Frontpage, Nov 18, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE chiefs and people of the Western Region have petitioned Parliament to ensure that 10 per cent of Ghana’s petroleum revenue is paid into a Western Region Development Fund to be established under the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill.
This, according to them, is for the purpose of developing the region.
In addition, they have called for the establishment of a special fund to take care of any disaster that will arise from any environmental mishap that could occur during the exploration and production of oil and gas.
They further contend that the fund should be managed by a board comprising indigenes of the region.
At a press conference prior to the presentation of the petition to the Speaker of the House yesterday, the President of the Western Regional House of Chief, Awulae Atibrukusu, said the demand by the chiefs and people was informed by the state of development and the high rate of unemployment in spite of the rich resources in the region.
He said currently, the youth in the region were agitating as a result of the seemingly non-transparent employment practices of companies involved in the oil and gas industry and the apparent lack of interest of the government in recognising the Western Region as a key stakeholder in the oil discovery.
The nine-point petition also called for the achievement of regional and gender balance envisaged by the 1992 Constitution in employment by all state institutions, especially those engaged in the oil and gas industry.
It also called for the representation of the region on all institutions and bodies to be established by the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill, such as the Investment Advisory Committee and Public Interest and Accountability Committee, as well as all governing bodies that would be established under all laws relating to oil and gas industry.
The petition also demanded that one-third of the members of the Oil and Gas Commission that would be established should be made up of indigenes of the Western Region, explaining that all such appointments should be in consultation with the chiefs and people of the region.
It called on the government to encourage the oil and gas companies, through legislation, to employ and offer other business opportunities to indigenes of the region.
Answering questions from the media, Awulae Annor Adjaye explained that the demands were not based on selfish interests, but on the need to forestall any future agitation as a result of unfair treatment in the oil and gas industry.
“We did not benefit from cocoa, gold, timber and other natural resources that were mined in the region and if we do not benefit from the oil find, then the region is doomed,” he declared.
Fourteen paramount chiefs in the region signed the petition.
Meanwhile, the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Adjaho, has referred the petition to the Joint Committee on Finance and Mines and Energy for consideration after receiving it from the chiefs.
Time is not on the side of the chiefs since the report on the joint committee on the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill was due to be laid before the House yesterday.
It was, however, deferred and it is hoped that it would be laid before the end of the week for it to go through its second reading.
The two sides of the House agreed that the laying of the report should be deferred.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Parliament stresses well-being of veterans
Centre Spread, Nov 12, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament have called for measures to ensure the well-being of veteran soldiers who fought for the building of the country.
Contributing to two statements to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day, the MPs stressed that since “a country which does not recognise its heroes is not worth dying for”, it was important to take proper care of the veterans to encourage the current generation to work for the growth of the country.
In his statement, the MP for Nkoranza North, Major Derrick Oduro (rtd), said, “It is important to state that the day should not only be a remembrance day for those who lost their lives during the First World War, but also a day that recognises our servicemen, women and civilians who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations elsewhere”.
Ghanaian security agencies, according to the MP, had exhibited high professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties, particularly during peacekeeping missions, and had, as a result, won for the country high international recognition over the years.
Major Oduro called on the leadership of the country to work diligently towards the promotion of peace and development as a way of showing their appreciation towards the ex-servicemen who laid down their lives for the country.
He also called on the government to consider instituting a special fund for retired officers and ex-servicemen in order to address their plight.
In another statement to commemorate the day, the MP for Ho Central, Capt. George Nfodjo (retd), said it was unfortunate that only stipends were paid to ex-servicemen, which was woefully inadequate.
“These are former para-jumpers who now have knee and stability problems and are wheel-chair-bound,” he said and questioned whether they could still depend on such stipends.
The First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, advised the two statement makers to liaise with the leadership of the legislative body to ensure that some monies were collected from the MPs to be donated to the ex-servicemen as an example for others to emulate.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament have called for measures to ensure the well-being of veteran soldiers who fought for the building of the country.
Contributing to two statements to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day, the MPs stressed that since “a country which does not recognise its heroes is not worth dying for”, it was important to take proper care of the veterans to encourage the current generation to work for the growth of the country.
In his statement, the MP for Nkoranza North, Major Derrick Oduro (rtd), said, “It is important to state that the day should not only be a remembrance day for those who lost their lives during the First World War, but also a day that recognises our servicemen, women and civilians who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations elsewhere”.
Ghanaian security agencies, according to the MP, had exhibited high professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties, particularly during peacekeeping missions, and had, as a result, won for the country high international recognition over the years.
Major Oduro called on the leadership of the country to work diligently towards the promotion of peace and development as a way of showing their appreciation towards the ex-servicemen who laid down their lives for the country.
He also called on the government to consider instituting a special fund for retired officers and ex-servicemen in order to address their plight.
In another statement to commemorate the day, the MP for Ho Central, Capt. George Nfodjo (retd), said it was unfortunate that only stipends were paid to ex-servicemen, which was woefully inadequate.
“These are former para-jumpers who now have knee and stability problems and are wheel-chair-bound,” he said and questioned whether they could still depend on such stipends.
The First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, advised the two statement makers to liaise with the leadership of the legislative body to ensure that some monies were collected from the MPs to be donated to the ex-servicemen as an example for others to emulate.
This week in Parliament
Page 13, Nov 15, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE MINISTER of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, is expected to present the government’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy for 2011 to Parliament on Thursday, November 18, 2010.
The Majority Leader and Leader of the House, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka announced this when he presented the Business Statement of Parliament on Thursday.
As part of deepening the understanding of the underlying policies behind the bugdet a post-budget workshop will be organised for leadership, chairpersons and ranking members and committee clerks and is scheduled for Friday November 26 to Sunday November 28, 2010.
Mr Avoka also informed the House that Parliament would sit on Mondays and also extend its sitting period from November 22, 2010 in order to complete the agenda it had set for itself for the current meeting.
The House is expected to rise for the Christmas break on December 21, 2010.
Meanwhile three ministers are expected to appear before the House this week to answer a total of 12 questions filed by eight Members of Parliament (MPs).
They are the Minister for Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Hanna Tetteh, and the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi.
Bills expected to be presented to the House to be read for the first time are the Medical Training and Research Bill, 2010, the Mental Health Bill, 2010 and the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Bill.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE MINISTER of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, is expected to present the government’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy for 2011 to Parliament on Thursday, November 18, 2010.
The Majority Leader and Leader of the House, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka announced this when he presented the Business Statement of Parliament on Thursday.
As part of deepening the understanding of the underlying policies behind the bugdet a post-budget workshop will be organised for leadership, chairpersons and ranking members and committee clerks and is scheduled for Friday November 26 to Sunday November 28, 2010.
Mr Avoka also informed the House that Parliament would sit on Mondays and also extend its sitting period from November 22, 2010 in order to complete the agenda it had set for itself for the current meeting.
The House is expected to rise for the Christmas break on December 21, 2010.
Meanwhile three ministers are expected to appear before the House this week to answer a total of 12 questions filed by eight Members of Parliament (MPs).
They are the Minister for Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Hanna Tetteh, and the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi.
Bills expected to be presented to the House to be read for the first time are the Medical Training and Research Bill, 2010, the Mental Health Bill, 2010 and the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Bill.
Parliament approves loan agreement
Page 12, Nov 13, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT last Thursday approved a 55 million euro financial agreement between the government and the Kredistanstal Fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) of Germany to be used as part of the Multi-Donor Budget Support (MDBS) for 2010-2012.
The loan was also accompanied by 500,000 euros grant to strengthen the Ghana Audit Service.
The MDBS is a joint support mechanism of 11 development partners and the government of Ghana, which is based on the contributions of financial resources by development partners directly to the government’s treasury to complement the country’s domestically generated revenue.
The contribution of the MDBS is to help facilitate the implementation of the country’s development and poverty reduction policies.
Under the programme, all decision concerning the allocation and utilisation of the funds are to be in line with government’s own long-term perspective plans.
A Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekpeh, moved the motion for the approval of the agreement and he was seconded by the Finance Committee of Parliament, Mr James Klutse Avedzi.
In a related development, the House also approved a 7,980 million euros between the government and Austria for the construction and equipping of five polyclinics in the Upper West Region.
The loan would also be used to provide training of medical staff and other medical technicians/engineers of the Ghana health Service/ the Ministry of Health.
Under the facility, five polyclinics would be constructed and equipped at Babile/Birifo, Funsi, Ko, Lambussie and Wechiau.
It is hoped that the project would help enhance physical access in the Upper West Region, which is one of the most deprived in the country.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT last Thursday approved a 55 million euro financial agreement between the government and the Kredistanstal Fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) of Germany to be used as part of the Multi-Donor Budget Support (MDBS) for 2010-2012.
The loan was also accompanied by 500,000 euros grant to strengthen the Ghana Audit Service.
The MDBS is a joint support mechanism of 11 development partners and the government of Ghana, which is based on the contributions of financial resources by development partners directly to the government’s treasury to complement the country’s domestically generated revenue.
The contribution of the MDBS is to help facilitate the implementation of the country’s development and poverty reduction policies.
Under the programme, all decision concerning the allocation and utilisation of the funds are to be in line with government’s own long-term perspective plans.
A Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekpeh, moved the motion for the approval of the agreement and he was seconded by the Finance Committee of Parliament, Mr James Klutse Avedzi.
In a related development, the House also approved a 7,980 million euros between the government and Austria for the construction and equipping of five polyclinics in the Upper West Region.
The loan would also be used to provide training of medical staff and other medical technicians/engineers of the Ghana health Service/ the Ministry of Health.
Under the facility, five polyclinics would be constructed and equipped at Babile/Birifo, Funsi, Ko, Lambussie and Wechiau.
It is hoped that the project would help enhance physical access in the Upper West Region, which is one of the most deprived in the country.
Drama unfolds in Parliament
Page 12, Nov 12, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
DRAMA unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday soon after question time when the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, Mr James Klutse Avedzi informed the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho about a comment that he claimed the MP for New Juaben North, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman had made about him (Adjaho).
Mr Adjaho had ruled that the one hour allotted for question time was over and called the Western Regional Minister and MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo to present a statement, but before he could do so, Mr Avedzi stood up and made his claim.
He told the House that Mr Owusu-Agyeman had commented that Mr Adjaho "is not correct".
Mr Owusu-Agyeman had been standing to catch the eye of the Speaker, just before he ruled that the one hour allotted for question time had elapsed without success.
And when Mr Adjaho asked Mr Owusu-Agyeman whether he had made that comment, he replied, "Mr Speaker, did you call me to speak?"
That line of question to question ensued between Mr Owusu-Agyeman and Mr Adjaho until the latter stated thus: "Honourable member, you are a senior member of this House and you should know better" to end the drama.
That drama had preceded an intense question time, during which the Minister of Defence, Lt Gen J.H Smith, had briefed the House about the recent recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jaman South, Mr Yaw Maama Afful, had asked the minister to what extent the ministry took into consideration regional and gender balance in the recruitment of 453 personnel of the 2009/2010 batch of general recruits who reported for training on July 1, 2010.
Even though the minister informed the House about the modalities and percentages allocated to every region based on the country’s population statistics, Mr Afful disputed the claim that the Volta Region had been allotted eight per cent of the recruitment.
According to him, a document in his possession indicated that the Volta Region alone had been allocated 30 per cent of the recruitment.
The minister told the House that the GAF recruitment policy generally required 90 per cent male and 10 per cent female, while a second requirement was that each region should exhibit the appropriate gender mix.
He said in the 2009/2010 general recruitment exercise, the Ghana Army was given a quota of 900, explaining that those recruits were expected to be taken in two batches of 450 each.
He said at the moment, 391 males and 60 females were undergoing training, while the second batch of 534 recruits were undergoing medical examination, out of which 450 would be shortlisted for training in January 2011.
“It is hoped that any shortfalls in the regional quotas in the first batch will be addressed,” he said.
He said the percentage chosen for each region was based on the population census figures of Ghanaians between the ages of 15 and 29, explaining, for instance, that the Greater Accra had 19.3 per cent, Upper West, 2.7 per cent and Volta, 8.2 per cent.
While the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, tabled the document in which Mr Afful claimed that 30 per cent of the recruits had been given to the Volta Region, Mr Adjaho directed that Lt Gen Smith submit his document stipulating the percentages of the recruits allotted the various regions to the Table’s Office.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, had appeared before the House to answer an urgent question on the outcome of the investigations by the United States Department of Justice on the Kosmos and EO Group affair which had been filed by the MP for Navrongo Central, Mr Joseph Kofi Adda.
Answering the question, Mrs Mould-Addrisu told the House that under the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement between Ghana and the United States, contents of the investigations were strictly confidential.
She stated, however, that the involvement of companies in the acquisition of shares in the Jubilee Field, including the EO Group, was being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
She also told the House, in an answer to another question, that the problem of congestion in the country’s prisons was systemic and that efforts were being made to solve the problem.
When she was asked whether she would advise the President to set up a commission to review the country’s Criminal Code, she said the review had already begun, explaining that she intended to commission consultancy to study the code and submit a report to her.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
DRAMA unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday soon after question time when the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, Mr James Klutse Avedzi informed the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho about a comment that he claimed the MP for New Juaben North, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman had made about him (Adjaho).
Mr Adjaho had ruled that the one hour allotted for question time was over and called the Western Regional Minister and MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo to present a statement, but before he could do so, Mr Avedzi stood up and made his claim.
He told the House that Mr Owusu-Agyeman had commented that Mr Adjaho "is not correct".
Mr Owusu-Agyeman had been standing to catch the eye of the Speaker, just before he ruled that the one hour allotted for question time had elapsed without success.
And when Mr Adjaho asked Mr Owusu-Agyeman whether he had made that comment, he replied, "Mr Speaker, did you call me to speak?"
That line of question to question ensued between Mr Owusu-Agyeman and Mr Adjaho until the latter stated thus: "Honourable member, you are a senior member of this House and you should know better" to end the drama.
That drama had preceded an intense question time, during which the Minister of Defence, Lt Gen J.H Smith, had briefed the House about the recent recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jaman South, Mr Yaw Maama Afful, had asked the minister to what extent the ministry took into consideration regional and gender balance in the recruitment of 453 personnel of the 2009/2010 batch of general recruits who reported for training on July 1, 2010.
Even though the minister informed the House about the modalities and percentages allocated to every region based on the country’s population statistics, Mr Afful disputed the claim that the Volta Region had been allotted eight per cent of the recruitment.
According to him, a document in his possession indicated that the Volta Region alone had been allocated 30 per cent of the recruitment.
The minister told the House that the GAF recruitment policy generally required 90 per cent male and 10 per cent female, while a second requirement was that each region should exhibit the appropriate gender mix.
He said in the 2009/2010 general recruitment exercise, the Ghana Army was given a quota of 900, explaining that those recruits were expected to be taken in two batches of 450 each.
He said at the moment, 391 males and 60 females were undergoing training, while the second batch of 534 recruits were undergoing medical examination, out of which 450 would be shortlisted for training in January 2011.
“It is hoped that any shortfalls in the regional quotas in the first batch will be addressed,” he said.
He said the percentage chosen for each region was based on the population census figures of Ghanaians between the ages of 15 and 29, explaining, for instance, that the Greater Accra had 19.3 per cent, Upper West, 2.7 per cent and Volta, 8.2 per cent.
While the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, tabled the document in which Mr Afful claimed that 30 per cent of the recruits had been given to the Volta Region, Mr Adjaho directed that Lt Gen Smith submit his document stipulating the percentages of the recruits allotted the various regions to the Table’s Office.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, had appeared before the House to answer an urgent question on the outcome of the investigations by the United States Department of Justice on the Kosmos and EO Group affair which had been filed by the MP for Navrongo Central, Mr Joseph Kofi Adda.
Answering the question, Mrs Mould-Addrisu told the House that under the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement between Ghana and the United States, contents of the investigations were strictly confidential.
She stated, however, that the involvement of companies in the acquisition of shares in the Jubilee Field, including the EO Group, was being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
She also told the House, in an answer to another question, that the problem of congestion in the country’s prisons was systemic and that efforts were being made to solve the problem.
When she was asked whether she would advise the President to set up a commission to review the country’s Criminal Code, she said the review had already begun, explaining that she intended to commission consultancy to study the code and submit a report to her.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Buffer Zone Policy ready
Backpage, Nov 10, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing has finalised a national buffer zone policy to guide the creation and management of tree covers on land strips along open water bodies, the sector minister, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, told Parliament yesterday.
The policy is part of a number of measures initiated through the Water Resources Commission to protect the various water bodies in the country.
Mr Bagbin made this known when he appeared before Parliament to answer questions by Members of Parliament (MPs).
The MP for Offinso North, Mr Augustine Collins Ntim, had asked the minister about measures being put in place to protect the various water bodies in the country.
Mr Bagbin explained that other measures included the Integrated Water Resources Management, public awareness and education programme, water quality monitoring, and transboundary co-operation.
He said the national buffer zone policy was to restore, conserve and maintain the ecological integrity, and optimise the socio-economic benefits of such designated areas.
The minister stated that in the meantime pilot tree planting programmes for the restoration of river banks were being implemented in selected river basins such as Densu and the White Volta through support given to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations.
In addition, river basin boards were being set up to ensure co-ordinated implementation of programmes to address basin-specific water problems. So far the Densu, White Volta and the Ankobra boards, he said, were functioning effectively.
Answering another question posed by the MP for Chiana/Paga, Mr Leo Alowe Kaba, Mr Bagbin admitted that water supply in the Upper East Region was insufficient since only 14 per cent of areas in the region had been provided with water systems from Bolgatanga, Navrongo and Bawku.
In the long term, he said, funding was being sourced from the ORIO programme of The Netherlands to develop a water supply project in the region.
Mr Bagbin said the feasibility study was currently being undertaken by Wittenven and Bos Engineers of the Netherlands, which would eventually lead to the construction of new water supply system with the water source being the Tono Dam.
He said the grant agreement had been signed and the feasibility study was expected to take six months while the project itself would take two years to be completed.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing has finalised a national buffer zone policy to guide the creation and management of tree covers on land strips along open water bodies, the sector minister, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, told Parliament yesterday.
The policy is part of a number of measures initiated through the Water Resources Commission to protect the various water bodies in the country.
Mr Bagbin made this known when he appeared before Parliament to answer questions by Members of Parliament (MPs).
The MP for Offinso North, Mr Augustine Collins Ntim, had asked the minister about measures being put in place to protect the various water bodies in the country.
Mr Bagbin explained that other measures included the Integrated Water Resources Management, public awareness and education programme, water quality monitoring, and transboundary co-operation.
He said the national buffer zone policy was to restore, conserve and maintain the ecological integrity, and optimise the socio-economic benefits of such designated areas.
The minister stated that in the meantime pilot tree planting programmes for the restoration of river banks were being implemented in selected river basins such as Densu and the White Volta through support given to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations.
In addition, river basin boards were being set up to ensure co-ordinated implementation of programmes to address basin-specific water problems. So far the Densu, White Volta and the Ankobra boards, he said, were functioning effectively.
Answering another question posed by the MP for Chiana/Paga, Mr Leo Alowe Kaba, Mr Bagbin admitted that water supply in the Upper East Region was insufficient since only 14 per cent of areas in the region had been provided with water systems from Bolgatanga, Navrongo and Bawku.
In the long term, he said, funding was being sourced from the ORIO programme of The Netherlands to develop a water supply project in the region.
Mr Bagbin said the feasibility study was currently being undertaken by Wittenven and Bos Engineers of the Netherlands, which would eventually lead to the construction of new water supply system with the water source being the Tono Dam.
He said the grant agreement had been signed and the feasibility study was expected to take six months while the project itself would take two years to be completed.
Speaker sworn in as acting President
Centre Spread, Nov 10, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo was yesterday sworn in by the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood as the acting President of the country.
She will, however, have to wait until this morning for the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, to leave for Nigeria to confer with President Goodluck Jonathan before assuming office.
With the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, already in the Czech Republic to attend a Ghana-Czech trade and investment forum, the mantle falls on the Speaker when the President leaves for Nigeria today.
This is the second time in less than two months that the Speaker has to be called on to act as the country’s President.
The first time was on October 1, 2010 when the President was in China and Mr Mahama had to leave for Nigeria to attend that country’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Even though the Speaker spent only five hours as acting President, she will today spend the whole day as acting President.
The swearing in of the Speaker received a thunderous applause and shouts of “hear, hear” from both sides of the House.
But when the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, reminded the House that the Speaker would assume duty today, the backbenchers at the Minority side shouted “now, now, Madam Speaker, Cabinet reshuffle”.
Commenting on the swearing-in ceremony, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, observed that communication to the House about the absence of the President from the country was an improvement on the previous one when the Vice President left hours before the Speaker was sworn in, leaving a vacuum.
He, therefore, commended the presidency for listening to the concerns expressed by the MPs the previous time.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said even though the Constitution stipulated that the swearing-in should be done while the President was leaving the country, the House had found it expedient to swear in the Speaker earlier to assume duty soon after the President had left the shores of the country.
“This is the first time we are doing this and it is an innovation to remedy the situation that occurred the previous time,” he said.
The Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, said it was historic for the Speaker to be sworn in twice in less than two months to act as President.
He stated that given the rich background of the Speaker, “she will be able to hold the fort and take far-reaching decisions that will benefit the whole country, especially women”.
Mr Avoka wished the Speaker well in her endeavours during the period that she would act as the President of the country.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo was yesterday sworn in by the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood as the acting President of the country.
She will, however, have to wait until this morning for the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, to leave for Nigeria to confer with President Goodluck Jonathan before assuming office.
With the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, already in the Czech Republic to attend a Ghana-Czech trade and investment forum, the mantle falls on the Speaker when the President leaves for Nigeria today.
This is the second time in less than two months that the Speaker has to be called on to act as the country’s President.
The first time was on October 1, 2010 when the President was in China and Mr Mahama had to leave for Nigeria to attend that country’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Even though the Speaker spent only five hours as acting President, she will today spend the whole day as acting President.
The swearing in of the Speaker received a thunderous applause and shouts of “hear, hear” from both sides of the House.
But when the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, reminded the House that the Speaker would assume duty today, the backbenchers at the Minority side shouted “now, now, Madam Speaker, Cabinet reshuffle”.
Commenting on the swearing-in ceremony, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, observed that communication to the House about the absence of the President from the country was an improvement on the previous one when the Vice President left hours before the Speaker was sworn in, leaving a vacuum.
He, therefore, commended the presidency for listening to the concerns expressed by the MPs the previous time.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said even though the Constitution stipulated that the swearing-in should be done while the President was leaving the country, the House had found it expedient to swear in the Speaker earlier to assume duty soon after the President had left the shores of the country.
“This is the first time we are doing this and it is an innovation to remedy the situation that occurred the previous time,” he said.
The Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, said it was historic for the Speaker to be sworn in twice in less than two months to act as President.
He stated that given the rich background of the Speaker, “she will be able to hold the fort and take far-reaching decisions that will benefit the whole country, especially women”.
Mr Avoka wished the Speaker well in her endeavours during the period that she would act as the President of the country.
This week in Parliament
Page 13, Nov 8, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr E.T Mensah is expected to appear before Parliament this week to answer a question on the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy.
The Member of Parliament for Ahafo-Ano North, Mr Richard Akuoko Adiyia, has filed a question enquiring about the implementation of the new pay policy.
Mr Mensah is among six minister expected to appear before the House to answer questions this week.
Other are Mr Alban Bagbin, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Kwasi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Gen. Henry Smith, Minister of Defence, Mrs Betty Mould-Addrisu, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
The Majority Leader and Leader of the House, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka announced this when he presented the Business Statement of Parliament for this week.
In all, 22 questions bordering on the sectors of the six ministries are to be answered during the week.
The MP for Asunafo South, Mr Robert Sarfo Mensah will also ask Mr Mensah about steps his ministry is taking to ensure that all public buildings and facilities are accessible to the people with disability as stipulated in the Persons With Disability Act, 2009 (Act 715).
On Friday, the MP for Sunyani East, Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh is also expected to pose a question to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, to enquire about measures being made to ensure that assembly members who ended three term in August/September 2010 are paid reasonable and acceptable end-of-service benefit.
Other MPs expected to ask questions are Mr Samuel Aye-Paye, NPP-Ayensuano, Mr Maama Afful, NPP-Jaman South, Mr George Artheu, NDC- Amenfi Central, Ms B.B Boateng, NPP- New Juaben South, Mr Yaw Ofori-Kuragu, Independent- Bosome-Freho and John Agyabeng, NPP-Agona East.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr E.T Mensah is expected to appear before Parliament this week to answer a question on the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy.
The Member of Parliament for Ahafo-Ano North, Mr Richard Akuoko Adiyia, has filed a question enquiring about the implementation of the new pay policy.
Mr Mensah is among six minister expected to appear before the House to answer questions this week.
Other are Mr Alban Bagbin, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Kwasi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Gen. Henry Smith, Minister of Defence, Mrs Betty Mould-Addrisu, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
The Majority Leader and Leader of the House, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka announced this when he presented the Business Statement of Parliament for this week.
In all, 22 questions bordering on the sectors of the six ministries are to be answered during the week.
The MP for Asunafo South, Mr Robert Sarfo Mensah will also ask Mr Mensah about steps his ministry is taking to ensure that all public buildings and facilities are accessible to the people with disability as stipulated in the Persons With Disability Act, 2009 (Act 715).
On Friday, the MP for Sunyani East, Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh is also expected to pose a question to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, to enquire about measures being made to ensure that assembly members who ended three term in August/September 2010 are paid reasonable and acceptable end-of-service benefit.
Other MPs expected to ask questions are Mr Samuel Aye-Paye, NPP-Ayensuano, Mr Maama Afful, NPP-Jaman South, Mr George Artheu, NDC- Amenfi Central, Ms B.B Boateng, NPP- New Juaben South, Mr Yaw Ofori-Kuragu, Independent- Bosome-Freho and John Agyabeng, NPP-Agona East.
MP’s calls for healthy discussions of issues
Page 12, Nov 5, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have expressed worry about the current spate of insults on the airwaves and have called for healthy discussions of issues on partisan lines to enhance the country's political dispensation.
They were contributing to a statement made on the floor of the House by the MPs from Ablekuma North, Mr Justice Joe Appiah, and Ahafo-Ano North, Mr Richard Akuoko Adiyia.
Mr Appiah expressed worry about the use of the airwaves to attack political opponents and called on the media to be circumspect to avoid such situations.
"It behoves all of us to treat our leaders with respect and decorum, as they are the embodiment of dignity, and they also represent the soul of the nation."
Mr Appiah called for efforts to maintain the national unity even in the face of extreme provocation in order to avoid strives that had occurred in other parts of Africa in recent years.
He said that as the nation prepare to go to the polls in December 2012, “I passionately appeal to all to exercise the greatest restraint in the use of language that might create tension, rancour and animosity within the general public.”
In his view, the war of words which had saturated the country’s political discourse lacked discussions on policy alternatives to national accelerated development.
He reminded Ghanaians that “we are still practising multi-party democracy, with all political parties struggling to gain political power and govern the country.”
This, he cautioned, must be done with decency and the toning down of sentiments in our political discussions, adding that “we are not enemies but one people with a common destiny and aim.”
Mr Appiah said that Ghana was the only country we had and therefore it would be extremely unwise to sit aloof and allow a few people to toy with the destiny of the nation and disturb its peace.
In his statement, titled "Ghana First", Mr Akuoko noted that as citizens of the country, Ghanaians have a common destiny and collective security and that an attack on one was an attack on all.
"Mr Speaker, government will come and go, people will come and go, political parties will come to power and lose power but mother Ghana will always be there," he said.
Mr Akuoko stated that the country had reached a stage in its democratic dispensation that government in power and the largest opposition party should be able to give and take constructive criticisms to ensure cross-fertilisation of ideas.
"The cycle of vengeance and political vendettas has no place in our democratic dispensation and must stop," he said.
The MP said that the time had come for politicians to move away from the politics of lies, deceit, insults and personal attacks and rather engage in constructive debates of issues that promoted national development.
He said if, as the representatives of the people, politicians benefited more than the people they were serving, "then we are not serving," he said, adding that the politics of political brouhaha should be over.
"If we become too entrenched in our political philosophies and ideas, we tend to lose sight of a broader picture, the well-being of the people of this country," he said.
He cautioned Ghanaians that "whether we like it or not, we are in the same boat together, we either swim together or drown together."
The statements received the endorsement of the whole House. All MPs who contributed were commended for their timely advise.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have expressed worry about the current spate of insults on the airwaves and have called for healthy discussions of issues on partisan lines to enhance the country's political dispensation.
They were contributing to a statement made on the floor of the House by the MPs from Ablekuma North, Mr Justice Joe Appiah, and Ahafo-Ano North, Mr Richard Akuoko Adiyia.
Mr Appiah expressed worry about the use of the airwaves to attack political opponents and called on the media to be circumspect to avoid such situations.
"It behoves all of us to treat our leaders with respect and decorum, as they are the embodiment of dignity, and they also represent the soul of the nation."
Mr Appiah called for efforts to maintain the national unity even in the face of extreme provocation in order to avoid strives that had occurred in other parts of Africa in recent years.
He said that as the nation prepare to go to the polls in December 2012, “I passionately appeal to all to exercise the greatest restraint in the use of language that might create tension, rancour and animosity within the general public.”
In his view, the war of words which had saturated the country’s political discourse lacked discussions on policy alternatives to national accelerated development.
He reminded Ghanaians that “we are still practising multi-party democracy, with all political parties struggling to gain political power and govern the country.”
This, he cautioned, must be done with decency and the toning down of sentiments in our political discussions, adding that “we are not enemies but one people with a common destiny and aim.”
Mr Appiah said that Ghana was the only country we had and therefore it would be extremely unwise to sit aloof and allow a few people to toy with the destiny of the nation and disturb its peace.
In his statement, titled "Ghana First", Mr Akuoko noted that as citizens of the country, Ghanaians have a common destiny and collective security and that an attack on one was an attack on all.
"Mr Speaker, government will come and go, people will come and go, political parties will come to power and lose power but mother Ghana will always be there," he said.
Mr Akuoko stated that the country had reached a stage in its democratic dispensation that government in power and the largest opposition party should be able to give and take constructive criticisms to ensure cross-fertilisation of ideas.
"The cycle of vengeance and political vendettas has no place in our democratic dispensation and must stop," he said.
The MP said that the time had come for politicians to move away from the politics of lies, deceit, insults and personal attacks and rather engage in constructive debates of issues that promoted national development.
He said if, as the representatives of the people, politicians benefited more than the people they were serving, "then we are not serving," he said, adding that the politics of political brouhaha should be over.
"If we become too entrenched in our political philosophies and ideas, we tend to lose sight of a broader picture, the well-being of the people of this country," he said.
He cautioned Ghanaians that "whether we like it or not, we are in the same boat together, we either swim together or drown together."
The statements received the endorsement of the whole House. All MPs who contributed were commended for their timely advise.
Parliament reconstitutes ECOWAS membership
Page 12, Nov 5, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has reconstituted its membership in the ECOWAS Parliament.
The new members of Ghana's delegation are Mr Stephen Yakubu, NPP MP for Binduri, Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah, Minority Chief Whip and NPP MP for Suhum and Mrs Catherine Ablema Afeku, NPP MP for Evalue-Gwira. They replace Mr Stephen Balado-Manu (NPP, Ahafo-Ano South), Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, NPP, Assin North and Mrs Elizabeth Sackey, NPP, Okaikoi North.
Other member of the delegation who retained their membership were Mr Michael Tei-Nyaunu, NDC, Lower Manya, Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah, NDC, Garu Tempane, Mr Francis Yaw Osei Sarfo, NDC, Krachie West and Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi, NDC, Ashiaman.
The reconstituted members would project themselves as a non-partisan delegation representing Ghana's Parliament and would submit a report at the end of every session of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Meanwhile, the government is to construct a 100-bed hospital in the Weija Municipality.
This is part of 12 hospitals which had been earmarked for construction with a concessional loan being sought from Opus 7 by the government.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, told Parliament yesterday that the construction of the hospital at Weija is part of efforts to restore Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to its original status as a tertiary health provider.
He was answering a question posed by the MP for Weija, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who wanted to know when a proper Municipal government hospital would be provided for Weija.
Dr Kunbuor also informed the House that a modern claims processing centre had been established to handle National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims.
He explained that the centre was currently handling claims from teaching hospitals and regional hospitals adding that at full capacity the centre would be capable to process 15,000 claims per day.
In an answer to a question posed by the MP for Agona East, Mr John Agyabeng, Dr Kunbuor said currently the centre is processing 10,000 calls per day.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has reconstituted its membership in the ECOWAS Parliament.
The new members of Ghana's delegation are Mr Stephen Yakubu, NPP MP for Binduri, Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah, Minority Chief Whip and NPP MP for Suhum and Mrs Catherine Ablema Afeku, NPP MP for Evalue-Gwira. They replace Mr Stephen Balado-Manu (NPP, Ahafo-Ano South), Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, NPP, Assin North and Mrs Elizabeth Sackey, NPP, Okaikoi North.
Other member of the delegation who retained their membership were Mr Michael Tei-Nyaunu, NDC, Lower Manya, Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah, NDC, Garu Tempane, Mr Francis Yaw Osei Sarfo, NDC, Krachie West and Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi, NDC, Ashiaman.
The reconstituted members would project themselves as a non-partisan delegation representing Ghana's Parliament and would submit a report at the end of every session of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Meanwhile, the government is to construct a 100-bed hospital in the Weija Municipality.
This is part of 12 hospitals which had been earmarked for construction with a concessional loan being sought from Opus 7 by the government.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, told Parliament yesterday that the construction of the hospital at Weija is part of efforts to restore Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to its original status as a tertiary health provider.
He was answering a question posed by the MP for Weija, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who wanted to know when a proper Municipal government hospital would be provided for Weija.
Dr Kunbuor also informed the House that a modern claims processing centre had been established to handle National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims.
He explained that the centre was currently handling claims from teaching hospitals and regional hospitals adding that at full capacity the centre would be capable to process 15,000 claims per day.
In an answer to a question posed by the MP for Agona East, Mr John Agyabeng, Dr Kunbuor said currently the centre is processing 10,000 calls per day.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
‘University Bill referred back to leadership’
Page 12, Nov 1, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
ASPECTS of the University of Ghana Law, which was passed by Parliament during its last meeting, have being referred back to the leadership of the House for study and report by the Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo.
The referral followed a submission made by the Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, on the floor of Parliament during its sitting on Friday.
He complained that even though the Section 'A' of the Law, which deals with the appointment of the Chairperson of the Council of the University, empowered members of the council to elect their own chairman, that aspect had been changed.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah explained that instead of the members of the council electing their own chairperson, the Law now says that the chairperson should be appointed under Article 70 of the Constitution.
Under that Article, the President is to appoint the chairperson of the council in consultation with the Council of State.
In referring the matter to leadership, the Speaker urged them to go through documentation during the deliberations on the bill to ascertain what was actually agreed upon.
The Bill had already been assented by the President.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
ASPECTS of the University of Ghana Law, which was passed by Parliament during its last meeting, have being referred back to the leadership of the House for study and report by the Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo.
The referral followed a submission made by the Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, on the floor of Parliament during its sitting on Friday.
He complained that even though the Section 'A' of the Law, which deals with the appointment of the Chairperson of the Council of the University, empowered members of the council to elect their own chairman, that aspect had been changed.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah explained that instead of the members of the council electing their own chairperson, the Law now says that the chairperson should be appointed under Article 70 of the Constitution.
Under that Article, the President is to appoint the chairperson of the council in consultation with the Council of State.
In referring the matter to leadership, the Speaker urged them to go through documentation during the deliberations on the bill to ascertain what was actually agreed upon.
The Bill had already been assented by the President.
Ministry to spend GH¢750,000 to fight menace of black flies
Page 13, Oct 30, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ministry of Energy is to spend GH¢750,000 over the next three years to fight the menace of black flies, which has become a nuisance towards the implementation of the Bui Project, the sector minister, Mr Joe Oteng-Adjei has told Parliament.
He said the black fly population within the project area became a major problem to the implementation of the project when the contractor's expatriate workers expressed serious health concerns about the effects of being bitten by the flies.
Dr Oteng-Adjei was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament for Tain, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim on measures that had been put in place to control the nuisance of the flies which threatened the smooth implementation of the project.
He explained that the Bui Power Authority thus consulted the Ghana Health Service, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Ngouchi Memorial Institute who had recommended the pursuit of control programme to deal with the menace.
Dr Oteng-Adjei stated that the Black Fly Nuisance Control Programme, which had been instituted had been segmented into short and long term plans.
He said the ministry was expecting that activities to control the pest would start immediately after the end of the 2010 rainy season adding that already GH¢250,000 had been advanced towards the programme.
However, a follow-up question by Mr K.T Hammond, MP for Adanse Asokwa about the viability of the Bui Project generated a lot of heat when the minister felt offended when Mr Hammond said it was unfortunate that after two years in office, he had not been able to appreciate the viability of the project.
Dr Oteng-Adjei, who felt offended, said it was unfortunate for the MP to make such a disparaging remark about him and remarked “if he has any personal problem with me, he should not bring it to the floor of the House”.
Answering another main question posed by Mr Hammond, Dr Oteng-Adjei informed the House that the Petroleum Agreement between the government and the GNPC on one hand, and AKER ASA had not been abrogated.
He explained that parties to the agreement had reached mutually satisfactory and amicable termination agreement, which was awaiting execution.
Dr Oteng-Adjei added that the basis for the termination of the agreement was “substantive and procedural or technical” adding that AKER ASA, being a Norwegian Company not registered as an external company under the country's company code lacked the legal capacity to acquire exploration and production rights or to be a party to the petroleum agreement.
However, Mr Hammond and other members of the Minority side challenged the basis for the parties to agree to terminate an agreement that had been reached through a resolution by Parliament without bringing it back to the House.
Mr Hammond also asked the minister whether the GNPC had reached an agreement with KOSMOS Energy Ghana Limited on the disposal or sale of KOSMOS Energy's stake in the Jubilee Field.
Answering the question, the minister said information available to him did not support the assertion that GNPC had reached agreement with KOSMOS Energy Ghana Limited on disposal on its stake in the Jubilee field.
Dr Oteng-Adjei also told the House that as part of measures to mitigate the effect of impounding the Bui Dam on the Akosombo and Kpong stations, a 100 megawatt had to be available from other fuel sources by 2011 to make up for the shortfall in energy requirements of the country.
He explained that to date a 180 MW Sunon-Asogli Thermal Power Plant had been commissioned and in commercial operation while two other plants, the Tema Osonor Plant 126 MW and Takoradi 3 Thermal Power Plant, 132 MW were under construction to get additional power for the country.
Answering a follow-up question, Dr Oteng-Adjei told the House that part of the gas being received by Ghana from the West Africa Gas project had been directed to the Sunon-Asogli Thermal Power plant to enable it generate power to cater for the expected shortfall.
Meanwhile, the Presidential (Transition) Bill, 2010 to oversee a smooth transition from one president to the other was laid before the House by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu.
The Health Institutions and Facilitates Bill, 2010 was also laid before the House to go through its first reading stage.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Ministry of Energy is to spend GH¢750,000 over the next three years to fight the menace of black flies, which has become a nuisance towards the implementation of the Bui Project, the sector minister, Mr Joe Oteng-Adjei has told Parliament.
He said the black fly population within the project area became a major problem to the implementation of the project when the contractor's expatriate workers expressed serious health concerns about the effects of being bitten by the flies.
Dr Oteng-Adjei was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament for Tain, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim on measures that had been put in place to control the nuisance of the flies which threatened the smooth implementation of the project.
He explained that the Bui Power Authority thus consulted the Ghana Health Service, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Ngouchi Memorial Institute who had recommended the pursuit of control programme to deal with the menace.
Dr Oteng-Adjei stated that the Black Fly Nuisance Control Programme, which had been instituted had been segmented into short and long term plans.
He said the ministry was expecting that activities to control the pest would start immediately after the end of the 2010 rainy season adding that already GH¢250,000 had been advanced towards the programme.
However, a follow-up question by Mr K.T Hammond, MP for Adanse Asokwa about the viability of the Bui Project generated a lot of heat when the minister felt offended when Mr Hammond said it was unfortunate that after two years in office, he had not been able to appreciate the viability of the project.
Dr Oteng-Adjei, who felt offended, said it was unfortunate for the MP to make such a disparaging remark about him and remarked “if he has any personal problem with me, he should not bring it to the floor of the House”.
Answering another main question posed by Mr Hammond, Dr Oteng-Adjei informed the House that the Petroleum Agreement between the government and the GNPC on one hand, and AKER ASA had not been abrogated.
He explained that parties to the agreement had reached mutually satisfactory and amicable termination agreement, which was awaiting execution.
Dr Oteng-Adjei added that the basis for the termination of the agreement was “substantive and procedural or technical” adding that AKER ASA, being a Norwegian Company not registered as an external company under the country's company code lacked the legal capacity to acquire exploration and production rights or to be a party to the petroleum agreement.
However, Mr Hammond and other members of the Minority side challenged the basis for the parties to agree to terminate an agreement that had been reached through a resolution by Parliament without bringing it back to the House.
Mr Hammond also asked the minister whether the GNPC had reached an agreement with KOSMOS Energy Ghana Limited on the disposal or sale of KOSMOS Energy's stake in the Jubilee Field.
Answering the question, the minister said information available to him did not support the assertion that GNPC had reached agreement with KOSMOS Energy Ghana Limited on disposal on its stake in the Jubilee field.
Dr Oteng-Adjei also told the House that as part of measures to mitigate the effect of impounding the Bui Dam on the Akosombo and Kpong stations, a 100 megawatt had to be available from other fuel sources by 2011 to make up for the shortfall in energy requirements of the country.
He explained that to date a 180 MW Sunon-Asogli Thermal Power Plant had been commissioned and in commercial operation while two other plants, the Tema Osonor Plant 126 MW and Takoradi 3 Thermal Power Plant, 132 MW were under construction to get additional power for the country.
Answering a follow-up question, Dr Oteng-Adjei told the House that part of the gas being received by Ghana from the West Africa Gas project had been directed to the Sunon-Asogli Thermal Power plant to enable it generate power to cater for the expected shortfall.
Meanwhile, the Presidential (Transition) Bill, 2010 to oversee a smooth transition from one president to the other was laid before the House by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu.
The Health Institutions and Facilitates Bill, 2010 was also laid before the House to go through its first reading stage.
House refers publisher to Privileges Committee
Page 12, Oct 27, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, yesterday referred the Editor of Africawatch, a pan-African magazine, Mr Steve Mallory, to the Privileges Committee of the House over a publication in the magazine’s October 2010 issue which graded the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Executive.
Her action followed contributions by MPs on both sides of the House to two statements by the MP for Manhyia, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and the MP for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi.
In referring the matter to the committee, the Speaker quoted Article 122 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as Order 30 (2) of the Standing Order of the House, and said that the publication had brought the reputation of MPs into disrepute.
The said article states: “An omission which obstructs or impedes Parliament in the performance of its functions or which obstructs or impedes a member or officer of Parliament in the discharge of his duties, or affronts the dignity of Parliament or which tends either directly or indirectly to produce that result, is contempt of Parliament.”
The Speaker explained that the publication had done exactly what Article 122 of the Constitution sought to prevent and thus needed to be investigated by the Privileges Committee.
“Honourable members, my duty is to protect the integrity of the House and I, therefore, refer the matter to the committee for consideration and report,” she said.
In his statement, Dr Prempeh said at one time or another, both sides of the House had considered an objective and fair assessment of MPs, adding that that showed that parliamentarians were not averse to being assessed.
“We will welcome it, provided it is done fairly, objectively and transparently with built-in safeguards for feedback and re-evaluations,” he said.
He said what the publication had achieved was to mainly ridicule MPs in the eye of Ghanaians by reducing a well-thought out initiative to be sacrificed on the altar of simplicity.
“This simplicity, which panders to the basic instincts of mischievous elements, is very unfair to the reputation of all MPs,” he said, adding that it was being used by friends and foes in the various media, political parties and constituencies to tarnish the image of MPs and Parliament as an institution.
He argued that the Political Performance Index (PPI) sought to undermine the harmonious working relation in the House, explaining that it would make it very difficult for the leadership to persuade the back benchers to give in to their colleagues on the front bench during debates.
“Madam Speaker, we should not make an avatar of this PPI and we should not allow it to pass, lie or die without comment and action. If we do so, it will be at our own peril,” Dr Prempeh said.
In his statement, Mr Agbesi said while it was necessary to assess MPs for the growth of democracy, it was critically necessary for those involved to be circumspect in arriving at conclusions such as awarding grades which sent devastating signals to constituents and the general public.
He called on Parliament to establish an institution of high learning to build the capacities of MPs, in addition to the formation and recognition of a strong back-bencher group.
When the MPs were given the chance to contribute to the matter, they did so with passion, with all the contributors calling on the Speaker to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee.
In his contribution, the MP for Atwima Mponua, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, said it would be the highest order of injustice should any MP lose his or her seat as a result of the publication.
For her part, the MP for Evalue-Gwira, Mrs Catherine Afeku, said the publication had done more harm to the effort of all well-meaning Ghanaians to encourage women to vie to become MPs.
She stated that by awarding such low grades to women in the House, the magazine had succeeded in putting fear in women who intended to contest for seats in the 2012 parliamentary election.
The MP for Asawase, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, said the publication was unfair, particularly to MPs who were in Parliament for the first time, explaining that since they were still learning, it was impossible for them to speak on all issues.
“How can people who know next to nothing about parliamentary practice assess the work of MPs?” he asked and called on the leadership of the House not to take the matter before the House lightly.
The MP for Jaman South, Mr Yaw Afful Maama, questioned the criteria for the assessment of MPs, saying it would be impossible for former MPs who lost their seats either at the constituency primaries or parliamentary elections to see anything better in sitting MPs.
When it came to their turn, both the Majority and Minority leaders, Mr Cletus Avoka and Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, respectively, condemned the publication and urged Ghanaians to treat it with the contempt that it deserved.
Other MPs who contributed to the two statements were Simon Edem Asimah (South Dayi), Sampson Ahi (Juabeso), Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbilla), Inusah B.A. Fuseini (Tamale Central) and David Tetteh Assumeng (Shai-Osudoku)
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, yesterday referred the Editor of Africawatch, a pan-African magazine, Mr Steve Mallory, to the Privileges Committee of the House over a publication in the magazine’s October 2010 issue which graded the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Executive.
Her action followed contributions by MPs on both sides of the House to two statements by the MP for Manhyia, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and the MP for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi.
In referring the matter to the committee, the Speaker quoted Article 122 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as Order 30 (2) of the Standing Order of the House, and said that the publication had brought the reputation of MPs into disrepute.
The said article states: “An omission which obstructs or impedes Parliament in the performance of its functions or which obstructs or impedes a member or officer of Parliament in the discharge of his duties, or affronts the dignity of Parliament or which tends either directly or indirectly to produce that result, is contempt of Parliament.”
The Speaker explained that the publication had done exactly what Article 122 of the Constitution sought to prevent and thus needed to be investigated by the Privileges Committee.
“Honourable members, my duty is to protect the integrity of the House and I, therefore, refer the matter to the committee for consideration and report,” she said.
In his statement, Dr Prempeh said at one time or another, both sides of the House had considered an objective and fair assessment of MPs, adding that that showed that parliamentarians were not averse to being assessed.
“We will welcome it, provided it is done fairly, objectively and transparently with built-in safeguards for feedback and re-evaluations,” he said.
He said what the publication had achieved was to mainly ridicule MPs in the eye of Ghanaians by reducing a well-thought out initiative to be sacrificed on the altar of simplicity.
“This simplicity, which panders to the basic instincts of mischievous elements, is very unfair to the reputation of all MPs,” he said, adding that it was being used by friends and foes in the various media, political parties and constituencies to tarnish the image of MPs and Parliament as an institution.
He argued that the Political Performance Index (PPI) sought to undermine the harmonious working relation in the House, explaining that it would make it very difficult for the leadership to persuade the back benchers to give in to their colleagues on the front bench during debates.
“Madam Speaker, we should not make an avatar of this PPI and we should not allow it to pass, lie or die without comment and action. If we do so, it will be at our own peril,” Dr Prempeh said.
In his statement, Mr Agbesi said while it was necessary to assess MPs for the growth of democracy, it was critically necessary for those involved to be circumspect in arriving at conclusions such as awarding grades which sent devastating signals to constituents and the general public.
He called on Parliament to establish an institution of high learning to build the capacities of MPs, in addition to the formation and recognition of a strong back-bencher group.
When the MPs were given the chance to contribute to the matter, they did so with passion, with all the contributors calling on the Speaker to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee.
In his contribution, the MP for Atwima Mponua, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, said it would be the highest order of injustice should any MP lose his or her seat as a result of the publication.
For her part, the MP for Evalue-Gwira, Mrs Catherine Afeku, said the publication had done more harm to the effort of all well-meaning Ghanaians to encourage women to vie to become MPs.
She stated that by awarding such low grades to women in the House, the magazine had succeeded in putting fear in women who intended to contest for seats in the 2012 parliamentary election.
The MP for Asawase, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, said the publication was unfair, particularly to MPs who were in Parliament for the first time, explaining that since they were still learning, it was impossible for them to speak on all issues.
“How can people who know next to nothing about parliamentary practice assess the work of MPs?” he asked and called on the leadership of the House not to take the matter before the House lightly.
The MP for Jaman South, Mr Yaw Afful Maama, questioned the criteria for the assessment of MPs, saying it would be impossible for former MPs who lost their seats either at the constituency primaries or parliamentary elections to see anything better in sitting MPs.
When it came to their turn, both the Majority and Minority leaders, Mr Cletus Avoka and Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, respectively, condemned the publication and urged Ghanaians to treat it with the contempt that it deserved.
Other MPs who contributed to the two statements were Simon Edem Asimah (South Dayi), Sampson Ahi (Juabeso), Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbilla), Inusah B.A. Fuseini (Tamale Central) and David Tetteh Assumeng (Shai-Osudoku)
Steps needed for untrained teachers to become professionals
Page 61, Oct 25, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE District Chief Executive for Jaman South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Julius Atta-Bediako, has called for measures to be put in place to enable community teaching assistants to be enrolled in teacher training colleges in future.
He said such a measure would enable more people to be trained and posted to the rural areas to improve on teaching and learning in such areas.
Mr Atta-Bediako made the call at the opening of a 14-day training workshop for 47 community education teaching assistants under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in the district.
He said it was the wish of the government that whenever there was recruitment in any field of endeavour, the NYEP beneficiaries should be the first to be considered.
The DCE advised the beneficiaries not to be swollen headed and consider the NYEP as a permanent employment but must continue to study in order to further their studies to enable them achieve higher laurels.
He also advised them to obey the Ghana Education Service rules and regulations since they were now considered as part of the system.
The Jaman South District Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Mr Cosmos Amankona, advised the participants to avoid alcohol and use their allowances judiciously.
In a speech read on her behalf, the Jaman South District Director of Education, Madam Lilian A. §??, said the workshop did not focus on making the beneficiaries substantive professional teachers but as teaching assistants.
She, therefore, urged them to co-operate with their programme co-ordinators and facilitators during the workshop to enable them acquire basic teaching skills to assist pupils who would be entrusted to their care.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE District Chief Executive for Jaman South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Julius Atta-Bediako, has called for measures to be put in place to enable community teaching assistants to be enrolled in teacher training colleges in future.
He said such a measure would enable more people to be trained and posted to the rural areas to improve on teaching and learning in such areas.
Mr Atta-Bediako made the call at the opening of a 14-day training workshop for 47 community education teaching assistants under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in the district.
He said it was the wish of the government that whenever there was recruitment in any field of endeavour, the NYEP beneficiaries should be the first to be considered.
The DCE advised the beneficiaries not to be swollen headed and consider the NYEP as a permanent employment but must continue to study in order to further their studies to enable them achieve higher laurels.
He also advised them to obey the Ghana Education Service rules and regulations since they were now considered as part of the system.
The Jaman South District Co-ordinator of the NYEP, Mr Cosmos Amankona, advised the participants to avoid alcohol and use their allowances judiciously.
In a speech read on her behalf, the Jaman South District Director of Education, Madam Lilian A. §??, said the workshop did not focus on making the beneficiaries substantive professional teachers but as teaching assistants.
She, therefore, urged them to co-operate with their programme co-ordinators and facilitators during the workshop to enable them acquire basic teaching skills to assist pupils who would be entrusted to their care.
MPs divided on gender parity
Page 12, Oct 23, 2010
MPs divided on
gender parity
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) are divided on whether the country should legislate for the achievement of gender parity in representation at various levels of decision making.
While some are of the opinion that the time has come for laws to be put in place to encourage women to offer themselves for elections, others that women should earn their positions on merit and not because of their sex.
The MPs gave these divergent opinions when they contributed to a statement made on the floor of Parliament by the MP for Asante Akim South, Mrs Gifty Ohene-Konadu on the topic: “Local Government as a strategic site of struggle for gender equity” last Thursday.
In the statement, the MP stated that given the significance of local government in the lives of women, it was regrettable that gender activists had largely ignored local government in their quest for gender equity.
She observed that while efforts were being made to increase the number of women in Parliament and in the Executive, there seemed to be lack of measures in promoting women in local government.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu said international conventions required states to create the conditions that facilitated women’s participation in governance and eliminating gender restrictions for the occupation of certain offices.
She said the problem of lack of women in positions in the country was real, explaining that even though the 1992 Constitution provided for the appointment of people to key positions by the President in consultation with the Council of State, it did not state anything about the gender of the appointees.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu said it was, therefore, important that women take advantage of the forthcoming local level elections to put themselves up as candidates and solicit support of their communities to be voted as assembly women.
The MP expressed the hope that with the increasing status of local government, gender activism in the area of women’s participation in local government would also increase.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu explained that the assumption underpinning the expression that local government was closest to people in general and women in particular and that women who contest election at that level would win with ease, was false.
She, therefore, appealed to the general public to vote massively for women who would contest the election for progress, unity and development.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu asked donor community and the civil society to reduce the number of workshops aimed at building the capacities of women and rather make the funds available to the candidates to cater for their campaign expenses.
Contributing to the statement, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Ambrose Dery, called for legislation to ensure that women were well represented at all levels of decision making to fast-track the development of the country.
However, the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Rashid Pelpuo, argued that in the provision of education and jobs, women should be given opportunity on merit and not because of their sex.
He said participation in district level elections was crucial to strengthen women to contest in Presidential and Parliamentary elections in future.
The Minister of Youth and Sports and MP for South Dayi, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, urged men assist women in diverse ways to enable women to have the needed courage to contest elections at all levels.
The MP for Bantama, Ms Cecilia Abena Dapaah, called on the President to work hard in order to fulfil his promise to offer 40 per cent of positions at all levels to women.
Other MPs who contributed to the statement were Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak (Asawase) and Ms Frema Osei-Opare (Ayawaso West Wuogon).
MPs divided on
gender parity
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) are divided on whether the country should legislate for the achievement of gender parity in representation at various levels of decision making.
While some are of the opinion that the time has come for laws to be put in place to encourage women to offer themselves for elections, others that women should earn their positions on merit and not because of their sex.
The MPs gave these divergent opinions when they contributed to a statement made on the floor of Parliament by the MP for Asante Akim South, Mrs Gifty Ohene-Konadu on the topic: “Local Government as a strategic site of struggle for gender equity” last Thursday.
In the statement, the MP stated that given the significance of local government in the lives of women, it was regrettable that gender activists had largely ignored local government in their quest for gender equity.
She observed that while efforts were being made to increase the number of women in Parliament and in the Executive, there seemed to be lack of measures in promoting women in local government.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu said international conventions required states to create the conditions that facilitated women’s participation in governance and eliminating gender restrictions for the occupation of certain offices.
She said the problem of lack of women in positions in the country was real, explaining that even though the 1992 Constitution provided for the appointment of people to key positions by the President in consultation with the Council of State, it did not state anything about the gender of the appointees.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu said it was, therefore, important that women take advantage of the forthcoming local level elections to put themselves up as candidates and solicit support of their communities to be voted as assembly women.
The MP expressed the hope that with the increasing status of local government, gender activism in the area of women’s participation in local government would also increase.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu explained that the assumption underpinning the expression that local government was closest to people in general and women in particular and that women who contest election at that level would win with ease, was false.
She, therefore, appealed to the general public to vote massively for women who would contest the election for progress, unity and development.
Mrs Ohene-Konadu asked donor community and the civil society to reduce the number of workshops aimed at building the capacities of women and rather make the funds available to the candidates to cater for their campaign expenses.
Contributing to the statement, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Ambrose Dery, called for legislation to ensure that women were well represented at all levels of decision making to fast-track the development of the country.
However, the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Rashid Pelpuo, argued that in the provision of education and jobs, women should be given opportunity on merit and not because of their sex.
He said participation in district level elections was crucial to strengthen women to contest in Presidential and Parliamentary elections in future.
The Minister of Youth and Sports and MP for South Dayi, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, urged men assist women in diverse ways to enable women to have the needed courage to contest elections at all levels.
The MP for Bantama, Ms Cecilia Abena Dapaah, called on the President to work hard in order to fulfil his promise to offer 40 per cent of positions at all levels to women.
Other MPs who contributed to the statement were Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak (Asawase) and Ms Frema Osei-Opare (Ayawaso West Wuogon).
NPP MPs want Kobby Acheampong sacked for insulting comment
Page 12, Oct 21, 2010
NPP MPs want Kobby Acheampong
sacked for insulting comment
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) have called on the President to sack the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Kobby Acheampong, over remarks by him which they deem as derogatory against residents of Kumasi and cocoa growing areas.
They said his attack on the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwaku Owusu Afriyie (aka Sir John), on an Accra-based FM station during which he referred to him as “Kookooase Kuraseni from Kumasi”, that is, a villager from a cocoa area, had cast a slur on hardworking cocoa farmers across the country.
Again, they said his comment that the long period Mr Afriyie had stayed in Kumasi had affected his thought was not only an attack on the NPP General Secretary but rather the entire residents of Kumasi.
At a press conference in Parliament yesterday, the MP for Dormaa West, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, stated that it was unfortunate that cocoa farmers who had toiled for the country over the years could be rewarded with such derogatory remarks from a deputy minister who was being paid from their sweat and toil.
He explained that cocoa farmers were spread across the Ashanti, Western, Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Volta regions, and referring to the NPP General Secretary as such “was a complete insult of cocoa farmers”.
“Let Mr Acheampong tell us where he comes from and where he was schooled”. “Is it not proceeds from sales of cocoa that was used to educate him,” Mr Agyeman-Manu asked and demanded answers from his accuser.
For his part, a former Mayor of Kumasi and MP for Asokwa, Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, said it was unfortunate that the deputy minister made such remarks.
He referred to Kumasi as a citadel of the country’s culture, adding that a lot of prominent Ghanaians, including a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, former First Lady, Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor were born and bred in Kumasi.
Mr Jumah therefore called on President Mills to redeem his image by disassociating himself from such comments by sacking Mr Acheampong to deter others from using such insults against a segment of the country.
The MP for Nsuta/Kwamang/Beposo, Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh, said it was rather unfortunate that Mr Acheampong was still continuing with the foul language he used during the 2008 general election for which he was rewarded with his current position.
NPP MPs want Kobby Acheampong
sacked for insulting comment
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) have called on the President to sack the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Kobby Acheampong, over remarks by him which they deem as derogatory against residents of Kumasi and cocoa growing areas.
They said his attack on the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwaku Owusu Afriyie (aka Sir John), on an Accra-based FM station during which he referred to him as “Kookooase Kuraseni from Kumasi”, that is, a villager from a cocoa area, had cast a slur on hardworking cocoa farmers across the country.
Again, they said his comment that the long period Mr Afriyie had stayed in Kumasi had affected his thought was not only an attack on the NPP General Secretary but rather the entire residents of Kumasi.
At a press conference in Parliament yesterday, the MP for Dormaa West, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, stated that it was unfortunate that cocoa farmers who had toiled for the country over the years could be rewarded with such derogatory remarks from a deputy minister who was being paid from their sweat and toil.
He explained that cocoa farmers were spread across the Ashanti, Western, Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Volta regions, and referring to the NPP General Secretary as such “was a complete insult of cocoa farmers”.
“Let Mr Acheampong tell us where he comes from and where he was schooled”. “Is it not proceeds from sales of cocoa that was used to educate him,” Mr Agyeman-Manu asked and demanded answers from his accuser.
For his part, a former Mayor of Kumasi and MP for Asokwa, Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, said it was unfortunate that the deputy minister made such remarks.
He referred to Kumasi as a citadel of the country’s culture, adding that a lot of prominent Ghanaians, including a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, former First Lady, Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor were born and bred in Kumasi.
Mr Jumah therefore called on President Mills to redeem his image by disassociating himself from such comments by sacking Mr Acheampong to deter others from using such insults against a segment of the country.
The MP for Nsuta/Kwamang/Beposo, Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh, said it was rather unfortunate that Mr Acheampong was still continuing with the foul language he used during the 2008 general election for which he was rewarded with his current position.
Amoako-Attah sworn-in as Parliament resumes
Page 12, Oct 20, 2010
Amoako-Attah sworn in
as Parliament resumes
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
The newest Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, was sworn into office as MP for Atiwa when the House resumed sitting yesterday for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
He was elected during a by-election in the Atiwa Constituency in the Eastern Region on August 31, 2010, following the death of the incumbent MP, Mr Kwasi Annor Ankamah.
At exactly 10 am, the Speaker of the House, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo entered the Chamber after the MPs had taken their seats.
After leading the MPs in prayers, she informed the House about the writ of election which had been sent by the Electoral Commission on the by-election declaring Mr Amoako-Attah as the winner.
When she invited the new MP for the brief swearing in ceremony, the Minority responded “hear, hear!” while some Majority MPs were heard saying "it is just a replacement".
Led by the Speaker and assisted by the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Emmanuel Anyimadu, Mr Amoako-Atta swore oaths of allegiance and Member of Parliament after which he was led to his seat while both sides of the House applauded.
Welcoming the new MP, Mrs Bamford-Addo encouraged him to learn the rules and procedures in the House quickly to enable him discharge his duties efficiently.
She informed the MPs about the tight schedule of the meeting and urged them to brace themselves up for the task ahead.
Mrs Bamford-Addo also informed the House about the completion of a three-storey office block which would accommodate the leadership and committee chairmen, and plans to distribute laptops to MPs to enhance their work.
The Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, for his part announced that the 36 new bills, 12 pending bills, 33 instruments, 38 other papers and 700 questions posed by MPs were expected to engage the attention of the House during the meeting.
In addition, the Economic Policy and Budget Statement of the government for 2011 was also expected to be laid before the House by the second week of November.
He mentioned some of the crucial bills expected to be passed during the meeting as the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill, the Petroleum Exploration and Production Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill.
While welcoming the new MP to the House, Mr Avoka also charged the MPs to be patriotic and committed to enable the House to complete the agenda it had set for itself during the meeting.
For his part, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the nine weeks ahead of the House would bring various challenges and difficulties "and would test our capabilities as law makers and representatives".
He, therefore, urged the MPs to see the challenges as opportunities to prove to Ghanaians "some of whom had become very critical and even cynical that, we can rise to the occasion and discharge our duties to satisfy the national interest".
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu appealed to his colleagues to eschew negative partisanship and be patriotic and diligent during the discussions on two bills on the petroleum industry, bearing in mind that "posterity would not never forgive us should we make any wrong decision on any of these critical matters which otherwise have the potential of contributing to transform our economy in a significant way".
He, therefore, advised his colleagues to be time-conscious, punctual and participate in all activities in the Chamber and committee meetings to ensure a productive meeting.
While welcoming Mr Amoako-Attah to the House, he called for measures to curb the violence that had characterised by-elections of late, explaining that if nothing was done it would mar the beauty of the 2012 general elections.
Both Majority and Minority leaders congratulated the Speaker for being the first female acting President of Ghana when both the President and his vice were away from the country on October 1, 2010.
At yesterday's sitting, the Local Government (Creation of New District Electoral Areas) Instrument, 2010, Unit Committee Regulations, 2010 (C.I 18) and the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling (Housing Refrigerating Appliances)(Amendment) Regulations, 2010 (L.I 1970) were laid before the House.
Amoako-Attah sworn in
as Parliament resumes
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
The newest Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, was sworn into office as MP for Atiwa when the House resumed sitting yesterday for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
He was elected during a by-election in the Atiwa Constituency in the Eastern Region on August 31, 2010, following the death of the incumbent MP, Mr Kwasi Annor Ankamah.
At exactly 10 am, the Speaker of the House, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo entered the Chamber after the MPs had taken their seats.
After leading the MPs in prayers, she informed the House about the writ of election which had been sent by the Electoral Commission on the by-election declaring Mr Amoako-Attah as the winner.
When she invited the new MP for the brief swearing in ceremony, the Minority responded “hear, hear!” while some Majority MPs were heard saying "it is just a replacement".
Led by the Speaker and assisted by the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Emmanuel Anyimadu, Mr Amoako-Atta swore oaths of allegiance and Member of Parliament after which he was led to his seat while both sides of the House applauded.
Welcoming the new MP, Mrs Bamford-Addo encouraged him to learn the rules and procedures in the House quickly to enable him discharge his duties efficiently.
She informed the MPs about the tight schedule of the meeting and urged them to brace themselves up for the task ahead.
Mrs Bamford-Addo also informed the House about the completion of a three-storey office block which would accommodate the leadership and committee chairmen, and plans to distribute laptops to MPs to enhance their work.
The Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, for his part announced that the 36 new bills, 12 pending bills, 33 instruments, 38 other papers and 700 questions posed by MPs were expected to engage the attention of the House during the meeting.
In addition, the Economic Policy and Budget Statement of the government for 2011 was also expected to be laid before the House by the second week of November.
He mentioned some of the crucial bills expected to be passed during the meeting as the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill, the Petroleum Exploration and Production Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill.
While welcoming the new MP to the House, Mr Avoka also charged the MPs to be patriotic and committed to enable the House to complete the agenda it had set for itself during the meeting.
For his part, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the nine weeks ahead of the House would bring various challenges and difficulties "and would test our capabilities as law makers and representatives".
He, therefore, urged the MPs to see the challenges as opportunities to prove to Ghanaians "some of whom had become very critical and even cynical that, we can rise to the occasion and discharge our duties to satisfy the national interest".
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu appealed to his colleagues to eschew negative partisanship and be patriotic and diligent during the discussions on two bills on the petroleum industry, bearing in mind that "posterity would not never forgive us should we make any wrong decision on any of these critical matters which otherwise have the potential of contributing to transform our economy in a significant way".
He, therefore, advised his colleagues to be time-conscious, punctual and participate in all activities in the Chamber and committee meetings to ensure a productive meeting.
While welcoming Mr Amoako-Attah to the House, he called for measures to curb the violence that had characterised by-elections of late, explaining that if nothing was done it would mar the beauty of the 2012 general elections.
Both Majority and Minority leaders congratulated the Speaker for being the first female acting President of Ghana when both the President and his vice were away from the country on October 1, 2010.
At yesterday's sitting, the Local Government (Creation of New District Electoral Areas) Instrument, 2010, Unit Committee Regulations, 2010 (C.I 18) and the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling (Housing Refrigerating Appliances)(Amendment) Regulations, 2010 (L.I 1970) were laid before the House.
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