibu 12:53 p.m.
Mr Speaker, permit me to
commend the Hon Minister for not only
being present, but also providing a
detailed Answer. I am impressed that the
Hon Minister did not just leave it at the
fact that this earth channel is usually
under the Ministry of Works and
Housing, but has gone ahead to indicate
other projects that the Ministry of Roads
and Highways has also done to resolve
this problem.
Mr Speaker, having said that, I would
want to find out if the Hon Minister is
aware that despite all the good works
listed under 1; “Emergency works around Gariba Lodge” -- I can confirm that since 2019 -- the excavation to open up the intersection around Nyanshegu to
Tuunayili/Kalpohini section of the earth

Oral Answers to Questions

channel has not seen any excavation

again. Since it has silted, and despite all

the good works around the channel,

because there is no excavation there, it

still results in flooding. Is the Hon

Minister aware? Is there anything the Hon

Minister can do about the situation; at

least, for the mean time to alleviate the

threat of a flood?
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
would like to thank my Hon Colleague
for his kind words. Mr Speaker, his
observation is very true, and it may
interest him to know that from Monday to
Wednesday, I was lodging at Gariba
Lodge in Tamale; that is my regular place
anytime I visit Tamale. I can assure him
that currently, in fact, in all the regions,
the Ministry of Roads and Highways has
put in place rapid response team in all the
16 regions of our country to deal with
emergency situations as we experience
and continue to witness the torrential
rainfall across the country.
So, there is an ongoing exercise in
Tamale to try as much as possible to carry
out desilting works in all such drains and
the one around Gariba Lodge. In giving
the importance and the emergency nature
of it, we would ensure that at least, until
the Hydrological Services under the
Ministry of Works and Housing do a
more detailed work on the drainage, we
would continue as part of our routine
maintenance programme to desilt that
drain. I would also take it up with my Hon
Colleague; the Hon Minister for Works
and Housing, Mr Asenso-Boakye in this
direction.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
Hon
Member, you may ask your final supple-
mentary question.
Mr Sayibu 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, this is my
second follow-up question.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
That
would be your final supplementary question.
Mr Sayibu 1:03 p.m.
That is the final one?
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
That is
your final supplementary question.
Mr Sayibu 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if I knew the
Hon Minister was the one who parked at Gariba Lodge — I live just behind it and saw a number of vehicles there on Monday on my way to Accra. I would have stopped by to provide you with some okro soup and guinea fowl but unfortunately, I did not know you were the one.
Mr Speaker, I appreciate the recog-
nition that the Hydrological Services
would handle it but I am sure the Hon
Minister would appreciate the fact that all
these good works they have done and the

Oral Answers to Questions

roads that they may construct in the area,

if that earth channel is not fixed and the

flood continues, the work would come to

nought because the flood would destroy

the roads that have been constructed. In

this regard, it is my hope that they would

apply some of their resources at the

Department of Urban Roads to tackle the

earth channel so that they can protect the

longevity of the roads that they would do.

Mr Speaker, based on the Hon Minister's answer on paragraph four, on the

“Rehabilitation of the Global Dream Roads in Tamale”, I would like to find out from him when approval would be given for

the pending request for the triple 3m x 3m

Box Culvert on the Fuo/Taha main road.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker. I
thank my Hon Colleague and nephew for
his good suggestion. I would like to
assure him that his suggestion would be
taken into consideration when planning
for the area.
To answer his question, time is of
essence in dealing with that matter. This
is because with the provision of the triple
3m x 3m Box Culvert on the Fuo/Taha
main road, a critical problem would be
resolved and averted and the desire is to
stop the overtopping of the road during
the rainy season. That is why I said this is
urgent and time is of the essence so we
would do that as quickly as practicable.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
Hon
Members, before we move to the next
Question *486, I just want to draw your
attention — I said it earlier that per our Standing Orders, we are not supposed to
spend more than one hour; we have
already spent one hour 15 minutes and we
still have 10 Questions and these are all
Private Business. We are yet to go to the
Public Business for the day and today is
also Friday, so I would like to entreat Hon
Members, especially the owners of the
Questions that I would allow only the
main Questions without supplementary
questions. Is that clear? So that we would
be able to go through the rest of the 10
Questions.
Mr R. Acheampong 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
that is in order because — I wanted to side with your earlier suggestion but when I
look around, all Hon Members who have
the opportunity to ask Questions are
available but they are pleading with you
if you can allow them to ask at least, one
supplementary question to the main
Question, that would do. However, I
would also plead with Hon Members to
be snappy, so that the Hon Minister
would also give a quick response to those
Questions so as we can exhaust all the
Questions published.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Majority Chief Whip?

Oral Answers to Questions
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
we are all trying to reach out to one
another but the begging question is that
after one hour, what does the rule says?
With regard to the number of Questions
we have, if we are to go on that tangent
most invariably, we would not be able to
exhaust all the Questions. So, in the
wisdom of Mr Speaker, we should just
stay clear off supplementary questions
and deal with the substantive Questions
then we would live within the one hour
and deal with most probably all the
Questions. If Hon Members are allowed
to ask one supplementary question and
the one hour is exhausted, would he
accede that we stop the Questions and
take the next item? I would like to plead
with my Hon Colleagues that we should
go by the wise directive by Mr Speaker
and forget about the supplementary
questions, and deal with the substantive.
That would be much helpful.
Mr R. Acheampong 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we
are not splitting hairs over this matter. We
are trying to build consensus so that at
least, we could close on time. We are not
arguing among ourselves; we are looking
for what we could all do to make sure we
could close on time. [Interruption] — yes because I am in charge now. [Laughter]
An Hon Member — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
Hon
Member, your Hon Leaders have already
spoken. Please, for the good of all of us,
in order that we would be able —
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
does he want to disagree with his
available Hon Leader?
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
Hon
Members, in order that we would be able
to go through the rest of the 10 Questions,
it is better we adhere to what I said, that
the owners of the Questions would ask
the main Question and if there is any
supplementary question, you can still
offer the side-lines so that —
Mr R. Acheampong 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
that would be in order because for the
health of the Hon Minister and looking at
his age, having to stand to answer the 10
Questions is not easy. We need to also
sympathise with him.
Some Members — rose —
Mr Dafeamekpor 1:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:03 p.m.
Hon
Member for South Dayi, I have not called
you — All right, let me hear you.
Mr Dafeamekpor 1:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am
tempted to support the position of the
Hon Majority Chief Whip but the
problem is that when they advertised the

Oral Answers to Questions

Questions with the Answers, it is the

Answers that would determine whether

the Questions can be taken within one

hour or not. Sometimes, the Answers are

such that they elicit more supplementary

questions. So, that is where the problem

is. It is not about the timing of one hour

but it is about what the Hon Ministers are

informing Parliament about. It is the

longevity of the Answers. There is no

way the advertised Answers on today's

Order Paper could be taken within one

hour and that ought to have been a guide

to the Business Committee.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
Hon
Members, I do not think I opened this
issue for discussions. I just wanted to
inform you so, it is an information I am
giving to the House. I am going to take
only the main Questions.
Mrs D. Sowah — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Member?
Mrs D. Sowah 1:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I want to
make a suggestion. Can we re-schedule
the rest of the Questions because
supplementary questions are very key.
With the Question I would ask, I need to
ask at least, three supplementary
questions and if it is just to read the
Question, I do not think it would meet my
needs. So, please, my suggestion is if you
could re-schedule the rest of the
Questions for another time.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
Hon
Member, you have already been made
aware that we have a chunk of Questions
that are begging for time to be answered
— so many of them. When the Hon
Majority Leader read the Business
Statement for the week, a lot of Hon
Members raised issues that their
Questions have not been filed among
others. There are so many Questions so if
you have supplementary questions,
please, you can see the Hon Minister for
Roads and Highways in the sidelines but
I would go with my earlier decision.
Hon Members, we would take
Question numbered 486 which stands in
the name of the Hon Member for Buem.
rose
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
Hon
Member, I guess you would ask the
Question on his behalf?
Mr Dafeamekpor 1:13 p.m.
Yes, Mr Speaker.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
All
right, you may do so.

Oral Answers to Questions

Urgent Steps the Ministry is taking

to Improve on Safety of Motorists

on the Accra-Tema Motorway and

the Emerging Communities along

the Route

Mr Rokson-Nelson Dafeamekpor

(on behalf of Mr Kofi Iddie Adams)

(NDC — Buem): Mr Speaker, I beg to

ask the Minister for Roads and Highways

what urgent steps the Ministry is taking to

improve on safety of motorists on the

Accra - Tema Motorway and the

emerging communities along the route.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
That is
a very important Question Hon Minister.
I heard you say that, the road would be
opened today and it has been opened -
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes.
Background
Mr Speaker, the Accra - Tema
Motorway forms part of the National
Road N1and connects Harbour City of
Tema to Accra. The total length is
19.5km (i.e. East & West Bounds). It is a
rigid pavement and in fair condition.
Current Programme
Currently, the Mobile Maintenance
Unit II of the Ghana Highway Authority
is patching potholes on the Accra - Tema
Motorway with Portland Cement Premix
Concrete. The Bridge Maintenance Unit
of the Ghana Highway Authority is also
undertaking repair works on the Lakplaku
Bridge which was opened to traffic at
6.00 a.m. today.
Future Programme
The Ministry intends to expand the
existing four lane motorway into a 10lane
motorway comprising four lane freeway
(access control), three urban highways,
three interchanges and a number of
footbridges for pedestrian crossings.
All safety measures for motorists and
pedestrians have been incorporated into
the design. The urban highways and the
interchanges would serve the commu-
nities along the road corridor.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
Hon
Minister, thank you very much.
We would now move to Question
numbered 490 which stands in the name
of the Hon Member for Jaman South, Mr
Williams Okofo-Dateh.
Mr Agyekum 1:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon
Member for Jaman North, Mr Ahenkwah

Oral Answers to Questions

would ask the Question on behalf of the

Hon Member for Jaman South, Mr

Okofo-Dateh.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
Very
Well.
Works on Japekrom -
Kwameseikrom Road
Mr Frederick Yaw Ahenkwah (on
behalf of Mr Williams Okofo-Dateh
(NDC — Jaman South): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways when the contractor working
on the road from Japekrom to
Kwameseikrom will return to site after it
abandoned the road project for several
months.
Background
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Japekrom - Kwameseikrom feeder road
(18.6km) is an engineered access feeder
road located in the Jaman South District
of the Bono Region. It is a gravel road
with fair surface condition.
Current Programme
Contract for the upgrading of the
Japekrom - Kwameseikrom (18.6km) commenced on 18th November, 2016 and
was expected to be completed on 18th
July, 2018. The Contractor has achieved
only 30 per cent of physical progress
citing payment challenges as the reason
for the delay in completion.
Work executed before abandoning site
include;
Clearing : 19.00 Km
Formation : 19.00Km
Sub-base : 5.20 Km
2/1800mm pipe culvert : 1No.
1/900mm pipe culvert : 2Nos
600mm x 600 mm Concrete U-Drains : 4,200m
900mm x 900 mm Concrete U-Drains : 250m

Oral Answers to Questions

The progress of work to date

compared to the elapsed contract period

shows a very low progress. The Depart-

ment of Feeder Roads will carry out a

reassessment of the contractor's capacity to execute the works so that the future of

the contract can be determined.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:13 p.m.
We
would move to Question numbered 493
which stands in the name of the Hon
Member for Ekumfi, Mr Abeiku Crentsil.
Hon Member, you may ask your
Question.
Completion of the Essuehyia —
Otuam Road
Mr Abeiku Crentsil (NDC — Ekumfi) 1:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the
Minister for Roads and Highways when
the 12km Essuehyia — Otuam road, construction of which began in 2012,
would be completed.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Essuehyia - Otuam road is in the Ekumfi
District of the Central Region. The road
is part of Regional Road 62 (R62) which
starts from Apam, through Mumford,
Otuam, Esuehyia, Ajumako, Asikuma to
Amanfopon. Agriculture and fishing are
the primary economic activities along this
corridor.
Current Programme
The Essuehyia - Otuam road was
awarded on contract under the title
“Resealing and Partial Reconstruction of Otuam - Essuehyia (16km) and Otuam
Town Roads (2km)”. The contract commenced on 5th May, 2011 for
completion by 30th November, 2013.

The Contractor abandoned site after

completing 57.85 per cent of the works.

Outstanding drainage structures were

repackaged and awarded to a second

contractor under the contract titled

“Construction of Drainage Structures on Essuehyia-Otuam Road (0-10km)” for the period of 1st December, 2016, to 26th

September, 2017. The second contractor

also abandoned site after completing

32.62 per cent of the works.

Future Programme

The Essuehyia-Otuam road has been

recently repackaged as “Partial Recon- struction of Ekumfi Otuam-Esuehyia

Road (15.0km)” and submitted to the head office of the Ghana Highway

Authority for consideration.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Thank
you very much. I guess the Hon Member
for Kpando, Mrs Della Adjoa Sowah, is

Oral Answers to Questions

not happy with my directives, because I

could see her going back and forth - just take it in good faith.

So, we would move on to the Question

numbered *613, which stands in the name

for the Hon Member for Evalue Ajomoro

Gwira, Mr Kofi Arko; what is the name?

Is it “Norquaye”?
Mr Kofi A. Nokoe 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is
Mr Kofi Arko Nokoe.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Nokoe?
Very well.
Let us hear you.
Bridge Construction for communities
on the Wiaso-Maham Stretch
Mr Kofi A. Nokoe (NDC — Evalue Ajo moro Gwira) 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to
ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways what plans the Ministry has to
construct a bridge over River Ankobra for
communities on the Wiaso-Maham stretch to link the southern part of the
constituency to the northern part which is
the economic power house.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
A
bridge for economic power house.
[Laughter].
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Wiaso-Maham road forms part of the Gwira Anyinase - Gwira Wiaso feeder road, which truncates at the southern
bank of the Ankobra River. The overbank
of this crossing point continues to
Kutukrom which is within the northern
part of the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira
Constituency and beyond to link Prestea
in the Prestea-Huni Valley District of the
Western Region. The installation of a
bridge across the Ankobra at this point
would also offer a shorter route to
connect the Evalue Gwira and the
Prestea-Huni Valley Constituencies and
will enhance socio-economic development
of the area.
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no
programme for the construction of the
bridge.
Mr Speaker, feasibility studies for the
determination of suitable crossing point
has been completed. However, it was
observed that due to illegal mining
activities, the current width of the river is
150 meters and may require a bridge of
span above 150 meters. Such a length of
bridge would require huge investment.
The Ministry has plans to source for
dedicated funding for detailed geo-
technical investigation and design of the
appropriate bridge structure.
Oral Answers to Questions

Oral Answers to Questions
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Hon Members, we would now move on to the Question numbered 641 which stands in the name of the Hon Member for Awutu Senya West, Mrs Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui.
Hon Member, you may ask your
Question now.
Completion of Awutu township roads
Mrs Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui (NDC
— Awutu-Senya West): Mr Speaker, I rise to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways when the Awutu township roads would be completed.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Awutu township roads are partially engineered and in poor condition. The town is located in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region.
The contract for the “Bitumen
Surfacing of Awutu Breku & Bawjiase town roads (14.35km)” commenced on 6th September, 2017, for completion by 5th March , 2019. The completion date was extended to 13th October, 2021, which has since elapsed.
Works executed to date include
- 3.50km of Clearing - 740m of 600mm x 600mm
concrete U-drains - 1 number single 1200mm pipe
culvert.
The overall progress of work is
projected at 15 per cent physical completion.
Two warning letters have been issued to the contractor to reactivate the site and expedite progress but that has not been heeded to, by the contractor.
Mr Speaker, the Department of Feeder
Roads is initiating the necessary contractual processes to terminate the contract and repackage for award.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Thank
you very much.
Mr Richard Acheampong — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Yes,
available Leader?
Mr Richard Acheampong 1:23 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, about two or three of our Hon Members are unavailable so I would plead that we jump to the Question numbered 952 to grant Mrs Della Adjoa Sowah, the opportunity to ask one supplementary question.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
So, that
means we would forego —
Mr Acheampong 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we
would forego the Questions numbered:
*715, *742, and *743 —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Hon
available Leader, why do you not ask any of the Hon Members in the House to ask the Questions on behalf of those Hon Members who are unavailable?
Mr Acheampong 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
normally, the Hon Members indicate that
if they are unavailable, any other Member

Oral Answers to Questions

could ask the Question on their behalf;

since we do not have that communication

and for want of time —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Very well.
I would however ask another Hon
Member to ask the Question on their
behalf.
Mrs Tetteh-Agbotui — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
So,
Hon — [Interruption] No; I am not taking any supplementary questions from anyone.
Hon Members, we would move on to
the Question numbered *715, which
stands in the name of the Hon Member for
Nkwanta North, Mr John Kwabena Bless
Oti. So, the Hon Emmanuel Kojo
Agyekum may ask the Question on behalf
of the Hon Member.
Awarding of roads in the Nkwanta
North Constituency to Contractors
Mr Emmanuel K. Agyekum (on
behalf of Mr John K. B. Oti) (NDC — Nkwanta North): Mr Speaker, I beg to
ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways when the following roads in
the Nkwanta North Constituency would
be awarded to contractors, since the
estimates have been prepared and
approved for several months now: (i)
Kpassa-Tinjase (ii) Kpassa-Kabonwule.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Kpassa-Tinjase road forms part of the Kpassa-Tinjase - Nabu Border feeder road of length 24.8km. It is an engineered
feeder road located in the Nkwanta North
District of the Oti Region.
Mr Speaker, currently, contract for the
bituminous surface dressing of Kpassa-
Tinjase feeder road (24.80km) and Kpassa
Town roads (1.20km) was awarded on 4th
November, 2015. Works commenced on
6th January, 2016, with an expected
completion date of 6th January, 2017.
The contractor vacated site in 2016
after executing only 11 per cent of the
works. The contract was recommended
for termination in October 2020 and was
terminated on 17th June, 2021. Works
executed as at termination include:
- Clearing and formation: 26.0km
- Construction of 600mm U-drain: 300m
Mr Speaker, engineering design and
condition survey have been conducted on
the outstanding works and estimates
prepared for consideration under the 2023
budget.
(ii) Kpassa-Kabonwule
The Kpassa-Kabonwule road is a 10.6km partially engineered and 2km un-

Oral Answers to Questions

engineered road located in the Nkwanta

North District of the —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:23 p.m.
Hon
Minister, hold on. There are a lot of
meetings. Hon Deputy Minister, all the
meetings in the House must cease.
Hon Minister, we are listening to you.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:23 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
thank you. I was dealing with the Kpassa-
Kabonwule road. I said that this road is
10.6km partially engineered and 2km un-
engineered road located in the Nwanta
North District of the Oti Region. The
entire road is in poor condition and leads
to farming communities.
Mr Speaker, currently, there is no
upgrading or rehabilitation programme
on the road.
The engineering design and condition
survey has been conducted on the road for
rehabilitation, however the execution will
be considered under the 2023 budget.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:33 p.m.
Hon
Members, we can now turn to the
Question numbered *742 which stands in
the name of Hon Member for Nabdam - Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane. Hon Emmanuel
Kwadwo Agyekum, you can ask the
Question on behalf of the Hon Member.
Status of the Asonge-Zalerigu- Pelungu-Sakoti Road
Mr Emmanuel K. Agyekum (on
behalf of Dr Mark K. Nawaane) (NDC
— Nabdam): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways the
status of the Asonge-Zalerigu-Pelungu- Sakoti road, which was under construc-
tion but currently appears to have stopped.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:33 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Asonge-Zalerigu-Pelungu-Sakoti road is
a 16.5km engineered road located in the
Nabdam District of the Upper East
Region. The Asonge-Zalerigu-Pelungu
(7.5km) section of the road is an earth
road in poor condition whilst the
Pelungu-Sakoti (9.0km) stretch has
gravel surface in fair condition.
(i) Asonge-Zalerigu-Pelungu feeder
road (7.50Km)
Mr Speaker, currently, contract for the
bitumen surfacing of the Asonge-
Zalerigu-Pelungu feeder road (7.50Km)
was scheduled to commence on 22nd
May, 2018, for completion by 21st May,
2019. The contractor abandoned the site
after achieving a physical progress of 23
per cent.

Warning letters were issued to the

contractor to reactivate the site but the

site continues to be inactive. The Depart-

ment of Feeder Roads has initiated the

necessary contractual procedure to

terminate the contract and repackage for

award under the 2023 budget.

(ii) Pelungu-Sakoti feeder road

(9.00Km)

Mr Speaker, contract for the

rehabilitation of Pelungu-Sakoti (9.0km)

was awarded as part of the contract titled

“Rehabilitation of Zuarungu-Kongo Feeder Road & Others (40.60Km)”.

The contract commenced on 22nd

May, 2018, and was scheduled to be

completed on 21st August, 2019, but was

extended to 20th February, 2021, due to

additional works issued to the contractor.

The specific activities carried out on

the Pelungu-Sakoti road included: clearing and formation of the road,

construction of drainage structures and

gravelling of the entire 9.0km which were

completed in August 2019.

There has been a washout at km 3+070

where a box culvert is located. Hydraulic

and hydrological studies are to be carried

out to determine the size and number of

extra drainage structures to be installed

within the affected section in order to

provide adequate capacity to prevent futu

re overtopping of the road.

Mr Speaker, as part of the future

programme, the Department has initiated

the necessary contractual process to

terminate the Asonge-Zalerigu-Pelungu

road contract. The outstanding works on

this contract will be repackaged together

with the extra drainage structures to be

provided on the Pelungu-Sakoti section

for re-award after termination.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:33 p.m.
The
Question numbered Q.743 also stands in
the name of Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane. Hon
available Leader, you may as well. Ask
that Question on his behalf.
Q.743 Status of the Kongo-Bongo Soe (Akayonga) Road
Mr Emmanuel K. Agyekum (on
behalf of Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane)
(NDC — Nabdam): Mr Speaker, I rise to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways the status of the Kongo-Bongo Soe (Akayonga) road.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Kongo-Bongo Soe (Akayonga) road is a
16.50km gravel road in poor condition. It
connects Kongo in the Nabdam District to
Bongo Soe (Akayonga) in the Bongo
District which are all communities
located in the Upper East Region.

Oral Answers to Questions

Currently, the road was awarded on

contract for spot improvement under the

contract titled “Spot Improvement of Bongo-Balungu-Namong feeder roads &

Others (40.40Km)”.

The contract was scheduled to

commence on 18th June, 2018, to be

completed 17th June, 2019. The intended

completion date was extended to 17th

February, 2021, due to additional works.

Mr Speaker, the contractor has so far

worked on the Bongo-Balungu-Namong

feeder road (8.00km) and is yet to work

on the Kongo-Bongo Soe (Akayonga)

road. Work completed to date is projected

at 39% physical completion.

Future Programme

Mr Speaker, as part of its future pro-

gramme, the Department of Feeder Roads

is taking the necessary steps to get the

contractor back to site to complete works

on the Kongo-Bongo Soe (Akayonga) road.

Future Programme

The Department of Feeder Roads is

takin g the necessary steps to get the

contractor back to site to complete works

on the Kongo-Bongo Soe (Akayonga)

road.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:43 p.m.
Thank
you very much. Is the Hon Member for
Zabzugu here? Yes, I am jumping to you.
Question numbered 1089 stands in the
Hon Jabaah John Bennam.
Yes, Hon Member for Zabzugu?
Mr Agyekum 1:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I would
take this Question as well.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:43 p.m.
All
right.
Abandonment of Gor-Kuukani
Dagbaani - Gor-Tanei - Binyimkumdo Road Projects
Mr Emmanuel K. Agyekum (on
behalf of Mr Jabaah John Bennam
(NPP — Zabzugu): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
Highways why the contractor on the Gor-
Kukani Dagbaani through Gor-Tanei to
Binyimkumdo road construction projects
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:43 p.m.
Hon
Majority Chief Whip, I deliberately
jumped. I would want to take Hon
Sowah's Question as the last. Please, available Leader, you may ask the
Question again. I am in charge and I am
saying you should ask the Question.

Oral Answers to Questions

Mr Emmanuel K. Agyekum (on

behalf of Mr Jabaah John Bennam

(NPP — Zabzugu): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways

why the contractor on the Gor-Kukani

Dagbaani through Gor-Tanei to

Binyimkumdo road construction projects

has abandoned site since November 2020

and when the contractor will return to

site.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Background
Gor Kukani, Dagbani, Gor Tamei and
Binyinkumdo are communities along the
Gorkuga-Gortiani-Bitidoohandino feeder
road (28.2km) which is located in the
Zabzugu district of the Northern Region.
It is a gravel road with poor surface
condition.
Current Programme
Contract for the “Rehabilitation of Gorkuga-Gortiani-Bitidoohandino
Feeder Road (28.20km)” was awarded on 20th January, 2020 and commenced on
16th April, 2020 for an expected
completion date of 15th April, 2021,
which has since expired.
The Contractor's presence at site has been erratic and he has cited delay in payment
as a ma jor challenge which has greatly
hampered their programme to complete
the works on schedule.
Work done to-date include:
- Clearing and formation of road - 18km
- 1/900mm pipe culvert - 6Nos.
- 2/900mm pipe culvert - 1No.
- 1/1200mm pipe culvert - 1No.
- 2/1200mm pipe culvert - 2nos
- 3/1200mm pipe culvert - 1No.
Progress of work is projected at 20 per
cent physical completion.
Warning letter has been issued to the
Contractor on the slow progress and delay
in completing the works.
Future Programme
The Contractor's response to the warning to reactivate the site will be
monitored after which the necessary
recommendations would be made.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Oral Answers to Questions
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:43 p.m.
We would now take the last Question from the Hon Member for Kpando, Mrs Della Sowah, who has consistently challenged my directives. Hon Member, let us hear you.
Programme for Kpando, Gbefi Tornu,
Torkor and Aloyi Roads
Mrs Della A. Sowah (NDC — Kpando) 1:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways what the Ministry's programme is for Kpando Town Roads, Gbefi Tornu Road, Torkor Road and Aloyi Roads.
Mr Amoako-Attah 1:43 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
Kpando and Aloryi Town Roads
Background
Kpando is the capital of the Kpando
Municipality in the Volta Region. Aloryi is a suburb of Kpando.
Current Programme
(i) Kpando and Aloyi Town Roads
Selected roads in the above-named towns have been awarded under the Contract “Upgrading of Selected Roads in Kpando Municipality (17.5km)”. The project commenced on May 7, 2015 for completion by November 7, 2016.
Progress of works is at 8 per cent physical completion. The Contractor is currently not on site.
Work done to date
Site clearance - 1.7km
600mm diameter u-drain - 1,362m
900mm diameter u-drain - 19m
As a result of the Contractor's non- performance, the project has been
recommended for termination and steps
are being taken to terminate and re-award
the outstanding works for completion.
(ii)Torkor road
Background
The Torkor road is part of the Kame - Golokwati - Torkor road (IR 7). The total road length is 34km. The road passes
through Afadjato South District and
Kpando Municipality. The road surface
type is partly bituminous and partly
gravel.
Kpando-Torkor Road
Current Programme
As part of the 2019/2020 Resealing
Programme, the resealing of Kpando -
Torkor road (7km) was awarded to be
completed on 30th October, 2020. The
Contractor has applied for extension of
time. Currently, work has stalled due to
delay in payment for work done.
The project is at 28 per cent physical
completion.
The Contractor has executed the
following activities:

Oral Answers to Questions

• Demolish and Site Clearance - 0.2 per cent

• Earthworks - 1.97 per cent • Concrete Works - 11.04 per

cent

(iii) Gbefi - Gbefi Tornu

Background

Gbefi and Gbefi Tornu are connected

by a 1.30km gravel road and located in

the Kpando District of the Volta Region.

The Gbefi - Gbefi Tornu road is an engi- neered road with fair surface condition.

Current Programme

There is no upgrading or rehabilitation

programme on the road.

Future Programme

Engineering design and condition

survey will be conducted on the road for

rehabilitation. However, the execution

will be considered under the 2023 budget.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
Very well. Hon Members, I guess we would all appreciate the fact that the Hon Minister is tired. He has responded to 15 separate Question. Hon Minister, on behalf of the Hon Members, I would like to thank you for attending upon the House to respond to their Questions. You are hereby discharged.

Hon Members, we are now about to commence Public Business.
Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh 1:53 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, exactly so. We would go on to Public Business, the item numbered one on the Order Paper Addendum. The Chairman and Ranking Members of the Committee are here.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
I would
invite the Hon First Deputy Speaker to take the Chair now. [Pause] Anyway, the Chairman — Item number one— Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 at the Consideration Stage. — [Pause]
1.55 p.m. — [MR FIRST DEPUTY

BILLS — CONSIDERATION
STAGE 1:53 p.m.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
Who is
shepherding this? Let us start with clause
1.
Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the
Bill.
Clause 2 — Objects of the Authority
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
Yes, Hon
Chairman. The advertised amendment is
in the name of the Hon Minority Leader.
You can go ahead to move the Motion.

Oral Answers to Questions

Chairman of the Committee (Mr

Carlos K. Ahenkorah): Mr Speaker,

thank you very much. I see an amendment

in the name of the Hon Minority Leader - [Interruption]. I would like to under-

stand why standardisation in the health

sector should not be covered because the

standardisation here is referring to

equipment and materials used in the

health sector, and I believe that if we want

to have a holistic standardisation for

equipment and materials, the health

sector should be captured in the law.

Unfortunately, he is not here to explain

why we should delete “health”, so Mr Speaker, I think it should stand.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
The
opportunity is given to him to move his
Motion for amendment. Yes, — Hon Members, before we proceed, having
regard to the state of the Business of the
House, I direct that the House Sits outside
the regular Sitting hours.
Yes, Hon Member for Techiman
North?
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 1:53 p.m.
Thank you, Mr
Speaker. The deletion of “health” is because of “services”. The standardi- sation is not only going to be for health,
so if we say “services”, then it can cover everything. If we delete “health”, then it will be all-encompassing.
Mr Ahenkorah 1:53 p.m.
Mr Speaker, while I understand where my Hon Colleague is coming from, if we read the line in its entirety, it says: “promote standardisation and metrology in industry, commerce, health and services”. In this case, if “health” is taken out, I do not think that it would cover the whole thing, otherwise, we should remove everything and replace it with “standardisation in services”. That is my understanding. The explanation that we have here, as captured in the Bill, is that we want equipment and materials in the health sector to also be standardised.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
Yes, Hon
available Leader?
Mr R. Acheampong 1:53 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if
we turn to the definition searching, “service” has been defined as “a variable action, deed or help performed to satisfy a need or fulfill a demand,” so my Hon Leader is proposing that if we delete “health” and maintain “services”, it still covers it. That is the point he is making. He is saying that it should read: “promote standardisation and metrology in industry, commerce, and service.” “Service” would include health.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
To the
promoters of the Bill, is there a particular need for the mention of “service”? Is it intended for emphasis? Otherwise, the argument is that “services” include health, legal, and other services. Yes, Hon Deputy Minister?

Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
Mr Wireko-Brobbey 1:53 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
we had lots of deliberations on that, and
in the health sector in particular, there are
so many equipment which we thought
needed to be standardised. That is why at
the Committee, we unanimously put
“health” there. It is just for emphasis, to be sure that we capture all these
equipment in the health sector.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 1:53 p.m.
Would
that not fall under “services”? Is the health sector an industry or a service?
[Interruption] All services excluding or
including health? I just want to
understand why the emphasis on “health” is important.
Mr Ahenkorah 1:53 p.m.
Mr Speaker, “health” is captured here — If you consider the fact that we mentioned two specific
industries aside the main industry that is
captured in the clause: commerce, health
and other services. As far as we are
concerned, health has got to do with life
and death, and standardisation is very
important.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
If you
changed it, for example, to “promote standardisation and metrology in
industry, commerce, health and other
services”, would that satisfy you? Instead of deleting “health”, you leave “health” there and add “other” after ‘‘and''.
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 2:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in a
way, it would compensate for other
services that would happen because it
could be agriculture and if we do not put
“other”, then it means that next time when the Authority wants to deal with
something else, they would say that once
they got health, if they wanted to add
agriculture, they would have said so. But
I think that “other” would cater for it.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
So, the
rendition would then be “promote standardisation and meteorology in
industry, commerce, health and other
services? Yes, available Leader?
Mr Richard Acheampong 2:03 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, the Chairman of the Committee
is not convincing us enough. We have a
health service regulatory body which
regulates the activity under health, so if
we want to put emphasis on health, it
means that we are taking some functions
from the health regulatory authorities.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Mr
Acheampong, what they are to regulate or
promote here is the standardisation in
meteorology; things that we are to use to
measure in commerce, industry, and
health services. There is the National
Petroleum Authority (NPA) but it is the
Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) that
would measure the metre by which we
use to dispense fuel. So, it is the

Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

meteorology — the metering which the GSA is regulating. Is that clear?

Very well. The new rendition that I

would want us to agree on is, “promote standardisation and meteorology in

industry, commerce, health and other

services”.

Question put and amendment agreed

to.

The Item numbered (ii), Clause 2, also

in the name of the Hon Minority Leader.

It says delete “Paragraph (e)”. Hon Member, are you moving that on his

behalf also?

Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (on behalf of Mr

Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, I beg to

move that Clause 2, Paragraph (b), line 2,

delete —
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Does the
Hon Member say we should delete the
entire paragraph (e)?
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 2:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes
— “Promote standards in health and industry, welfare, health, safety and
environment”. The paragraph (e) should be deleted.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Yes,
Chairman of the Committee, does the
Hon Member say you should delete that?
Mr Ahenkorah 2:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we
again ask the reasons why the main
component of the activity of the Ghana
Standard Authority is being questioned
when they are promoting standards in
public and industrial welfare, health,
safety and environment. I am unable to
see why this very important
standardisation element must be removed
from the law.
Some Hon Members — rose —
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Yes, Hon
Member for Bolga East?
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine 2:03 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, this is a very important
provision for a number of reasons. The
first is that it is in fulfilment of our
international obligations. Ghana is a
founding member of the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and one of the key
agreements of the WTO is the Agreement
on Technical Barriers to Trade and the
promotion of standardisation is on key
obligation that has been imposed by that
agreement.
Therefore, national standard organi-
sations have a duty to promote standardi-
sation, especially in the adoption of
international standards. So, it is a very
important obligation that we should not
take away from the Bill. Mr Speaker,
thank you.

Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Very well.
Are you going to withdraw that?
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 2:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
think we would not belabour that point.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Very well.
I would put the Question on Clause 2.
Question put and amendment agreed
to.
Clause 2 as amended ordered to stand
part of the Bill.
Clause 3 - Functions of the Authority
Clause 3, amendment proposed and
also in the name of the Hon Minority
Leader.
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (on behalf of Mr
Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, I beg to
move that Clause 3, subclause (2),
paragraph (a), sub-paragraph (i), line 1,
delete “frame, amend”.
Mr Speaker, I think that “frame”, “amend”, and “modify” are the same. Therefore, if we say “prepare, modify, maintain, and promulgate national
standards”, it is the same. If we frame or amend, it is all modification. So, I believe
that once that is deleted, it does not affect
the substance of that Clause.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Yes,
Deputy Chairman of the Committee?
Mr Alexander Akwasi Acquah 2:03 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, I beg to differ. For the sake of
emphasis, it is always important to have
some clarity when it comes to these forms
of standardisation. So, if the intention is
just to remove “frame” and “amend” and just make it “prepare or modify”, then we would better and as my Hon Colleague
said that the “modify” also covers the framing and amending, then why do we
not just leave it in there for the
standardisation authority to be able to
have enough room to operate? I believe
that if one prepares, frames, amends, or
modifies, it gives them that authority or
enough room to operate and standardise
goods as much as they want.
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Yes, Hon
Member?
Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah 2:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I believe that we should
leave these words as they are. The
drafters have gone through this
amendment and these words are very
important. That is why we left them. If,
really, the purpose is simply in terms of
English, then we should leave them
because it basically emphasises the
important work of the Ghana Standards
Authority.

Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
Yes, Hon
Deputy Minister?
Mr Bright Wireko-Brobbey 2:03 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, the word “frame” suggests that
there would be some other equipment that
must be done. If we left that out and use
just the word ‘modify', then the standards
of these equipment that we are talking
about, we would not be able to address
the very things that we want and that is
why emphasis is on those words.
rose
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
You have
spoken, so I would want to give the
opportunity to the available Leader.
Mr Acheampong 2:03 p.m.
Mr Speaker — [Laughter] — if we are going to prepare, frame and amend, what is the difference
between “prepare” and “frame”? It sounds superfluous. Then, the Chairman
of the Committee should convince us
about the technicality of the words
“prepare” and “frame”, so that I would be much convinced that we should go with
these words.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:03 p.m.
When it
comes to, for example metal work, with if you have been a graduate student like I have been and it is said they have sat with the mechanics when they have to build something, then you are framing a new thing. However, you could amend an old
thing and modify an existing thing. In each case, it is a different exercise and you would need to be certified.
Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami
Dafeamekpor — rose —
Dr Ayine 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, just to add to
what you have said, from a legal technical point of view, there is a difference, for instance, between modification and amendment.
The standards that would be prepared,
pursuant to this statute when it is passed, some of them would be enacted into regulations, and we do not modify regulations; we amend them. So, that is the reason the drafters had to use the explicit language of “modify” and “amend” because some of the standards would not be enacted into regulations but those can be modified using admini- strative procedures at the level of the Authority.
Mr Speaker, I would say that we
should shoot down the amendment and let the phrase stand as it is in the Bill.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Some Hon Members — rose —
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
Yes?
Mr Dafeamekpor 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am
in partial support of the amendment, to
the extent that we would take away

Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

“amend or modify”. In the sense that I discovered that preparation and framing

is a standard phrase used in standard

legislations on Standards Act in a lot of

the Commonwealth countries. I see that a

lot in the current legislation on standards

in Kenya. So “prepare, frame, amend” could stay, but having both “amend” and “modify” is surplusage. So, either “amend” should stay and “modify” goes or “modify” stays and “amend” goes, but “amend or modify” has the same meaning from what I gather from the provision

here.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
Indeed,
that is why it is used in the alternative:
“amend or modify”.
Mr Dafeam ekpor 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
think we do not do that with our style of
legislation. We stick to one. “Amend or modify” — We have considered a lot of legislations in this House — [Interruption] — Yes, I agree. The Hon Member knows that sometimes when
they draft the Bills and present them
before us, we tidy them for them. If you
ask me, it is surplusage. Thank you, Mr
Speaker.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
Well,
should we vote on it?
Mr Dafeamekpor 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
Sponsor of this amendment likes his things to be voted upon. That is what the
Hon Leader does, so I would prefer that we vote upon it.
Question put and amendment
negatived.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
Hon
Members, let us move to the item numbered (iv), another amendment proposed by the Hon Minority Leader. Who is moving the proposed amendment?
Mr Ahenkorah 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we do
not find anything wrong with that amendment, so we support it.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
I did not get you. [Pause.]
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (on behalf of Mr
Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, I beg to move, Clause 3, subclause (2), paragraph (a), sub-paragraph (iii), line 1, delete “encourage educational work” and insert “undertake public education”.
Mr Speaker, this is an important clause
that must be inserted in this new Bill. It must be the Authority's responsibility to undertake public education, instead of encouraging. If it is their responsibility, then the person in Tuobodom would know that if they come to buy tomatoes with boxes, a certain standard must be respected. So, public education must be their responsibility once this law comes into force.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
Yes, Hon
Deputy Minority Leader.

Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
Mr Avedzi 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the proposed
amendment would make the new
rendition, “undertake and undertake”, so we should look at the amendment again.
If we delete “encourage educational work” and insert “undertake public education”, the new rendition would read “undertake and undertake public education”, so we have to look at it. One of the two should go.
Dr Ayine 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the sub-
stantive content of the regulation would
change if this amendment is accepted.
The reason is simply because there is a
world of difference between “under- taking and encouraging educational work
in connection with standardisation” and “public education”. Public education is just a question of sensitising the public
about the s tandards that have been
formulated and prepared or published by
the Authority while undertaking educa-
tional work relates to research into
standards. So, the substantive content of
the policy would change if we change it
to “promote public education”.
Mr Speaker, I am opposed to the
amendment.
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 2:13 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
agree with the Hon Member. We would
rather propose that we can keep both
“encourage educational work” and “under- take public education” because I think public education must be part of this Bill.
Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
So, you
could formulate a new subclause and the
proposed word should be added. Once
that is agreed on, the Draftsperson would
insert it at the appropriate location.
  • [Amendment withdrawn by leave of the House.]
    • Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, the item numbered (v).
    Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 2:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, do I
    understand that once the draft is agreed
    on, the issue of education would also be
    added?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
    That is
    why I said that you should propose the
    subclause and inform us to accept it. The
    Draftspersons would then insert it at the
    appropriate location, whether in Clause 3
    or at the end of it.
    Mrs Ofosu-Agyare 2:13 p.m.
    Very well, Mr
    Speaker.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
    Very well. I have been advised that I could direct the Draftsperson to formulate and insert. I

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    hereby direct the draftsperson to formu- late and insert the subclause that authorises the Authority to undertake public education as an addition.

    I so direct.

    Hon Members, the item numbered (v).

    Clause 3, subclause (9), the Hon Member for Ellembele?
    Mr Buah 2:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move,
    Clause 3, subclause (9), delete and insert the following:
    “The functions of the Authority shall include the functions per- formed on goods and services by other regulatory bodies specified in an enactment.”
    Mr Speaker, this is an amendment that we have consulted broadly on. This is an FDA-proposed amendment. The GSA does not have a problem with that. The intention is to make sure that we avoid the conflict of mandate. This House has already given the FDA the authority, through the FDA Act, to regulate goods and services. We are only making it clear to the FDA; that is why this amendment is important.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:13 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Chairman?
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, while I
    would like to mention that my Hon Ranking Member did not raise this particular amendment in our meeting, I would like to accept that it is his own
    amendment. I would probably draw his attention to the fact that when we look at what is in the Bill and what he is proposing, there is no difference. Clause 3(9) states that:
    “The functions of the Authority shall not derogate from the functions of a regulator of goods and services specified under an enactment.”

    The Hon Member wants us to put

    “The functions of the Authority shall not include functions pe- rformed on goods and services by other regulatory bodies specified in an enactment.”

    Mr Speaker, where is the difference? I

    am trying to draw the distinction here that if you put these goods and services as captured in the Law and as captured in its amendment, if you superimpose them, there is no difference in the sentence that Mr Buah is trying to change. I do not see anything wrong with what is in the Bill.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    Well, I see
    a difference and the difference is that if you leave 9 as it is, you give concurrent jurisdiction about certain functions to this authority and other authorities. And we know that indeed, there are some persistent clashes between the Food and Drugs Authority and the Ghana Standards Authority as to who has jurisdiction over this. So, it is helpful if we clarify it, such

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    that the overlapping responsibility does not recur.

    However, I wonder if we cannot

    improve this. I believe we can improve

    this rendition.

    Yes, Mr Acheampong?
    Mr Acheampong 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, since the Hon Chairman just said that he does not see any difference in the newly proposed amendment, I want to state that the new amendment is bringing clarity so there is no turf war and everyone would know what they are supposed to do. So if you read it again, “The functions of the Authority shall not include”, that is the emphasis “shall not include functions performed on goods and services by other regulatory bodies specified in an enactment.” This b rings clarity to the Law so that —[Interruption]
    It is semantics but this brings more

    So, Mr Speaker, I support the

    proposed amendment.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, let us try and improve it so it
    would be clearer. The proposed amend-
    ment is using the word “shall not include functions performed on goods and
    services by” -- you may have a body usurping a function not assigned to it by
    law.
    So rather using “performed by”, use “assigned to” so it reads,
    “The functions of the Authority shall not include functions
    assigned to other regulatory
    bodies specified in an enactment.”
    So that you do not take up a function
    and say, “I have been doing it” even though the Law has not given it to you.
    But what has been given to you by law,
    this new body cannot go into that area. Is
    it clear?
    Some Hon Members 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    yes, it is.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    So, “The function of the functions of the Authority
    shall not —
    Mr R. Acheampong 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would accept your rendition.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    Thank
    you. Let me see if we can get a clearer -
    “The functions of the Authority shall not include functions assigned to other regulatory bodies specified in an enactment.”
    All right.
    Question put and amendment agreed to.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    The item
    numbered (vi), Hon Member for
    Techiman North?
    137 17th June y, 2022 138
    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (on behalf of Mr
    Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, I beg to
    move, Clause 3, add the following new
    sub-clauses:
    “To make recommendations on standard specification, certification
    marks and codes of practice.”
    “Promote quality in connection with commodities, products and services.”
    “R ender conformity assessment services.”
    I think this is for our discussion.
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, agreed.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    Very well.
    Question put and amendment agreed
    to.
    Yes, Hon Member for South Dayi?
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    have an amendment that is not advertised.
    Particularly under Clause 3, it has been
    subdivided into three categories:
    “standardisation”, “conformity assessment” and “metrology”.
    Mr Speaker, after careful reading of
    the functions, I want to propose that under
    Clause 3(2)(a) after sub-clause (vii),
    insert “to assist the Government or any
    local authority or other public body or
    any other person in the preparation and
    framing of any specification”. Very specific function, Mr Speaker. I so
    propose.
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, before
    his proposal, I wanted to draw your
    attention to some inconsistencies that we
    found in the amendment we just passed.
    The second portion “promote quality in connection with commodity” then the rest are in their plural forms, so it should be
    “commodities” instead of “commodity”.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    The Hon
    Member said so. She pronounced that in
    reading out her proposed amendment.
    Mr Dafeamekpor, would you repeat
    your amendment, so we could consider it.
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    indeed, this is one of the key functions of
    a similar body under the Kenyan
    legislation -- is to the effect that the authority would assist the Government or
    any local authority or other public body
    or any other person in the preparation and
    framing of any specification.
    Mr Speaker, I have not found it under
    the three key categories stated as part of
    the functions under “standardisation”, “conformity assessment” and “metrology”. But this particularly is about “standardi- sation” that is why I proposed that it

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    should form part of the functions under

    Clause 3(2)(a) which deals with

    standardisation as part of the functions.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    I see,
    “specification” defined but I cannot see where it is referred to. Could you guide us
    so we would be guided as to whether what
    she is referring to is not provided for
    elsew here?
    Where in the Bill do you talk about
    “specification” such that you have --
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    think in Clause 3 (2) a (vi), it says
    “Adopt an international, regional or any other national specification
    suitable for use in the Republic”
    So, that is the sub-clause in which
    “specification” has been used.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:23 p.m.
    The pro-
    posed amendment is that the “authority shall” — [Pause] —
    I want us to be clear so we could vote
    on the proposed amendments before we
    go to --
    Yes, Hon Member for South Dayi,
    kindly reformulate. Please listen and
    write it down because once you get the
    essence, the draftspersons can clean it up,
    if need be.
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    should I read it again? All right.
    Mr Speaker, my proposal is that, after
    Clause 3(2) (a) that is under “standardi- sation”, we have a chain of functions there up to “vii”. After that, before we go to “b” “conformity assessment” as a new category, we should have this amendment
    numbered as “viii” which is
    “to assist the Government or any local authority or other public
    body or any other person in the
    preparation and framing of any
    specification.”
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Let us
    look at clause 48. I have seen “Physical standards” and “Primary standards.”
    “(1) The Authority may procure or prepare and maintain a
    National Prototype Stan-
    dard of mass and measure of
    the units of the International
    System of Units to be
    known as the Primary
    Standards specified in Part 1
    of the First Schedule.

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    (2) The Authority shall calibrate to certify the Primary Standards in terms of Inter- national Prototype Standards of mass and measure which is maintained and kept by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in a manner that the Authority may determine.

    (3) The Primary Standards shall

    be the primary standards of mass and measure by reference to which standards of mass and measure shall be maintained in the country.

    (4) The Primary Standards shall

    be in th e form and of the material that the Authority may direct.”

    Do you think it would satisfy what you are proposing for clause 48?
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, that
    is so.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Very well.
    We would still adopt it and leave it to the draftspersons, if that does not conflict.
    Hon Chairman, what do you say?
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    ordinarily, I would not have any problem.
    I would leave it for the Draftspersons to
    take care of it.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Very well
    Question put and amendment agreed
    to.
    Clause 3 as amended ordered to stand
    part of the Bill.
    Clause 4 to 15 ordered to stand part of
    the Bill.
    Clause 16 — Appointment of Deputy Director-General
    Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare on
    behalf of (Mr Haruna Iddrisu): Mr
    Speaker, I beg to move, that in the
    headnote in clause 16, before “Deputy”, insert “a”.
    Mr Speaker, at clauses 16 (2) and (3),
    there is “a Deputy Director-General,” so the headnote should have “a” before “Deputy.”
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Chairman?
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:33 p.m.
    Agreed, Mr Speaker.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    The
    proposal is to insert “a” before “Deputy Director-General” in the headnote of Clause 16.
    Is that appropriate?

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Mr R Acheampong 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    am tempted to disagree with the proposed
    amendment, because the headnote,
    “Appointment of a Deputy-Director General” — (2) and (3) are making an emphasis of “a Deputy Director- General,” so the headnote, at least, can stand as it is, because the emphasis has
    already been made in the subject matter. I
    am trying to disagree with the proposed
    amendment so that — a Deputy — because we are making a law that can
    stand the test of time.
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I think
    this is a clear situation that we can leave
    to the draftspersons to handle. This
    should not be a problem.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    I think so.
    We would lea ve it to the draftspersons to
    do the ap propriate one. This is a drafting
    issue and not a substantive issue.
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    think the import of the headnote is that we
    may not have just one Deputy Director-
    General. Sometimes, we may have two or
    three in charge of some specific
    directorates, either Operations or
    Administration, so it serves a purpose. If
    we take the definite article “a” out, it is a
    problem -- It conveys the import of the
    provision.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Very well.
    We would leave it as it is, and proceed.
    Mr R Acheampong 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would like to call on my Hon Colleague
    to withdraw the amendment — [interruption]— No, per the explanation both of us gave.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    available Leader?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    tend to share in the suggestion the Hon
    Dafeamekpor put out on the necessity of
    the definite article “a”. Having said that, as you rightly observed, we should
    probably leave this to the Draftspersons
    to take a definite decision on it, but I
    agree with his decision; however, we
    should just leave it to the Draftspersons to
    handle.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Yes, as I
    directed, this is a drafting issue and I
    would leave the Draftspersons to take the
    appropriate action.
    Question put and amendment agreed
    to.
    Clause 16 ordered to stand part of the
    Bill.
    Clauses 17 and 18 ordered to stand
    part of the Bill.

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    Clause 19 — Divisions of the Authority

    Mrs Ofosu-Adjare (on behalf of

    Haruna Iddrissu: Mr Speaker, I beg to

    move, that in clause 19(1), add the

    following new paragraphs: (d)

    Standardisation Division and (e)

    Metrology Division.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:33 p.m.
    Hon
    Chairman, would you like to add some
    other Divisions?
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:33 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we
    would like to believe thatStandardisation
    and Metrology are part of the Operations
    of the Authority, so separating them
    under the Bill would mean that either the
    Operations or the Services would have to
    be amended, so we would leave it as it is
    in the Bill, so that the Authority itself may
    be able to even have more Divisions than
    the two we have proposed as amended.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    I think
    that sub clause (2) of clause 19 speaks
    too:
    “Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority may establish any
    other division or restructure an
    existing division for the effective
    performance of the functions of
    the Authority.”

    I think it would take care of your

    amendment.

    Question put and amendment agreed

    to.

    Clause 19 as amended ordered to stand

    part of the Bill.

    Clauses 20 and 21 ordered to stand

    part of the Bill.

    Clause 22 — Funds of the Authority
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    There is a
    proposed amendment to clause 22 in the
    name of the Hon Minority Leader.
    Mrs Ofosu-Adjare (on behalf of Mr
    Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, I beg to
    move, paragraph (c), line 1, delete “paid to” and insert “received by”.
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:43 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    honestly, I am trying to find the
    difference between, “paid to” and “received by”. If the lawyers here would indulge me, I would like them to help us.
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:43 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this
    provision is a standard one in this House,
    and I do not think that the draftspersons
    should have some difficulty in tidying
    this up so we can make progress. Funds

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    of the Authority are things that we craft a

    thousand times for a lot of legislations so

    we should not struggle over this. They

    can tidy it up so that we make progress.
    Mr Wireko-Brobby 2:43 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    think that for the sake of consistency, like
    my Hon Colleague has suggested, this is
    done most of the time - “funds received” as a clause - so let the draftspersons take care of that.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    As
    suggested by the Hon Member for South
    Dayi, this has been the standard drafting.
    If you c hange it, it may suggest that we
    meant something different, and it may
    generate confusion in the legal world.
    Therefore, I suppose that we should leave
    it as it is.
    Question put and amendment
    negatived.
    Clause 22 ordered to stand part of the
    Bill.
    Clause 23 to 26 ordered to stand part
    of the Bill.
    Clause 27 — Tax exemption
    Mrs Ofosu-Adjare (on behalf of Mr
    Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, I beg to
    move, delete entire clause 27, which
    reads:
    “Subject to article 174 of the Constitution, the Minister
    responsible for Finance may, with
    the prior approval of Parliament,
    exempt the Authority from taxes
    and duties.”
    Mr Speaker, I think this amendment is
    proposed because it is needless; it is there
    already. Whether we put it there or not,
    subject to article 174, the Hon Minister
    responsible can do it. We do not need to
    import it here.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    Hon
    Chairman, why do you put what is
    already provided for in the Constitution in
    a Bill?
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:43 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, what
    does the law say about tax exemption? I
    think that is what should apply here. In
    my view, I do not think it would be a
    worry if this clause is deleted because by
    all standards, if the Authority requests to
    be exempted from the payment of any
    taxes, they have the right to apply for
    them, and with the prior approval of
    Parliament, they would enjoy this
    exemption. Hence, if it is deleted, I do not
    have a problem.
    Some Hon Members —rose—
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    I have not
    heard from Mr Agbodza yet.

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza 2:43 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, this is the first time I have seen
    this. In recent times, when we make laws
    -- it is only Parliament that can impose taxes or remove same. There is no reason
    for any agency to ask for this in their law
    when they know that all that is required is
    to come to Parliament, and when the
    request is assessed and it is necessary, we
    give them. Are we then going to say that
    any entity whose law does not explicitly
    have this clause does not have the right?
    It is needless; it would not kill the Bill if
    it is there, but for us, it is totally
    unnecessary to introduce it. Let us
    remove it, and let everybody come under
    the authority of Parliament.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    Let me
    listen to the non-lawyers; I would come
    to the lawyers.
    Mr Yusif Sulemana 2:43 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    just made reference to article 174, which
    has been transposed, more or less, to this
    clause 27 we are talk ing about. I do not
    think that it spoils anything. It gives us
    clarity, and so, I think that the clause
    should stay.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:43 p.m.
    Hon
    lawyers, I would ask you a question. This
    is a regulatory body, not a profit-making
    one, so it does not declare profits. Is it
    required to pay any tax?
    Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine 2:43 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, on the question of article 174,
    inherent in the article is the power of
    Parliament by statute to exempt entities
    and persons from the payment of taxes.
    Therefore, by this Act, we can even
    explicitly say that they are exempted from
    the payment of taxes.
    To the substantive question whether
    being a non-profit regulatory body, they
    would be required to pay taxes, I have
    seen situations where, when I was Deputy
    Attorney-General, departments under the
    Attorney-General's Department imported equipment and they were required to pay
    the taxes before clearing. The Ghana
    Standards Authority, we know, deals with
    a lot of equipment. The last time, at the
    Committee, they told us about the need
    for a lot of equipment, when this Bill is
    passed, for them to function and meet
    international standards.
    We are not saying that they would not
    bring it to Parliament for an exemption to be granted. Under the Public Financial Management Act enacted by this House, we have granted the Hon Minister for Finance the power to exempt certain entities from the payment of taxes. The Hon Minister can exercise that power pursuant to this provision, as and when it is necessary, in order to exempt them from the payment of taxes. That is all that we are doing. Mr Speaker, it is not every tax request that must come to this House. We are already overwhelmed. Hon Agbodza knows that there are a lot of

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    entities that bring these requests to us on a daily basis.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, let us be clear. Does this provision talk about its imports? Let us listen again:
    “Subject to article 174 of the Constitution, the Minister respon- sible for Finance may, with the prior approval of Parliament, exempt the Authority...”
    This is different from the issue of
    imports that you talk about. If an entity would import something, and it is even a tax-exempt body, that responsibility cannot be exempted.

    Here, the choice of words suggests

    corporate tax, which they are exempted

    from, but when it comes to the specific

    imports, the Authority is exempted from

    taxes and duties. However, I think it is

    unsafe to leave it as it is. It should apply

    to the House because we know the danger

    of abuse.

    Anyway, now I am presiding so my

    views are -
    Dr Ayine 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, that is why it
    Mr R Acheampong 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    rise in support of the proposed amend-
    ment because article 174 is very clear and
    even the provision in the clause 27 says:
    “Subject to article 174 of the Constitution, the Minister respon-
    sible for Finance may, with the
    prior approval of Parliament,
    exempt the Authority from taxes
    and duties.”
    Therefore, the Hon Minister may
    decide not to even grant the exemption,
    so the argument being advanced by the
    former Deputy Attorney-General that we
    need to legislate it so that those taxes and
    duties would be exempted -- the language says “may” so the Hon Minister could refuse, thus, why would we pass a
    law? Meanwhile, we have Exemptions
    Bill before us -
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, whether it is there or removed,
    it serves the same purpose. Let us
    proceed.
    Mr R Acheampong 2:53 p.m.
    There is a provision in the Constitution under article 174, and they could apply for it as and when the need arises.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, let us proceed. Let it stay there as a guide so that if somebody does not know —

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Mr R Acheampong 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, to
    avoid abuse, because when we have it in
    the law, we are trying to reduce
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Mr
    Acheampong, address me; ignore the
    back benchers.
    Mr R. Acheampong 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we
    have issues at hand, and that is why we
    brought the Exemption Bill to this House
    so that we would work within a frame-
    work. Within a year, we would set a target
    for ourselves that we would grant
    exemptions amounting to about GH₵1 billion so that we would work within that
    range, but if we put this in the law - [Interruption] [An Hon Member: T his
    is not a blank cheque.] We are just
    allowing entities to import things that
    sometimes, they may not even have need
    for it. We do not need to put this in the
    law because the Constitution is very
    clear.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Very well.
    It emphasises that it must come to
    Parliament to for exemption if need be so,
    I believe we should let it stay as it is and
    proceed.
  • [Amendment to clause 27 deemed to be withdrawn]
    • Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, an amendment has been
    proposed.
    Mrs Ofosu-Adjare (on behalf of Mr
    Haruna Iddrisu): Mr Speaker, headnote,
    delete “Ghana”. Mr Speaker, because the Act is for Ghana, we do not need to put
    “Ghana” there.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Mr
    Chairman, the Hon Member says we do
    not need “Ghana” there. Do we?
    Mr Ahenkorah 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we, as
    Hon Members of the Committee, are of
    the belief that when “Ghana” is deleted, the meaning of “Standards” is diluted because these are standards for Ghana
    and it is a national thing that the
    organisation is supposed to cover. If we
    do not put “Ghana” there, and just leave it at “Standards”, the meaning does not come out too well. That is why we have
    “The Ghana Standards” and it has an emblem to support that “Standards”.
    Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    I have not
    heard any female voice from here. Let me
    listen to her.

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie 2:53 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, I believe that we make laws for
    Ghana so I would suggest that we keep it
    as “Copyright Standards” and not “Copyright of Ghana Standards”.
    Dr Ayine 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, maintaining
    “Ghana” distinguishes it from inter- national standards. There is the Inter-
    national Organisation for Standardisation
    (ISO). Our national standards are
    preceded by the name of the country; thus
    the Ghana Standards. For example,
    recently, the Building Regulations came
    before the Subsidiary Legislation
    Committee, and they used the acronym
    “GS, which stands for “Ghana Standards” and it is the same as CSO, which is the
    “Canadian Standard Organisation” so it is important that we maintain “Ghana” before “Standards”.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, if you look at the Inter-
    pretation, clause 81, “Ghana Standards” is defined so, it is intended as a term of
    art. You would see here:
    ‘“Ghana Standards” means standards that are developed or
    adopted and gazetted by the
    Ghana Standards Authority'.
    Therefore, “Ghana Standards” here is not just a mere Ghana Standard, but one
    that has been gazetted by the Ghana
    Standards Authority so it is intended as a
    term of art therefore, let is stay as it is.
    Mr Agbodza 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, you are
    correct and actually, it is the best practice.
    If you go to Britain, “BS”, which stands for “British Standards” precedes every code that comes in, and everywhere in the
    world, it is preceded by the code of the
    country. Therefore, removing “Ghana” from “Ghana Standards” makes it quite vague because when we quote it, it would
    not mean anything. Mr Speaker, “GS” means “Ghana Standards” and it must be Ghana Standards.
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    believe the issue is with the headnote. The title of the Bill is “Ghana Standards Authority Act” so it is needless for us to bring a provision in the belly of the law, and refer to it as Ghana. It is totally needless. I have an issue with the provision under the Interpretation Clause that defines “Ghana Standards”. There- fore, once we say “Copyright Standards”, it is — when I take this law, the standards referred to in the Bill are referable to those applicable to Ghana. Where we make reference to international ones, the SI unit, they would be properly defined. For me, my humble opinion -
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 2:53 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, let us look at the same Interpretation Clause on page 49.
    ‘“Standard” means a document, established by consensus and
    approved by a recognised body,

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    that provides for common and

    repeated use, rules, guidelines or

    characteristics for activities or

    their results aimed at the

    achievement of the optimum

    degree of order in a given

    context.'

    There could be standards by different

    bodies, but the ones which the Ghana

    Standards Authority enacts and gazettes

    becomes Ghana Standards, which is a

    copyright which exists in Ghana. We are

    trying to define a work done by Ghana

    Standards Authority and gazetted, which

    is different from any other standard which

    an agency may set. I believe that it is clear

    that this is intended as a term of art, not

    the general definition of standard.
    Mr Dafeamekpor 2:53 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am
    not convinced, but I am defeated so I
  • [Amendment withdrawn by leave of the House]
    • Mr Ahenkorah 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to
    move, clause 63, subclause (2), add the
    following new paragraph after paragraph
    (b):
    “(#) the weight or measure or instrument may include health,
    safety and environment devices;”.
    Dr Ayine 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this should be
    subject to the correction of “environment devices” to “environmental devices” because we cannot use one noun to
    qualify another. It is not an adjectival
    noun.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    Very well.
    So, you want us to delete “environ- ment” and insert “environmental”.
    Yes, Chairman of the Committee?
    Mr Ahenkorah 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we do
    not have any challenge with “environ- mental”. We support the replacement with “environmental”.
    Question put and amendment agreed
    to.
    Mr Ahenkorah 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to
    move, clause 63, subclause (3), delete.

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    This is because it is a repetition of

    what we already have under subclause

    (2)(a).

    Question put and amendment agreed

    to.

    Clause 63 as amended ordered to stand

    part of the Bill.

    Clause 64 to 80 ordered to stand part

    of the Bill.

    Clause 81 — Interpretation
    Mr Buah 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to
    withdraw the proposed amendment
    because it has been addressed in the
    earlier amendment made in clause 3 (9).
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    Very well.
    Alhaji Muntaka — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Minority Chief Whip?
    Alhaji Muntaka 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, his
    explanation is not really convincing. He
    should tell us why. This is because we
    know that one of the major challenges we
    have had in the past is the role conflict
    between the Food and Drugs Authority
    (FDA) and the Ghana Standards
    Authority (GSA), and I thought that this
    was going to help clarify the issue. So, the
    Hon Member withdrawing it and the
    explanation he has given did not come out
    quite well, and therefore, I would be
    happy to hear him again to be sure that the
    issue about possible conflict of tasks is
    resolved before probably that amendment
    could be withdrawn.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    An Hon
    Member proposed an amendment, and he
    would like to withdraw it, and you want
    him to convince you before he can do
    that. — [Laughter] — Hon Member, the Hon Minority Chief Whip wants you to
    convince him.
    Mr Buah 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the earlier
    concern we had was exactly what our Hon Colleague had raised. Thanks to your help, we were able to have a new rendition of clause 3(9) that basically addresses that concern to make sure that we were very explicit about the functions of the Ghana Standards Authority and that any regulatory body that already has a function is also addressed. Once we have stated that, that rendition there is not necessary. Clause 74 also addresses this.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    Hon
    Minority Chief Whip, when you were not in the Chamber, that issue came up and we made an amendment that clearly proscribed this Authority from dabbling in assignments given to any other regulatory body by law. I think that deals with this situation.
    Alhaji Muntaka 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    whereas I agree —

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    Let me
    listen to the Hon Chairman of the
    Committee.
    Mr Ahenkorah 3:03 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    like to support my Hon Ranking Member
    and applaud him for withdrawing the
    amendment because aside from clause
    3(9), clause 74 also addresses the
    problem the Hon Minority Chief Whip
    has pointed out. It states that;
    “The Authority shall collaborate with an entity assigned a
    responsibility under an enactment
    to enfo rce standards in respect of
    goods and services”.
    If one adds this to clause 3(9), what the
    Hon Minority Chief Whip is concerned
    about is cured.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:03 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Minority Chief Whip?
    Alhaji Muntaka 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have
    read clauses 74 and 3. Yes, this may
    prevent conflict between the two bodies,
    but what it may simply do is that it would
    put our business people into the difficulty
    of trying to clarify whether they would
    have to get clearance from two
    Authorities for the same product, and that
    would also affect business.

    However, my Hon Colleague, Mr

    Buah tried to explain that — but I have not seen it in either clause 74 or clause 3

    where the GSA would clearly create the

    standard but the enforcement would be

    with the FDA. I have not seen it written

    anywhere. If we are not careful, what

    would happen is that GSA would set the

    standards but we would still get

    clearances from both GSA and FDA.

    When that happens, we might put our

    business people in the difficulty of seeing

    these two agencies to go through the same

    procedure to clear one thing.

    Mr Speaker, I feel that if we could —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, you have not talked about the
    proposed amendment. You are looking at
    the original. The amendment which has
    been adopted is on page 2 of the Order
    Paper Addendum, and it reads:
    “The functions of the Authority shall not include functions per-
    formed on goods and services by
    other regulatory bodies specified
    in an enactment.”
    In fact, we changed it to “assigned to other regulatory bodies specified in an
    enactment.”

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    Hon Members, there was also another

    proposed amendment to clause 81 by the

    Hon Chairman of the Committee.
    Mr Ahenkorah 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to
    move, clause 81, definition of
    “Metrology service provider”, paragraph (b), delete “and” and insert “or”.
    This would give the oppo rtunity to the
    inspector to do either of the three and not
    necessarily lump them together and ask
    that one person does all the services.
    Question put and amendment agreed to.
    Clause 81 as amended ordered to stand
    part of the Bill.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we would now move on to the
    Schedules. Hon Members, I am sorry,
    there are also clauses 82 and 83.
    Clause 82 — Repeals and Savings
    Mr Agbodza — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Member?
    Mr Agbodza 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I apologise
    for taking us back to clause 81.
    “Minister” means that the Hon Member responsible for Trade
    and Industry”.
    This might be a policy thing but the
    things we are talking about are science
    and technology matters, so why is this not
    under the Ministry of Environment,
    Science, Technology and Innovation, but
    rather under the Ministry of Trade and
    Industry? Is it because the items are being
    imported and go through the ports? We
    are talking about measurement and what
    has measurement got to do with the Ministry
    of Trade and Industry? [Interruption] — No! It is actually written as;
    “the Minister” means the Minister responsible for Trade and
    Industry”.
    I think that it is a very bad idea.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, you can discuss it at another
    forum but —
    Mr Agbodza 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, before you
    put the question on this particular clause,
    I thought that GSA is about all the things
    we do. However, I take the Bill and I can
    see that it talks about measurement in gas,
    electricity and other similar things. One
    of the biggest problems we have in this
    country today, is about the standards of
    building materials. I am looking through
    this Bill, but I do not see any of the
    clauses that say that when a Chinese
    cement arrives in this country and says it
    is a 45.2R, it is actually what it is. The Bill
    is too much focusedon import of

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    petroleum and other things at the

    detriment of —

    Mr Speaker, I have seen a plaster

    board which is supposed to be 12.4ml but

    when it is measured, it weighs 8ml.

    Whose job is it to determine these things?

    The GSA. Howev er, there is nothing here

    that tells me that they are supposed to do

    that because these things are all over in

    the market, unless they decide not to deal

    with it.

    Mr Speaker, this is a very critical thing

    we are doing but I think we have not

    covered it enough.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, it is in the Bill. The functions
    are grouped into three areas:
    Standardisation, Metrology and
    Conformity assessment. So, they cover
    all those areas.
    Mr Buah — rose —
    Mr Buah 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon
    Member made a point in his argument
    that was very important. We made
    reference to the Ministry of Trade and
    Industry but in the future, the GSA might
    not be under the Ministry of Trade and
    Industry, so there could be an insertion
    that says the “Ministry of Trade and
    Industry or the Ministry responsible for
    GSA”. The rendition must really reflect a change in the future. That is the point I
    am trying to make. We need to have a
    rendition that makes it is relevant even
    when it not under the Ministry of Trade
    and Industry.
    Mr Speaker, so you can help us with
    the rendition.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, we are not permitted to
    anticipate. When it so happens, the
    appropriate amendment would be done.
    So, we would kindly proceed.
    Ms Gomashie — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Member?
    Ms Gomashie 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would
    like to agree with the Hon Member for
    Adaklu, Mr Agbodza and the Hon
    Ranking Member of the Committee that
    there is evidence of us having the
    Ministry of Tourism, which later changed
    to Ministry of Tourism, Culture and
    Creative Arts. Should the Ministry
    change, there would be a difficulty, so my
    suggestion is that we accept the
    suggestion by the Hon Ranking Member.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, I said that is an anticipation and
    our Standing Orders do not permit us to

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    anticipate. If it happens , I am sure that

    the appropriate amendment would be

    done.

    Mr Y Sulemana — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Member.
    Mr Y Sulemana 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I would

    Mr Speaker, we are legislating for

    today and this Bill is under the Ministry

    of Trade and Industry, sponsored by the

    Hon Minister. So, we cannot sit in this

    House and begin to be futuristic in terms

    of legislation. It is not done and it is

    against the Standing Orders.

    Mr Speaker, your guidance is needed

    but the truth of the matter is that we cannot talk about the future and anticipate that Ministries would be changed. That is a policy matter.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    All right.
    Hon Members, we would now move
    on.
    Question put and amendment agreed
    to.
    Clauses 82 and 83 ordered to stand
    part of the Bill.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    I would
    put the Question on Schedules 1 to 4.
    Mr Agbodza — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:13 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Member?
    Mr Agbodza 3:13 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have not
    seen the units quoted for sound. Could the Hon Members of the Committee help me with that? Mass, length and other units of measurement are stated except sound.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, at parts 5 and 6 of the third Schedule we talked about measurement of sound.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    If you
    look at the Third Schedule you would see; ‘Part Five' - ‘Measurements of Gas', ‘Part Six'- ‘Measurement of Electrical Energy', ‘Part Seven' - ‘Measurement of Thermal Energy', and ‘Part Eight' - ‘Measurement in Road Traffic'. They are on pages 62 and 63. ‘Part Two' - ‘Dynamic Measurement of Liquids', ‘Part Three - ‘Static Measurements of Liquids'and ‘Part Four - Dim ensional Measurements'
    Mr Agbodza 3:23 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, so which
    one is on measurement of sound? Do we
    not have standards for the measurement
    of sound?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    Sound?
    Mr Agbodza 3:23 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker.

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage

    Ghana Standards Authority Bill, 2022 — Consideration Stage
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    S - o - u - n - d.
    Mr Agbodza 3:23 p.m.
    Exactly, Mr Speaker.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    All right.
    Mr Agbodza 3:23 p.m.
    This is because there
    should be standards. For instance, when
    somebody says a church in - let us say —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    All right.
    Hon Member, it appears on the last page
    numbered 64. It is titled: “Part 12 - (Environment) - Noise level, Air pollution measurement, Water pollution
    measurement, and Vehicle emission
    measurement”.
    Schedule 1 to 4 ordered to stand part
    of the Bill.
    Long Title ordered to stand part of the
    Bill.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 3:23 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, that brings us to the end of the
    Consideration Stage of the Ghana
    Standards Authority Bill, 2022.
    Hon Members it is past 2.00 p.m. so
    the House is adjourned to Tuesday, 21st
    June, 2022.
    ADJOURNMENT 3:23 p.m.