Debates of 30 Mar 2023

MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER
PRAYERS 2:22 p.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Hon
Members, we will turn to the item
numbered 4 on the Order Paper — Correction of Votes and Proceedings and
the Official Report.
We will start with the Votes and
Proceedings of Wednesday, 29th March,
2023.
Page 1…8 --
Mr Dapilah — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Member for Jirapa?
Mr Cletus Seidu Dapilah 2:22 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, I thank you. Yesterday, I was
present, but I have been marked absent,
and I would like it to be corrected.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Hon
Member, did you register your name?
Mr Dapilah 2:22 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
All
right. Table, check if indeed, he did
register his name and address his
concerns.
Page 10…11 --
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa 2:22 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, I am grateful. Item 7(ii) on page
11 does not quite capture accurately what
happened. It was not just the case that the
Hon First Deputy Speaker directed the
Hon Minister for Finance to be
rescheduled. It was following a letter the
Hon Minister for Finance wrote to the
House that he was unavailable. There
was an application that the Hon Deputy
Minister for Finance be made to respond
to the Questions, which the House
rejected. The House then decided that the
Hon Minister for Finance should be
rescheduled because we would like him
to respond to the Questions personally.
So, this rendition does not accurately
capture what transpired yesterday. The
records should reflect that, please.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Hon
Member, I think —
Mr Annoh-Dompreh — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
All
right. Hon Majority Chief Whip, let me
hear you.
Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh 2:22 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, I think it is important that we
state the fact for the records. Yes, the
Hon Minister did write and requested
that his Deputy should answer the
Questions, and it was our Hon
Colleagues on the other Side, led by the
respected Hon Minority Leader, who
insisted —it was not the House — it was the Hon Minority Leader who insisted
that their Side wanted the appearance of
the Hon Minister himself, and if he
would recall, I made the point that it was
at their call. So, that was the fact, and that
is what should reflect in the records.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Hon
Member for North Tongu, I believe that
the details will appear in the Official
Report. This is just the Votes and
Proceedings.
Page 12…14 --
Mr Haruna Iddrisu 2:22 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
thank you. On page 14, concerning the
referral of the Contract Agreement
between the Government of the Republic
of Ghana, represented by the Fisheries
Commission, which has to do with
subscription payment —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Hon
Member, which paragraph?
Mr Haruna Iddrisu 2:22 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the
item numbered 9(b) on page 14.
Concerning the referral, I thought that if
we could get the leadership of the
Finance Committee to join the
Committee on Food, Agriculture, and
Cocoa Affairs, it may be more useful
than just the referral to the Committee on
Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs.
This is an observation.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Very
well. Table, kindly take note of that.
Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami
Dafeamekpor: Mr Speaker, I thank you
for the opportunity. On page 14, flowing
from item number 8(ii) under
‘Statements' on page 13, the rendition, as has been captured, is a bit problematic.
The essence of what we called on the
House to do was for Commonwealth
Hall to comply with the Court's interim
order, pending the final determination of
the case, but the rendition does not
capture it that way. So, it has to read this
way: “The Hon Member for Builsa
South, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, and the
Hon Member for South Dayi, Mr
Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami
Dafeamekpor, made a joint Statement
calling on the management of the
University of Ghana to respect the ruling
of the High Court and reverse the
decision of the University to remove
continuing students who reside in the
Commonwealth Hall in compliance with
the Court's interim order, pending the
final determination of the case.”
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
So, we
should add “pending the final determination…”
Mr Dafeamekpor 2:22 p.m.
Mr Speaker, yes,
and the “Court's order” should be “Court's interim order”; “interim” should qualify the word “order”.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Very
well. Table, kindly take note of that.
Mr Ablakwa — rose —
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:22 p.m.
Hon
Member for North Tongu, is it the same
issue? All right, let me hear from you.
Mr Ablakwa 2:32 p.m.
Mr Speaker, still on
page 14, the last but one paragraph,
“Contract Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana
(represented by the Fisheries
Commission, an agency of the Ministry
of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Development) and Messrs. Collecte
Localisation Satelites…”
Mr Speaker, the spelling of the word
“Satelites'' should have double “l'', not one “l”, so if we could have a look at that.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 2:32 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, I was not here yesterday, but I
think at the prompting of the Hon
Member for Tamale South, he wanted to
seek an amendment of the directive to
have the leadership of the Finance
Committee included in this.
Mr Speaker, this is a contract
agreement; it is a commercial agreement,
not a loan agreement, which otherwise
should go to the Finance Committee.
This one is exclusively to the subject
matter Committee. So, it is that
Committee — [Interruption] — I am not saying; I heard the Hon Member say that
we should include the leadership of the
Finance Committee, and I am suggesting
to him that this is a contract or
commercial agreement, so it goes to the
sector Committee. Otherwise, the
Finance Committee would be
everywhere. That is not how it is done.
Mr Speaker, so even though the
suggestion may be well intended, I
propose that the status quo should hold.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu 2:32 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
ordinarily, I would not litigate on this,
but once it is coming from the Hon
Majority Leader that I have failed to
persuade him to abandon it — I was not insisting.
Mr Speaker, first of all, this contract
agreement is premised on a financial
agreement. That financial agreement has
probably not even come before this
House — [Interruption] —The Hon Majority Leader should bring the details;
he is asking how. That is why I am
saying that we have just seen a contract,
which, rightly as he has observed, should
go to the Committee on Food,
Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, but I am
assuming that the original of this —

Mr Speaker, I have been a

longstanding Member of this House with

him. The Clerks-at-the-Table should

give me details on when the primary

agreement of this matter came to this

House, and when we took a decision on

this matter in this House. I need that

detail — [Interruption] — In the absence of that detail, I am saying that we should

let the leadership of the Finance

Committee — I am not saying we should vary the decision to say that it should be

referred to the Finance Committee and

the Committee on Food, Agriculture and

Cocoa Affairs. I am saying that we

should let the leadership of the Finance

Committee support them because —

Mr Speaker, all right. I now demand

from the Clerks-at-the-Table to give me

details of when the primary agreement to

this transaction was brought to this

House and the decision taken on the

matter to allow us to proceed on a

contract on this monetary system.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 2:32 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, I am happy my Hon Colleague
and former Hon Minority Leader says
that he is not insisting. We cannot have a
commercial agreement without a parent
agreement coming to this House. What
he said does not exist. The loan
agreement would precede the
commercial or contract agreement.
There has never been an instance where
we have a commercial agreement
premised on nothing. So, what he said
does not exist.
Mr Speaker, I believe we can move on.
I also do not want to litigate the matter
with him. [Interruption] Yes, it is a
subscription based on the earlier
agreement.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:32 p.m.
Very
well.
Table, let the status quo remain.
Page 15…17 --
Prof Kingsley Nyarko 2:32 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
need a clarification on the item
numbered 13 on page 17. Under
“NEEDS”, there is “Health Facility/Population Ratio”, “Health/Professionals/Population Ratio” and “Education/Facility/Population”.
Mr Speaker, I have not checked the
original document, but my hunch
suggests that we need to check to be sure
whether it is not “Health Professionals/Population Ratio” and “Education Facility/Population Ratio”. So, I would like us to check and
reconcile them.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:32 p.m.
Well,
Table, check for what the Hon Member
has said, if, indeed, the original report
has been captured well.
Hon Member for Kwadaso, they will
check from the original document.
Page 18…19?
Hon Members, in the absence of any
further corrections, the Votes and
Proceedings of Wednesday, 29th March,

2023, as corrected, is hereby adopted as

the true record of proceedings.

Hon Members, I have in my hands the

Official Report of Tuesday, 29th

November, 2022.
Mr Ablakwa 2:32 p.m.
Mr Speaker, beginning
from column 61, the Hon First Deputy
Speaker called the Hon Ranking
Member of the Finance Committee to
speak. That took us to column 62, and we
are told an Hon Member spoke and said,
“The cheap propaganda”.
Mr Speaker, the rule is that if the Hon
Member has not been called, that is not
recorded; it does not go on record. So,
there was no need for that to be captured.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:32 p.m.
Order!
Order!
Mr Ablakwa 2:42 p.m.
Mr Speaker, therefore,
the first paragraph at column 62 can be
deleted, except if the Department of
Official Report is able to identify the
Hon Member who spoke.
Mr Speaker, then, at the third
paragraph of column 64, “District” is omitted in “Metropolitan, Municipal and Assemblies”, so we need to insert it.
Mr Speaker, at column 66, I am sure
the Hon Minority Leader has not
adverted his mind, but there is an attempt
to give him a new rendition or spelling of
his name. “Ato” has been captured as “Atto”, instead of just one “t”, and that
recurs in the third and last paragraphs,
and continues all the way to column 68,
so if the records could be corrected
accordingly so that the accurate spelling
of his name is captured.
Mr Speaker, then, at the second
paragraph of column 131, when the Hon
Member for Bolgatanga Central made
that famous economic Maguire analysis,
the correct spelling of the name of the
Manchester United F. C. goalkeeper
should be “David de Gea”, not “Daniel Gea”, as has been captured here. It should be ‘David de Gea'.
Mr Speaker, the last paragraph of
column 136, reads, “I will like to congratulate our able hardworking Black
Stars players”. That should also be corrected accordingly. Thank you.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Very
well. The Table should kindly take note
of all the issues we have raised.
Mr Vincent Ekow Assafuah 2:42 p.m.
I am
most grateful, Mr Speaker. On the cover
page of the Official Report, under the
item listed Papers, one expects to read
“Budget Performance Report in respect of the Ministry of National Security for
the period”; “of” is missing.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Very
well, Table, take note.
Prof Kingsley Nyarko 2:42 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
respectively, in column 8, under
Announcements, “Benchmarking Visit to Parliament by Members of the Select
Committee on Budget of the National

Assembly of Namibia”. We need to insert these prepositions at their rightful

places.

Then, in column 2, under Mr Rockson-

Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor,

because he is here, I would be happy if

he could check whether what he said is

what is captured. If we look at the 10th

line, it says “Mr Speaker, I stand corrected”. I think he wanted to say “Mr Speaker, I stand to be corrected”. So, if it is not an omission, then I would be happy

if that one is properly captured unless he

says otherwise.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Very
well. Table, kindly take note.
Hon Members, without any further
corrections, the Official Report of 29th
November, 2022, is hereby adopted as
the true record of proceedings.
Hon Members, we will now move to
the item numbered five, and that is
Urgent Questions. We have one Urgent
Question which stands in the name of the
Hon Member for Akim Oda, Mr
Alexander Akwasi Acquah. The
Question is to the Minister for Roads and
Highways.
Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh 2:42 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, Leadership has related duly and
would want to fittingly vary the order of
Business and go on to Public Business
after which we will come back to take
item 5.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Very
well.
Hon Members, I will invite you to
page 6, the item listed 8.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:42 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
we are taking items 8(a) from (i)-(vi) and
8(b)(ii); we are excluding 8(b)(i). For the
first item, 8(a), I would seek your leave
for it to be done by the Hon Minister for
the Interior.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Very
well.
Hon Members, let us turn to page 6,
the item listed 8. At the Commencement
of Public Business, we will begin with
the laying of Papers beginning with item
8(a) by the Minister for Local
Government, Decentralisation and Rural
Development. I understand that the Hon
Minister for the Interior is doing that on
behalf of his Honourable Colleague.
Hon Minister for the Interior, you may
do so now.
PAPERS 2:42 p.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Now,
we will turn to the item numbered 8(b).
Hon Leader, did you say that we are
taking only the (ii)?
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:42 p.m.
Yes, Mr
Speaker. We are taking only (ii), by the
Chair of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr Speaker, I would seek you leave to
do that for him.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Yes,
who is doing that?
By the Majority Chief Whip (Mr Frank
Annoh-Dompreh on behalf of the
Chairman of the Committee) —
Report of the Committee of the
Whole on the Proposed Formula
for the Disbursement of the
National Health Insurance Fund
for the year 2023.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:42 p.m.
Now,
we will come back to item 5.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:42 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
we would go on to page 17.
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson 2:42 p.m.
Mr
Speaker, at Conclave, we were informed
that item 8(c) is also ready; the Report of
the Committee on Constitutional, Legal
and Parliamentary Affairs on the
Promotion of Proper Human Sexual
Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill,
2021. So, since we were told that the
Report is ready, it should equally be laid.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
Very
well.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:52 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
the Hon Chairman has communicated to
me that he is on his way here. When he
gets here, we would take it, but in the
meantime we would proceed to take the
item number 21 on page 17.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Minority Chief Whip?
Mr Agbodza 2:52 p.m.
Mr Speaker, we just
allowed my Hon good Friend to lay a
Report just now when he is not the Hon
Chairman. He would say he wants us to
do the Tax Waivers when the Hon
Chairman of the Finance Committee is
not here and we are going to allow our
Hon Colleague to do it. What exactly is
the reason he cannot allow anybody else
to do it?
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
So, lay
it.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:52 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I
have no problem laying this. The Hon
Chairman is in. I had communicated with
him.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
Hon
Chairman, before you sit down—
PAPERS 2:52 p.m.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
Yes,
Hon Majority Chief Whip?
Mr Annoh-Dompreh 2:52 p.m.
Mr Speaker,
we would move to page 17, item
numbered 21.
Mr Speaker, I would like to seek your
leave for it to be taken by the able Hon
Vice Chairman of the Finance
Committee.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
Hon
Members, you may come with me to
page 17, item listed 21 — Motion.
MOTIONS 2:52 p.m.
  • [made up of US$16,297,210.00 on imports and US$2,217,440.89 on domestic purchases]) on materials/goods and equipment required to be procured for the establishment of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Bunso Campus Project by Messrs. Kolon-DB Joint Venture. Mr Speaker, in so doing, I would proceed to present the Committees Report, and would like to ask the
    • Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, the Motion has been moved.
    Who is seconding it?
    Yes, Hon Member for Asuogyaman,
    Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem?
    Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem
    (NDC—Asuogyaman): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to second the Motion and
    in so doing, I would like to make a very
    brief comment.
    Mr Speaker, this request follows an
    earlier loan that we approved for the said
    project for a satellite campus of the
    University at Bunso. The Report on page
    6 indicates that— and before then, let me just do a simple correction. In the last
    line on page 6, it says that “what is left is the approval of the tax waiver by
    Parliament…”. The Report says “my Parliament”, so the Table should change the letter “m” to “b”.
    Mr Speaker, as I indicated, we need to
    support the establishment of this
    University. However, it is worrying and
    we would want to reiterate our
    disappointment for the relocation of this
    campus from Afram Plains to Bunso.
    This worry has been heightened by what
    we saw yesterday by this Government's attempt to move the approval of a loan
    facility to the tune of US$98 million for
    the construction of the road leading to
    Afram Plains to the by-passes that would
    lead to Kumasi.
    Mr Speaker, it is becoming too many.
    The people of Afram Plains—
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Member—
    Mr Ampem 2:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker let me finish
    this, it is important. The reallocation of
    things meant for Afram Plains to other
    places is unacceptable. Otherwise, Mr
    Speaker— [Interruption]—
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
    Mr
    Thomas Ampem!
    Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh — rose—
    Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh
    (NPP—Manhyia South): Thank you, Mr Speaker. My Hon Colleague has
    raised an important matter that should be
    set straight. I was the Hon Minister for
    Education when this loan was arranged.
    It is never true that any money allocated
    to Afram Plains for a university has been
    relocated. It is not true that any
    university or a campus which was in
    Afram Plains has been relocated to
    Bunso.
    Mr Speaker, these are the records. The
    South Koreans were the first to visit the

    various sites that have been proposed for

    Eastern Region. They went to meet the

    Chief and people in Afram Plains. They

    said the infrastructure needed to be built

    before they even took the university to

    the place. Their loan was not going to be

    put to that use so they rejected that place

    as the university.

    Mr Speaker, it was subsequently that

    the Government of the National

    Democratic Congress (NDC) led by the

    Hon Minister for Finance, Mr Seth

    Terkper, went to get a commercial loan

    and put the facility in Somanya.

    Subsequent to that, the South Koreans

    found in the newspapers that President

    Mahama has gone to cut sod and they

    decided to even cancel the whole loan.

    We had to send special emissaries to

    South Korea to have it reinstituted. Since

    they had already rejected Afram Plains,

    they went through Eastern Region and

    located Bunso, which was very near to

    the Cocoa Research Institute and the

    University College of Agricultural and

    Environmental Studies.

    Mr Ampem —rose—
    Dr M.O. Prempeh 2:52 p.m.
    I did not know
    that he was so impatient. I thought he
    was a gentleman and he respected the
    debate. He is so impatient. The Speaker
    has not called him and look at what he is
    doing to me. He is trying to intimidate
    me.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, he is not comfortable with the
    word “impatient”.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 2:52 p.m.
    I withdraw the
    word. [Some Hon Members: What
    word?] The one he does not like -- [Laughter].
    Mr Speaker, my good Hon Friend
    knows that what I am saying is not a lie.
    Truly, nothing has been relocated from
    Afram Plains. This was a loan negotiated
    purposefully for Bunso, for the
    University campuses to be sited at
    Bunso. We must all support it for this
    loan to go through.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 2:52 p.m.
    Thank
    you very much.
    Some Hon Members —rose—
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:02 p.m.
    Alright,
    let me give the Hon Member for North
    Tongu the opportunity.

    Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

    (NDC—North Tongu): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I was the Deputy

    Minister for Education in charge of

    tertiary education at the time this project

    was conceptualised.

    I need to set the records straight.

    Concerning the University for

    Environment and Sustainable

    Development, the records would reflect

    that this University was proposed by the

    late Prof John Evans Atta Mills. If we

    read the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) manifesto, two proposals were

    made to establish a university for energy

    and natural resources in Sunyani and that

    was after the University of Health and

    Allied Sciences had been commenced in

    Ho. This is because the policy proposal

    was to extend public university

    education to regions that did not have the

    benefit of public universities, so the

    University of Health and Allied Sciences

    were established in the Volta Region,

    and the University of Energy and Natural

    Resources in the then Brong Ahafo

    Region which did not have a public

    university.

    For the Eastern Region which at the

    time did not have a public university, if

    we refer to our manifesto and the pledge

    we made to Ghanaians, the proposal was

    that the University of Environment and

    Sustainable Development would have

    two campuses, that is one campus in

    Somanya and the second in Afram

    plains. That is the policy for which a

    technical committee was set up.

    Mr Speaker, after the pledge was

    made, duly captured in the manifesto,

    and in the late former President's Message on the State of the Nation, we

    then set out to source funding. At the

    time, we were speaking to the Brazilians

    and the South Koreans. Fortunately, the

    Brazilians came through first, so their

    funding was secured and we decided to

    commence work on the main campus.

    President John Dramani Mahama cut sod

    in December 2016. I remember I was

    there with the Hon Minister for

    Education, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-

    Agyeman, at the time. It was just after

    the 7th December elections. President

    Mahama cut the sod for the Somanya

    campus, and the understanding was that

    when the South Korean funding which

    was being negotiated was secured and

    the negotiations were completed, the

    second campus which was to be sited in

    the Afram Plains, Donkorkrom to be

    specific, would receive attention from

    this facility. So, the Brazilian facility was

    for Somanya and the South Korean

    facility for Donkorkrom.

    Mr Speaker, in this country, we are a

    sovereign nation, and no foreigner can

    come to Ghana and tell us that they do

    not like here or there. We decide, by way

    of policy as a Government. No other

    country can tell us where a project should

    be sited or not. So, Mr Speaker, what the

    Hon Member for Asuogyaman, Mr

    Thomas Nyarko Ampem, said is

    accurate.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:02 p.m.
    Very
    well. Hon Member, this was just under a
    point of order, so it is alright. We are
    alright with you.
    Mr Ablakwa 3:02 p.m.
    It is the current
    Government that relocated, but the
    original plan was for Somanya and
    Donkorkrom in the Afram Plains. They
    did the relocation, so Mr Thomas Nyarko
    Ampem is correct. He is on very solid
    and truthful grounds.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Member for Asuogyaman, Mr Thomas
    Nyarko Ampem, please, conclude your
    debate.
    Mr Ampem 3:02 p.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    In conclusion, Mr Speaker, I would
    like to reiterate my call that it is unfair to
    continue to shift development from a
    particular area to another. This is because
    the moment an announcement is made
    that this development is going to an area,

    it generates excitement among the

    people and they look forward to it. The

    people of Afram Plains were so excited

    to hear that from Somanya, the next

    place that was going to be considered for

    this university was going to be them. The

    chiefs even donated vast land for this, so

    if another Government comes and their

    focus shifts that they want this university

    for any reason, then the former Hon

    Minister for Education tried to give

    reasons why the university was not sent

    to Afram Plains, but to Bunso. That is his

    reason, but the people of Afram Plains

    are not happy and they complain every

    time we see them. That is why

    yesterday, when news broke that US$98

    million that was going to be used for the

    construction of the road leading to Afram

    Plains was going to be reallocated to

    another area, it was another unpalatable

    news to them.

    Mr Speaker, so in supporting this

    Motion, we have already committed

    ourselves and the Bunso project has

    already been approved by this House, so

    we would continue to support this task

    waiver. However, I would like to

    emphasise that we must learn lessons

    from this and not continue to deny the

    good people of Afram Plains. The only

    reason I support this is that Bunso and

    Afram Plains are both in the Eastern

    Region anyway.

    Some Hon Members — rose —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:02 p.m.
    Very
    well.
    Hon Members, we have so many
    things to do today, so let us limit the
    contributions.
    Hon Minority Chief Whip, can you
    sacrifice your contribution, so that we
    move on?
    Mr Agbodza 3:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to
    support the Motion for the grant of tax
    waivers, but I have a serious concern
    about this waiver. This Report does not
    even tell us the status of this project. We
    approved this loan or grant long time
    ago, but nobody has told us if this project
    is ongoing. Secondly, there is no
    attachment to this Report as to the
    schedule of items on which we are
    granting the tax waivers. Mr Speaker,
    yes, it could haven presented to Hon
    Members of the Committee, but I keep
    saying that I have seen a tax waiver for
    an electrification project in this House
    where we saw stone quarrying machines
    in that schedule, so it is important that the
    Finance Committee always adds the
    schedule of items upon which we are
    granting the waivers, so that we could
    track and trace whether it is relevant. I
    am not against the grant of the tax
    waivers, but I think that this is important.
    Secondly, Mr Speaker, if we go to
    page 6 of the Report, it says that the
    Committee was further informed that
    disbursement of the facility had stalled
    due to the delay in granting of the
    waivers. If they were to tell us the status
    of the project, it would have been easier
    to track whether this is even true,
    because if they have not even started the
    project, why would they be asking for tax
    waivers? We ask for task waivers
    somewhere within the implementation of

    the project. They do not need tax waivers

    when they are getting advanced

    payments, so it is important that we get

    details of why it is being delayed. This is

    because nobody needs tax waivers to

    give an advance payment if you are

    starting a project. You only need a bond

    to be able to do that.

    Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the

    opportunity.
    Mr Haruna Iddrisu 3:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    before you proceed with the Question,
    just that tomorrow, the clerk of the
    Committee and the Hon Chairman — Mr Speaker, may I refer you to paragraph 4.0
    and it reads:
    “Hon Members may recall that Parliament at its Thirty-
    Seventh Sitting of the Second
    Meeting held on Monday, 16th
    July, 2018 approved by
    resolution, the Loan
    Agreement between the
    Government of Ghana and the
    Export-Import Bank of
    Korea…”
    It continues. Then we come down, it
    reads: “... to finance the Construction”, there is no comma and we said
    “Construction Equipping”, so there is something wrong there, because it reads:
    “…to finance the Construction Equipping an of the University
    of Environment and
    Sustainable Development at
    Bunso, in the Eastern Region
    under the Economic
    Development Cooperation
    Fund (EDC).”
    Mr Speaker, there is something wrong
    with the rendition and the wording there.

    Then, Mr Speaker, before we take the

    Question, when we come to the table, we

    are being told on page 7 that the

    Committee is not recommending the

    approval of the COVID-19 Recovery

    Levy, so I am assuming that they are

    deducting US$448,827 from what was

    originally proposed. Now, how come

    that we do not find that in the table on

    page 8? This is because there is a

    decision taken that the Committee is not

    recommending COVID-19 Recovery

    Levy.

    Mr Speaker, if one comes to the first

    paragraph on page 8, it reads, “In view of the above, the Committee is unable to

    recommend the waiver of COVID-19

    Recovery Levy on the projects”. So, I wanted to see the mathematics there.

    How much is the Committee deducting

    from the originally proposed amount to

    arrive at the original figure that in the

    exercise of our mandate under article 174

    of the 1992 Constitution this House

    would by Resolution approve what

    amount as tax waiver? This is because

    whatever the Committee does must

    exclude the COVID-19 Recovery Levy.

    I want to have that properly corrected

    before, Mr Speaker, you put in the

    Question.

    Thank you.

    Minority Leader (Dr Cassiel Ato

    Baah Forson): Mr Speaker, one thing I

    have seen, coming across some of these

    tax waivers relates to the fact that most

    of these projects we are approving tax

    waivers for have been abandoned. The

    University campus at Bunso has, indeed,

    been abandoned as a result of

    Government's policy of debt restructuring. As we speak, the

    contractor is not on site — [Interruption] — The contractor is not on site unless the Hon Member is telling me today —

    Mr Speaker, so we need assurances

    from the Ministry of Finance to indicate

    to the fact that the contractor would,

    indeed, go back to site. Clearly,

    Government has announced the

    suspension of debt servicing; we are not

    servicing the debt, and, as a result, the

    lenders are not allowing the contractors

    or the Ministry of Finance to draw down

    on the loans, so the contract is being

    abandoned, and, so, we would need

    assurances from the Ministry to indicate

    to us that they would go back to site;

    other than that, there is no basis for us to

    approve these tax waivers. This is a

    critical matter, and we would need

    assurances from the Ministry.

    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Very
    well, I was going to put the Question, but
    it is either I give the Hon Chairman or the
    Hon Deputy Minister —
    Deputy Minister for Finance (Mrs
    Abena Osei-Asare) (MP): Mr Speaker,
    I just want to make a few corrections.
    Mr Speaker, this particular loan is one
    of the loans that is being serviced, and,
    so, the contractor is on site. I just want to
    put it out here that this particular loan is
    one of the loans that is being serviced.
    There was an amount of US$2.5 million
    which we are trying to pay; we have paid
    quite a substantial amount. So, this
    particular loan is being serviced; hence,
    work is going on. All we need is for us to
    pass this Resolution of tax waivers as
    well.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Very
    well
    Hon Chairman, do you want to say
    something?
    Yes, Hon Majority Leader?
    Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-
    Mensah-Bonsu): Mr Speaker, just a
    little correction: my Hon Colleague, the
    Minority Chief Whip, said that not until
    a project commences, it would be
    difficult to grant tax waivers. I beg to
    disagree.
    Mr Speaker, this is because at the very
    outset, once the House approves of the
    Loan Agreement, and it comes to the
    Commercial Agreement, the contractor,
    the person who is going to execute the
    project, should know exactly which areas
    that he or she may have tax exemptions
    and waivers; otherwise, if the
    Government waits until it begins, it
    could develop some technical
    difficulties, and, then, the person we
    anticipated would grant tax waivers in
    one direction, the Government is not able
    to do that, and, then, it generates all
    manner of inconveniences. Sometimes,
    the unanticipated and the contract has to
    be abandoned midway, so it is always

    better to have these clarities established

    at the very outset. That is why I said that,

    maybe, we want to be practical about

    what happens in Ghana, but it is totally

    wrong. These things should be

    established at the very outset.

    Mr Speaker, thank you.

    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Majority Chief Whip?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    let me seek your leave for the item
    numbered 22 to be done by the Hon
    Deputy Minister for Finance.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Deputy Minister and Member for
    Atiwa East?
    RESOLUTIONS 3:12 p.m.
    WHEREAS 3:12 p.m.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, the Motion for the Resolution
    is moved. Who is seconding it?
    Minority Chief Whip (Mr Kwame
    Governs Agbodza): Mr Speaker, I
    second the Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Majority Chief Whip?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we would go to the item numbered 29 on
    page 26.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, once again, come with me
    page 26, item listed 29 — Motions, by the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
    Hon Chairman, let us hear from you.
    Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC — Bia East) 3:12 p.m.
    Thank you very much, Mr
    Speaker.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to second the
    Motion.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, this is a procedural Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:12 p.m.
    Hon
    Chairman, now move to the substantive
    Motion.
    MOTIONS 3:12 p.m.
    Mr Kwarteng 3:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is
    important to know that, in the original Motion, the domestic VAT has been quoted in dollars, but the Committee just took note and said that going forward, under no circumstance should we present a request for waiver of domestic VAT denominated in foreign currency.
    Mr Speaker, that is why you would see
    that, in the Committee's Report, we have presented the cedi equivalent of the domestic VAT exemption. We request the Hansard to capture this as though same was listed on the Order Paper.
    Mr Speaker, on this note, I submit the
    Report.
    Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC — Bia East) 3:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to second
    the Motion and speak to the Report
    presented by the Hon Chairman of the
    Committee for the House to approve an
    amount of US$4,624,731.00 for the
    construction of the Ministry of Foreign
    Affairs and Regional Integration Office
    Annex Building Project.
    Mr Speaker, one may ask that we have
    an Exemptions Act, so why is it that we
    are still granting exemptions to State
    institutions to undertake some other
    projects?
    Mr Speaker, this is a grant project and
    if you read through the document or the
    Report presented by the Committee — I refer to item 6 of page 4 of 7 — Justification for Government Support for
    Tax Exemptions, it says that:
    Government of Ghana acting
    through the Ministry of Foreign
    Affairs and Regional Integration
    upon signing of the Aid
    Agreement for the implementation
    of the project is expected to abide
    by and satisfy, fully, conditions
    provided under the Agreement.
    We have articles 11.1.2; 11.1.3; 11.1.4
    of the Aid Implementation Agreement
    and it says that:
    Government of Ghana shall
    exempt the contractor and
    personnel to be engaged to work
    under the project from corporate
    tax, personal income tax, customs
    duties on equipment, machinery,

    materials, goods and services and

    other local taxes applicable in

    Ghana.

    Mr Speaker, clearly, this is a condition

    precedent of which failure to grant these

    waivers, the State must find money to

    make up the difference. Also, if we refer

    to article 107(b) of our Constitution, it is

    very clear that there is no way we can

    deny the State institution this very

    facility. So, it is not that we are closing

    our eyes to the very Exemptions Act

    passed by this House, but this is a very

    exceptional case that we are dealing

    with. Therefore, it would not be business

    as usual that any tax exemption brought

    before us would be granted. We need to

    send notice that this is a special

    arrangement we are giving to the

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional

    Integration to undertake their project.

    Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for

    the opportunity.

    Mr Kwarteng — rose —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Chairman, you just moved the Motion —
    Mr Kwarteng 3:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, yes. If
    you would permit, it is important to add
    something to what the Hon Member for
    Bia East said.
    It is true that under the current Tax
    Exemptions Act, these waivers would
    not pass. However, the reason we are
    able to pass them is that the waivers
    themselves were agreed in a Grant
    Agreement signed some time in 2021.
    The Exemptions Act says those
    agreements that Government would have
    entered into before the coming into force
    of the Act — so the reason we are able to exempt this is that the Exemptions Act
    has saved provisions such as this. It is not
    our discretion, and if any such requests
    came before the Committee that is not
    backed by an earlier resolution, the
    Committee would not recommend that to
    the House for approval. I thought I
    should add that.
    Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
    (NDC — North Tongu): Mr Speaker, I am most grateful. I rise to support the
    Motion and in doing so, I would want to
    quickly draw attention to a few
    corrections we have to effect in the first
    paragraph of page 2 — “…Deputy Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs
    and Regional Integration…” There were two Hon Deputy Ministers for Foreign
    Affairs and Regional Integration who
    met the Committee, so that should be
    plural. The third paragraph still on that
    page should read, “The Committee is grateful to the Hon Deputy Ministers…” This is because there were three Deputy
    Ministers, not only one Minister; the
    Hon Deputy Minister for Finance and the
    two Hon Deputy Ministers for Foreign
    Affairs and Regional Integration.
    Mr Speaker, therefore, with these few
    corrections, I support the Motion. This is
    a testament of the flourishing Ghana-
    China bilateral relations. At the
    Committee of Foreign Affairs, we have
    been looking forward to this project
    which is an expansion of the earlier
    agreement which was signed leading to
    the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    and Regional Integration building which
    was another grant by the Chinese
    Government when in 2009 there was this

    unfortunate fire outbreak, and the

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional

    Integration had to be relocated.

    Mr Speaker, I also note that our

    Ministry of Defence building is another

    grant from the Chinese Government. The

    Cape Coast Sports Stadium is another

    grant from the Chinese Government. I

    am also aware that during the

    negotiations for the grant that led to the

    Ministry of Defence and then the

    Kotokoraba Market, I recall that there

    was a proposal for the Ministry of

    Finance, as well, to receive a grant from

    the Chinese Government. I note that

    China has been seeking to deepen their

    ties with Ghana and Africa for that

    matter under the China-Ghana Vision

    2035. On the 21st of this month, just few

    days ago, the Minister for Foreign

    Affairs and Regional Integration and the

    Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Lu

    Kun, cut sod for the construction of this

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional

    Integration Annex. I know that

    contractors are on site and work has

    commenced.

    Mr Speaker, if you look at the scope of

    the project on page 4, we are told that this

    Annex would house a banquet hall, a

    144-capacity press briefing room, a

    clinic, a gymnasium, and a basement for

    parking 49 vehicles. I note that when the

    Ministry has events, parking becomes a

    challenge and vehicles are compelled to

    park on the streets, and we know that

    Airport Residential is a very busy place.

    So, this basement parking arrangement

    would help to resolve that challenge.

    Mr Speaker, having said that I would

    like to commend the Finance Committee

    for recommending that the waiver should

    be paid in cedi denomination therefore

    they changed the original Agreement

    from a dollar-denominated waiver to a

    cedi denomination in paragraph 8.2, and

    that is commendable. Another

    commendable effort that the Finance

    Committee has carried out in item

    number 9.0 on page 6, is the fact that they

    have given the Ministry of Foreign

    Affairs and Regional Integration three

    months to provide a detailed breakdown

    of all the equipment and facilities that

    would be procured under this

    arrangement. That breakdown should be

    submitted to Parliament. This is the way

    to go; it is very forward looking; it brings

    transparency and it avoids abuse.

    Mr Speaker, I would therefore like to

    commend the Finance Committee for

    clearly doing a thorough work. I would

    just finally ask that as we receive this

    grant, because of what happened in

    Addis Ababa with the Africa Union

    Building where it emerged that it

    appeared that sections had been bugged,

    I hope that we will make sure that our

    National Security would be on the alert

    and would make sure that our

    sovereignty is protected; the structure

    integrity, and most importantly, the

    intelligence systems would receive all

    the necessary attention. This is because

    at the end of the day, it is really about our

    national interests and our sovereignty.

    We have to make sure that the systems

    are in place so that nobody is listening in

    or would have any other ulterior motives.

    Mr Speaker, having said that we must

    thank the Government and people of

    China for this support. Our relations are

    growing, trade volumes are increasing; it

    has now exceeded US$10 billion and it is

    clear that these two countries would

    continue to collaborate for many years to

    come.

    I add my voice; I support this waiver

    and I hope that in 26 months, we shall all

    see a new Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    and Regional Integration Annex

    Building which will serve this country.

    I thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Very
    well. Hon Members, at the conclusion of
    the debate —
    Mr Haruna Iddrisu (NDC — Tamale South) 3:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, just a
    slight clarification, if you would indulge
    me, with the Committee Chairman. In
    paragraph 8.2 — “Denomination of Domestic Taxes in Dollars” — it ends with the statement, and for the purposes,
    Mr Speaker, I would quote it 3:32 p.m.
    “The Committee recommends to the House to
    approve the sum of GH₵6,280,305.17”.
    However, at the conclusion on page 7,
    nothing is said about the GH₵6 million. What are they asking the House to do?
    They should reconcile what is on page 6
    with what they are asking for on page 7
    because we have noted that the
    Committee recommends GH₵6.2 million. Yet, in the final figures, we see
    GH₵4 million, and we see another one denominated in dollars. What are they
    asking this House to do?
    Mr Kwarteng 3:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, we are
    asking this House to approve what is in
    the conclusion. What we see in the
    earlier table is part of what the Ministry
    brought to us requesting the waiver.
    Apart from making modifications to the
    amount because certain tax lines were
    taken out, we are also saying that, going
    forward, never are we going to ask the
    House to approve domestic tax
    exemptions denominated in foreign
    currency; that is why we see the
    differences.
    To avoid confusion, what we are
    asking the House to approve as waiver,
    is the Ghana cedi equivalent of
    US$4,624,731 for imports and
    GH₵4,322,807.45 on local purchases of materials and goods. Accordingly, we
    request the Hansard to reflect this in the
    Motion that appeared on the Order Paper.
    I so move.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Very
    well.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, you may move the Resolution.
    RESOLUTION 3:32 p.m.
  • [made up of US$4,624,731.00 on imports and US$329,856.88 on local purchases]) on materials/goods and equipment required to be procured for the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Office Annex Building Project. NOW THEREFORE, this honourable House hereby approves, by resolution, the exercise by the Minister responsible for Finance of the power conferred on the Minister by Statute to waive such Customs Duties, Import VAT, Import NHIL, GETFund Levy, EXIM Levy, Special Import Levy and Domestic VAT amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of four million, nine hundred and fifty- four thousand, five hundred and eighty- seven United States dollars, eighty-eight cents (US$4,954,587.88 [made up of US$4,624,731.00 on imports and US$329,856.88 on local purchases]) on materials/goods and equipment required to be procured for the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Office Annex Building Project. Minority Chief Whip (Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion. Question put and Motion agreed to. Resolved accordingly.
    • Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    page 30, item 32.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Very
    well. Hon Members, let us turn to page
    30, the item listed 32 — Motion to be moved by the Chairman of the
    Committee.
    MOTIONS 3:32 p.m.
    Mr John Abdulai Jinapor (NDC — Yapei/Kusawgu) 3:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to
    second the Motion, and in doing so, with
    your permission, make few observations
    and commentary on the request.
    First of all, Mr Speaker, healthcare is
    a very essential and very important
    element of our social life. Indeed, when
    we read the Report, and I refer to page 3,
    paragraph 2.4., the Hon Chairman of the
    Committee made the assertion that the
    health status of the people living in
    Ghana is improved by the Ministry of
    Health —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, this is a procedural Motion, so
    you have seconded it.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, the item numbered 33.
    Motion
    Request for Tax Waiver for
    Medical Supplies to Support the
    Health Sector for 2023-2025
    Chairman of the Committee (Mr
    Kwaku Agyemang Kwarteng): Mr
    Speaker, I beg to move that this
    honourable House adopts the Report of
    the Finance Committee on the request for
    waiver of import duty, import NHIL,
    import GETFund levy, import VAT, AU
    levy, ECOWAS levy and inspection fees
    amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent
    of ninety-nine million, two hundred and
    seven thousand, one hundred and
    nineteen euros, forty-five cents
    (€99,207,119.45 [made up of €64,665,350.52 for Global Fund and GAVI Alliance and €34,551,768.93 for other development partners to the
    Ministry of Health]) for medical supplies
    including vaccines, medicines,
    equipment and vehicles to support the
    health sector for the period 2021-2023.
    Mr Speaker, I rise to move the Motion
    so that the Hon Member for Yapei/Kusawgu and others may eloquently contribute to it. In the process, I present your Committee's Report and request the Hansard Department to capture the entire content while I take the conclusion.
    1.0. Introduction
    The request for waiver of import duty,
    import NHIL, import GETFund levy, import VAT, AU levy, ECOWAS levy and inspection fees amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent of ninety-nine

    million, two hundred and seven thousand, one hundred and nineteen euros and forty-five cents (€99,207,119.45) [made up of €64,665,350.52 for Global Fund and GAVI Alliance and €34,551,768.93 for other Development Partners to the Ministry of Health] for medical supplies including vaccines, medicines, equipment and vehicles to support the health sector for the period 2023-2025 was presented to the House on Friday 17th March, 2023, by the Hon Minister responsible for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei- Mensah-Bonsu, on behalf of the Minister responsible for Finance.

    Pursuant to Order 169 of the Standing

    Orders of the House, the request was

    referred to the Finance Committee for

    consideration and report.

    The Committee subsequently met and

    considered the request with the Hon

    Minister for Health, Mr Kwaku

    Agyeman-Manu, Hon Deputy Minister

    for Finance, Mrs Abena Osei-Asare and

    a team of officials from the Ministries of

    Finance and Health as well as the Ghana

    Revenue Authority (GRA). The

    Committee, hereby, presents this report

    to the House pursuant to Order 161(1) of

    the Standing Orders of the House.

    Background

    2.1. The health system is critical for

    national development and Government

    envisions that the right to health of

    people living in Ghana is guaranteed

    through an established sustainable health

    system which could deliver

    comprehensive, affordable, equitable,

    responsive health services and easily

    accessible healthcare to the population.

    Government has made a commitment to

    strengthen health promotion and

    prevention services by scaling up healthy

    lifestyle and disease prevention strategies

    as well as improve access to curative and

    emergency services.

    2.2. Ghana's health sector has over the years achieved positive gains in promoting

    the health of the Ghanaian citizenry.

    Development Partners in health have

    contributed significantly to these gains

    but in recent times sustaining the gains

    has become very crucial. Their support to

    the efforts aimed at eliminating HIV,

    malaria and tuberculosis, as well as

    ensuring that every child is reached

    through immunisation cannot be under-

    emphasised.

    2.3. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is

    responsible for the health of the people

    of Ghana. It is involved in providing

    public health services, managing

    healthcare industry, and building

    hospitals and medical education system.

    2.4. The health status of people living

    in Ghana is improved by the MoH

    through the development and

    promotion of proactive policies,

    provision of universal access to basic

    health service, and the provision of

    quality and affordable health services

    which are delivered in a humane,

    efficient, and effective manner by well-

    trained, highly motivated and client-

    oriented personnel with involvement of

    all stakeholders.

    2.5. The MoH and its agencies have

    specific mandate to assess and monitor

    the country's health status, advise central

    government on health policies and

    legislation, formulate strategies and

    design programmes to address health

    problems of the country and implement,

    monitor, and evaluate (in collaboration

    with other related sectors, agencies and

    donor partners) all health programmes

    and activities in the country.

    2.6. As a policy, the MoH is to

    maximise the potential healthy life of

    individuals resident in Ghana by

    reducing the incidence and prevalence of

    illness, injury and disability and the

    prevention of premature death. It also

    seeks to address the health access

    inequalities between and within regions

    and districts in respect of emergency

    care, diseases eradication, elimination,

    financing policy and health insurance,

    chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS and

    quality of care.

    2.7. The Government of Ghana and

    health sector Development Partners

    commit resources towards the

    implementation of the health sector

    annual programme of work. About 70

    per cent of the donor funds are used for

    procurement and importation of health

    and non-health products including

    vaccines, nutritional food supplements

    and medicines. For purposes of health

    system strengthening, part of the donor

    funds is used to procure motor bikes,

    bicycles, vehicles, fibre boats, medical

    equipment, and service parts.

    2.8. Imports of health and non-health

    products to the MoH and its related

    agencies have high monetary value and

    this translates into huge imports bill

    which the MoH has inadequate financial

    resources to settle. In the Framework

    Agreements between the MoH and

    Development Partners are clauses

    prohibiting implementing actors from

    applying cash grants /operational funds

    to pay taxes, duties and levies on

    imported health and non-health products

    as well as VAT component of conference

    packages or related costs.

    3.0. Purpose of the Request

    The objective of the instant request is

    to seek Parliamentary approval in

    accordance with article 174(2) of the

    1992 Constitution for the waiver of the

    various taxes and duties in relation to

    medical supplies (vaccines, medicines,

    equipment and vehicles) to the Ministry

    of Health by the Global Fund, GAVI

    Alliance and other Development

    Partners including JICA, UNICEF,

    WAHO, KOICA, WHO etc.

    4.0. Total Waiver Requested

    The total amount of taxes and duties

    for which waiver is being sought is the

    Ghana Cedi equivalent of ninety-nine

    million, two hundred and seven

    thousand, one hundred and nineteen

    euros and forty-five cents

    (€99,207,119.45) made up of €64,665,350.52 for Global fund and GAVI alliance and €34,551,768.93 for other Development Partners.

    5.0. Observations and Recommendations

    5.1. Global Fund Investment in Ghana

    The Committee noted that the Global

    Fund's cumulative investment to Ghana is estimated at US$1.2 billion. The

    Government of Ghana (GoG)

    represented by the Ministry of Health

    (MoH) entered into a Grant Agreement

    with the Global Fund to fight AIDS,

    tuberculosis, and malaria in December

    2021 to implement two programmes - Investing for impact to end Tuberculosis

    and HIV and Building effective systems

    for impactful malaria control. For the

    period 2023-2025, the Global Fund

    allocation for the health sector is

    estimated at US$238,196,057.00.

    5.2. GAVI's Support to Ghana

    GAVI has also been an active partner

    and provides cash grants and vaccines to

    support healthcare delivery in Ghana.

    Since year 2000, GAVI has disbursed

    cash grants totalling US$42.0 million

    and vaccines support totalling US$259.0

    million. GAVI's renewed support to Ghana's health sector programme of work for 2021 to 2023 is also estimated

    at US$33.0 million cash grant and

    US$25,679,258.00 vaccine support.

    5.3. Condition Precedent to Health

    Commodity Supply

    The Committee observed that as a

    condition precedent for the supply of

    health commodities by these

    international partners, the country is

    required to provide tax exemptions to

    cover the clearing of the commodities at

    the ports of entry. An integral part of the

    Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

    signed between the MoH, and

    Development Partners prohibits the use

    of the grant funds for the payment of all

    applicable taxes, duties and levies on

    commodity imports as well as the use of

    cash grants for payment of VAT on

    services. Some of the health

    commodities such as vaccines and

    medicines have limited shelve life which

    could affect the potency of the

    commodities. Also, any delays in

    clearance could result in huge

    demurrage/storage and rent charges to

    the sector and the Government.

    5.4. Need for Waiver

    The Committee noted that the

    provisions of article 3.5 (Exemption

    from Taxation) of the Grant Regulations

    (2014) of the Global Fund stipulate that

    the Grant Funds shall be exempt from

    relevant taxation applicable in the host

    country, including but not limited to

    customs duties, import duties, taxes or

    fiscal charges of equal effect levied or

    otherwise imposed on the Health

    Products imported into the host country.

    Also, article 15 (Taxes) of the

    Partnership Framework Agreement for Vaccine and/or Cash Support signed between the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Health) and the GAVI Alliance stipulates that GAVI funds provided under the Agreement shall not be used to pay any taxes, customs duties, toll, or other charges imposed on the importation of vaccines and related supplies.

    The Committee was informed that the

    unlikely failure to grant the instant waiver request could result in the;

    i. Possibility of Development Partners withholding support for

    these essential commodities.

    ii. Cancellation of orders for procurement of the health and non-

    health commodities.

    iii. Delays in clearance of the commodities, leading to the

    reduction in the potency of the

    commodities, payment of huge

    demurrage/storage and rent

    charges.

    5.5. Waiver Horizon

    The Committee noted that in view of

    the agreements between Ghana and the

    Global Fund and between Ghana and

    GAVI Alliance, the Ministry of Health

    has since 2021 been receiving donations

    in relation to the relevant programmes

    with the expectation that the donations

    will continue until the expiration of the

    programmes.

    The instant tax waiver request hence

    covers the donations received from 2021

    to date and all subsequent donations to

    the health sector until the programmes

    end.

    5.6. Downward Revision of the Amount to be Waived

    The Committee noted that the taxes

    and duties requested to be waived

    include AU Levy, ECOWAS Levy and

    Inspection Fees. The Committee

    however was of the opinion that in view

    of the provisions of the Exemptions Act,

    2022 (Act 1083), those levies and fees

    should not be included in the waiver.

    The Committee therefore agreed with

    the Ministry of Finance to exclude these

    levies and fees, and thereby reducing the

    waiver amount to the Ghana cedi

    equivalent of eighty-nine million, eight

    hundred and ninety-two thousand, nine

    hundred and forty-six and fifty-seven

    cents (€89,892,946.57), made up of €60,372,196.50 for Global fund and

    GAVI alliance and €29,520,750.07 for other Development Partners and to

    recommend this reduced amount to the

    House for approval.

    ATTACHMENT: Please find

    attached, as APPENDIX, the details of

    the revised taxes and duties to be waived

    as assessed by the Ghana Revenue

    Authority (GRA).

    6.0. Conclusion

    In view of the foregoing observations

    and the critical need for vaccines,

    medicines and equipment for the

    realisation of health and related

    outcomes for the people of Ghana, the

    Committee respectfully recommends to

    the House to adopt this report and

    approve by resolution, the request for

    waiver of import duty, import NHIL,

    import GETFund levy and import VAT

    amounting to the Ghana cedi equivalent

    of eighty-nine million, eight hundred and

    ninety-two thousand, nine hundred and

    forty-six euros and fifty-seven cents

    (€89,892,946.57 [made up of €60,372,196.50 for Global Fund and GAVI Alliance and €29,520,750.07 for other Development Partners to the

    Ministry of Health]) for medical supplies

    including vaccines, medicines,

    equipment and vehicles to support the

    health sector for the period 2023-2025 in accordance with article 174(2) of the

    1992 Constitution of the Republic of

    Ghana.

    Filed copy of Finance Committee.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Member for Yapei/Kusawgu, now I can
    come to you.
    Mr John Abdulai Jinapor (NDC — Yapei/Kusawgu) 3:32 p.m.
    Thank you very
    much, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity.
    As I said, healthcare is very important,
    and an essential component as far as the
    socio-economic wellbeing of the
    ordinary Ghanaian is concerned.
    However, Mr Speaker, I note that the
    Hon Chairman claims that the health
    status of the people in Ghana is improved
    by the Ministry of Health. Mr Speaker, I
    stand to state that the health of the people
    of Ghana is not solely the responsibility
    of the Ministry of Health. Indeed, a
    Ministry like the Ministry of Gender,
    Children and Social Protection is an
    important Ministry, and I can state on
    authority that when my very good
    Friend, the Hon Member for
    Dome/Kwabenya, Ms Adwoa Safoa, was
    the Minister in that Ministry, she
    demonstrated — and I am referring to Ms Adwoa Safo.
    She demonstrated leadership and
    independence. [Some Hon Members:
    Yes!] She showed that she is a woman of
    valour and she demonstrated that nobody
    can influence her when she was at that
    Ministry. She was a hardworking
    Minister. I now doff my hat to her, and I
    respect her. So, inasmuch as the Ministry
    of Health is also playing a role, and as
    much as I commend the Hon Minister of
    Health —
    Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu — rose
    —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, hold your fire.
    Yes, Hon Minister for Health?
    Mr Agyeman-Manu 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    my Hon Colleague who was eloquently
    talking about an Hon Minister for
    Gender, Children and Social Protection
    mentioned “Adwoa Safoa”. There has never been any Adwoa Safoa who has
    ever been the Minister for Gender,
    Children and Social Protection, so my
    Hon Colleague is misleading us, and
    should therefore correct himself.

    Mr Speaker, I was referring to the

    venerable Hon Member for the

    Dome/Kwabenya Constituency, Ms

    Sarah Adwoa Safo. Having mentioned

    her name, one must give credit where

    credit is due. Even as we approve this tax

    waiver, I hold the view that when people

    show their commitment to healthcare,

    particularly of children, they must be

    commended. It is on this note that even

    as I second this Motion, I still hold the

    view that one cannot push Ms Sarah

    Adwoa Safo around. [Laughter] An

    independent woman, a woman of

    substance, a woman of valour, a woman

    of integrity, a woman who does not turn

    her back to say something is black when

    she sees that it is red, I trust this woman.

    [Hear! Hear!] I know when it matters

    most, she will demonstrate leadership,

    stand with the people of Ghana, and do

    the right thing. On that note, healthcare

    is very important, and I second the

    Motion to approve this tax waiver.
    Mr Kwarteng 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I seek
    your leave to make corrections to the
    period as it appears on the Order Paper
    and as has been captured in the Report.
    Instead of 2021 to 2023, it ought to be
    2023 to 2025. This should be reflected in
    the Motion, the Report, and the
    Resolution. I thank you for the
    opportunity to do the corrections.
    Mr Forson 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, page 7 of the
    Report talks of attachment detailing the
    full details of the amount in question,
    €89.8 million. This is important for Hon Members to, at least, have an idea of
    what exactly we are actually granting the
    tax exemptions for. The fact that the
    Committee's Report talks of an attachment, it is only right that the
    attachment be added to the document, so
    we can review them appropriately.
    Mr Kwarteng 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon
    Minority Leader has spoken well. I am
    confident our secretariat is listening. It is
    just an oversight that the attachment is
    not found here, but it was revealed at the
    Committee level. We will attach it and
    make it available to the Table.
    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    following from what the Hon Minority
    Leader and the Chairman of the Finance
    Committee have said, yes, matters are
    referred to Committees. After they have
    interrogated the matters and submitted
    their Report, the Report is supposed to be
    furnished to all of us so that when we
    step out and we have to speak to the
    issues, we are able to speak from a very
    informed perspective. If the attachment
    is not here, it would be difficult for Hon
    Members to really follow what is at
    stake. So, I would implore the
    Department of Official Report to capture
    the attachment into the Hansard so that
    anybody who picks the Hansard would
    be able to follow through.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:42 p.m.
    Very
    well. Department of Official Report,
    kindly take note of the suggestion the
    Hon Majority Leader has just come up
    with.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    RESOLUTIONS 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we would move to the item numbered 35
    on page 33.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:42 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, let us turn to the item listed 35
    on page 33 — Motion by the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
    MOTIONS 3:42 p.m.
    MOTIONS 3:42 p.m.
    SUMMARY OF EXEMPTIONS 3:42 p.m.
    BEING REQUESTED 3:42 p.m.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Order!
    Order!
    Hon Members, let us lend the Hon
    Member our attention.
    Mr Kpodo 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, in this
    particular case, the country entered into
    an agreement with the Japanese
    Government through Japan International
    Cooperation Agency (JICA) to fund the
    Phase II Project of the Tema Motorway
    and part of the agreement stated clearly
    that — Mr Speaker, I beg to quote:
    “The Government of Ghana would
    be obligated to bear the component
    of the project financing cost
    covering taxes, duties, fees and
    other applicable fiscal levies which
    may be imposed in the Republic of
    Ghana with respect to the
    procurement of materials, goods,
    equipment and services for the
    execution of the project.”
    Mr Speaker, it is in line with this
    agreement that this exemption is being
    granted.
    Mr Speaker, even if we were to strictly
    go by the agreement and say that we are
    to pay, under this present circumstance
    where we do not have any money
    because we are broke, there is no way we
    could pay. So, the only alternative is to
    grant the exemption and as the Chairman
    has already explained, the request was all
    in United States dollars but we realised
    that domestic taxes are paid in Ghana
    cedis. So, it was appropriate for us to
    convert this and denominate such taxes
    in Ghana cedis. There was, therefore, the
    need to amend the initial referral to the
    Committee, which was aptly done by the
    Chairman of the Committee.
    Mr Speaker, I think your Committee
    has to be commended for taking time to
    do a very detailed work, which is before
    the House now. Yes, if you want me to
    tell you the detailed work —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    No,
    Hon Member, I do not want you to. You
    have already been commended, so —
    Mr Kpodo 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Ghana
    Revenue Authority (GRA) brought
    details of every single item that is
    supposed to be exempted from taxation
    and we scrutinised them very well before
    coming to the conclusion.
    I, therefore, second the Motion and
    recommend to the House that these
    exemptions be approved.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Deputy Minister, I would now come
    to you for the Resolution.
    RESOLUTIONS 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Adams 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you
    very much. Yesterday, when we adjourned
    Sitting, you indicated that today's Sitting would commence at 10 o'clock, however, we almost started —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, are you seconding the Motion?
    Mr Adams 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I am raising
    a procedural issue. We are Sitting outside
    the hours that is allotted for us to Sit but
    you have not announced that we are in
    extended —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, you are in my hands. We did
    not start at the right time which is 10
    o'clock. We started —
    Mr Adams 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, when we
    adjourned, you said 10 o'clock. That is what is on record —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Very
    well. So, please go on to second the

    Motion. Have you seconded the Motion
    Mr Isaac Adongo 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg
    to second the Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, Mr Kofi Adams tried to raise
    an issue. I would indulge you to allow me
    take you beyond the normal Sitting

    You are in my hands, so, please

    indulge me. We are moving on.

    Hon Majority Chief Whip, let us hear

    you.
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we would move to page 52 and take the
    item numbered 64.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, please come with me to the
    item numbered 64 on page 52 — Motion
    — by the Hon Minister for Finance.
    Hon Leader, are you seeking leave?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    yes. I seek your leave for it to be done by
    the Hon Deputy Minister.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 3:52 p.m.
    Very
    well. Yes, Hon Deputy Minister, you
    may do so on behalf of your Minister.
    MOTIONS 3:52 p.m.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, I want you to take part in whatever is going on.
    BILLS — SECOND READING
    Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (Amendment) Bill, 2022
    Deputy Minister for Finance (Mr
    Abena Osei-Asare) (MP) on behalf of
    the Minister: Mr Speaker, I beg to move
    that the Standard for Automatic Exchange
    of Financial Account Information
    (Amendment) Bill, 2022 be now read a
    Second time.

    Mr Speaker, the object of the Bill is to

    amend the Standard for Automatic

    Exchange of Financial Account

    Information Act, 2018 (Act 967) to

    strengthen the due diligence procedures

    and prescribe circumvention practices.

    Mr Speaker, the Global Forum on

    Transparency and Exchange of

    Information for Tax Purposes, conducted

    an assessment of the domestic legislative

    framework for implementing and the

    automatic exchange of information

    standard in 2022 to enable Ghana receive

    information. The report of the

    assessment gave Ghana the greenlight

    for the receipt of information and

    recommended some legislative changes

    to Act 967. The recommended legislative

    changes have necessitated this amendment.

    Mr Speaker, I so move.

    Chairman of the Committee (Mr

    Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng): Mr

    Speaker, I beg to second the Motion and

    in so doing, present your Committee's Report on the Bill.

    Mr Speaker, the Hon Deputy Minister

    has explained the object of the Bill, so, I

    request the Hansard to capture the

    content of the Report.

    1.0 Introduction

    The Standard for Automatic

    Exchange of Financial Account

    Information (Amendment) Bill, 2022

    was presented and read the first time in

    the House on 14th February, 2023 by the

    Hon Minister for Health, Hon Kwaku

    Agyeman-Manu on behalf of the

    Minister responsible for Finance. The

    Bill was subsequently referred to the

    Finance Committee for consideration

    and report in accordance with Order 169

    of the Standing Orders of the House.

    The Committee met and considered

    the Bill with Deputy Minister for

    Finance, Mrs Abena Osei-Asare and a

    team of officials from the Ministry of

    Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority

    (GRA) and the Attorney-General's Department.

    The Committee is grateful to the

    above-mentioned Hon Deputy Minister

    and the team of officials of the Ministry

    of Finance, GRA and the Attorney-

    General's Department for attending upon the Committee.

    2.0 References

    The Committee referred to and was

    guided by the following documents inter

    alia during its deliberations on the Bill:

    ▪ The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

    ▪ The Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.

    ▪ Interpretation Act, 2009 (Act 792).

    ▪ Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information

    Act, 2018 (Act 967).

    3.0 Object of the Bill

    The object of the Bill is to amend the

    Standard for Automatic Exchange of

    Financial Account Information Act,

    2018 (Act 967), to provide for the

    strengthening of due diligence

    procedures and proscribe circumvention

    practices.

    4.0 Contents of the Bill

    The Bill contains a total of five (5)

    clauses.

    Clause 1 of the Bill amends section 8

    of the Act to impose an obligation on a

    reporting financial institution to note the

    steps taken in the performance of due

    diligence procedures for obtaining self-

    certification from an account holder.

    Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 12 of the Act. The clause prohibits financial institutions, persons or intermediaries from adopting circumvention practices intended to circumvent reporting and due diligent procedures. The clause further defines circumvention practices to include the manipulating of year-end amounts such as account balances to avoid reporting or being reported upon, and advising a customer to maintain an account with a related entity in a non-participating jurisdiction that enables the reporting financial institution to avoid reporting while offering to provide services and retain customer relations as if the account was maintained by that reporting financial institution. Other circumvention practices include parking balances from other reportable accounts and qualified credit card issuers for a short period at the end of the year to avoid reporting;

    intentionally creating any electronic records such that an electronic record search would not yield any results; or maintaining computerised systems artificially dissociated to avoid the account aggregation rules.

    Clause 3 of the Bill amends section

    17 of the Act to provide additional offences and penalties while

    Clause 4 provides definitions for

    "currency point" and "Depository Account'.

    Clause 5 amends the Second

    Schedule of the Act to provide the date of implementation of policies and procedures by Financial Institutions either to prevent a customer from making an overpayment in excess of USD50,000, or to ensure that any customer overpayment in excess of USD50,000 is refunded to the customer.

    5.0 Observation

    5.1Fulfilment of International

    Obligation

    The Committee observed that in

    fulfilment of the international obligations

    of Ghana as a member of the Global

    Forum on Transparency and Exchange

    of Information for Tax Purposes, Ghana

    signed onto the Multilateral Competent

    Authority Agreement on 14th May, 2015.

    The Multilateral Competent Authority

    Agreement requires Ghana to

    automatically exchange financial account

    information with other participating

    jurisdictions from the year 2018. The

    Standard for Automatic Exchange of

    Financial Account Information Act,

    2018 (967) was enacted to implement the

    obligations of the country under the

    Agreement. After putting in place the

    necessary structures, Ghana started

    exchanging information in 2021.

    5.2 Necessity of the Amendment

    The Global Forum on Transparency

    and Exchange of Information for Tax

    Purposes conducted an assessment of the

    domestic legislative framework for

    implementing the Automatic Exchange

    of Information Standard in 2022, to

    enable Ghana to also receive information.

    The report of the assessment gave Ghana

    the green light for the receipt of

    information and recommended some

    legislative changes to Act 967. The

    recommended legislative changes have

    necessitated this amendment.

    5.3 Worldwide Taxation Principle

    The Committee was informed that it

    has presently become relatively easy for

    capital and individuals to move freely

    across the globe. Since the Ghana

    Revenue Authority (GRA) is now

    applying worldwide taxation principles

    in respect of persons resident in Ghana,

    there is the need to receive financial

    account information in respect of foreign

    based accounts and income of persons

    resident in Ghana.

    5.4 Tax Credits Applicable

    The Committee was further informed

    that where taxes have already been paid

    abroad on the foreign held income of a

    person resident in Ghana, the person gets

    the credit for the tax already paid so that

    only the information is collected by GRA

    and not another tax.

    5.5 Automatic Exchange vrs Specific

    Requests

    The Committee noted that the

    automatic exchange of information

    regime makes the exchange of relevant

    information automatic and not subject to

    any specific request. Currently, 162

    countries are said to be part of this

    multilateral arrangement of which 122

    are presently actively exchanging

    information, with more countries joining

    over time. It was explained that

    ‘exchange of information on request' is used to complement the automatic

    exchange regime for enhanced

    effectiveness.

    5.6 Prohibition of Circumvention

    The Committee noted that provisions

    have been made in the Bill to prohibit

    circumvention practices intended to

    circumvent reporting and due diligent

    procedures. The Bill defines

    circumvention practices to include the

    manipulating of year-end amounts such

    as account balances to avoid reporting or

    being reported upon, and advising a

    customer to maintain an account with a

    related entity in a non-participating

    jurisdiction that enables the reporting

    financial institution to avoid reporting

    while offering to provide services and

    retain customer relations as if the

    account was maintained by that reporting

    financial institution.

    6.0 Amendments Proposed

    i. Clause 1 - Amendment Proposed - Line 3, before “of” insert “of section 8”

    ii. Clause 1 - Amendment Proposed - Delete subclause (5) and insert the following: “(5) A reporting financial institution required

    under subsection (1) to keep

    records shall document the steps

    taken in accordance with the

    Second Schedule, in performing

    due diligence procedures for

    obtaining self-certification from

    an account holder.”

    iii. Clause 4 - Amendment Proposed - Line 1, before “by”, insert “of section 19”

    iv. Clause 5 - Amendment Proposed - Line 1, after “amended” insert “in the Second Schedule”

    7.0 Recommendation and Conclusion

    The Committee recommends to the

    House to adopt this Report and pass the

    Standard for Automatic Exchange of

    Financial Account Information

    (Amendment) Bill, 2022 into law,

    subject to the amendments proposed.

    Respectfully Submitted.

    I thank you, Mr Speaker.

    Question proposed.
    Mr Isaac Adongo (NDC — Bolgatanga Central) 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    thank you for the opportunity, but I am
    surprised that you keep wondering what
    my constituency is.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to support the
    Motion and urge the House to approve
    the Report of the Finance Committee in
    respect of this very important
    amendment that has been proposed for
    the Standard for Automatic Exchange of
    Financial Account Information.
    Mr Speaker, in the year 2018, we
    passed the law to mandate the Ghana
    Revenue Authority (GRA) to work with
    other similar institutions across the
    world to allow them to seamlessly
    exchange information to assist us
    improve our tax compliance and to be
    able to generate the revenues that
    Ghanaians living abroad are supposed to
    pay to the people of Ghana, particularly
    to the Government of Ghana. After
    having operated this law for a while, an
    assessment that identified certain
    leakages that needed to be strengthened
    was done. Particularly, it was identified
    that people undertake certain
    circumvention activities that allow them
    to evade this process so we needed to
    tighten the rules a bit.
    Mr Speaker, we also realised that
    there was not adequate information from
    financial institutions that were
    implementing this law in terms of
    documenting the procedures that are
    required to demonstrate that they are in
    compliance with the law. So, we needed
    to amend those provisions that will make
    it possible for financial institutions to
    adequately document the processes and
    the procedures and the due diligence that
    they undertake in order to comply with
    these law.
    Mr Speaker, we also identified that
    there are not enough sanction regimes in
    the law covering these kinds of offences,
    so this Act, essentially, is seeking to
    improve the initial Act to make it very

    easy for GRA to ensure compliance and

    to help the Government of Ghana to rake

    in the appropriate tax revenues that are

    required from Ghanaians who earn

    moneys abroad.

    Mr Speaker, across the world,

    countries are cooperating with each other

    in order to share information on financial

    activities involving their citizens. This is

    because taxes are no longer calculated

    only based on incomes that are brought

    into the country, but even incomes that

    are earned outside the country by

    Ghanaians who reside abroad, and it is

    difficult for a Government to sit in Ghana

    and be able to identify revenues that

    accrue to Ghanaians abroad unless we

    collaborate with those countries abroad

    to be able to share information. So, this

    is very important for us to achieve tax

    compliance and improve our tax revenue

    going forward.

    Mr Speaker, on this note, I would like

    to urge all my Hon Colleagues.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Thank
    you very much.
    Yes, Hon Minority Leader?
    Minority Leader (Dr Cassiel Ato
    Baah Forson): Mr Speaker, this is an
    important compliance Bill, which I
    believe all of us should be able to
    support. I say so because Ghana
    currently operates global taxation, where
    one's income is assessed based on
    domestic income and foreign income.
    So, one has to pay taxes on both and not
    one.
    Mr Speaker, the only way GRA will
    be able to access those taxes is to sign on
    to the international conventions. Over
    the years, these conventions have been
    modified. Circumvention rules, for
    instance, have been changed. Over the
    years, there have been times that owners
    of businesses find clever ways to
    circumvent the rules. That is why
    continuous improvement is important.
    The Organisation for Economic Co-
    operation and Development (OECD)
    working with European countries has
    developed new circumvention rules, and
    there is the need for us to amend this
    clause to reflect the international
    regulations.
    Mr Speaker, until we sign on to these
    rules by amending our domestic laws to
    reflect them, there is no way these
    countries would be able to give us this
    information. I think it is in the right
    order. I am aware these are common
    across the world and obviously countries
    all over the world are adopting new
    circumvention rules. It is an imposition
    of new tax policy. It is only a compliance
    measure that would get companies to
    disclose and to avoid circumventions as
    has always been the case in international
    financial reporting.
    Mr Speaker, I think we should
    support it. Thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Thank
    you very much.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    The Standard for Automatic Exchange
    of Financial Account Information

    (Amendment) Bill, 2022 accordingly

    read a Second time.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Deputy Majority Leader?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we are now ready to take the item
    numbered 5 — Urgent Questions.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Deputy Majority Leader, hold on. Before
    we come to the item numbered 5, kindly
    indulge me to suspend the House for five
    minutes.
    4.10 p.m. — Sitting suspended.
    4.14 p.m. — Sitting resumed.
    MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Majority Chief Whip?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we are ready for the item numbered 5
    now.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Minister for Roads and Highways?

    Hon Members, we will now turn to

    the item numbered 5 on today's Order Paper and deal with the Urgent Question,

    which stands in the name of the Hon

    Member for Akim Oda, Mr Alexander

    Akwasi Acquah. Is he here?
    Mr Alexander Akwasi Acquah 4:02 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, yes, I am here.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Very
    well. The Hon Minister is available. You
    may take the floor now.
    URGENT QUESTIONS 4:02 p.m.
    MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 4:02 p.m.
    HIGHWAYS 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, do you have any
    supplementary question?
    Mr Acquah 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, yes. There
    are some other intersections that do not
    have traffic lights at all, and very
    recently we have been experiencing road
    accidents. Would the Hon Minister be
    kind to let us know if this intervention
    will cover some other important
    intersections in the municipality?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    thank you. Since we are dealing
    essentially with safety, what the Hon
    Member is asking for is all part and
    parcel of it. So, it would not be a major
    departure from that and it could be
    incorporated.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we will now take Oral
    Answers to Questions. We have as many
    as 18 Questions. In view of that, I want
    to advert the minds of Hon Members to
    Standing Order 60(2): ordinarily, we
    should not exceed one hour in Question
    time, and I intend to follow this
    particular Order and as such, I will give
    the owner of the Question the chance to
    ask one supplementary question. If the
    Question is a constituency-specific one,
    I would not entertain any other person to
    ask any supplementary question so that
    we can make time for all the 18
    Questions that have been designated for
    us today.
    We will begin from the Question
    numbered 954, which stands in the name
    of the Hon Member for Sege, Mr
    Christian Otuteye.
    Hon Member, you may ask your
    Question now.
    ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 4:02 p.m.
    MINISTRY OF ROADS AND 4:02 p.m.
    HIGHWAYS 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, do you have any
    supplementary question?
    Mr Otuteye 4:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank
    you for the chance to find out from the
    Hon Minister, since there is no
    programme for the road and the road is
    very bad, what immediate steps he is
    taking to let the people use the road to-
    and-fro because we have the Catholic
    Hospital on that stretch which serves the
    whole of Ada West and the people of
    North Tongu. So, what immediate steps
    are being taken in order to make the road
    usable for the people?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    need not re-emphasise the point that the
    Sege - Ada road is a very important road in all aspects, so until we do proper
    studies on it and put it on our
    programme, we shall make sure that we
    keep an eye on it and bring it under our
    ongoing routine maintenance programme
    to ensure that the road is motorable at
    any particular time.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:22 p.m.
    Very
    well.
    Hon Members, we would now turn to
    the Question numbered 1000, which
    stands in the name of the Hon Member
    for Amenfi West, Mr Eric Afful.
    Steps to Return the Contractors on
    the Samreboi Junction - Mumuni - Prestea Roads to Site
    Mr Eric Afful (NDC — Amenfi West) 4:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon
    Minister for Roads and Highways what
    steps are being taken to return the
    contractors to site on the Samreboi
    Junction - Mumuni Road and from Mumuni - Prestea Roads as the bad state of the roads cause accidents and harbours
    armed robbery activities in the area.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Background
    The Samreboi Junction - Mumuni road route (R123) and the Prestea - Samreboi roads route (R121) lie within
    the northern part of the Western Region.
    They are located in the Amenfi West and
    Prestea Huni-Valley Districts of the
    Western Region respectively.
    The roads are gravel surfaces in poor
    conditions.
    Current Programme
    The Samreboi Junction - Mumuni section forms part of the project known
    as “Construction of Aboi Junction - Amoaku Junction - Mumuni road (45km)”, which was awarded under the Cocoa Roads Programme. The project
    was suspended in June 2017, but the
    suspension was lifted in July 2019, and
    the contractor was asked to return to site,
    but has since failed to return due to delay

    in payment for work done. Progress of

    work at the time of suspension was at 69

    per cent physical completion.

    Future Programme

    The works have been repackaged

    awaiting availability of funds for re-

    award.

    Mumuni - Prestea Roads

    Current Programme

    The Mumuni - Prestea section was awarded under two separate contracts:

    (i) “Upgrading of Prestea - Samreboi Road (km 0.0 - 40.0)” funded under the Cocoa Roads

    Programme and

    (ii) “Emergency Upgrading of Prestea - Samreboi Road (km 40.0 - 44.0)” under Road Fund.

    The physical progress of works on

    the two contracts is projected at 64 per

    cent and 44 per cent physical completion

    respectively. Progress of work has

    slowed due to non-payment for work

    done. However, the contractor has

    indicated his willingness to mobilise

    some funds to speed up the work.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Member for Amenfi West, you may ask
    one supplementary question.
    Mr Afful 4:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have two
    supplementary questions. First, I am
    very happy that the Hon Minister has
    indicated that the road is in a bad state. I
    would also like to remind him that the
    road under consideration falls within the
    Samreboi cocoa district, which happens
    to be the leading district in cocoa
    production in this country. The Hon
    Minister is aware that the road is used for
    both secondary and primary evacuation
    of cocoa, so this road is very important.
    However, the future programme of the
    road, as the Hon Minister has indicated
    in his Answer — he stated that, “The works have been repackaged awaiting
    availability of funds for re-award.”
    I would like to ask the Hon Minister
    that, looking at the nature of the road,
    vis-à-vis cocoa production in this
    country, when would the Ministry
    release funds for the contractors to go
    and commence the construction of the
    road? It is very critical.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it
    is true that this road is critical, and as I
    indicated in my Answer. All along, the
    road had been under COCOBOD, and I
    believe COCOBOD also knows the
    importance of the road because of the
    volume of cocoa production from the
    area. However, as I said, the road suffers
    a lot of problems and has had a
    chequered history, and that is why we
    have taken steps, as the Ministry
    responsible for all roads in Ghana, to
    terminate it and bring it directly under
    our domain, so that we could work on it.
    Therefore, the importance of the road has
    never and would never be lost on the
    Ministry. As has been indicated, as soon
    as funds become available, we would
    prioritise this road and work on it.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we will now turn to the
    Question numbered 1005 —

    Mr Afful — rose —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:22 p.m.
    Mr
    Afful, I said initially that I was going to
    give the opportunity for only one
    supplementary question. Please, let us be
    mindful of that.
    We will now take the Question
    numbered 1005, which stands in the
    name of the Hon Member for Akatsi
    North, Mr Peter Nortsu-Kotoe.
    Resumption of Works on the Ave-
    Dakpa - Akatsi Road
    Mr Peter Nortsu-Kotoe (NDC — Akatsi North) 4:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask
    the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways when works on the Ave-
    Dakpa to Avenorpeme through Akatsi
    road, which started in 2016 but was
    abandoned in 2017, would resume as the
    deteriorating condition of the road makes
    life difficult for commuters.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Background
    The Ave-Dakpa to Akatsi to
    Avenorpeme feeder road is identified on
    the Department of Feeder Roads' (DFR) road database as Akatsi to Korve to Ave-
    Dakpa feeder road (28.0km) and Akatsi
    to Dagbamate-Avenorpeme (11.85km).
    The Akatsi to Korve to Ave-Dakpa
    road is an engineered feeder road in fair
    condition while the Akatsi to
    Dagbamate-Avenorpeme road is an
    unengineered feeder road in poor
    condition. The two roads are located in
    the Akatsi North District of the Volta
    Region.

    Current Programme

    Mr Speaker, the road was awarded on

    contract together with other roads under

    the contract titled “Bitumen Surfacing of Agbozume Kpoglu Feeder Road

    (10.5km), Akatsi - Korve - Ave-Dakpa Feeder Road (28.0km), Akatsi - Dagbamate-Avenorpeme (11.85km), and Akatsi-Xavi-Suipe (20.7km) feeder road” in 2016.

    Mr Speaker, the total contract

    package was rationalised in 2017, after

    which the contractor was given the

    necessary approvals to continue with the

    works. Due to the expiration of the

    original completion period, the

    necessary extension of time was also

    granted. The revised completion date has

    been extended to 20th July, 2023.

    However, the contractor has failed to

    mobilise to the site.

    Future Programme

    Mr Speaker, the Department of

    Feeder Roads is taking the necessary

    steps to terminate the contract, after

    which the contract will be repackaged for

    consideration under the 2024 budget.
    Mr Nortsu-Kotoe 4:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would like to make a slight correction
    before I ask the supplementary question.
    In paragraph 2, line 3 of the Answer
    provided by the Hon Minister, “The two (2) roads are located in the Akatsi North

    District of the Volta Region.” That information is not correct. The Akatsi-

    Korve-Ave Dakpa road is in Akatsi

    North District while the Akatsi-

    Dagbamate-Avenorpeme road is in the

    Akatsi South District.

    Mr Speaker, the Hon Minister has

    promised that it would be repackaged

    under the 2024 budget. However, I wish

    to find out from the Hon Minister why

    the contractor refused to go back to the

    site. Was it because of the non-payment

    for work done or the revised package was

    not satisfactory for him to continue with

    the work?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    thank my Hon Colleague for the
    correction, and I have taken note of that.
    Mr Speaker, I must honestly say that
    these are issues to do with payments. The
    contractor was GHACOS Limited. He is
    quite a strong contractor, but it is
    regrettable that he could not execute this
    particular job, and it is all due to a delay
    in payment. That is why we have no
    other alternative than to terminate the
    contract and to make sure that we
    repackage it with the hope of getting a
    contractor, who has the required capacity
    to execute it. This is because we have
    taken into consideration the importance
    of this road and we would ensure that we
    do exactly that.
    Mr Speaker, I thank you.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we will now turn to the
    Question numbered 1171. Hon Member
    for Garu, Mr Albert Alalzuuga, you have
    the floor now.
    Contractors for Reshaping/
    Maintaining the Feeder Roads and
    Reason for Stopping the Reshaping
    Exercise
    Mr Albert Akuka Alalzuuga
    (NDC — Garu): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways who are the contractors
    responsible for reshaping or maintaining
    the feeder roads in the Garu District and
    why have they stopped the reshaping
    exercise in the District.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Garu is the capital of the Garu District in
    the Upper East Region. The district has a
    total feeder road network size of
    229.08km of roads, of which 118.5km
    are engineered, 63.88km are partially
    engineered, and 46.7km are unengineered.
    Routine maintenance is generally carried
    out on the engineered network annually.
    The engineered feeder road network
    in the Garu District is in fair to poor
    condition.
    Current Programme
    Mr Speaker, routine maintenance
    (reshaping) programme was carried out
    on 125km of the engineered network in
    2020/2021, which was completed in
    2022. Mr Speaker, currently, the
    contracts for the routine maintenance
    (reshaping) in 2022/2023 have recently
    been awarded on 199km of feeder roads.
    Contractors are yet to take possession of
    the site. The contractors who have been
    awarded the routine maintenance
    contracts (reshaping) are as follows:

    Lot

    No.

    Project Le

    ngt

    h

    (K

    m)

    Contract

    or

    M/S Reshaping Of:

    1 Zisere-Nambina-Yizidug F/R, Kugri-Aloko F/R & Others 37.

    40

    Armchris

    Prestige

    Const.

    Ltd.

    2 Damateega-Zaare F/R, Garu-Gbantarago F/R & Others 32.

    00

    Uragos

    Ltd.

    3 Garu-Kpatua F/R & Others 15.

    60

    Qismaira

    Const.

    Ltd.

    4 Garu-Kugri F/R, Garu-Barboaka-Kparimboaka F/R, Aniisi-

    Kpukprigu F/R, Songo-Kurasen F/R, Kugri-Vambara F/R &

    Others

    69.

    50

    Albak

    Legacy

    Ent.

    5 Kugri-Siisi-Denugu F/R, Awanteng-Siisi F/R & Others 40.

    50

    Addolex

    Co. Ltd.

    Maintenance Of:

    6 Duuri-Denugu F/R 4.0

    0

    Disaarim

    a Ltd. Total Length 19

    9.0

    0
    Mr Alalzuuga 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon
    Minister has admitted in his Answer that
    the roads in the district are in a poor
    condition. He said “fair to poor condition.”
    I would like to find out from the Hon
    Minister how soon the contractors who
    have been awarded the contracts would
    move to site. This is because the rains
    would set in very soon, and it would
    worsen the condition. So, I would like to
    ask for some assurance from the Hon
    Minister on how soon these contractors
    would go to site.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    my answer once again indicates that
    these projects have been recently
    awarded. I gave the project names and
    added that they come together with
    others because it is a tall list. The
    kilometrage is quite big: 199km. I have
    the full list there; I can provide it to the
    Hon Member after this session.
    Mr Speaker, once we have awarded
    the contracts, and we do that strategically

    to precede the beginning of the rains — We are almost in the rainy season in our

    country, so we are doing everything

    possible to allow these contractors to

    mobilise and move to site. It is

    something which is in currency, and it

    could be anytime from now because we

    want them to do the maintenance work

    before the rains set in.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:42 p.m.
    Very
    well.
    Hon Members, we will now turn to
    the Question numbered 1252.
    Mr Alalzuuga — rose —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:42 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, please, I said it earlier that I
    will allow you to ask one supplementary
    question.
    Hon Members, it is now the turn of
    the Hon Member for Kumbungu, Prof
    Hamza Adam.
    Resumption of Work on the Gbulung-
    Nyankpala Road
    Prof Hamza Adam (NDC —
    Kumbungu): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask
    the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways when the contractor working
    on the Gbulung - Nyankpala road would
    return to site.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Gbulung - Nyankpala road is 11.2km
    and located in the Tolon District of the
    Northern Region. It is a gravel road
    which is in poor condition.
    Currently, the contract for the
    upgrading of the Gbulung - Nyankpala feeder road was awarded under the
    contract title “Bitumen Surfacing of Nyankpala - Gbulung Feeder Road
    (11.2km)”. The contract commenced on 3rd August, 2018 with an expected
    completion date of 2nd August, 2020.
    Mr Speaker, the contractor vacated
    site due to delayed payment. Payment for
    work done has since been honoured by
    the employer. However, the contractor
    has failed to return to site. A final
    warning letter was issued for the
    reactivation of the site but no visible
    presence has been observed. The
    Department of Feeder Roads would
    initiate the necessary contractual
    measures to terminate the contract by the
    end of May 2023 for non-performance.
    Mr Speaker, the future programme
    for this road is that engineering
    reassessment would be carried out upon
    termination of the contract for
    consideration of re-award.
    Prof Adam 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I thank the
    Hon Minister for his response. Before I
    proceed to ask my supplementary
    question, I would like to indicate that that
    particular road is in Kumbungu, not
    Tolon.
    Mr Speaker, in the response of the
    Hon Minister to a similar Question in
    July 2021, he assured me that he was
    working to submit a final warning letter
    to the contractor. Two years down the
    line, action has not been taken. So, I
    would like to find out from the Hon
    Minister what is delaying the termination
    of the contract, and what action he would

    take since money has been advanced to

    the contractor and yet, he has not gone

    back to site?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it
    is true that when this Question was first
    asked, I indicated that the contractor was
    not working or on site because of delayed
    payments. As I have stated in my
    Answer, since then, every effort has been
    made by the employer, which is the
    Government, to pay off all certificates
    raised by the contractor. If the Hon
    Member cares to know, the name of the
    contractor is Messrs BA-Ntima Ghana
    Limited. I can say on authority that all
    certificates raised on this project have
    been honoured and paid by the
    Government, so the contractor has no
    reason to stay out of site.
    Mr Speaker, that is why we have
    gone through the necessary and laid
    down legal processes to terminate the
    contract. So, the contract has just been
    terminated, and we are taking steps to
    make sure that we re-package the project,
    and re-award it to a more competent
    contractor.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:42 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we will now turn to the
    Question numbered 1256, which stands
    in the name of the Hon Member for
    Builsa North, Mr James Agalga.
    Completion of Work on the
    Chuchuliga - Sandema - Wiaga - Weisi Road
    Mr James Agalga (NDC — Builsa North) 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon
    Minister for Roads and Highways when
    works on the Chuchuliga-Sandema-
    Wiaga-Weisi road, which started as far
    back as 2016, would be completed.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Chuchuliga - Sandema - Wiaga - Weisi road is an inter-regional road (IR10) and
    is 62km long. The road is gravel
    surfaced.
    Currently, the road has been awarded
    under two different contracts as
    mentioned below:
    (a) Upgrading of Chuchuliga - Sandema - Wiaga - Weise road (40km):
    The contract commenced works
    on 19th September, 2016, and
    was scheduled for completion
    by 18th March, 2019. Progress of
    work is estimated at 40 per cent
    physical completion.
    (b) Upgrading of Sandema - Wiaga
    - Weise road (km 1.0 - 11.0):
    The contract commenced works
    on 3rd January, 2020, and was
    scheduled for completion by
    30th June, 2021. Progress of
    work is estimated at 29 per cent
    physical completion.
    The programme for the future of this
    road is that currently, contractors are not
    on both sites due to delays in payment for
    works done. The works would be
    completed depending on the availability
    of funds.
    Mr Agalga 4:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this is
    nothing new to the Hon Minister because
    I have asked him so many questions in
    respect of this very road. In fact, my Hon
    Brother and Member for Builsa South,
    Dr Clement Apaak, from the south of
    Buluk has also asked him several
    questions in respect of this same road,
    but the Hon Minister just admitted that at
    the moment the contractors are not on
    site due to delays in payment. As the
    sector Minister, what would he do to
    ensure that payments are effected to
    allow the contractors to return to site
    given the fact that works are far behind
    schedule? This is because per the
    contract, as the Hon Minister himself
    rightly put it, works ought to have been
    completed in 2019. This means that we
    are behind schedule by about four years.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    thank you. I share the sentiments of my
    Hon Colleague. This road has gone
    through a lot of difficulties because of its
    history and it is true that questions on this
    particular long stretch of road have been
    asked between my Hon Colleague and
    Dr Apaak. I continue to share views with
    them on this particular road. What has
    worsened the state of this road is the
    sudden passing away of the contractor;
    MyTurn Construction. We have a lot of
    problems, discussions, and difficulties,
    but I can assure the Hon Member that a
    very strong family member has now
    stepped in and we are all putting
    ourselves together to throw our weight
    behind the company.
    My Turn Construction was one of the
    excellent companies that we had and we
    do not want to allow it to die off. So, I
    can only say that pretty soon, we are
    going to see action on this road; not only
    on the Hon Member's stretch, but also on the stretch that extends to Dr Apaak's constituency. I promise all of you this
    one. Thank you.
    Dr Clement Abas Apaak (NDC -- Builsa South) 4:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon
    Member for Manhyia South and Minister
    for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku
    Prempeh, is harassing me. — [Laughter]. I am seeking your protection
    from him.
    Mr Speaker, thank you. We appreciate
    the Hon Minister's response; however, he has not told us how he is going to use
    his good office to ensure that the
    contractors are paid for the work done so
    that they can get back to site. We are
    speaking about the Chuchuliga-
    Sandema-Wiaga-Wiesi road which
    traverses Builsa North to the end of
    Builsa South.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:52 p.m.
    Thank you Mr
    Speaker. I have already said that we at
    the Ministry of Roads and Highways are
    all determined to ensure that we save this
    company. We do not want the company
    to die with its originator and promoter.
    As much as the passing away of the
    Managing Director of the company is
    unfortunate and regrettable, we had no
    control over it.
    However, we want to assist the family
    to maintain the sanctity, stability, and
    efficiency of this company. I have
    already said that we are all putting our
    weight behind it. So, whatever it takes or
    little money that comes into the kitty, we

    shall prioritise this company and by

    prioritising it, directly or indirectly, we

    are ensuring that they execute that

    project. I thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 4:52 p.m.
    Very
    well. From Builsa North, we come to the
    Hon Member for Techiman North, Mrs
    Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare. Hon Member,
    you may have the floor now.
    Resumption of Work on the Krobo-
    Agosa Road in the Techiman North
    Constituency
    Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (NDC
    - Techiman North): Mr Speaker, I beg
    to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways when contractors will resume
    work on the Krobo-Agosa road in the
    Techiman North Constituency?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 4:52 p.m.
    I thank you Mr
    Speaker.
    Background
    The Krobo - Agosa feeder road is 6.0
    km long. It is an engineered road with
    poor surface condition and located in the
    Techiman North District of the Bono
    East Region.
    Current Programme
    The Krobo - Agosa (6.0km) feeder road was packaged together with the
    Asueyei - Mesidan - Buoyem (8.0km) feeder road and Asueyei Jn. - Buoyem (3.9km) feeder roads totaling 17.9km
    and awarded under the contract titled
    “Upgrading of Asueyei Jn. - Buoyem and other Feeder Roads (17.9km)” on 30th October, 2015. The contract
    commenced on 29th December, 2015,
    and was expected to be completed by 29th
    March, 2017. The contractors vacated
    site after achieving 48 per cent physical
    completion.
    Mr Speaker, warning letters issued for
    them to re-mobilise to site to complete
    the remaining works proved futile. As a
    result, the project was terminated on the
    2nd September, 2022, for non-
    performance.
    Future Programme
    The contract will be repackaged for
    consideration and re-award under the
    2024 Budget. I thank you Mr Speaker.
    Mrs Ofosu-Adjare 4:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, just
    last week in Tuobodom, a car run over five children and we lost one. I would like to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways what steps he will take to provide us with speed ramps and also finish off with traffic lights, so that children on that road will be safe. Thank you.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 5:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    streetlights and speed ramps are all
    safety measures, and the Hon Member
    has been asking for these facilities. It is
    also unfortunate that we continue to lose
    human lives as a result of the absence of
    these as we are being told. So, we are
    working and something has been started
    on the traffic light. She is asking for
    speed ramps and she knows that these
    requests coming from the constituency,
    from her and others, are being worked
    on. I would like to assure her that we
    would continue to work on these

    facilities to ensure that we abate such

    disasters on the road.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, from Techiman North, we
    would come to the Hon Member for
    Ayensuano, Mr Teddy Safori Addi.
    Commencement of the Otomfo to
    Boase Road
    Mr Teddy Safori Addi (NDC — Ayensuano) 5:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask
    the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways when the contractor on the
    Otomfo to Boase road will begin work as
    the road is in a very deplorable state.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 5:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Background
    Otomfo and Boase are communities
    located along the Akorabo - Amanase (10.5km) feeder road. It is an engineered
    road in poor condition and located in the
    Ayensuano District of the Eastern
    Region.
    Current Programme
    There is no upgrading or rehabilitation
    works on the road. However, an
    emergency construction of 2/4 m X 4 m
    Box Culvert located at km 7+300 which
    was awarded on 3rd August, 2022, has
    been completed.
    Future Programme
    Engineering design studies and cost
    estimates for the upgrading of the entire
    10.5km road including the Otomfo to
    Boase section has been carried out. The
    procurement of the works will be
    considered under the 2024 budget.
    Mr Addi 5:02 p.m.
    Thank you very much, Mr
    Speaker. My supplementary question
    would be a plea to the Hon Minister if his
    Ministry could assist the District
    Assembly to have a grader to do constant
    reshaping in our constituency. — [Hear!
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:02 p.m.
    Very
    well. We would turn to Question 1376,
    which stands in the name of the Hon
    Member for Kintampo South, Mr
    Alexander Gyan.
    Completion of some Roads in the
    Kintampo South Constituency
    Mr Alexander Gyan (NPP—
    Kintampo South): Mr Speaker, I beg to
    ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways when the following roads in
    Kintampo South Constituency will be
    completed: (i) Kintampo - Prang (ii)
    Amoma Nkwanta - Ofuman.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:02 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Minister?
    Mr Amoako-Attah 5:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    thank you.
    i) Kintampo - Prang
    Background

    The Kintampo - Prang Road is an

    Inter-Regional Road (IR-009). The total

    length of road from Kintampo to Prang is

    103km. The cumulative length of the

    sealed section is 28 km. The remaining

    sections are gravel surfaced and in fair

    condition.

    Current Programme

    The road was awarded in five Lots,

    three of which have been terminated due

    to non-performance and one

    substantially completed.

    The last contract captioned

    “Upgrading of Kintampo - Prang Road (21.7 - 49.8 km) - Lot 2” has been recommended for termination due to

    slow progress.

    Future Programme

    The projects have been recommended

    for re-award.

    (ii) Amoma Nkwanta-Ofuman road

    Background

    The Amoma Nkwanta - Ofuman

    feeder road is 17.3km long. The road is

    an inter district road located in the

    Kintampo South and Techiman North

    Districts. It is an engineered road with

    poor surface condition.

    Current Programme

    Contract for the upgrading of the road

    was awarded under the project titled

    “Upgrading to Bitumen Surfacing of Amoma Nkwanta-Ofuman Feeder Road

    (17.3km)”. The contract was awarded on 5th April, 2018 and commenced on 27th

    June, 2018 with intended completion

    date of 27th December, 2019 and funding

    from the Ghana Road Fund.

    Progress of work is projected at 28 per

    cent physical completion. Works have

    stalled due to delay in payment.

    The contractors have expressed

    interest in remobilising to site when

    payment is effected.

    Completion of the above contract will

    depend on the availability of funds.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, any supplementary question?
    Mr Gyan 5:02 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:02 p.m.
    Let us
    hear you. Do you have any
    supplementary question?
    Mr Gyan 5:02 p.m.
    No, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:02 p.m.
    Very
    well. So, we would turn to the Hon
    Member for Amasaman, Mr Akwasi
    Owusu Afrifa-Mensa. Hon Member, let
    us hear you.
    Completion of some Roads in the
    Amasaman Constituency
    Mr Akwasi Owusu Afrifa-Mensa
    (NPP—Amasaman): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways when the following roads in
    Amansaman Constituency would be
    completed: (i) 3 Junction - Obeyeyie, (ii) 3 Junction - Doblo Gonno - Onyansana

    road - Okushiebeade - Ayikai Doblo, Pokuase - Mayera - Adusa and Samsam Junction - Mpehoase.
    Mr Amoako-Attah 5:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would begin with 3 Junction to Obeyeyie
    road.
    (i) 3 Junction - Obeyeyie
    Background
    Obeyeyie is located within Amasaman
    in the Ga West Municipality.

    Current Programme

    Mr Speaker, a contract titled

    “Rehabilitation of Amasaman- Ashalaja

    Road (10km)” was awarded for the

    rehabilitation of the road from 3 Junction

    to Obeyeyie community. The project

    commenced on 27th June, 2022 for

    completion by 26th December, 2024. The

    contractor vacated site after completing

    reshaping of a section of the road.

    A notice of slow progress was issued

    to the contractor in September 2022

    without response from the contractor.

    Department of Urban Roads (DUR) will

    follow the due process in terminating the

    contract for non-performance.

    (ii) 3 Junction - Doblo Gonno -

    Onyansana Road - Okushiebeade -

    Ayikai Doblo —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:12 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, speak up a little bit for us.
    Mr Amoako-Atta 5:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    forgive me if I do not mention the names
    well.
    Background
    Mr Speaker, the 3 Junction - Doblo
    Gonno - Onyansana - Okushiebeade - Ayikai Doblo feeder road is identified on
    Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) road
    database as Abehenease-Kojo Ashong-
    Konkon No.2 Feeder Road (15.7km) and
    Konkon No.1 Jn-Konkon No.1 Feeder
    Road (5.2km). It is a connector road
    located in the Ga West Municipality of
    the Greater Accra region. It is an
    engineered gravel surface road in poor
    condition.
    Current Programme
    Mr Speaker, contract for the upgrading
    of the road was awarded under the
    project titled “Surfacing of Ngleshi- Amanfrom & Other F/Rds &
    Abehenease-Kojo Ashong-Konkon F/Rd
    Ph.2 (32.53km)”. The contract was awarded on 12th July, 2016 and
    commenced on 20th October, 2016 for
    completion by 20th October, 2018.
    Funding for the project was from the
    Ghana Road Fund.
    The contractor has achieved 53 per
    cent of physical progress. Works have
    stalled due to delay in payment.
    (iii) Pokuase - Mayera - Adusa

    Background
    Mr Speaker, the Pokuase 5:12 p.m.
    None

    Adusa feeder road is identified on DFR's

    road database as Afiaman Jn.-

    Osonodompe Feeder Road which is 8.2

    km long. It is an access road located in

    the Ga West Municipality of the Greater

    Accra region. It is an engineered gravel

    surface road in poor condition.

    Current Programme

    Mr Speaker, contract for the upgrading

    of the road was awarded under the

    project titled “Pokuase - Katapor (6km)”. The contract was awarded on 5th August, 2016 and commenced on 26th

    September, 2016 with an intended

    completion date of 26th September, 2017

    with funding from the Ghana Road Fund.

    The work stalled after achieving 36 per

    cent physical progress.

    Despite the several warnings for them

    to re-mobilise to site to complete the

    remaining works, they have failed to

    comply. As a result, the project was

    terminated on 1st November, 2022 for

    non-performance.

    Future Programme

    Mr Speaker, engineering studies

    would be conducted on the road in the

    second quarter of 2023 to determine the

    necessary intervention to be carried out

    on the road. The execution of the works

    would be considered under the 2024

    Budget.

    (iv) Samsam Junction - Mpehoase Road

    Background

    Mr Speaker, the Samsam Junction -

    Mpehoase feeder road is identified on

    DFR's road database as Medie-Fotobi Feeder Road which is 11.4km long. It is

    a connector road linking Samsam Jn in

    the Ga West Municipality of the Greater

    Accra Region and Fotobi in the Nsawam

    Adoagyri Municipality of the Eastern

    Region. It is an engineered gravel

    surface road in poor condition.

    Current Programme

    Mr Speaker, contract for the upgrading

    of the road was awarded in two phases

    under the project titled:

    1. Surfacing of Medie - Samsam - Fotobi Feeder Road Ph.1 (8.7 km)

    2. Surfacing of Medie - Samsam - Fotobi Feeder Road Ph.2 (9 km)

    1. Surfacing of Medie - Samsam - Fotobi Feeder Road Ph.1 (8.7 km)

    Mr Speaker, the contract was awarded

    on 4th September, 2018 and commenced

    on 27th November, 2018 with an intended

    completion date of 5th August, 2020 with

    funding from the Ghana Road Fund. The

    work stalled after achieving 41 per cent

    physical progress.

    Despite the several warnings for them

    to re-mobilise to site to complete the

    remaining works, they have failed to

    comply. As a result, the project was

    terminated on the 1st November, 2022 for

    non-performance.

    Future Programme

    Mr Speaker, engineering studies

    would be conducted on the road in the

    second quarter of 2023 to determine the

    necessary intervention to be carried out

    on the road. The execution of the works

    would be considered under the 2024

    Budget.

    2. Surfacing of Medie - Samsam - Fotobi Feeder Road Ph.2 (9 km)

    Mr Speaker, the contract was awarded

    on 4th September, 2018 and commenced

    on 14th November, 2018 with an intended

    completion date of 14th November, 2019

    with funding from the Ghana Road Fund.

    The work stalled after achieving 20 per

    cent physical progress.

    Despite the several warnings for them

    to re-mobilise to site to complete the

    remaining works, they have failed to

    comply. As a result, the project was

    terminated on the 1st November, 2022 for

    non-performance.

    Future Programme

    Mr Speaker, engineering studies

    would be conducted on the road in the

    second quarter of 2023 to determine the

    necessary intervention to be carried out

    on the road. The execution of the works

    would be considered under the 2024

    Budget.

    I thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:12 p.m.
    Hon
    Member for Amasaman, Mr Afrifa-
    Mensa, I hope this Answer is very
    exhaustive? — [Pause]— Very well.
    Hon Minister for Roads and
    Highways, on behalf of the House, I
    would like to thank you for attending
    upon the House to answer as many as 10
    Questions from Hon Members. We are
    grateful to you, and you are hereby
    discharged.
    Hon Minister for Energy, let me cut
    you from your conversation; come and
    answer Questions. — [Pause] — Yes, Hon Minister for Energy, we will begin
    with the Question numbered 305 which
    stands in the name of your friend, the
    Hon Member for Builsa South, Mr
    Clement Abas Apaak.
    Hon Member for Builsa South, you
    may ask your Question.
    MINISTRY OF ENERGY 5:12 p.m.
    Dr Clement Abas Apaak (NDC -- Builsa South) 5:12 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask
    the Hon Minister for Energy when the
    following communities in the Builsa
    South Constituency will be connected to
    the national grid under SHEP 4/5: (i)
    Fumbisi (Ext) (ii) Fumbisi-Bachiesa (iii)
    Bachiesa-Sainyanyeri (iv) Fumbisi-
    Batuisa (v) Fumbisi-Naadema (vi)
    Naadema-Daburinsa (vii) Baasa-Puing.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:22 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Minister?
    Minister for Energy (Dr Matthew
    Opoku Prempeh) (MP): Mr Speaker,
    the communities namely, Fumbisi (Ext),
    Fumbisi-Bachiesa, Bachiesa ‒Sainyanyeri, Fumbisi-Batuisa, Fumbisi-Naadema,
    Naadema-Daburinsa and Baasa-Puing
    form part of the Ministry of Energy's ongoing SHEP-4 Rural Electrification
    Programme in the Builsa South District
    of the Upper East Region.
    A total of 171 high voltage (HV) poles
    required for the communities have been
    supplied to sites. HV pole planting has
    been completed in all the communities,
    except Bassa Puing. HV Pole dressing is
    ongoing at Fumbisi-Batuisa and
    Bachiesa-Sainyanyeri communities. All
    HV materials required for Fumbisi-
    Naadema have been supplied for
    installation.
    Mr Speaker, 347 low voltage poles
    (LV) out of 592 LV poles required for
    the project have been supplied. A total of
    323 out of these LV poles have been
    planted at Fumbisi-Bachiesa, Bachiesa-
    Sainyanyeri, Fumbisi-Batuisa and
    Naadema-Daburinsa communities.
    Mr Speaker, the delays in the
    execution of the electrification project in
    the communities are as a result of
    shortage of some key materials and
    equipment, including LV poles,
    conductors, transformers, energy metres,
    et cetera. The Ministry is continually
    taking delivery of some of the materials
    and equipment and will arrange for the
    release of same for installation works to
    continue.
    Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Energy
    expects to complete the installation
    works in the above-mentioned
    communities by end of the year.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Member for Builsa South, I hope the Hon
    Minister's Answer is exhaustive.
    Dr Apaak 5:22 p.m.
    Yes, Mr Speaker. I think
    the response is exhaustive but I would be
    holding the Hon Minister to his word. He
    said by the end of this year, 2023.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we move to the Question
    numbered 308. Hon Member for Bongo,
    Mr Edward Bawa, your Hon Friend and
    Minister is available, so ask him friendly
    Questions.
    Mr Edward A. Bawa 5:22 p.m.
    Yes, Mr
    Speaker. The Hon Minister for Energy is
    a very good friend, so I would ask him
    friendly questions.
    Completion of Rural Electrification
    Projects in Some Communities
    in Bongo
    Mr Edward Abambire Bawa (NDC
    — Bongo): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Energy when the rural
    electrification projects in the following
    communities would be completed: (i)
    Sambolgo (ii) Kansoe (iii) Namoo-
    Akamo (iv) Asakulse (v) Akunka-
    Kulbeko (vi) Gowrie-Atokutin (vii) Vea-

    Kulpelga (viii) Vea-Tangapooren (ix)

    Zorko-Atiabiisi (x) Zorko-Tarongo (xi)

    Zorko-Awaa.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    communities namely, Sambolgo,
    Kansoe, Namoo-Akamo, Asakulse,
    Akunka-Kulbeko, Gowrie-Atokutin,
    Vea-Kulpelga, Vea-Tangapooren,
    Zorko-Atiabiisi, Zorko-Tarongo, Zorko-
    Awaa mostly form part of the Ministry of
    Energy's ongoing SHEP-4 Rural Electrification Project in the Bongo
    District of the Upper East Region.
    Mr Speaker, 76no. high voltage poles
    out of a total of 155no. high oltage (HV)
    poles required for the communities have
    been supplied to sites. All 76no. HV
    poles supplied have been planted,
    dressed and strung at Akunka-Kulbeko,
    Gowrie-Atokutin, Vea-Kulpelga and
    Vea-Tangapooren communities. The
    remaining communities are yet to
    receive the full complement of HV
    materials. The Ministry is making
    arrangement to replace faulty
    transformers at Vea-Tangaporen.
    Mr Speaker, the contractors are
    waiting for the Northern Electricity
    Distribution Company (NEDCo) to grant
    outage to pave way for the energisation
    of the network at Gowrie-Atokutin and
    Vea-Kulpelga.
    Mr Speaker, 871 out of 1,721 low
    voltage poles (LV) required for the
    project have been supplied at Sambolgo,
    Gowrie-Atokutin, Vea-Tangapooren,
    Zorko-Tarongo and Vea-Kulpelga
    communities. The remaining 6
    communities are yet to receive the
    balance of LV poles for installation. The
    delays in the execution of the
    electrification project in the communities
    are, truly, as a result of shortage of some
    key materials and equipment, including
    HV poles, LV poles, stay equipment,
    conductors, transformers, meters, et
    cetera.
    Mr Speaker, the Ministry has taken
    delivery of some of the materials and
    equipment and will arrange for the
    release of same for installation works to
    resume at site. The Ministry of Energy
    expects to complete the installation
    works in the above-mentioned
    communities by end of the year, all
    things being equal.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Bawa 5:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the Hon
    Minister for Energy knows that if the
    contract is looking for NEDCo to grant
    outage for them to energise the network,
    it does not take a whole process to do
    that. Indeed, the last time I heard that
    NEDCo wanted to grant outage for the
    contract to energise the network was
    about six months ago.
    Mr Speaker, I would want to find out
    from the Hon Minister if it is possible to
    issue a directive that that should be done
    because NEDCo falls directly under him.
    This is a project that started somewhere
    around 2015 or 2016 and as we speak,
    the people can see the wires and metres
    in their houses but they cannot get
    power. Is it possible that the Hon
    Minister issues a directive to NEDCo to
    grant that particular permission for the
    contract to have the outage to energise
    the network for the people?
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    these are some of the things the Hon
    Member and I cannot understand. I agree
    with him that granting voltage for
    energisation should not take as long as
    the time it has taken, and I would work
    with him to ensure that the necessary
    action is taken to enable the people in
    those areas enjoy energy.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, let us now turn to the Question
    numbered 444, and it stands in the name
    of the Hon Member for Upper Manya
    Krobo, Mr Bismark Tetteh Nyarko.
    Communities in the Upper Manya
    Krobo to Benefit from Ongoing
    Electrification Project
    Mr Bismark Tetteh Nyarko (NDC
    — Upper Manya Krobo): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Energy
    which communities in the Upper Manya
    Krobo District are to benefit from the
    ongoing electrification project in the
    district.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    currently, there is no ongoing
    electrification projects in the Upper
    Manya Krobo District being undertaken
    by the Ministry. However, engineering
    surveys have been carried out in 56
    communities in the Manya Krobo
    District for consideration under the
    Ministry's Last Mile Electrification Project.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:22 p.m.
    Yes,
    Hon Member?
    Mr Nyarko 5:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I filed this
    Question as far back as 2021, and at that
    time, there was a project ongoing. Later,
    I understood it was being done by the
    Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). I
    thought it was an agency under the
    Ministry. That is why I filed the Question
    to the Hon Minister; however, if this
    Answer is as far back as 2021, probably,
    there has been some update to the Hon
    Minister's Answer.
    Mr Speaker, if the Hon Minister could
    give us an update on the Answer since I
    filed this Question as far back as 2021,
    and to also ask of the Hon Minister to
    share the list of these 56 communities
    that he is considering.
    Dr M.O. Prempeh 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, if the
    Hon Member could repeat his question
    because there are different parts —
    Mr Nyarko 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I said that at
    the time I filed this Question in 2021,
    there were some electrification projects
    ongoing at Ogome Dawa, Apimsu Yiti,
    Akateng, and Asesewa; all in Upper
    Manya Krobo District. Those projects
    were done by the Electricity Company of
    Ghana (ECG). I understand later on after
    I filed the Question that they were being
    done by ECG. Therefore, my question is,
    whether this Answer the Hon Minister
    has provided is at the time I filed the
    Question in 2021, and if yes, whether
    there has been some update as to the 56
    communities that he is considering and
    to ask of him to share the list of those
    communities with me.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would beg your good self to let me come
    and answer that question specifically. I

    am not apprised of the answer as he is, so

    I would come back —
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:32 p.m.
    Very
    well.
    Hon Member, it means you may have
    to redirect your question. You may file a
    separate Question to solicit the type of
    answers you are looking for.
    Mr Nyarko 5:32 p.m.
    Very well, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:32 p.m.
    From
    Upper Manya Krobo, we come to my
    Friend, the Hon Member for Amenfi
    Central.
    Plans to Connect Some Communities
    in Amenfi Central to the
    National Grid
    Mr Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah
    (NDC—Amenfi Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Energy what
    plans the Ministry has to connect the
    following communities in the Amenfi
    Central Constituency to the national
    grid: (i) Dwete (ii) Kwabikrom (iii)
    Nantiedi (iv) Anobil (v) Kakra (vi)
    Agyadum (vii) Asasetere (viii)
    Dankwawura (ix) Dwirigum (x) Fureso
    (xi) Yirenkyikrom.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I do
    not know why my Hon Good Friend
    chose this route, but he and I are very
    close. A visit to my office would have
    answered this Question.
    The Dwete, Kwabikrom, Nantiedi,
    Anobil, Kakra, Agyadum, Asasetere,
    Dankwawura, Dwirigum, Fureso and
    Yirenkyikrom communities formed part
    of the Ministry's electrification project earmarked for execution by M/S Weldy
    Lamont & Associates Inc. in the Amenfi
    Central Constituency of the Western
    Region. The project originally targeted
    connection of 1,200 communities in all
    three (3) beneficiary Regions, namely:
    Central, Western and Brong Ahafo
    Regions to the national electricity grid.
    During the implementation of the
    project, however, more communities
    were added for connection to the grid
    which increased the number of targeted
    communities to 2,251.
    The electrification project was
    completed in May 2022, having
    connected a total of 2,127 communities
    to the national grid. Unfortunately,
    installation works in some 124
    communities including the ones
    mentioned could not be completed as the
    project fund could not cover them. M/S
    Weldy Lamont has submitted the project
    completion report and a reconciliation
    exercise is being undertaken to ascertain
    the scope of works outstanding in the
    remaining communities.
    Following the take-over of the
    outstanding works, the Ministry will re-
    package same for completion as part of
    the on-going Self-Help Electrification
    Programme (SHEP).
    Mr Second Deputy Speaker 5:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, thank you very much.
    Hon Member for Amenfi Central,
    before you ask your supplementary
    questions, the Hon First Deputy Speaker
    to take Chair.
    You may ask your question now.
    Mr Kwakye-Ackah 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    would like you to know that the narration
    given by the Hon Minister is somewhat
    different from what is happening on the
    ground.
    Mr Speaker, by 2016, 96 communities
    in my constituency were connected to the
    national grid, and in 2017 when the Hon
    Minister's Government took over power, the contractor abandoned site and has
    never returned, even though some of
    these communities are at about 80 per
    cent completion rate. I would, therefore,
    want the Hon Minister to give a cogent
    reason why the contractor has since not
    returned and the possibility of him
    coming around this time.
    5.38 p.m.— [MR FIRST DEPUTY
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, you
    are welcome.
    My very good Hon Friend wants to
    lead me into some very seriously
    unchartered waters. The project, as I have
    explained, included certain communities
    and the money is exhausted. So, truly, we
    have repackaged it and are looking for
    funds to come and complete. I do not
    want to go to the direction of “between 2016 and 2017, the only thing that has
    changed is Government”, no.
    In fact, part of this project, I gave an
    Answer not long ago in this House that
    truly, it moved from 1,200 communities
    to over 2,200 communities, but the
    money got exhausted. Therefore, we
    would repackage them. The contractor
    did not run — We are doing
    reconsideration with the contractor and
    we would make sure that those
    communities that have been partially
    completed, we would do a re-assessment
    and repackage them for award.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:32 p.m.
    The next
    Question is in the name of the Hon
    Member for Atebubu/Amantin, Mr Sanja
    Nanja.
    Construction of 60-Megawatts
    Biomass Power Plant in Atebubu
    by APSD
    Mr Sanja Nanja (NDC—Atebubu/ Amantin) 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the
    Minister for Energy when African
    Plantation for Sustainable Development
    (APSD) Ghana Limited will commence
    the construction of the 60-megawatts
    biomass power plant in the Atebubu area.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:32 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
    negotiations between ECG and African
    Plantations for Sustainable Development
    (APSD) ended in a stalemate in 2017
    when the parties failed to agree on a tariff
    for the proposed 60 MW biomass project
    in the Atebubu area.
    Whereas ECG indicated that it could
    not proceed with a tariff higher than 15
    cents/kWh at the time, APSD maintained
    that they needed a minimum tariff of
    19.7865 cents/kWh.
    Due to the fact that the parties could
    not agree on a tariff, there has not been
    any meaningful development on the
    project since July 2017. It is noted that
    the Ministry of Energy in order to

    procure electricity competitively,

    recently introduced new guidelines

    which include, among others, a total

    tariff not exceeding the cedi equivalent

    of 10 cents/kWh for new PPAs under a

    take-and-pay arrangement.

    Should APSD comply with the new

    criteria, the company can reengage ECG

    to move the project forward in line with

    ECG's schedule of new capacity procurements.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:32 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, do you have a follow-up
    question?
    Mr Nanja 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, thank you
    once again, and I thank the Hon Minister
    for the Answer.
    Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the
    Hon Minister, given that Government
    was going to be the major purchaser of
    the end product of APSD, was it that
    there was no discussion about the price
    range before they established the
    plantation? I am saying this because over
    9,000 hectares of the plantation is there,
    and the trees are just getting dry and
    falling, and they are not put to use. So,
    was it that there was no price-range
    agreement before they went into
    production?
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    plantation and the tariff issues are different, so I cannot link the two and give the Hon Member a cogent answer. As far as the plantation is concerned, I said there was an ongoing negotiation. The APSD wanted a minimum tariff
    guaranteed; a tariff that, ultimately, you and I should pay for and ECG, at the time, could not agree to that tariff. That is why it ended in a stalemate and that is why we have come out with new tariff directives, so that we can work and together ensure that we can meet this tariff directive.
    This is because somebody has to buy
    the electricity, and if the tariff is high, we would come back and complain that people cannot buy the electricity, so that is why we came out with a new directive. If they are interested in putting up the biomass power plant, they should re- engage ECG and we would see the best way out.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:42 p.m.
    Very well.
    Question 592 in the name of the Hon
    Member for Yilo Krobo, Mr Albert
    Tetteh Nyakotey.
    Connection of Some Communities
    in Yilo Krobo to the National Grid
    Mr Albert Tetteh Nyakotey (NDC
    — Yilo Krobo): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Energy when the
    following communities near Nkurankan
    in the Yilo Krobo Constituency will be
    connected to the national grid: (i)
    Tsremati Yayim (ii) Tsremati
    Dornguanor (iii) Besease Dornguanor.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    communities namely, Tsremati Yayim,
    Tsremati Dornguanor and Besease
    Dornguanor near Nkurankan do not form
    part of any of the Ministry's ongoing electrification projects. The communities
    have been noted and will be considered
    for possible connection to the national

    grid in the subsequent phases of the

    electrification programme when funds

    are available.

    However, an engineering survey has

    been carried out at the Nkurankan and

    Nkurankan Aboabo communities in the

    Yilo Krobo Constituency for

    consideration under the Ministry's Last Mile Electrification project.
    Mr Nyakotey 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I have a
    follow-up question. The communities
    mentioned received solar street lamps
    recently in response to our concerns, and
    I want to commend the Hon Minister for
    this. My question to him is when will the
    Ministry's Last Mile Electrification project commence in Yilo Krobo.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, my
    Hon good Friend would admit to the fact
    that the work that has been done in his
    community as far as electrification is
    concerned — I mean the whole value chain electrification — is probably one of the highest in the last few years in the
    country, percentage wise. We have gone
    ahead and done massive re-energising
    and provision of metres in the
    community. He is very happy, and he
    always tells me he can visit his
    constituency as a proud Member of
    Parliament.
    Mr Speaker, I am sure that Ghana's
    whole aim is to get to the point where we
    achieve at least 90 per cent of
    electrification all over the country that
    would make us achieve the UN SDG of
    full electrification. So, as soon as we
    make moneys available — Money has
    become a problem. As soon as we make
    money or materials available, we would
    supply them, so that we can continue
    achieving a 100 per cent electrification in
    Yilo Krobo.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:42 p.m.
    Very well.
    We would move to Question number
    597, which is in the name of the Hon
    Member for Awutu-Senya West, Mrs
    Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui.
    Connection of Some Communities in
    the Awutu-Senya West Constituency
    to the National Grid
    Mrs Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui (NDC
    — Awutu-Senya West): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Energy when
    the following communities in the
    Awutu-Senya West Constituency would
    be connected to the national grid: (i)
    Kwao Larbie (ii) Duodu Akora (iii)
    Small Boy — [Laughter]—(iv) Yaw Nuwotor (v) Akpagli (vi) Asamoa (vii)
    Akuvi (viii) Kojo Ayisa.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I do
    not take it personal. Do not worry. We
    have to find something to laugh about.
    Mr Speaker, Small Boy -[Laughter].
    Mr Speaker, the communities namely,
    Kwao Larbie, Duodu Akora, Small Boy,
    Yaw Nuwotor, Akpagli, Asamoa, Akuvi
    and Kojo Ayisa do not form part of any
    of the Ministry's ongoing electrification projects. The communities have been
    noted and would be considered for
    connection to the national grid in the
    subsequent phases of the electrification
    programme when funds are available.

    We will talk about Small Boy — [Laughter] —
    Mrs Tetteh-Agbotui 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    need to take the Hon Minister to Small
    Boy.
    Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague
    applauded the Hon Minister for at least
    having an alternative means of power,
    which is solar, in his communities. May
    I kindly request that mine also needs an
    intervention as that because, actually,
    this is just half of what is needed. About
    20 communities have never seen
    electricity before, and as we know, I am
    not too far from Accra, and there is no
    power.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:42 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    can only say that we should continue to
    talk about this. Even though it is not part
    of any project, what we have been trying
    to do is to buy materials so that we can
    start something. Maybe we can talk and
    decide to do some solar electrification is
    some of the communities as soon as we
    get some of the materials. I am happy to
    take it up further with the Hon Member
    so that we know what we can do.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:42 p.m.
    Question
    number 1712, in the name of the Hon
    Member for Ellembele, Mr Emmanuel
    Armah-Kofi Buah.
    Total Volumes of Condensates
    Supplied by Ghana National Gas
    Company (GNGC) from 2017 to 2021
    Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
    (NDC — Ellembele): Mr Speaker, I beg to ask the Minister for Energy the total
    volumes of condensates supplied by
    Ghana National Gas Company to various
    companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020,
    2021 and how it was utilised.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this
    is a Question from a former Hon Minister
    for Energy, and he wants the new
    Minister, his very good friend, to answer,
    only concerning my tenure of office, and
    my subsequent -[Interruption] — not including his tenure of office. — [Interruption] We would Answer the
    Question for him, Mr Speaker.
    Mr Speaker, total volumes of
    condensates supplied by GNGC to
    various companies in 2017, 2018, 2019,
    2020 and 2021 are as per the table below:
    Condensate Supply
    COMPANY 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
    Med
    Petroleum
    MT 6,770.02 2,109.58 190.95
    Cirrus Oil MT 2,070.24 2,059.42 221.19
    Eco Petroleum MT 3,653.06 844.65
    Rama Energy MT 1,837.05
    Globex Energy MT 8,090.02 4,455.67 4,641.33 5,810.78 6,736.08
    LHS Energy MT 2,127.70 2,796.89 1,053.89
    Battop MT 1,404.68 2,165.93 93.48

    Maranatha Oil MT 2,900.84 5,522.11 4,952.31

    Firm Energy MT 342.94 1,898.85 2,599.68 1,072.50

    Dome

    Energy

    MT 1,524.64 5,638.99 6,150.14

    Chase

    Petroleum

    MT 1,649.55 1,286.69

    Oil Trade MT 187.77 2,350.31 1,753.11 929.36 1,734.28

    Mobile Oil MT 799.63 1,328.73 215.1

    Eagle

    Petroleum

    MT 1,521.84

    Hask Oil MT 1,914.13 2,280.61 408.62 1,038.07

    Everstone MT 409.02

    Hilson MT 291.92

    SA Energy MT 246.73

    Imperial MT 1,822.76 313.52

    Mimshach MT 1,441.44 284.89

    Lemla MT 232.16 1,037.40

    Total MT 24,522.29 17,707.38 18,469.95 28,674.18 27,839.45

    Mr Speaker, the table talks about the

    companies that have benefited, and their

    condensates over the period are given.

    MT- Metric Tonnes

    For the utilisation, according to the

    National Petroleum Authority's (NPA)

    guidelines on the offtake of condensates,

    condensates lifted from the Atuabo Gas

    Processing Plant (GPP) are delivered to

    the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for

    upgrade to gasoline RON 91. The

    revenue generated from sale of

    condensates for the period 2017 to 2021

    is provided in the table below.

    Condensate Revenue & Receipt

    Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

    Recei

    pts

    (GH

    C)

    29,721,63

    0.31

    34,434,18

    1.16

    37,826,44

    4.33

    25,950,57

    6.01

    59,768,97

    9.61

    All receipts by GNGC for the

    condensates go into a consolidated

    account from which monies are drawn to

    fund GNGC's operational and capital expenditure.
    Mr Buah 5:52 p.m.
    Thank you, Mr Speaker. In
    the Hon Minister's Answer, he said that: “All receipts by GNGC for the condensates go into a consolidated
    account from which monies are drawn to
    fund GNGC's operational and capital expenditure.”
    The Petroleum Revenue Management
    (Amended) Act, 2015 (Act 893) is very
    clear on what is considered petroleum
    receipts that must go to the Petroleum
    Holding Funds. The reason I asked this
    Question is because the GNGC must get
    money from the processing and
    transportation of gas.
    Mr Speaker, when it comes to the
    products — [Interruption] I am laying my foundation for the question. Can the
    Hon Minister explain why the GNGC is
    using this money to fund its operation
    and capital expenditure, in clear
    violation of the Petroleum Revenue
    Management Act?
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, can you explain why they are
    breaching the Petroleum Revenue
    Management Act? I do not know
    whether they are breaching them. You
    can tell.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the
    Petroleum Revenue Management Act is
    clear that all revenues arising from
    petroleum activities must fall into the
    Petroleum Revenue Management
    account for disbursement to be made
    together with Parliament and our
    petroleum holding funds. It is clear that
    that is supposed to be the case. As to why
    that has not been the case since the
    founding of the GNGC, we all have to
    think through it because the law is clear,
    and whether it was during the Hon
    Member's time or mine, we have not been able to exercise the law fully.
    Maybe we need to look at it so that we
    can all come to a conclusion going
    forward. I thank the Hon former
    Minister.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, so are you admitting that the
    GNGC is using revenue, contrary to the
    Petroleum Revenue Management Act? Is
    that the case? I want to be clear about
    that.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, to
    put matters in perspective, I would like
    the Hon Member who asked the question
    to read exactly what the Petroleum
    Revenue Management Act says. It is not
    something that can be controversial.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Minister, may I suggest that you look at
    that again and brief the House fully, so
    that the House would look at whether
    they are breaching the law or not and
    give the appropriate directions.
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, it is
    a matter that the Committee on Mines
    and Energy of Parliament is
    investigating as part of the remits as to
    things happening —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Very well.
    So, the Report will end up with us,
    anyway.
    Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
    — rose —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Leaders,
    you are allowed one follow-up question
    only.
    Mr Buah 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, this is a
    question of national interest —
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    That is
    why I asked that he does it, but he says
    your Committee — you are a member of the Committee on Mines and Energy.
    Mr Buah 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, that is correct.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    He says
    you are investigating that. When you
    finish, you will give us the Report.
    Mr Buah 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, the reason I
    asked the question is that I have a follow-
    up assignment for the Hon Minister. It is
    related to what he just said. I want the
    Hon Minister to give us assurance that he
    would take up this matter, and brief the
    House properly so that the House will
    appropriately take the necessary steps.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    The Hon
    Minister has assured me that your
    Committee is looking at it. Is that not
    correct?
    Dr M. O. Prempeh 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I
    assure you that in the light of his Question and in the light of the investigation being done by their Committee, I will answer the question fully as he so demands. The law is clear, but the law also allows companies that are not directly involved in the petroleum activity to also report differently. That, the Attorney-General has also stated an opinion about. So, it is not as clear in that light, even though the Petroleum Revenue Management Act is very clear.
    So, we would have to investigate it. It is also a thing that the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) itself is working on as well.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Members, that brings us to the end of Question time for today.
    Hon Minister, thank you for attending
    upon the House to answer Questions.
    You are discharged.
    Yes, Hon Majority Chief Whip, what
    is next?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we are ready to take the item numbered 12 on page 13 of the Order Paper. I would seek your leave to do it on your behalf.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, the item numbered 12 is a Motion. It is supposed to be moved by me. Who will do it on my behalf? — [Pause] — Hon Majority Chief Whip, would you move the Motion on my behalf?
    MOTION 5:52 p.m.
    Chairman of the Committee 5:52 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Committee of the Whole on the Proposed Formula for the Disbursement of the National Health

    Insurance Fund for the year 2023 may be moved today.

    Ranking Member of the Committee

    (Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh): Mr

    Speaker, I second the Motion.

    Question put and Motion agreed to.

    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 5:52 p.m.
    We
    would move to the item numbered 13.
    Hon Majority Chief Whip, kindly move
    the Motion.
    MOTION 5:52 p.m.
    Chairman of the Committee 5:52 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, I beg to move, that this
    honourable House adopts the Report of
    the Committee of the Whole on the
    Proposed Formula for the Disbursement
    of the National Health Insurance Fund
    for the year 2023.
    Mr Speaker, in so doing, I present the
    Committee's Report, and I invite the Department of Official Report to capture
    the entirety of the Report, while I limit
    myself to just a few portions of the
    Report.
    REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON 5:52 p.m.
    WHOLE ON THE NATIONAL 5:52 p.m.
    HEALTH INSURANCE FUND 5:52 p.m.
    RECEIPTS 5:52 p.m.
    PAYMENTS 5:52 p.m.
    MOFEP 5:52 p.m.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:02 p.m.
    Hon
    Member, “siphoned” is a crime, so, please, withdraw that word.
    Mr Akandoh 6:02 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, well
    noted.
    Mr Speaker, an amount of GH₵1.7 billion has been taken away in the name
    of capping and in the 2023 formula, it is
    estimated that we would raise not less
    than GH₵5.28 billion in the name of National Health Insurance and about 50
    per cent of this amount has been capped.
    If care is not taken, we would not get
    enough money to run this scheme.
    Mr Speaker, even after the capping,
    normal projects that are supposed to be
    run by the Central Government have
    been offloaded to the scheme again. The
    purchase of vaccines, construction of
    health institutions, support to the
    Ministry of Health have, again, been
    offloaded to the scheme.
    Mr Speaker, as if that is not enough,
    after the capping, the little amount that is
    left is also not being paid. As I speak to
    you now, the formula that we approved
    with regard to the year 2022, not even
    GH₵1 has been paid. [Interruption]. So, we Sit in this House, approve a formula
    and in the whole year, nothing is released
    to take care of the formula we Sit here to
    approve.
    Mr Speaker, I think that this formula
    goes beyond the National Health
    Insurance Authority and the Ministry of
    Health. I think it has more to do with the
    Ministry of Finance.
    Mr Speaker, the delay in the release of
    the Fund has multiple implications on the
    survival of the scheme and we are
    informed that the last payment was done
    as far back as August, 2022. We hear
    service providers threatening to
    withdraw their services and at the end of
    the day, it is the ordinary Ghanaian who
    suffers. I think this House must send a
    clear signal to the Ministry of Finance to

    ensure that these funds are released

    timeously.

    Mr Speaker, I would give you a typical

    example. With regard to the purchase of

    vaccines, this year and last year, we ran

    into shortage of vaccines because of the

    delay in the releases because we have to

    plan in advance and if these releases are

    not done on time, it encourages a lot of

    things — co-payment among others.

    Mr Speaker, the Committee also

    realised that the Information Technology

    (IT) component of the formula is

    becoming unbearable. It is, therefore, the

    recommendation of the Committee that a

    forensic audit, an independent probe, be

    instituted into the IT component of the

    formula and based on the Report, I think

    it would serve this House to be able to do

    something about it.

    Mr Speaker, with these few words, I

    support the Motion.

    Question Proposed.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:12 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Minority Leader?
    Minority Leader (Dr Cassiel Ato
    Baah Forson): Mr Speaker, I have
    looked at the Report of the Committee
    carefully and I have analysed the
    document before us.
    Mr Speaker, I believe the time has
    come for us to look, critically, at the
    hypothecation of every tax that is used to
    finance the activities of National Health
    Insurance Levy.
    Mr Speaker, we earmarked 2.5 per
    cent in the form of Value Added Tax
    (VAT) to support the National Health
    Insurance activities. However, if we do
    the maths carefully, it looks like the
    Ministry of Finance transferred
    something slightly more than one per
    cent every year. This does not encourage
    the tax payer to pay his taxes because the
    intention is for us to earmark a tax for a
    particular activity.
    Mr Speaker, I recognise that the
    economy is in a difficult situation so
    some money must be left at the centre but
    I strongly believe that in order to
    encourage tax morale, it is only right for
    the Ministry of Finance to resubmit a
    version of taxes where they would only
    give, maybe, one per cent or 1.5 per cent,
    if that is what they can afford to pay and
    then obviously allow the centre to have
    the rest.
    Mr Speaker, but the system where a
    tax policy is in place, the revenue is
    supposed to be used for a particular
    purpose but only a fraction is used in a
    particular year, I do not think it is right
    and would encourage the taxpayer to pay
    more. It is only right for the Ministry to
    realign it and if they would have to bring
    the VAT Act back to this House and
    realign it to allow a percentage to go to
    the centre, making it automatic transfer.
    Mr Speaker, apart from that, it is also
    important for us to be careful how we use
    the resources that are made available to
    the National Health Insurance. To my
    surprise, in the year 2022, the IT bills, if

    we are to add them all, the IT bills

    amounted to GH₵255 million. This is too much. The IT bill is equivalent to the

    management of the National Health

    Insurance Authority itself, which is

    about GH₵300 million. So, I do not know what exactly they are using this

    money for.

    Mr Speaker, if care is not taken, this

    matter would become a big one. I am

    happy that the Committee insists -- if we look at paragraph 2 of page 13, the

    Committee is calling for what they call

    an operational audit of the IT system — forensic audit.

    Mr Speaker, it is about time that we

    checked what this money is used for.

    Over GH₵250 million in one year for IT expenses is too much and this has been

    recurring not only last year or this year.

    It has been recurring. Every year, the

    National Health Insurance Authority

    spends in excess of GH₵200 million for the purposes of IT. I think we should take

    some time to look at this.

    Mr Speaker, I want to say that it is my

    hope that the National Health Insurance

    Scheme would ensure that this forensic

    audit would be done on time and a report

    submitted to us. If they fail to do that, we

    can only bring a Motion before this

    House for us to adopt for us to do this

    ourselves.

    Mr Speaker, the amount of money

    involved is too much. If one looks at the

    breakdown of the amount, one would ask

    what exactly they are doing. For

    example: “Management Information Systems”, so far, from January to

    December, 2022, an amount of

    GH₵185.17 million was spent.

    Mr Speaker, aside that, there is what

    they refer to as “Claim Data Capturing”, GH₵19 million was spent. Data Integration, Transfer and Maintenance

    — GH₵10 million. It goes on and on every single year. I do not know exactly

    what they are using this money for.

    Mr Speaker, this constitutes

    approximately 20 per cent of total claims

    of the National Health Insurance

    Authority. We know that some of the

    service providers are bleeding. They are

    complaining of non-payments, and if we

    are to use taxpayers' money in this manner, clearly, the Ministry for Finance

    would not be encouraged to transfer the

    money to them.

    Mr Speaker, that is why I do not feel

    pity for them, and I do not support it that

    the money should go to them. This is

    because in my view, this money is not

    put to proper use. That is why I suggest

    that this issue of forensic audit that the

    Committee has recommended should be

    taken seriously, and we should give them

    some timelines for them to ensure this is

    done, appear before us and give us some

    answers because until then, I am

    developing cold feet for us to be

    approving this kind of money to the

    National Health Insurance Authority for

    their activities.

    Mr Speaker, the country is bleeding

    and we need to save every penny for the

    centre to ensure that we can save our

    economy. So, they cannot be transferring

    money to an earmarked Fund for them

    not to be used in a manner that would

    benefit us, particularly, as far as our

    health is concerned.

    Mr Speaker, this is my concern and we

    should pay attention to this matter

    because the public is actually watching

    us and we have to do something to

    support the way our public fund is being

    used.

    Thank you, Mr Speaker.

    Majority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei-

    Mensah-Bonsu): Mr Speaker, thank you

    very much.

    Mr Speaker, healthcare is something

    that really should concern all of us and

    everything ought to be done to ensure

    that we are able to protect the system that

    has been put in place, nurture it, and

    ensure that it grows from strength to

    strength. It is the reason that when we

    were passing the law on Ghana

    Education Trust Fund (GETFund), some

    of us, at the very outset, raised the issue

    of the automaticity of the amounts

    collected to go straight into the

    GETFund. The Hon Minister for Finance

    at the time insisted that they should go to

    the Consolidated Fund for accounting

    purposes before they are transferred to

    the Fund that we were creating at the

    time.

    Mr Speaker, at the time, I was a

    common backbencher but I raised the

    issue that that was a recipe for disaster

    that a time was going to come when the

    Ministry for Finance would renege. That

    was in the year 2000, before the Hon

    Minority Leader was born into this

    House. I said we should be careful

    because I was —[Interruption]. Mr Speaker, the other day, the Hon Member

    for Ketu North, Mr Avedzi, was

    castigating somebody that the person

    was fond of making wild gesticulations

    in the House and I said four fingers were

    pointing at his own chest.

    Mr Speaker, let me go on, as I was

    saying, what we did in creating the

    GETFund really had yielded negative

    dividends. It followed us in the creation

    of the Fund for the National Health

    Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and also for

    the Common Fund, and that is why I

    agree with the suggestion from the Hon

    Minority Leader that we should devise a

    scheme where amounts collected

    automatically go and feed the funds.

    Until we get there, it would continue to

    follow us and as I said, since the year

    2000, when GETFund was created, the

    trend has been systematic.

    Mr Speaker, I believe that as a House,

    what we ought to do if we are

    increasingly discovering that the

    amounts that we have provided for the

    various Funds are on the high side, is to,

    perhaps, review same and say that maybe

    instead of 2.5 per cent, can we deal with

    two per cent or 1.5 per cent so that the

    obligation is not passed on to the

    Minister for Finance? Arrears are created

    and the Funds are anticipating that State

    funds would be used to refill the gaps

    that are created. What do we do as a

    House? It is for us to determine. Let us

    bring our collective wisdom to bear on

    this going forward; otherwise, at any

    given time, we would be accusing the

    superintending Ministers for Finance

    that they have been pussyfooting in

    releasing funds to these Funds that we

    have created in this House.

    Mr Speaker, again, I think an issue has

    been raised with respect to how much is

    being spent on Information Technology

    (IT). The amount appears to be on the

    high side on the face of it but while we

    are saying that we should conduct a

    forensic audit into it, the Hon Minority

    Leader is saying that until it is done, he

    is developing cold feet in the approval to

    be given by this House. I disagree with

    him because we should have the patience

    to await the outcome of the investigation.

    Otherwise, why are we calling for the

    forensic audit if we are sure that what is

    going on is wrong? If we are convinced

    and persuaded that it is wrong, why did

    we set up the Committee?

    Mr Speaker, I would like to plead with

    him that it is important that we have a

    second look at these expenditures. IT

    expenditures, of course, we do know that

    maybe at the turn on every third year,

    some renewals may have to be done

    because the industry is fast growing and

    turning out new products which should

    be fitted into established systems.

    However, are we in a position to, on

    the spur of the moment, criticise and

    bastardise the institution because we do

    not understand what they are doing? I

    think that would be a bit preposterous.

    We cannot do that. Let us give the

    Committee time to go through their own

    investigation. I think that for purposes of

    this, because the Members of the

    Committee themselves are not professionals

    in IT, perhaps, they may court some IT

    experts to lead them in this enterprise and

    whatever recommendation that comes,

    they would feed in their reports. This is

    because, I honestly do not think that our

    Committee would be able to do any

    thorough job as far as investigating what

    IT systems are required on yearly basis

    by the National Health Insurance

    Scheme (NHIS).

    Mr Speaker, it is the reason we set aside

    some moneys for these Committees charged

    with such responsibilities to tap into to

    enrich their own enquiries. But as I keep

    saying, the Committees do not tap into

    the fund. This is one enterprise that I

    would urge the sub-Committee formed

    by the Committee to apply to and I

    believe some amounts could be made

    available to them to engage experts who

    would then conduct their own

    investigation and feed them with their

    findings, which would then find

    expression in the report that they submit

    to us.

    Mr Speaker, I just wanted to add to the

    other contributions by Hon Colleagues

    who have spoken earlier. I thank you

    very much.

    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:12 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Majority Chief Whip?
    Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh 6:12 p.m.
    Mr
    Speaker, may we now turn to page 23 of
    today's Order Paper and take the item numbered 26 — Suspension of Standing Order 80(1).
    Mr Speaker, I would further seek your
    leave for it to be done by the Hon Vice
    Chairman of the Finance Committee.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:22 p.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Members, we will take the item
    numbered 26.
    Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC — Bia East) 6:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to second
    the Motion.
    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we will move to the item
    numbered 27.
    MOTIONS 6:22 p.m.
    CIF 6:22 p.m.
    CO 6:22 p.m.
    VID- 6:22 p.m.
    LEVY 6:22 p.m.
    VAT 6:22 p.m.
    NHI 6:22 p.m.
    GET 6:22 p.m.
    E 6:22 p.m.
    XIM 6:22 p.m.
    LEV 6:22 p.m.
    Y 6:22 p.m.
    EXIM 6:22 p.m.
    LEVY 6:22 p.m.
    Mr Richard Acheampong (NDC — Bia East) 6:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg to second
    the Motion and speak to the Report
    presented by the Hon Vice Chairman of
    the Committee.
    Mr Speaker, at the Committee level,
    we were made to understand that Metro
    Mass Transit Limited is trying to import
    45 units of intercity buses to augment the
    buses that they already have to increase
    their fleet, among others.
    It is about time we tried to also expand
    the operations of Metro Mass Transit
    Limited because we asked them that as
    they are providing services, is it the case
    that they are able to raise revenue for
    maintenance and also pay back the
    facility? However, we were told that they
    are providing services. So, at the end of
    the day, they have to rely on the
    Government for all the support that they
    are seeking from us, but it is a service
    that they are providing to us. They told
    us that school children board the bus free
    of charge without paying, but the point
    is, what about a school child in Bia East
    or Berekum where these buses do not
    render services to them? So, it is some
    form of discrimination. I know that with
    any law that is put in place, some would
    benefit while others would not.
    However, since, this is about social
    services, we should make sure that they
    can recoup part of the facility that has
    been given to them, especially, for
    maintenance.
    Mr Speaker, if one goes to their yard
    as we speak, many of their buses are
    parked there. They cannot get spare parts
    to maintain them; meanwhile, they take
    some money from the people who board
    these buses. We need to have a broader
    conversation around some of these
    things, so that going forward, even if
    they cannot pay the loan, they have to be
    in a position to service their buses, so that

    there would be value for money. It is not

    about always giving them exemptions.

    They have to also make sure that the

    services are generating revenue for them.

    Mr Speaker, with these few

    observations, I think they are in to

    provide services for the good people of

    this country. We need to support them,

    but they need to up their game, so that we

    would derive the needed benefits from

    their services.

    Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for

    the opportunity.

    Question proposed
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, can I put the Question?

    Question put and Motion agreed to.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:22 p.m.
    Hon
    Members, we will take the item
    numbered 28 — Resolution.
    RESOLUTIONS 6:22 p.m.
    Minister for Finance 6:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker, I beg
    to move:
    WHEREAS by the provisions of
    article 174 (2) of the Constitution,
    Parliament is empowered to confer
    power on any person or authority to
    waive or vary a tax imposed by an
    Act of Parliament;
    The exercise of any power conferred
    on any person or authority to waive
    or vary a tax in favour of any person
    or authority is by the said provisions
    made subject to the prior approval of
    Parliament by resolution;
    By the combined operation of the
    provisions of section 150(i) of the
    Customs Act 2015, (Act 891), the
    Export and Import Act, 1995 (Act
    503), the Export Trade, Agricultural
    and Industrial Fund Act, 2013 (Act
    872), the Value Added Tax Act, 2013
    (Act 870), the Value Added Tax
    (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 890),
    the Value Added Tax (Amendment)
    Act, 2017 (Act 948) and other
    existing Laws and Regulations
    applicable to the collection of
    Customs duties and other taxes on the
    importation of goods into Ghana, the
    Minister for Finance may exempt any
    statutory corporation, institution or
    individual from the payment of duties
    and taxes otherwise payable under
    the said Laws and Regulations or
    waive or vary the requirement of
    such statutory corporation, institution
    or individual to pay such duties and
    taxes;
    By the provisions of paragraphs (a)
    and (b) of subsection (2) of section 36
    of the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act
    1083),
    (a) an exemption-related agreement signed between the Government

    and a person on the basis of a

    provision repealed by the

    Exemptions Act, 2022 or

    (b) an exemption-related resolution of Parliament passed on the

    basis of a provision repealed by

    the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act

    1083) shall continue to be valid

    for the term of the agreement or

    resolution.

    Two Credendo-Covered Term Loan

    Facility Agreements between the

    Government of the Republic of

    Ghana (represented by the

    Ministry of Finance) and Belfius

    Bank S.A./N.V. of Belgium, a

    State-to-State Loan Agreement

    between the Government of the

    Republic of Ghana (represented

    by the Ministry of Finance) and

    the Government of the Kingdom

    of Belgium and Two Contract

    Agreements between the

    Government of the Republic of

    Ghana (represented by the

    Ministry of Transport) and VDL

    Bus Roeselare N.V. of Belgium

    for the delivery of 100 Intercity

    VDL Buses for Public Transport,

    Spare Parts, Tools And Technical

    Assistance/Training Services to

    the Ministry of Transport of the

    Republic of Ghana were

    respectively approved by

    resolution by the Parliament of

    Ghana on 7th November, 2020;

    The exemption-related terms

    of the Contract Agreements

    between the Government of the

    Republic of Ghana (represented

    by the Ministry of Transport) and

    VDL Bus Roeselare N.V. of

    Belgium for the delivery of 100

    Intercity VDL Buses for Public

    Transport, Spare Parts, Tools

    And Technical

    Assistance/Training Services to

    the Ministry of Transport of the

    Republic of Ghana continue to be

    valid in accordance with the

    provisions of section 36(2) of the

    said Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act

    1083).

    In accordance with the

    provisions of the Constitution and

    at the request of the Government

    of Ghana, acting through the

    Minister responsible for Finance,

    there has been laid before

    Parliament a request by the

    Minister for Finance for the prior

    approval of Parliament the

    exercise by him of the power

    conferred under the Laws and

    Regulations relating to the waiver

    of Import Duty,

    Import NHIL, Import

    GETFund Levy, Import VAT,

    EXIM Levy, Special Import Levy

    and COVID-19 Recovery Levy

    amounting to the Ghana cedi

    equivalent of seven million, one

    hundred and ninety-one

    thousand, six hundred and eleven

    euros, seventy-six cents

    €7,191,611.76) [made up of €5,830,937.50 on 100 Units of Intercity VDL Buses and

    €1,360,674.26 on Spare Parts] to be imported from Roeselare N. V.

    Roeselare of Belgium for the

    Metro Mass Transit Limited.

    NOW THEREFORE, this

    honourable House hereby

    approves, by resolution, the

    exercise by the Minister

    responsible for Finance of the

    power conferred on the

    Minister by Statute to waive

    such Import Duty, Import

    NHIL, Import GETFund Levy,

    Import VAT, EXIM Levy,

    Special Import Levy and

    COVID-19 Recovery Levy

    amounting to the Ghana Cedi

    equivalent of seven million,

    one hundred and ninety-one

    thousand, six hundred and

    eleven euros, seventy-six cents

    €7,191,611.76) [made up of

    €5,830,937.50 on 100 Units of

    Intercity VDL Buses and

    to be imported from Roeselare

    N. V. Roeselare of Belgium for

    the Metro Mass Transit

    Limited.

    Minority Chief Whip (Mr Kwame

    Governs Agbodza): Mr Speaker, I beg

    to second the Motion.

    Question put and Motion agreed to.

    Resolved accordingly.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:22 p.m.
    Yes, Hon
    Majority Chief Whip, what is next?
    Mr Annoh-Dompreh 6:22 p.m.
    Mr Speaker,
    we are certainly in your hands, but all
    Businesses that were programmed have
    been duly dispensed, so we are in your
    hands.
    Mr First Deputy Speaker 6:22 p.m.
    Very well.
    Hon Members, in that circumstance,
    the House is adjourned till tomorrow,
    Friday, 31st March, 2023, at 10.00 a.m.
    ADJOURNMENT 6:22 p.m.