Feb 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
Education in the Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region has received a boost with the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, using his share of a number of funds to provide 18 new classrooms for a number of schools within the last two years.
The cost of the projects, including eight renovated classrooms in 14 communities, is GH¢300,000.00. The funds include his share of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Common Fund, HIPC special allocation from the Ministry of Education and funds raised from the private sector.
Dr Akoto told the Daily Graphic that he embarked on the projects, since he realised that low quality of education in basic schools in the constituency was due in part to large class sizes and a shift system arising from inadequate number of classrooms.
According to him, some classes in the constituency have over 100 pupils per class thereby forcing many schools to resort to the shift system.
The MP said he was concerned about the human resource development of the area, which is seen in the institution of a scholarship scheme which has benefited 34 students at various levels of education.
A total of GH¢11,789 had been spent on these awards from the MP’s share of the HIPC Funds.
Dr Akoto added that to empower women in the constituency, he had also instituted a scholarship scheme for young people to train in various vocations at the Methodist Women’s Training Centre at Kwadaso, which offers a three-year training in hairdressing, dressmaking, food and catering, batik and tie-dye, among other vocations.
So far, 33 young women has been offered a total of GH¢21,912.50 to pursue various vocations at the training centre.
On health, Dr Akoto stated that he was constructing two semi-detached bungalows to accommodate medical doctors of the only health facility in the constituency at Apatrapa at a cost of GH¢90,000.00 with funds from the National Health Insurance Fund.
In addition, to cater for the health needs of the deprived, the aged and the disabled in the constituency, the MP said he had paid the NHIS premiums for more than 120 people.
Touching on environment and sanitation, Dr Akoto said he had launched a major initiative involving the planting of a targeted 10,000 teak seedlings each year on school compounds in the constituency.
He explained that schoolchildren were made to adopt and care for two to three seedlings each time of planting (May/June) until the seedlings were rooted.
Dr Akoto said the current installation of street lights by the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority was an opportunity for the area to be lit up and he gave an assurance that he would make the necessary contacts to ensure that the constituency got it share of the programme.
The MP called for the tarring of roads in the area, particularly the town roads of Kwadaso, Tanoso, Asuoyeboah and all new sites of the constituency.
He said even though through his incessant appeals and lobbying, the road at Nsema had now been tarred and gave an assurance he would continue to work around the clock for the tarring of roads at Kessben and Apire.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
GES urged to take over abandoned projects
Feb, 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Parliamentary Select Committee on Education has recommended to the Ministry of Education to take over abandoned or slow-pace projects which have been initiated by schools or communities, instead of starting new projects.
The committee said such a measure would be cost-effective at this crucial moment when expanded facilities were needed to accommodate students and curb overcrowding.
This was contained in a report of the committee after visiting some selected schools in the Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Volta regions last year.
The contents of the report was discussed at a stakeholders forum attended by regional ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the two deputy ministers of the Ministry of Education, Mr J.S. Annan and Mrs Elizabeth Amoah-Tetteh, in Accra on Wednesday.
The committee’s recommendation were made as a result of some observations it made during the visit.
According to the report, members of the committee observed delays in the execution of projects, poor maintenance culture, over-enrolment of students, shoddy execution of projects, abandoned projects, lack of proper record and keeping of projects.
Other observations made were non-enforcement of contract agreements, delays in honouring approved certificates, poor collaboration between stakeholders of projects at all levels, lack of regular monitoring and execution of projects and over-enrolment of students resulting in pressure on use of the facilities provided, among others.
The committee, therefore, recommended to the sector ministry and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to prioritise projects and ensure completion of ongoing ones before the award of new ones to ensure timely completion and avoid overrun of projects.
It also called for the necessary transitional arrangements between incoming and outgoing governments to avoid instances where projects were halted for one reason or another when a new government takes over power.
“The committee believes that quality education is key to poverty reduction and national development and for that matter it should not be subjected to any form of political vendetta,” it said.
It also suggested that special funds should be set aside for the periodic maintenance of existing facilities in order to prolong their lifespan while heads of institutions should also be encouraged to undertake regular maintenance.
The reports said against the backdrop of the AESL consultants’ inability to live up to expectation since its establishment, “the committee is of the view that the current AESL role as supervisory body should be changed to that of a regulatory agent in the construction industry” so that it could regulate activities of private consultants.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Mathias A. Puozaa, who signed the report, expressed the hope that the Ministry of Education and the GETFund would take the necessary steps to address the identified bottlenecks to ensure value for money for projects being undertaken by the government in the various educational institutions.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Parliamentary Select Committee on Education has recommended to the Ministry of Education to take over abandoned or slow-pace projects which have been initiated by schools or communities, instead of starting new projects.
The committee said such a measure would be cost-effective at this crucial moment when expanded facilities were needed to accommodate students and curb overcrowding.
This was contained in a report of the committee after visiting some selected schools in the Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Volta regions last year.
The contents of the report was discussed at a stakeholders forum attended by regional ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the two deputy ministers of the Ministry of Education, Mr J.S. Annan and Mrs Elizabeth Amoah-Tetteh, in Accra on Wednesday.
The committee’s recommendation were made as a result of some observations it made during the visit.
According to the report, members of the committee observed delays in the execution of projects, poor maintenance culture, over-enrolment of students, shoddy execution of projects, abandoned projects, lack of proper record and keeping of projects.
Other observations made were non-enforcement of contract agreements, delays in honouring approved certificates, poor collaboration between stakeholders of projects at all levels, lack of regular monitoring and execution of projects and over-enrolment of students resulting in pressure on use of the facilities provided, among others.
The committee, therefore, recommended to the sector ministry and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to prioritise projects and ensure completion of ongoing ones before the award of new ones to ensure timely completion and avoid overrun of projects.
It also called for the necessary transitional arrangements between incoming and outgoing governments to avoid instances where projects were halted for one reason or another when a new government takes over power.
“The committee believes that quality education is key to poverty reduction and national development and for that matter it should not be subjected to any form of political vendetta,” it said.
It also suggested that special funds should be set aside for the periodic maintenance of existing facilities in order to prolong their lifespan while heads of institutions should also be encouraged to undertake regular maintenance.
The reports said against the backdrop of the AESL consultants’ inability to live up to expectation since its establishment, “the committee is of the view that the current AESL role as supervisory body should be changed to that of a regulatory agent in the construction industry” so that it could regulate activities of private consultants.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Mathias A. Puozaa, who signed the report, expressed the hope that the Ministry of Education and the GETFund would take the necessary steps to address the identified bottlenecks to ensure value for money for projects being undertaken by the government in the various educational institutions.
Parliament approves three ministerial nominees
Feb 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has approved the nominations of three ministerial nominees who have been vetted by the Appointments Committee.
The nominees are Mr Clement Kofi Humado, Minister designate for Youth and Sports; Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Eastern Regional Minister designate and Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister designate.
The Appointments Committee of Parliament, after vetting the nominees, unanimously recommended all of them to the House for approval.
Commenting on the nomination of Mr Homado as the Minister of Youth and Employment, the Ranking Member on Youth and Sports, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, urged him to take note that he was the fourth person to be appointed by President Mills to take charge of the ministry.
He, therefore, urged him to be extra vigilant in order to remain in that position for the rest of the two years of the Mills’ administration.
He also drew Mr Humado’s attention to the ban that had been imposed on Ghana by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and advised him to work around the clock to ensure that the ban was lifted soon.
On the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Mr Asiamah reminded the minister designate of allegations of sexual harassment and the alleged sale of forms by some officials to some prospective beneficiaries.
For his part, the MP for Manhyia, Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, commended the three nominees for their composure and demeanour during the vetting exercise and expressed the hope that they would carry such positive attributes to their respective assigned areas.
When he caught the eye of the Speaker, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, also complained about the huge amount of money paid to foreign coaches, who abandon the team soon after achieving laurels.
He suggested that the country should poach up-and-coming coaches instead of paying so much for coaches purporting to have achieved a lot in international football.
The Member of Parliament for Shai/Osudoku, Mr David Tettey-Assumeng, expressed the hope that the three ministers would achieve results in their respective areas.
He asked the minister designate for Youth and Sports to take proper care of the National Youth Council, which he said was using obsolete machines such as typewriters in this era of computer.
While urging Mr Humado to be extra cautious in his dealings at his ministry, he complained about too much partisanship and urged him not to create antagonism.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has approved the nominations of three ministerial nominees who have been vetted by the Appointments Committee.
The nominees are Mr Clement Kofi Humado, Minister designate for Youth and Sports; Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Eastern Regional Minister designate and Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister designate.
The Appointments Committee of Parliament, after vetting the nominees, unanimously recommended all of them to the House for approval.
Commenting on the nomination of Mr Homado as the Minister of Youth and Employment, the Ranking Member on Youth and Sports, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, urged him to take note that he was the fourth person to be appointed by President Mills to take charge of the ministry.
He, therefore, urged him to be extra vigilant in order to remain in that position for the rest of the two years of the Mills’ administration.
He also drew Mr Humado’s attention to the ban that had been imposed on Ghana by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and advised him to work around the clock to ensure that the ban was lifted soon.
On the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Mr Asiamah reminded the minister designate of allegations of sexual harassment and the alleged sale of forms by some officials to some prospective beneficiaries.
For his part, the MP for Manhyia, Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, commended the three nominees for their composure and demeanour during the vetting exercise and expressed the hope that they would carry such positive attributes to their respective assigned areas.
When he caught the eye of the Speaker, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, also complained about the huge amount of money paid to foreign coaches, who abandon the team soon after achieving laurels.
He suggested that the country should poach up-and-coming coaches instead of paying so much for coaches purporting to have achieved a lot in international football.
The Member of Parliament for Shai/Osudoku, Mr David Tettey-Assumeng, expressed the hope that the three ministers would achieve results in their respective areas.
He asked the minister designate for Youth and Sports to take proper care of the National Youth Council, which he said was using obsolete machines such as typewriters in this era of computer.
While urging Mr Humado to be extra cautious in his dealings at his ministry, he complained about too much partisanship and urged him not to create antagonism.
Par 215m dollar lon
Feb 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday approved a $215 million development financing agreement between the government and the International Development Association (IDA) for the seventh Poverty Reduction Support Credit (PRSC-7).
The credit is to support government’s efforts at enhancing budgetary discipline and tackling long-standing public sector and energy issues, protecting the poor and preparing for the oil era.
It is designed to bring the fiscal deficit of GDP ratios to sustainable levels in 2011.
The Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA) and the Ghana Aid Policy and Strategy for the period 2011-2015 reiterate the need for continued Official Development Assistance (ODA) and budget support.
According to the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, signed by its Chairman, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, since the flow of oil revenue could prompt the nation’s development partners to reduce their ODA support to Ghana, the government was of the view that continued support would be needed in the first few years of oil production to provide additional funds to supplement oil and other revenues.
A Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekpeh, moved the motion for the approval of the loan and he was seconded by Mr Avedzi.
The committee, in its report, observed that the entire credit would be withdrawn in a single tranche and that all tranche release conditions had been met by the government.
It added that the PRSC-7 facility would contribute to increased productivity, food security, accelerated economic growth and reduction in poverty.
In a related development, the Japanese government has made available for immediate disbursement an equivalent of $4.1 million to support Ghana’s budget for the 2011 financial year, reports Samuel Doe Ablordeppey.
All documentary and legal arrangements have been concluded and Ghana only needs to provide bank account details for the disbursing agency, the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), for the funds to be transferred in about a month’s time.
The grant is part of a Multi-Donor Budgetary Support (MDBS), a harmonised framework by which 11 of the country’s development partners contribute varying amounts of grants and concessionary credit to finance Ghana’s strategic objectives and priorities set out in the medium-term development plan, the GSGDA 2011-2013.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, who signed the grant on behalf of Ghana, said the assistance demonstrated the solidarity and sustained support of the government and people of Japan towards the realisation of Ghana’s vision of attaining a better Ghana.
“This is yet another manifestation of the cordial bilateral relations that happily exist between the governments and the peoples of Ghana and Japan,” he said.
He announced that discussions were underway for Japan to provide another $2.4 million to support Ghana’s health sector programme for this year, stressing that that amply showed how committed Japan was to the progress and prosperity of Ghana.
The Foreign Minister recalled that last year Japan supported Ghana with $31.2 million and thanked the people of Japan for their continued generosity and assistance.
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Keiichi Katakami, who initialled the grant agreement on behalf of his country, said the facility would go to support the execution of Ghana’s medium-term development blueprint which spans 2011 to 2013.
Japan joined the MDBS framework in 2008 and this grant marks its fourth for the country after Ghana reached the completion point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.
“I strongly believe that Japan’s contribution to the MDBS will assist the government of Ghana to accelerate its implementation of the national development agenda, which includes the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in the year of action,” Mr Katakami stated.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT yesterday approved a $215 million development financing agreement between the government and the International Development Association (IDA) for the seventh Poverty Reduction Support Credit (PRSC-7).
The credit is to support government’s efforts at enhancing budgetary discipline and tackling long-standing public sector and energy issues, protecting the poor and preparing for the oil era.
It is designed to bring the fiscal deficit of GDP ratios to sustainable levels in 2011.
The Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA) and the Ghana Aid Policy and Strategy for the period 2011-2015 reiterate the need for continued Official Development Assistance (ODA) and budget support.
According to the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament, signed by its Chairman, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, since the flow of oil revenue could prompt the nation’s development partners to reduce their ODA support to Ghana, the government was of the view that continued support would be needed in the first few years of oil production to provide additional funds to supplement oil and other revenues.
A Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekpeh, moved the motion for the approval of the loan and he was seconded by Mr Avedzi.
The committee, in its report, observed that the entire credit would be withdrawn in a single tranche and that all tranche release conditions had been met by the government.
It added that the PRSC-7 facility would contribute to increased productivity, food security, accelerated economic growth and reduction in poverty.
In a related development, the Japanese government has made available for immediate disbursement an equivalent of $4.1 million to support Ghana’s budget for the 2011 financial year, reports Samuel Doe Ablordeppey.
All documentary and legal arrangements have been concluded and Ghana only needs to provide bank account details for the disbursing agency, the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), for the funds to be transferred in about a month’s time.
The grant is part of a Multi-Donor Budgetary Support (MDBS), a harmonised framework by which 11 of the country’s development partners contribute varying amounts of grants and concessionary credit to finance Ghana’s strategic objectives and priorities set out in the medium-term development plan, the GSGDA 2011-2013.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, who signed the grant on behalf of Ghana, said the assistance demonstrated the solidarity and sustained support of the government and people of Japan towards the realisation of Ghana’s vision of attaining a better Ghana.
“This is yet another manifestation of the cordial bilateral relations that happily exist between the governments and the peoples of Ghana and Japan,” he said.
He announced that discussions were underway for Japan to provide another $2.4 million to support Ghana’s health sector programme for this year, stressing that that amply showed how committed Japan was to the progress and prosperity of Ghana.
The Foreign Minister recalled that last year Japan supported Ghana with $31.2 million and thanked the people of Japan for their continued generosity and assistance.
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Keiichi Katakami, who initialled the grant agreement on behalf of his country, said the facility would go to support the execution of Ghana’s medium-term development blueprint which spans 2011 to 2013.
Japan joined the MDBS framework in 2008 and this grant marks its fourth for the country after Ghana reached the completion point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.
“I strongly believe that Japan’s contribution to the MDBS will assist the government of Ghana to accelerate its implementation of the national development agenda, which includes the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in the year of action,” Mr Katakami stated.
Jewel
Feb 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A 40-year-old staff member of the Parliamentary Service, Mr Jewel Joseph Annan, has announced that he will contest the forthcoming NPP primaries in the Gomoa East Constituency.
He was a unit committee member, assembly member and the district chief executive of the Gomoa East District Assembly during the second term of the Kufuor administration.
That, according to him, had enabled him to gain more experience to lead the NPP to wrest the Gomoa East seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2012 general election.
Apart from these credentials, Mr Annan was the chairman of the Ojobi/Fetteh Area Council in 2007.
“I am well positioned to articulate and champion the aspirations of the people”, he told the Daily Graphic.
He said the 2008 election was the first time that the Danquah-Busia tradition had lost power and attributed the loss to a number of factors including the unpopular candidate the NPP fielded for the contest.
Mr Annan said he had not disappointed the people in all the positions he had held in the Gomoa East area and appealed to the NPP delegates in the constituency to give him their mandate, He also promised to win all floating votes.
The ex-DCE is a product of the Institute of Professional Studies, University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast.
He holds a Master’s degree and post-graduate certificates from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.
Mr Annan said he had short-term, medium-term and long-term vision for the Gomoa District.
He expressed the hope that he would be able to propose over 149 private member bills on a wide range of issues including sandwinning, sustainable fishing practices, education, health, political parties reorganisation, salt-winning, farming, trading, industrial democracy and human resource development, should he eventually win the seat.
As a staff member of the Parliamentary Service, Mr Annan has worked with 14 parliamentary committees since 1996.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
A 40-year-old staff member of the Parliamentary Service, Mr Jewel Joseph Annan, has announced that he will contest the forthcoming NPP primaries in the Gomoa East Constituency.
He was a unit committee member, assembly member and the district chief executive of the Gomoa East District Assembly during the second term of the Kufuor administration.
That, according to him, had enabled him to gain more experience to lead the NPP to wrest the Gomoa East seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2012 general election.
Apart from these credentials, Mr Annan was the chairman of the Ojobi/Fetteh Area Council in 2007.
“I am well positioned to articulate and champion the aspirations of the people”, he told the Daily Graphic.
He said the 2008 election was the first time that the Danquah-Busia tradition had lost power and attributed the loss to a number of factors including the unpopular candidate the NPP fielded for the contest.
Mr Annan said he had not disappointed the people in all the positions he had held in the Gomoa East area and appealed to the NPP delegates in the constituency to give him their mandate, He also promised to win all floating votes.
The ex-DCE is a product of the Institute of Professional Studies, University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast.
He holds a Master’s degree and post-graduate certificates from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.
Mr Annan said he had short-term, medium-term and long-term vision for the Gomoa District.
He expressed the hope that he would be able to propose over 149 private member bills on a wide range of issues including sandwinning, sustainable fishing practices, education, health, political parties reorganisation, salt-winning, farming, trading, industrial democracy and human resource development, should he eventually win the seat.
As a staff member of the Parliamentary Service, Mr Annan has worked with 14 parliamentary committees since 1996.
Reporter urged to be abreast with parliamentary rules
Feb 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Ransford Tetteh has charged journalists covering Parliament to be abreast with rules and procedures in the House.
He said since parliamentary reporting was a specialised field, journalists who covered the House would be able to educate and inform the people only when they themselves made efforts to have the rules and procedures governing the operations of the House on the tips of their fingers.
Mr Tetteh was addressing a workshop organised by Parliament for selected members of the Parliamentary Press Corps at Dodowa under the theme “Effective media coverage for sustainable parliamentary democracy”.
The two-day workshop was used to discuss and fine-tune a guideline which had been developed to assist journalists covering Parliament in their reportage.
Mr Tetteh also called on editors of the various media houses to refrain from frequently changing their parliamentary reporters since keeping them in the House for a longer period would improve their output.
The Director of Public Affair of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu said Parliament considered the Press Corps as a critical component and would work hard to improve on the skills of members of the corps.
He commended executives of the corps for putting in mechanisms to ensure a vibrant group of parliamentary reporters.
In his welcoming address, the Dean of the Parliamentary Press, Mr Andrew Edwin Arthur stated that parliamentary reporting was a specialised field requiring professionally trained journalists who would bring professionalism to bear on their work.
“It will surprise you to know that some of the current crop of members of the press corps have backgrounds like secretarial, stenography, teaching, while some are trained pastors with others not being able to disclose how they trained to become journalists,” he said.
He said that and other factors had contributed in no small measure to the wrong reportage that had in most cases dragged the good name of the press corps in the mud.
Mr Arthur said it was therefore a welcome news that Parliament and the press corps were both looking for ways of improving the quality and standards of parliamentary reporting.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Ransford Tetteh has charged journalists covering Parliament to be abreast with rules and procedures in the House.
He said since parliamentary reporting was a specialised field, journalists who covered the House would be able to educate and inform the people only when they themselves made efforts to have the rules and procedures governing the operations of the House on the tips of their fingers.
Mr Tetteh was addressing a workshop organised by Parliament for selected members of the Parliamentary Press Corps at Dodowa under the theme “Effective media coverage for sustainable parliamentary democracy”.
The two-day workshop was used to discuss and fine-tune a guideline which had been developed to assist journalists covering Parliament in their reportage.
Mr Tetteh also called on editors of the various media houses to refrain from frequently changing their parliamentary reporters since keeping them in the House for a longer period would improve their output.
The Director of Public Affair of Parliament, Mr Jones Kugblenu said Parliament considered the Press Corps as a critical component and would work hard to improve on the skills of members of the corps.
He commended executives of the corps for putting in mechanisms to ensure a vibrant group of parliamentary reporters.
In his welcoming address, the Dean of the Parliamentary Press, Mr Andrew Edwin Arthur stated that parliamentary reporting was a specialised field requiring professionally trained journalists who would bring professionalism to bear on their work.
“It will surprise you to know that some of the current crop of members of the press corps have backgrounds like secretarial, stenography, teaching, while some are trained pastors with others not being able to disclose how they trained to become journalists,” he said.
He said that and other factors had contributed in no small measure to the wrong reportage that had in most cases dragged the good name of the press corps in the mud.
Mr Arthur said it was therefore a welcome news that Parliament and the press corps were both looking for ways of improving the quality and standards of parliamentary reporting.
Airtel still records fraudlent numbers-Haruna
Feb, 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
DESPITE the success in the National Communication Authority’s (NCA) effort to reduce fraud on the networks of telecommunication companies operating in the country, Airtel, formerly called Zain, is still recording fraudulent numbers on its network, the Minister of Communications, Mr Iddrisu Haruna, has revealed.
According to him, in the first 20 days of the year alone, 3,469 fraud numbers constituting 95 per cent of total fraud numbers had already been terminated on the Airtel’s network.
The minister made these revelations when he appeared before Parliament yesterday to answer a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ahafo-Ano North, Mr Richard Akuoko Adiyia.
The MP wanted to know the status of the installation of the Intelligence Signalling Management System on the International gateways of the telecom operators in the country.
Between June, last year and January 20, this year a total of 64,855 fraud numbers were detected on the networks of the five telecom operators, namely Vodafone, Tigo, MTN, Airtel and Expresso (Kasapa) with Airtel alone recording a total of 32,294.
Mr Haruna said the ministry had thus instructed the NCA to assist Airtel to remedy the situation.
He explained that the NCA had commenced the installation of the Intelligence Signalling Management System (SIM Box Fraud Tool) to verify Call Data Records (CDRs) of the networks of the telecom operators to promote transparency in the management of the international gateways, among others.
According to him, the Electronic Communications Act, as amended, empowers the NCA to establish mechanisms and institute measures to monitor compliance by the telecom networks.
He said the installation exercise was stalled as a result of the court action initiated in July 2010 by the Alliance for Accountable Government (AFAG) seeking relief that the exercise would not intrude into private conversations.
The minister said even though AFAG graciously withdrew the court action after appreciating the need to eliminate illegal SIM Box termination in the country, three other Ghanaians subsequently filed another action in court.
Mr Haruna said notwithstanding these impediments, the NCA was currently relying on the voluntary declaration of call volumes to invoice the telecom operators for the payment of government’s portion of termination rate as provided in the law.
He added that within six months of the implementation and relying solely on voluntary submission of CDRs, a total of $30 million had been generated as non-tax revenue contribution to the government while the number of SIM cards had been reduced from 12,440 in October, 2010 to 3,506 as of January 20, 2011.
Mr Haruna said the escalating fraudulent numbers on the networks of the telecom operators constituted loss of revenue to the companies and the government.
He explained that the anti-fraud exercise of the NCA had also led to the arrest of two illegal operators and the seizure of 8,792 SIM cards, which if they were used would had led to an estimated revenue loss of $500,000 per month with the government losing up to $100,000 per month in tax/levy collection.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
DESPITE the success in the National Communication Authority’s (NCA) effort to reduce fraud on the networks of telecommunication companies operating in the country, Airtel, formerly called Zain, is still recording fraudulent numbers on its network, the Minister of Communications, Mr Iddrisu Haruna, has revealed.
According to him, in the first 20 days of the year alone, 3,469 fraud numbers constituting 95 per cent of total fraud numbers had already been terminated on the Airtel’s network.
The minister made these revelations when he appeared before Parliament yesterday to answer a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ahafo-Ano North, Mr Richard Akuoko Adiyia.
The MP wanted to know the status of the installation of the Intelligence Signalling Management System on the International gateways of the telecom operators in the country.
Between June, last year and January 20, this year a total of 64,855 fraud numbers were detected on the networks of the five telecom operators, namely Vodafone, Tigo, MTN, Airtel and Expresso (Kasapa) with Airtel alone recording a total of 32,294.
Mr Haruna said the ministry had thus instructed the NCA to assist Airtel to remedy the situation.
He explained that the NCA had commenced the installation of the Intelligence Signalling Management System (SIM Box Fraud Tool) to verify Call Data Records (CDRs) of the networks of the telecom operators to promote transparency in the management of the international gateways, among others.
According to him, the Electronic Communications Act, as amended, empowers the NCA to establish mechanisms and institute measures to monitor compliance by the telecom networks.
He said the installation exercise was stalled as a result of the court action initiated in July 2010 by the Alliance for Accountable Government (AFAG) seeking relief that the exercise would not intrude into private conversations.
The minister said even though AFAG graciously withdrew the court action after appreciating the need to eliminate illegal SIM Box termination in the country, three other Ghanaians subsequently filed another action in court.
Mr Haruna said notwithstanding these impediments, the NCA was currently relying on the voluntary declaration of call volumes to invoice the telecom operators for the payment of government’s portion of termination rate as provided in the law.
He added that within six months of the implementation and relying solely on voluntary submission of CDRs, a total of $30 million had been generated as non-tax revenue contribution to the government while the number of SIM cards had been reduced from 12,440 in October, 2010 to 3,506 as of January 20, 2011.
Mr Haruna said the escalating fraudulent numbers on the networks of the telecom operators constituted loss of revenue to the companies and the government.
He explained that the anti-fraud exercise of the NCA had also led to the arrest of two illegal operators and the seizure of 8,792 SIM cards, which if they were used would had led to an estimated revenue loss of $500,000 per month with the government losing up to $100,000 per month in tax/levy collection.
Darkoman Circle road to be tarred
Jan 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
The TARRING of the Darkuman Circle Station Junction- Atopra road, in the Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region is expected to be completed by March, this year, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu has disclosed.
The 1.3 kilometre project was awarded on contract in 2010.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Mr Joe Appiah had posed a question on the floor of Parliament wanting to know when the road would be tarred as it was a busy and major road that linked Odorkor Official Town and Kwashieman.
The MP also wanted the ministry to consider tarring the Buame access road and drains to be constructed on both sides of the road.
Mr Gidisu gave the assurance that other works apart from the one currently under construction would be considered subject to the availability of funds.
For his part, the MP for Sunyani East, Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh wanted to know what plans the ministry had put in place to continue with the tarring of the Sunyani town roads especially the Nkwabeng, Tonsuom Estate, New Dormaa, Penkwase, Abonsuam and Zongo.
Replying, Mr Gidisu explained that the road network in the three communities covered about 35 kilometres of the entire road network in Sunyani.
He said the contractor executing the bituminous surfacing works on the roads abandoned the project in January, 2010 after executing 20 per cent of the project.
According to him, warning letters were written to the contractor, the last of which was in September, 2010, adding that a recommendation had been made to the Sunyani Municipal Tender Review Board for the repackaging of the remaining works for re-award.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
The TARRING of the Darkuman Circle Station Junction- Atopra road, in the Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region is expected to be completed by March, this year, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu has disclosed.
The 1.3 kilometre project was awarded on contract in 2010.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Mr Joe Appiah had posed a question on the floor of Parliament wanting to know when the road would be tarred as it was a busy and major road that linked Odorkor Official Town and Kwashieman.
The MP also wanted the ministry to consider tarring the Buame access road and drains to be constructed on both sides of the road.
Mr Gidisu gave the assurance that other works apart from the one currently under construction would be considered subject to the availability of funds.
For his part, the MP for Sunyani East, Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh wanted to know what plans the ministry had put in place to continue with the tarring of the Sunyani town roads especially the Nkwabeng, Tonsuom Estate, New Dormaa, Penkwase, Abonsuam and Zongo.
Replying, Mr Gidisu explained that the road network in the three communities covered about 35 kilometres of the entire road network in Sunyani.
He said the contractor executing the bituminous surfacing works on the roads abandoned the project in January, 2010 after executing 20 per cent of the project.
According to him, warning letters were written to the contractor, the last of which was in September, 2010, adding that a recommendation had been made to the Sunyani Municipal Tender Review Board for the repackaging of the remaining works for re-award.
Parliament sets up committee to investigate district election
Jan 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has set up a 20-member committee to investigate issues surrounding the difficulties of the Electoral Commission (EC) in conducting the originally announced December 28, 2010 District Assembly and Unit Committee elections.
The ad-hoc committee comprises 10 MPs from each side of the House, with the NDC MP for Garu-Tempane, Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah, as its chairman and Professor George Yaw Gyan-Baffour, NPP MP for Wenchi as the vice chairman.
Other members of the committee are Alhaji Abukari Sumani (Tamale North); Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah (Ho East); Mr Haruna Bayirga (Sissala West); Mr Sampson Ahi (Juabeso); Mr Stephen Kunsu (Kintampo North); Mr Fritz Baffour (Ablekuma South); Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak (Asawase); Mr Aquinas Quansah (Mfantseman West) and Mr Joseph Sam Amankwanor (Upper West Akim), all of the NDC.
The NPP MPs in the committee are Mr Joseph Kwaku Nayan, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Manhyia), Mr Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbilla), Mr Joe Ghartey (Essikado/Ketan), Mr John Agyabeng (Agona East), Ms Irene Naa Toshie Addo (Tema West), Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah (Aburi-Nsawam) and Mr Godfried Bayon Tangu (Wa East).
The committee is also to investigate any other matters related to the elections and make recommendations to the House to forestall the recurrence of challenges that characterised the recent district level elections in future.
The committee is to report its findings to the House in a month’s time.
The Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka presented the report of the Committee of Selection of the House on behalf of the Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, who is its chairman.
In his comments, Mr Avoka reiterated that Parliament was not out to investigate the EC but rather issues that led to the postponement of the elections.
Commenting on the report before its approval, the deputy Minority Leader, Mr Ambrose Dery explained that the work of the committee would enhance the country’s credentials as a beacon of democracy.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has set up a 20-member committee to investigate issues surrounding the difficulties of the Electoral Commission (EC) in conducting the originally announced December 28, 2010 District Assembly and Unit Committee elections.
The ad-hoc committee comprises 10 MPs from each side of the House, with the NDC MP for Garu-Tempane, Mr Dominic Azimbe Azumah, as its chairman and Professor George Yaw Gyan-Baffour, NPP MP for Wenchi as the vice chairman.
Other members of the committee are Alhaji Abukari Sumani (Tamale North); Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah (Ho East); Mr Haruna Bayirga (Sissala West); Mr Sampson Ahi (Juabeso); Mr Stephen Kunsu (Kintampo North); Mr Fritz Baffour (Ablekuma South); Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak (Asawase); Mr Aquinas Quansah (Mfantseman West) and Mr Joseph Sam Amankwanor (Upper West Akim), all of the NDC.
The NPP MPs in the committee are Mr Joseph Kwaku Nayan, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Manhyia), Mr Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbilla), Mr Joe Ghartey (Essikado/Ketan), Mr John Agyabeng (Agona East), Ms Irene Naa Toshie Addo (Tema West), Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah (Aburi-Nsawam) and Mr Godfried Bayon Tangu (Wa East).
The committee is also to investigate any other matters related to the elections and make recommendations to the House to forestall the recurrence of challenges that characterised the recent district level elections in future.
The committee is to report its findings to the House in a month’s time.
The Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka presented the report of the Committee of Selection of the House on behalf of the Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, who is its chairman.
In his comments, Mr Avoka reiterated that Parliament was not out to investigate the EC but rather issues that led to the postponement of the elections.
Commenting on the report before its approval, the deputy Minority Leader, Mr Ambrose Dery explained that the work of the committee would enhance the country’s credentials as a beacon of democracy.
MPs must seek approval before leaving House
Jan. 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, today ruled that Members of Parliament (MPs) should seek and obtain permission before leaving the House to perform other duties outside the chamber.
The matter arose when the Chairman of the Health Committee of the House, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, informed the speaker that although members of the committee were outside the chamber on Tuesday and Wednesday attending a committee sitting, they had all be marked absent.
He argued that since the members were outside the House to consider bills referred to them by the Speaker, they should be marked for being absent with permission.
But before the Speaker could give a reply to the request of the MP, the majority leader informed the House that he was aware of the meeting of the committee since members were not granted permission.
“Madam Speaker, even though the Chairman of the committee informed me about the meeting, I told him to re-arrange the meeting due to the workload on the floor of the House, but he did not heed to my advice,” he said.
Although some MPs argued that by convention they did not need a reply once they had written for permission to perform duties outside Parliament, Mr Avoka explained that individual requests should not be confused with committee requests since committee requests to work outside the chamber had financial implications.
When he caught the eye of the Speaker, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, quoted aspects of Standing Order 15 and 16 of the House and said that although individual MPs and committees were required to seek and obtain permission, committees and individual MPs to proceed on their missions once a request had been made.
He explained that it was only the Speaker who could grant permission to committees and individual MPs to perform parliamentary business outside the House, arguing that “that power does not lie in the bosom of neither the majority leader nor the minority leader”.
In the ensuing debate, Alhaji Muntaka explained that it was not entirely true that he trampled on the advice of the majority leader for the health committee to sit outside the House to consider the bills referred to it by the Speaker.
He stated that although he tried to see Mr Avoka last Friday for the matter to be concluded before he embarked on the mission, it was not possible for him to see the leader and that since arrangements had already been made, it was impossible to have abandoned the meeting.
In her ruling, Mrs Bamford-Addo said it was important for both committees and individual MPs who put in a request to perform duties outside the Chamber to wait until they had been granted permission before they leave.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, today ruled that Members of Parliament (MPs) should seek and obtain permission before leaving the House to perform other duties outside the chamber.
The matter arose when the Chairman of the Health Committee of the House, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, informed the speaker that although members of the committee were outside the chamber on Tuesday and Wednesday attending a committee sitting, they had all be marked absent.
He argued that since the members were outside the House to consider bills referred to them by the Speaker, they should be marked for being absent with permission.
But before the Speaker could give a reply to the request of the MP, the majority leader informed the House that he was aware of the meeting of the committee since members were not granted permission.
“Madam Speaker, even though the Chairman of the committee informed me about the meeting, I told him to re-arrange the meeting due to the workload on the floor of the House, but he did not heed to my advice,” he said.
Although some MPs argued that by convention they did not need a reply once they had written for permission to perform duties outside Parliament, Mr Avoka explained that individual requests should not be confused with committee requests since committee requests to work outside the chamber had financial implications.
When he caught the eye of the Speaker, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, quoted aspects of Standing Order 15 and 16 of the House and said that although individual MPs and committees were required to seek and obtain permission, committees and individual MPs to proceed on their missions once a request had been made.
He explained that it was only the Speaker who could grant permission to committees and individual MPs to perform parliamentary business outside the House, arguing that “that power does not lie in the bosom of neither the majority leader nor the minority leader”.
In the ensuing debate, Alhaji Muntaka explained that it was not entirely true that he trampled on the advice of the majority leader for the health committee to sit outside the House to consider the bills referred to it by the Speaker.
He stated that although he tried to see Mr Avoka last Friday for the matter to be concluded before he embarked on the mission, it was not possible for him to see the leader and that since arrangements had already been made, it was impossible to have abandoned the meeting.
In her ruling, Mrs Bamford-Addo said it was important for both committees and individual MPs who put in a request to perform duties outside the Chamber to wait until they had been granted permission before they leave.
Politicians advised to avoid falsehood
Jan 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Bunkprugu Yunyoo, Mr Emmanuel Kwame Duut has called on politicians to do away with falsehood but rather strive to become agents of peace.
He said using the media to spread falsehoods about leaders, clans and tribes were tendencies that drew the society backward.
Addressing the 35th Bimoba Students Congress, the MP said it was a shame that the Bunkprugu-Yunyoo District with the highest literate population in the Northern Region had become popular because of conflicts .
“We need to wake up to the call for peace in truthfulness and honesty to re-install the befitting dignity and respect worthy of civilised society”, he said.
Giving an account of his stewardship, Mr Duut said he had donated 10 packets of roofing sheets to two secondary schools in the area, 800 dual desks for basic schools, paid school fees for 33 students from the area in the various tertiary institutions and had sourced for funds from the GETFund for the construction of classroom blocks at Bufak, Kpentaug and Gbingbani.
On the health sector, the MP indicated that he rehabilitated the Gbingbani Health centre and the Yunyoo Nauk Clinics and acquired an ambulance for the Bunkprugu-Yunyoo Health service last year.
Mr Duut stated that upon becoming the MP for the area, he had acquired 30 sewing machines for some selected women to undertake apprenticeship training programmes to become self employed.
In addition, the MP said he had sponsored a batik tie -dye programme for women groups in Nakpadur organised by the district community development office.
He explained that all these projects and programmes were undertaken with funds from his share of the various funds.
Mr Duut said the government had kept its word to the people by embarking on a number of projects to improve on the living conditions of the people.
He mentioned projects such as the ongoing construction of a bridge over the konchian-Gberuk River, the continuation of the Self-Help Electrification projects at Kpemale, Garijuar, Bimbagu, Binde, Najong No 1 and 2 and Jilig .
Mr Duut said this year 18 more communities would be connected to the national grid under the Northern Electrification Programme while the Bunkprugu town roads would be given a facelift.
He said aside these projects, the government allocated over 20 projects through the district assembly, which were at various stages of completion and were spread all over the district.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Bunkprugu Yunyoo, Mr Emmanuel Kwame Duut has called on politicians to do away with falsehood but rather strive to become agents of peace.
He said using the media to spread falsehoods about leaders, clans and tribes were tendencies that drew the society backward.
Addressing the 35th Bimoba Students Congress, the MP said it was a shame that the Bunkprugu-Yunyoo District with the highest literate population in the Northern Region had become popular because of conflicts .
“We need to wake up to the call for peace in truthfulness and honesty to re-install the befitting dignity and respect worthy of civilised society”, he said.
Giving an account of his stewardship, Mr Duut said he had donated 10 packets of roofing sheets to two secondary schools in the area, 800 dual desks for basic schools, paid school fees for 33 students from the area in the various tertiary institutions and had sourced for funds from the GETFund for the construction of classroom blocks at Bufak, Kpentaug and Gbingbani.
On the health sector, the MP indicated that he rehabilitated the Gbingbani Health centre and the Yunyoo Nauk Clinics and acquired an ambulance for the Bunkprugu-Yunyoo Health service last year.
Mr Duut stated that upon becoming the MP for the area, he had acquired 30 sewing machines for some selected women to undertake apprenticeship training programmes to become self employed.
In addition, the MP said he had sponsored a batik tie -dye programme for women groups in Nakpadur organised by the district community development office.
He explained that all these projects and programmes were undertaken with funds from his share of the various funds.
Mr Duut said the government had kept its word to the people by embarking on a number of projects to improve on the living conditions of the people.
He mentioned projects such as the ongoing construction of a bridge over the konchian-Gberuk River, the continuation of the Self-Help Electrification projects at Kpemale, Garijuar, Bimbagu, Binde, Najong No 1 and 2 and Jilig .
Mr Duut said this year 18 more communities would be connected to the national grid under the Northern Electrification Programme while the Bunkprugu town roads would be given a facelift.
He said aside these projects, the government allocated over 20 projects through the district assembly, which were at various stages of completion and were spread all over the district.
Rehabilitate the Denu-Aflao trunk road — Ziga
Jan 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Mr Albert Ziga, has called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to design short-term measures to rehabilitate the Denu-Aflao trunk road to ensure that it is motorable.
He said that the road had deteriorated to the extent that people in the area could not wait for the long-term arrangement to dualise the road, which is a segment of the ECOWAS Trans-Atlantic Trunk Road project.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the MP said if no interim measure was adopted to correct defects on the road before the rainy season set in, it would be difficult for vehicles using the road to reach their destinations.
“It will not be fair for the people in the area to use such a bad road if nothing was done before the rainy season, which occurs in the area between March and August,” he said.
Mr Ziga said the strategic position of the Aflao border, which was the busiest border in the sub-region and had been exceeding its revenue targets over the years, called for an urgent measure to rehabilitate the road.
“I believe that because of the strategic importance of the road to the country’s economy, it requires immediate attention,” he said, explaining that vehicles from the sub-region, from as far as the Central Africa Republic, use the Denu-Aflao road as their gateway to Ghana.
The MP further explained that what had made matters worse was the fact that roads such as the Keta-Accra Highway, Agozume-Accra Highway and Dzodze-Accra Highway join the Denu-Aflao stretch and thus put much pressure on the deteriorating road.
“Residents of Denu and Aflao and their environs, especially businessmen and shopkeepers living along that stretch of the road have to use nose masks to avoid dust and its associated health hazards,” the MP lamented.
He stated that for the past 30 years, successive governments had maintained the road only through spot improvements, adding that currently that stretch of the road “is completely dead.”
Mr Ziga wondered why roads at the country’s entry points at Elubo and Paga were in excellent conditions while that of Aflao had been left to deteriorate since 2009.
He called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways “to sit up since the people in the area would not be able to accommodate such a deplorable road, especially between March and August when the area experiences torrential rainfall.”
In a related development, Mr Ziga has presented an ultra-sound machine, valued at GH¢11,000, to the Ketu District Hospital.
The machine, which was purchased from the MPs share of the Health Fund, would be used to screen patients, especially expectant mothers who had to travel outside the area for such service.
In addition, the MP is to construct four health posts at Huime, Anoenu, Wudoaba and Glidzi, all within the constituency, from his share of the fund while the Adina Clinic was also being rehabilitated.
On the education sector, the MP told the Daily Graphic that about 100 students in the constituency were offered scholarships last year.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Mr Albert Ziga, has called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to design short-term measures to rehabilitate the Denu-Aflao trunk road to ensure that it is motorable.
He said that the road had deteriorated to the extent that people in the area could not wait for the long-term arrangement to dualise the road, which is a segment of the ECOWAS Trans-Atlantic Trunk Road project.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the MP said if no interim measure was adopted to correct defects on the road before the rainy season set in, it would be difficult for vehicles using the road to reach their destinations.
“It will not be fair for the people in the area to use such a bad road if nothing was done before the rainy season, which occurs in the area between March and August,” he said.
Mr Ziga said the strategic position of the Aflao border, which was the busiest border in the sub-region and had been exceeding its revenue targets over the years, called for an urgent measure to rehabilitate the road.
“I believe that because of the strategic importance of the road to the country’s economy, it requires immediate attention,” he said, explaining that vehicles from the sub-region, from as far as the Central Africa Republic, use the Denu-Aflao road as their gateway to Ghana.
The MP further explained that what had made matters worse was the fact that roads such as the Keta-Accra Highway, Agozume-Accra Highway and Dzodze-Accra Highway join the Denu-Aflao stretch and thus put much pressure on the deteriorating road.
“Residents of Denu and Aflao and their environs, especially businessmen and shopkeepers living along that stretch of the road have to use nose masks to avoid dust and its associated health hazards,” the MP lamented.
He stated that for the past 30 years, successive governments had maintained the road only through spot improvements, adding that currently that stretch of the road “is completely dead.”
Mr Ziga wondered why roads at the country’s entry points at Elubo and Paga were in excellent conditions while that of Aflao had been left to deteriorate since 2009.
He called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways “to sit up since the people in the area would not be able to accommodate such a deplorable road, especially between March and August when the area experiences torrential rainfall.”
In a related development, Mr Ziga has presented an ultra-sound machine, valued at GH¢11,000, to the Ketu District Hospital.
The machine, which was purchased from the MPs share of the Health Fund, would be used to screen patients, especially expectant mothers who had to travel outside the area for such service.
In addition, the MP is to construct four health posts at Huime, Anoenu, Wudoaba and Glidzi, all within the constituency, from his share of the fund while the Adina Clinic was also being rehabilitated.
On the education sector, the MP told the Daily Graphic that about 100 students in the constituency were offered scholarships last year.
Upgrade roads in Effiduase-Asokore—Agyen
Jan ,2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Effiduase Asokore in the Ashanti Region, Mr Frank Boakye Agyen, has appealed to the government to upgrade roads in the area to facilitate the evacuation of cocoa and food crops to marketing centres.
He said the government had to reciprocate the sweat and toil of cocoa farmers in the area by upgrading the entire road network to ensure easy transportation.
Mr Agyen made the appeal in an interview with the Daily Graphic after posing a question on the floor of Parliament about the state of the road network in his constituency.
He wanted to ascertain from the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, when the road from Dwansa through Seniagya and Effiduase to Mampong, which serves as a diversion from Kumasi towards the northern parts of the country, will be constructed.
In addition, he also wanted to know from the minister when the Effiduase-Asamang, Nkwankwaanua-Senchi and Effiduase-Ntumkumso roads would be bituminised.
Answering the question, Mr Gidisu stated that sections of the Dwansa-Seniagya-Effiduase-Mampong road had already been upgraded while efforts were being made to upgrade the remaining sections.
He explained that first 12 kilometres of the 28-kilometre Juansa-Effiduase road had been awarded on contract for upgrading into a bituminous surface while the kilometre 21-18 would be programmed for upgrading later.
Mr Gidisu assured the MP that the gravel section of the seven-kilometre Effiduase-Asamang route had been programmed to receive routine maintenance under the 2011 programme within the first quarter of the year.
On the 11-kilometre Nkwankwaanua-Senchi road, the minister stated that five kilometres of the road had been awarded on contract, adding that even though the project was awarded in April 2007 for completion by December, 2009, progress so far stood at 36 per cent.
Mr Gidisu said the contractor had been warned to expedite progress or risk the termination of the contract.
When it was the turn of the MP for Abirem, Ms Esther Obeng-Dappah, he asked the minister when the bridge connecting Pankese and Bramkrom would be constructed to ensure easy transportation.
Mr Gidisu told the House that a contract was awarded in August, 2004 for the construction of a 30-metre span steel bridge but explained that the contract had been terminated due to poor performance of the contractor.
He assured the House that the outstanding work was repackaged and re-awarded on contract in April, 2010 but the new contractor was yet to commence work.
For his part, the MP for Ablekuma North, Mr Joe Appiah, wanted to know when the Owusu Kofi road at Darkuman in his constituency would be tarred.
Mr Gidisu told the House that the two-kilometre road was awarded on contract for tarring in 2009 at a total cost of GH¢188,000, adding that the tarring of the road was completed earlier this month.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Effiduase Asokore in the Ashanti Region, Mr Frank Boakye Agyen, has appealed to the government to upgrade roads in the area to facilitate the evacuation of cocoa and food crops to marketing centres.
He said the government had to reciprocate the sweat and toil of cocoa farmers in the area by upgrading the entire road network to ensure easy transportation.
Mr Agyen made the appeal in an interview with the Daily Graphic after posing a question on the floor of Parliament about the state of the road network in his constituency.
He wanted to ascertain from the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, when the road from Dwansa through Seniagya and Effiduase to Mampong, which serves as a diversion from Kumasi towards the northern parts of the country, will be constructed.
In addition, he also wanted to know from the minister when the Effiduase-Asamang, Nkwankwaanua-Senchi and Effiduase-Ntumkumso roads would be bituminised.
Answering the question, Mr Gidisu stated that sections of the Dwansa-Seniagya-Effiduase-Mampong road had already been upgraded while efforts were being made to upgrade the remaining sections.
He explained that first 12 kilometres of the 28-kilometre Juansa-Effiduase road had been awarded on contract for upgrading into a bituminous surface while the kilometre 21-18 would be programmed for upgrading later.
Mr Gidisu assured the MP that the gravel section of the seven-kilometre Effiduase-Asamang route had been programmed to receive routine maintenance under the 2011 programme within the first quarter of the year.
On the 11-kilometre Nkwankwaanua-Senchi road, the minister stated that five kilometres of the road had been awarded on contract, adding that even though the project was awarded in April 2007 for completion by December, 2009, progress so far stood at 36 per cent.
Mr Gidisu said the contractor had been warned to expedite progress or risk the termination of the contract.
When it was the turn of the MP for Abirem, Ms Esther Obeng-Dappah, he asked the minister when the bridge connecting Pankese and Bramkrom would be constructed to ensure easy transportation.
Mr Gidisu told the House that a contract was awarded in August, 2004 for the construction of a 30-metre span steel bridge but explained that the contract had been terminated due to poor performance of the contractor.
He assured the House that the outstanding work was repackaged and re-awarded on contract in April, 2010 but the new contractor was yet to commence work.
For his part, the MP for Ablekuma North, Mr Joe Appiah, wanted to know when the Owusu Kofi road at Darkuman in his constituency would be tarred.
Mr Gidisu told the House that the two-kilometre road was awarded on contract for tarring in 2009 at a total cost of GH¢188,000, adding that the tarring of the road was completed earlier this month.
Parliament approves loan for Nsawam Water Project
Jan, 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has approved a 10 million euro Belgian loan to improve on the supply of water to the people of Nsawam and its environs.
Even though Nsawam is in the Eastern Region, parts of its immediate environs which are in the Greater Accra Region will benefit from the improvement of water supply to Nsawam.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aburi-Nsawam, Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, told a cross-section of the people of Nsawam that work on improving water supply to the area, which would begin soon, would be completed in two years. He was briefing them on decsions of the House during 2010 Christmas break.
He said Nsawam is a major commercial centre with many businesses which were contributing to the country’s economy.
Mr Amoah said since the municipality was one of the nearest to Accra, many people who worked in Accra resided there, thereby putting a lot of pressure on the limited facilities there.
He said there was, therefore, the need for the government to improve on social amenities in the municipality to enable it to cope up with the influx of people.
The MP called for measures to ensure that work on improving water supply to the area was completed on scheduled when it began.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting tomorrow for discussions on the blasting of rocks at Sakyikrom by the China Railway Company Limited which is working on portions of the Accra-Kumasi Highway.
According to Mr Amoah, residents of Sakyikrom, which is in his constituency, had complained about the nuisance associated with the blasting activities.
He said according to investigations carried out by the EPA, serious damage had been caused to buildings located in the immediate neighbourhood of the project and that an earlier meeting involving the EPA, the contractor and the residents could not resolve the issue.
Mr Amoah, therefore, called for measures to resolve the matter in order not to put the lives of the people in the community in danger.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
PARLIAMENT has approved a 10 million euro Belgian loan to improve on the supply of water to the people of Nsawam and its environs.
Even though Nsawam is in the Eastern Region, parts of its immediate environs which are in the Greater Accra Region will benefit from the improvement of water supply to Nsawam.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aburi-Nsawam, Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, told a cross-section of the people of Nsawam that work on improving water supply to the area, which would begin soon, would be completed in two years. He was briefing them on decsions of the House during 2010 Christmas break.
He said Nsawam is a major commercial centre with many businesses which were contributing to the country’s economy.
Mr Amoah said since the municipality was one of the nearest to Accra, many people who worked in Accra resided there, thereby putting a lot of pressure on the limited facilities there.
He said there was, therefore, the need for the government to improve on social amenities in the municipality to enable it to cope up with the influx of people.
The MP called for measures to ensure that work on improving water supply to the area was completed on scheduled when it began.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting tomorrow for discussions on the blasting of rocks at Sakyikrom by the China Railway Company Limited which is working on portions of the Accra-Kumasi Highway.
According to Mr Amoah, residents of Sakyikrom, which is in his constituency, had complained about the nuisance associated with the blasting activities.
He said according to investigations carried out by the EPA, serious damage had been caused to buildings located in the immediate neighbourhood of the project and that an earlier meeting involving the EPA, the contractor and the residents could not resolve the issue.
Mr Amoah, therefore, called for measures to resolve the matter in order not to put the lives of the people in the community in danger.
NPP must intensify campaign towards 2012
Jan, 2011
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah, Techimantia
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, has urged supporters of the party to intensify their preparations toward wresting power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2012 elections.
“We don’t have to wait for next year before intensifying our campaign”, the MP said and called on the party’s officials at the grassroot to adopt strategies to educate the people about the good works of the NPP during its eight years in government.
Mr Adjei-Yeboah, who was addressing members of the party at Techimantia in the Tano South District, however stressed that the NPP would be able to kick NDC out of office only if there was unity among its rank and file.
“”Let us close our ranks and resolve not to bite ourselves. Our energies should be directed towards dethroning the NDC and not to fight among ourselves”.
The MP said recent events in the country gave clear indications of the fact that Ghanaians made a wrong choice during the 2008 general elections since the NDC had shown that it lacked ideas and strategies to improve on the lives of the people. Mr Adjei-Yeboah said the NPP did very well during its administration and urged the supporters not to feel shy to propagate such good policies in order to win more people to the party’s side.
Turning to development projects in the constituency, the MP said he had been able to use his share of the various funds to bring about development in the area.
He mentioned the construction of clinics and a 200-capacity girls’ hostel and a bungalow for the housemistress of the Techimantia Presbyterian Secondary/Technical School.
Mr Adjei-Yeboah said it was unfortunate that work on a number of road projects started by the NPP administration had come to a halt and stressed that it was wrong for social amenities to be distributed on political lines.
“I have not discriminated in the provision of infrastructure and scholarships during my tenure of office”, he said and called on the Tano South District Assembly to be fair in the distribution of social amenities.
The MP thanked the people for their continued support for him and wished them a prosperous New Year promising to continue to serve them in humility.
The Chairman of the Tano South Constituency of the NPP, Mr Asare Antwi, said all efforts were being made to ensure that the party retained the Tano South seat and urged other executives in other constituencies where NDC MPs were occupying the seats to work hard to wrest such seats.
The Constituency Organiser, Mr Kwabena Adjei, urged polling station chairmen in the area to start organising programmes in their units since it was through such programmes that they would be able to win more supporters for the party.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah, Techimantia
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, has urged supporters of the party to intensify their preparations toward wresting power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2012 elections.
“We don’t have to wait for next year before intensifying our campaign”, the MP said and called on the party’s officials at the grassroot to adopt strategies to educate the people about the good works of the NPP during its eight years in government.
Mr Adjei-Yeboah, who was addressing members of the party at Techimantia in the Tano South District, however stressed that the NPP would be able to kick NDC out of office only if there was unity among its rank and file.
“”Let us close our ranks and resolve not to bite ourselves. Our energies should be directed towards dethroning the NDC and not to fight among ourselves”.
The MP said recent events in the country gave clear indications of the fact that Ghanaians made a wrong choice during the 2008 general elections since the NDC had shown that it lacked ideas and strategies to improve on the lives of the people. Mr Adjei-Yeboah said the NPP did very well during its administration and urged the supporters not to feel shy to propagate such good policies in order to win more people to the party’s side.
Turning to development projects in the constituency, the MP said he had been able to use his share of the various funds to bring about development in the area.
He mentioned the construction of clinics and a 200-capacity girls’ hostel and a bungalow for the housemistress of the Techimantia Presbyterian Secondary/Technical School.
Mr Adjei-Yeboah said it was unfortunate that work on a number of road projects started by the NPP administration had come to a halt and stressed that it was wrong for social amenities to be distributed on political lines.
“I have not discriminated in the provision of infrastructure and scholarships during my tenure of office”, he said and called on the Tano South District Assembly to be fair in the distribution of social amenities.
The MP thanked the people for their continued support for him and wished them a prosperous New Year promising to continue to serve them in humility.
The Chairman of the Tano South Constituency of the NPP, Mr Asare Antwi, said all efforts were being made to ensure that the party retained the Tano South seat and urged other executives in other constituencies where NDC MPs were occupying the seats to work hard to wrest such seats.
The Constituency Organiser, Mr Kwabena Adjei, urged polling station chairmen in the area to start organising programmes in their units since it was through such programmes that they would be able to win more supporters for the party.
Petroleum Bill set to be passed Tuesday
Dec, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Petroleum Revenue Management Bill, which is at its consideration stage of passage, is expected to be passed by Tuesday before Parliament breaks for the Christmas festivities on Wednesday, December, 22, 2010.
But the House has to cross the hurdle of dealing with about 200 amendments before the passage of the bill will see the light of the day.
Originally, the House was expected to rise on Tuesday, December, 21, but when the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka presented the Business Statement (programme) for next week, he informed the House that the Business Committee had decided to push the date forward because of the volume of work the House had to consider before rising.
Some of the amendments, which had been tagged as controversial are expected to delay the passage of the bill since both sides of the House are expected to adopt entrenched positions.
They include clause 17, which deals with the Petroleum Development Fund.
The Minority is seeking to amend that clause to ensure that revenue accrued from the sales of the oil was not put into the Consolidated Fund but kept separately for specific projects.
The Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu is also seeking to amend Clause 19 of the bill to ensure that “in presenting the normal budget, which should be funded from the traditional revenue sources, the Minister responsible for Finance shall annually present to Parliament for approval,a programme of investment activities to be funded from the Petroleum Development Fund”.
What will also be crucial is the amendment proposed by four NPP MPs seeking for 10 per cent of the petroleum revenue to be set aside for the development of the Western Region.
The MPs, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah,Takoradi, Mr Dominic Nitiwil, Bimbilla, Mrs Gifty Kusi, Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, Manhyia are seeking to include the contents of the petition presented to Parliament by the Western Regional House of Chiefs into the bill.
Other bills expected to be passed by the House before rising include the Customs and Excise (Duties and other taxes) (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the Debt Recovery (Tema Oil Refinery Company) Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the Internal Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the National Fiscal Stabilisation Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and the Airport Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2010.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Petroleum Revenue Management Bill, which is at its consideration stage of passage, is expected to be passed by Tuesday before Parliament breaks for the Christmas festivities on Wednesday, December, 22, 2010.
But the House has to cross the hurdle of dealing with about 200 amendments before the passage of the bill will see the light of the day.
Originally, the House was expected to rise on Tuesday, December, 21, but when the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka presented the Business Statement (programme) for next week, he informed the House that the Business Committee had decided to push the date forward because of the volume of work the House had to consider before rising.
Some of the amendments, which had been tagged as controversial are expected to delay the passage of the bill since both sides of the House are expected to adopt entrenched positions.
They include clause 17, which deals with the Petroleum Development Fund.
The Minority is seeking to amend that clause to ensure that revenue accrued from the sales of the oil was not put into the Consolidated Fund but kept separately for specific projects.
The Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu is also seeking to amend Clause 19 of the bill to ensure that “in presenting the normal budget, which should be funded from the traditional revenue sources, the Minister responsible for Finance shall annually present to Parliament for approval,a programme of investment activities to be funded from the Petroleum Development Fund”.
What will also be crucial is the amendment proposed by four NPP MPs seeking for 10 per cent of the petroleum revenue to be set aside for the development of the Western Region.
The MPs, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah,Takoradi, Mr Dominic Nitiwil, Bimbilla, Mrs Gifty Kusi, Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, Manhyia are seeking to include the contents of the petition presented to Parliament by the Western Regional House of Chiefs into the bill.
Other bills expected to be passed by the House before rising include the Customs and Excise (Duties and other taxes) (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the Debt Recovery (Tema Oil Refinery Company) Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the Internal Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the National Fiscal Stabilisation Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2010, the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and the Airport Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2010.
Biometric register for 2012 elections
Front page, Dec 20, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE current voters register is to be replaced with a biometric (electronic) one which will be used for the 2012 general election.
The process, according to the Electoral Commission (EC), would involve the electronic installation of names, pictures and thumbprints of prospective voters, all estimated to cost GH¢80 million.
This was revealed in the report of the Special Budget Committee of Parliament on the 2011 budget estimates for the EC signed by the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, who is also the Chairman of the committee.
The estimated GH¢80 million will have to be dealt with as a separate budget because it is not captured in the 2011 budget, even though the EC submitted it to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP).
The Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has given assurance that funds will be made available to the EC for that important national exercise to move from the manual to the biometric collection of electoral data.
For 2011, the EC is seeking to replace the voters register for the 2012 elections, sensitise civil society and the public to the electoral process and continue with its human resource capacity building and infrastructural development to achieve its objectives.
On the district level elections, the report said the committee was informed that about GH¢67 million would be required for the conduct of the elections, out of which GH¢33 million had already been released to the EC.
But the report said the committee was informed that the revision of the electoral areas might reduce the initial budget by about GH¢12 million, leaving an outstanding amount of GH¢22 million.
It added that GH¢19 million out of the outstanding GH¢22 million was currently being processed by the Finance Ministry for release, while Dr Duffuor had assured the committee that the balance of GH¢3 million would be made available.
On office accommodation, the report said the EC was enjoined by Act 451 of the 1992 Constitution to establish its offices in all the regions and districts to ensure that all electoral materials were properly stored and secured.
The committee, in its report to the House on the 2010 budget estimates of the EC, informed the House that most of the EC’s district offices were in rented premises.
The report said even though the commission started work on some regional and district offices, it was unfortunate that its allocation for investments had been on the decline for the past three years.
An amount of GH¢842,259 was allocated for the commission for investment in 2009, GH¢796,000 for 2010 and GH¢398,000 for 2011.
It said the committee expressed worry over the trend and noted that the situation would seriously affect the EC’s programme to provide permanent office accommodation in all the districts.
“The committee reiterates its previous recommendation that MoFEP should provide the EC with the necessary funds to enable it to provide permanent office accommodation in all regions and districts,” it said.
The House approved GH¢25,399,946 for the EC for its activities for 2011.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE current voters register is to be replaced with a biometric (electronic) one which will be used for the 2012 general election.
The process, according to the Electoral Commission (EC), would involve the electronic installation of names, pictures and thumbprints of prospective voters, all estimated to cost GH¢80 million.
This was revealed in the report of the Special Budget Committee of Parliament on the 2011 budget estimates for the EC signed by the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, who is also the Chairman of the committee.
The estimated GH¢80 million will have to be dealt with as a separate budget because it is not captured in the 2011 budget, even though the EC submitted it to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP).
The Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has given assurance that funds will be made available to the EC for that important national exercise to move from the manual to the biometric collection of electoral data.
For 2011, the EC is seeking to replace the voters register for the 2012 elections, sensitise civil society and the public to the electoral process and continue with its human resource capacity building and infrastructural development to achieve its objectives.
On the district level elections, the report said the committee was informed that about GH¢67 million would be required for the conduct of the elections, out of which GH¢33 million had already been released to the EC.
But the report said the committee was informed that the revision of the electoral areas might reduce the initial budget by about GH¢12 million, leaving an outstanding amount of GH¢22 million.
It added that GH¢19 million out of the outstanding GH¢22 million was currently being processed by the Finance Ministry for release, while Dr Duffuor had assured the committee that the balance of GH¢3 million would be made available.
On office accommodation, the report said the EC was enjoined by Act 451 of the 1992 Constitution to establish its offices in all the regions and districts to ensure that all electoral materials were properly stored and secured.
The committee, in its report to the House on the 2010 budget estimates of the EC, informed the House that most of the EC’s district offices were in rented premises.
The report said even though the commission started work on some regional and district offices, it was unfortunate that its allocation for investments had been on the decline for the past three years.
An amount of GH¢842,259 was allocated for the commission for investment in 2009, GH¢796,000 for 2010 and GH¢398,000 for 2011.
It said the committee expressed worry over the trend and noted that the situation would seriously affect the EC’s programme to provide permanent office accommodation in all the districts.
“The committee reiterates its previous recommendation that MoFEP should provide the EC with the necessary funds to enable it to provide permanent office accommodation in all regions and districts,” it said.
The House approved GH¢25,399,946 for the EC for its activities for 2011.
Budget targets not
Dec, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minority in Parliament has responded to the 2011 Financial Statement and Budget of the government which was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour, and indicated that almost all the targets for 2009 and 2010 were not achieved.
The Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, who opened the debate on the budget on Wednesday, stated that “I am afraid that the performance of the economy for 2010 has been worse than anticipated.”
Supporting his argument with statistics, he stated that in 2010, the targeted real Gross Domestic Product growth of 6.5 per cent was missed, with the government obtaining 5.9??? per cent.
“Mr Speaker, on the basis of statistics, we are tempted to emulate Steve Mallory of Africa Watch Magazine to give Grade F to the economic managers of the economy,” he said, explaining that given the positive external economic developments, with respect to gold and cocoa prices, what was required was complementary domestic policies to assure targets set were achieved.
Dr Osei said since the targets were not achieved, it would stand to reason that the domestic policies pursued worked to overweigh the positive impact of the external development.
He contended that the new arrears of some GH¢3.2 billion for 2010 indicated that on a commitment basis deficit exceeded 23 per cent of the GDP and could be as high as 26 per cent.
Dr Osei wondered how economists would characterise an economy with a deficit of over 23 per cent of GDP and stock of arrears of GH¢4.6 billion.
He said with the government not paying its bills, it was not surprising that it could boast of accumulating Gross International Reserves of about $3.9 billion, adding that over 60 per cent of the gross reserves were on the back of debt owed to workers and contractors.
Dr Osei said after moving from a HIPC country under the NPP administration, Ghana was slowly heading back to a HIPC country.
Contributing to the debate, the Majority Spokesperson on Finance, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, debunked the assertion of the Minority and said that under the NDC two-year administration, a lot had been achieved.
He said the NDC had been able to put the economy on the right footing resulting in the reduction of inflation from 18.9 to 9.3 per cent.
He said even though GDP growth across the sub-Saharan Africa was an average of two per cent, Ghana’s achievement of 4.9??? per cent was good.
Mr Avedzi said under the NDC government, the budget deficit had been reduced from the 14.9 per cent it inherited to 8.8 per cent while three out of the four criteria required by the West African Monetary Zone had been achieved.
He said the government had to build on the stabilised economy and achieved the 12.3 targeted growth for 2011.
Mr Avedzi defended the tax elements as contained in the 2011 budget and stated that it was not proper for any country to depend on grants and loans without raising taxes internally.
For his part, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West and Deputy Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, said with less than two years, the NDC had moved the country’s debts from $8.5 billion to $11.5 billion besides the STX deal.
He criticised the government for the numerous taxes it had introduced in the 2011 budget and said that that would not augur well, especially for the tourism sector.
The Majority Spokesperson on Energy and Mines, Mr Moses Asaga, said the government had been able to put in a lot of measure to ensure the smooth running of the oil and gas sector contrary to speculation that the NDC would not be able to handle the sector.
Meanwhile, the House, on Wednesday, paid glowing tribute to farmers in the country for their efforts to ensure economic growth.
The MPs were contributing to a statement made by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu, on the upcoming Farmers’ Day celebration.
In the statement, Dr Yakubu noted that despite efforts by the government, there was still more to be done for Ghanaian farmers.
He enumerated them to include the provision of rural infrastructure, delivery of appropriate production technologies and the attainment of a proactive agricultural governance system.
“All these require more investment in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan,” he said.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minority in Parliament has responded to the 2011 Financial Statement and Budget of the government which was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour, and indicated that almost all the targets for 2009 and 2010 were not achieved.
The Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, who opened the debate on the budget on Wednesday, stated that “I am afraid that the performance of the economy for 2010 has been worse than anticipated.”
Supporting his argument with statistics, he stated that in 2010, the targeted real Gross Domestic Product growth of 6.5 per cent was missed, with the government obtaining 5.9??? per cent.
“Mr Speaker, on the basis of statistics, we are tempted to emulate Steve Mallory of Africa Watch Magazine to give Grade F to the economic managers of the economy,” he said, explaining that given the positive external economic developments, with respect to gold and cocoa prices, what was required was complementary domestic policies to assure targets set were achieved.
Dr Osei said since the targets were not achieved, it would stand to reason that the domestic policies pursued worked to overweigh the positive impact of the external development.
He contended that the new arrears of some GH¢3.2 billion for 2010 indicated that on a commitment basis deficit exceeded 23 per cent of the GDP and could be as high as 26 per cent.
Dr Osei wondered how economists would characterise an economy with a deficit of over 23 per cent of GDP and stock of arrears of GH¢4.6 billion.
He said with the government not paying its bills, it was not surprising that it could boast of accumulating Gross International Reserves of about $3.9 billion, adding that over 60 per cent of the gross reserves were on the back of debt owed to workers and contractors.
Dr Osei said after moving from a HIPC country under the NPP administration, Ghana was slowly heading back to a HIPC country.
Contributing to the debate, the Majority Spokesperson on Finance, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, debunked the assertion of the Minority and said that under the NDC two-year administration, a lot had been achieved.
He said the NDC had been able to put the economy on the right footing resulting in the reduction of inflation from 18.9 to 9.3 per cent.
He said even though GDP growth across the sub-Saharan Africa was an average of two per cent, Ghana’s achievement of 4.9??? per cent was good.
Mr Avedzi said under the NDC government, the budget deficit had been reduced from the 14.9 per cent it inherited to 8.8 per cent while three out of the four criteria required by the West African Monetary Zone had been achieved.
He said the government had to build on the stabilised economy and achieved the 12.3 targeted growth for 2011.
Mr Avedzi defended the tax elements as contained in the 2011 budget and stated that it was not proper for any country to depend on grants and loans without raising taxes internally.
For his part, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West and Deputy Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, said with less than two years, the NDC had moved the country’s debts from $8.5 billion to $11.5 billion besides the STX deal.
He criticised the government for the numerous taxes it had introduced in the 2011 budget and said that that would not augur well, especially for the tourism sector.
The Majority Spokesperson on Energy and Mines, Mr Moses Asaga, said the government had been able to put in a lot of measure to ensure the smooth running of the oil and gas sector contrary to speculation that the NDC would not be able to handle the sector.
Meanwhile, the House, on Wednesday, paid glowing tribute to farmers in the country for their efforts to ensure economic growth.
The MPs were contributing to a statement made by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu, on the upcoming Farmers’ Day celebration.
In the statement, Dr Yakubu noted that despite efforts by the government, there was still more to be done for Ghanaian farmers.
He enumerated them to include the provision of rural infrastructure, delivery of appropriate production technologies and the attainment of a proactive agricultural governance system.
“All these require more investment in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan,” he said.
Minority on 2011 budget
Dec, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minority in Parliament has responded to the 2011 Financial Statement and Budget of the government presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour and indicated that almost all the targets for 2009 and 2010 were not achieved.
The Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei who opened the debate on the budget today stated that “I am afraid that then performance of the economic for 2010 has been worse than anticipated”.
Supporting his argument with statistics, he stated that in 2010, the targeted real Gross Domestic Product growth 6.5 per cent was missed with the government obtaining 5.9 per cent.
“Mr Speaker, on the basis of statistics, we are tempted to emulate Steve Mallory of Africa Watch Margazine to give grade f to the economic managers of the economy”, he said explaining that given the positive external economic developments, with respect to gold and cocoa prices, what was required was complementary domestic policies to assure targets set were achieved.
Dr Osei said since the targets were not achieved, it would stand to reason that the domestic policies pursued worked to overweigh the positive impact of the external development.
He contended that the new arrears of some GHC 3.2 billion for 2010 indicated that on a commitment basis deficit exceeded 23 per cent of the GDP and could be as high as 26 per cent.
Dr Osei wondered how economists would characterize an economy with a deficit of over 23 per cent of GDP and stock of arrears of GHC 4.6 billion.
He said with the government not paying its bills it was not surprising that it could boast of accumulating Gross International Reserves of about $3.9 billion, adding that over 60 per cent of the gross reserves were on the back of debt owed to workers and contractors.
Dr Osei said after moving from a HIPC country under the NPP administration, Ghana was slowly heading back to a HIPC country.
Contribute to the debate, the Majority Spokesperson on Finance; Mr James Klutse Avedzi debunked the assertion of the Minority and said that under the NDC two-year administration, a lot had been achieved.
He said the NDC had been able to put the economy on the right resulting in the reduction of inflation from 18.9 to 9.3 per cent.
He said even though GDP growth across the sub-Saharan Africa was an average of two per cent, Ghana’s achievement of 4.9 per cent was good.
Mr Avedzi said under the NDC government, the budget deficit had been reduced from the 14.9 per cent it inherited to 8.8 per cent while three out of the four criteria required by the West African Monetary Zone had been achieved.
He said the government had to build on the stabilized economy and achieved the 12.3 targeted growth for 2011.
Mr Avedzi defended the tax elements as contained in the 2011 budget and stated that it was not proper for any country to depend on grants and loans without raising taxes internally.
For his part, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West and Deputy Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah said with less than two year, the NDC had moved the country’s debts from $8.5 billion to $11.5 billion besides the STX deal.
He criticized the government for the numerous taxes it had introduced in the 2011 budget and said that that would not augur especially for the tourism sector.
The Majority Spokesperson on Energy and Mines, Mr Moses Asaga said the government had been able to put in a lot of measure to ensure the smooth running of the oil and gas sector contrary to speculation that the NDC would not be able to handle the sector.
Meanwhile the House today paid glowing tribute to farmers in the country for the efforts to ensure economic growth.
The MPs were contributing to a statement made by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu on the upcoming Farmers’ Day celebration.
In the statement, Dr Yakubu noted that despite efforts by the government, there was still more to be done for Ghanaian farmers.
He enumerated them to include the provision of rural infrastructure, delivery of appropriate production technologies and the attainment of a proactive agricultural governance system.
“All these require more investment in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan”, he said.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Minority in Parliament has responded to the 2011 Financial Statement and Budget of the government presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour and indicated that almost all the targets for 2009 and 2010 were not achieved.
The Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei who opened the debate on the budget today stated that “I am afraid that then performance of the economic for 2010 has been worse than anticipated”.
Supporting his argument with statistics, he stated that in 2010, the targeted real Gross Domestic Product growth 6.5 per cent was missed with the government obtaining 5.9 per cent.
“Mr Speaker, on the basis of statistics, we are tempted to emulate Steve Mallory of Africa Watch Margazine to give grade f to the economic managers of the economy”, he said explaining that given the positive external economic developments, with respect to gold and cocoa prices, what was required was complementary domestic policies to assure targets set were achieved.
Dr Osei said since the targets were not achieved, it would stand to reason that the domestic policies pursued worked to overweigh the positive impact of the external development.
He contended that the new arrears of some GHC 3.2 billion for 2010 indicated that on a commitment basis deficit exceeded 23 per cent of the GDP and could be as high as 26 per cent.
Dr Osei wondered how economists would characterize an economy with a deficit of over 23 per cent of GDP and stock of arrears of GHC 4.6 billion.
He said with the government not paying its bills it was not surprising that it could boast of accumulating Gross International Reserves of about $3.9 billion, adding that over 60 per cent of the gross reserves were on the back of debt owed to workers and contractors.
Dr Osei said after moving from a HIPC country under the NPP administration, Ghana was slowly heading back to a HIPC country.
Contribute to the debate, the Majority Spokesperson on Finance; Mr James Klutse Avedzi debunked the assertion of the Minority and said that under the NDC two-year administration, a lot had been achieved.
He said the NDC had been able to put the economy on the right resulting in the reduction of inflation from 18.9 to 9.3 per cent.
He said even though GDP growth across the sub-Saharan Africa was an average of two per cent, Ghana’s achievement of 4.9 per cent was good.
Mr Avedzi said under the NDC government, the budget deficit had been reduced from the 14.9 per cent it inherited to 8.8 per cent while three out of the four criteria required by the West African Monetary Zone had been achieved.
He said the government had to build on the stabilized economy and achieved the 12.3 targeted growth for 2011.
Mr Avedzi defended the tax elements as contained in the 2011 budget and stated that it was not proper for any country to depend on grants and loans without raising taxes internally.
For his part, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West and Deputy Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah said with less than two year, the NDC had moved the country’s debts from $8.5 billion to $11.5 billion besides the STX deal.
He criticized the government for the numerous taxes it had introduced in the 2011 budget and said that that would not augur especially for the tourism sector.
The Majority Spokesperson on Energy and Mines, Mr Moses Asaga said the government had been able to put in a lot of measure to ensure the smooth running of the oil and gas sector contrary to speculation that the NDC would not be able to handle the sector.
Meanwhile the House today paid glowing tribute to farmers in the country for the efforts to ensure economic growth.
The MPs were contributing to a statement made by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu on the upcoming Farmers’ Day celebration.
In the statement, Dr Yakubu noted that despite efforts by the government, there was still more to be done for Ghanaian farmers.
He enumerated them to include the provision of rural infrastructure, delivery of appropriate production technologies and the attainment of a proactive agricultural governance system.
“All these require more investment in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan”, he said.
Parliament discusses Heritage Fund clause
Nov, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah1
THE varied opinions expressed by members of the Joint Committee on Finance and Mines and Energy at the committee level on some aspects of the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill was carried onto the floor of the House when the proposed Heritage Fund came up for discussion at the Consideration Stage of the bill.
While some members argued strongly that the amount set aside as Heritage Fund for future use should be used now for infrastructure development for the benefit of future generation, others were of the opinion that since petroleum is a finite product, there was the need for the fund to be set up.
In the end, however, the Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s suggestion that the clause dealing with the fund should be stood down for further consultations, in view of varied opinions on the floor was supported by his colleague the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka.
In his submission earlier, Mr Cletus Avoka did not mince words when he stated his opposition to the Heritage Fund as is presently contained in the Bill.
“Mr Speaker, it will not be wrong for the present generation to utilise the fund for development projects for the use of the future generation”, he argued.
He cited the various development projects, such as the Job 600, Parliament House among others, which were constructed during Nkrumah’s era but were being used by the present generation to buttress his point.
Mr Avoka suggested that the entire petroleum revenue should be used now until the 10 years before they begin to think about any Heritage Fund.
For his part, the MP for New Juaben North, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, supported the establishment of the Heritage Fund, he was of the opinion that after 30 or 40 years, we should begin to use the money for development.
Other contributors were of the opinion that Parliament should be empowered to review the usage of the fund from time to time when the need arose.
Meanwhile, four bills were laid before the House on Monday for their first reading.
They were the General Health Services Bill, 2010, the Health Co-ordinating Council Bill, 2010, the Veterans’ Administration, Ghana Bill, 2010 and the Data Protection Bill, 2010.
A report of the Joint Committee of Lands and Forestry and Mines and Energy on the agreement among Ghana, the Volta River Authority and Clark Sustainable Resources Development Limited for harvesting, processing and marketing of timber from the Volta Lake (Phase II) was laid before the House for consideration.
In another development, the House also deferred discussions on recomposition of members of the various committees of the House because the name of MP for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Mr P.C. Appiah-Ofori did not feature in any of the select committees.
In addition, the name of a deceased MP, Ms Doris Seidu also appeared in one of the select committees.
The Minority Leader, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, explained that the anomaly had already been detected and the Minority Chief Whip, Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah was working on it.
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah1
THE varied opinions expressed by members of the Joint Committee on Finance and Mines and Energy at the committee level on some aspects of the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill was carried onto the floor of the House when the proposed Heritage Fund came up for discussion at the Consideration Stage of the bill.
While some members argued strongly that the amount set aside as Heritage Fund for future use should be used now for infrastructure development for the benefit of future generation, others were of the opinion that since petroleum is a finite product, there was the need for the fund to be set up.
In the end, however, the Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s suggestion that the clause dealing with the fund should be stood down for further consultations, in view of varied opinions on the floor was supported by his colleague the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka.
In his submission earlier, Mr Cletus Avoka did not mince words when he stated his opposition to the Heritage Fund as is presently contained in the Bill.
“Mr Speaker, it will not be wrong for the present generation to utilise the fund for development projects for the use of the future generation”, he argued.
He cited the various development projects, such as the Job 600, Parliament House among others, which were constructed during Nkrumah’s era but were being used by the present generation to buttress his point.
Mr Avoka suggested that the entire petroleum revenue should be used now until the 10 years before they begin to think about any Heritage Fund.
For his part, the MP for New Juaben North, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, supported the establishment of the Heritage Fund, he was of the opinion that after 30 or 40 years, we should begin to use the money for development.
Other contributors were of the opinion that Parliament should be empowered to review the usage of the fund from time to time when the need arose.
Meanwhile, four bills were laid before the House on Monday for their first reading.
They were the General Health Services Bill, 2010, the Health Co-ordinating Council Bill, 2010, the Veterans’ Administration, Ghana Bill, 2010 and the Data Protection Bill, 2010.
A report of the Joint Committee of Lands and Forestry and Mines and Energy on the agreement among Ghana, the Volta River Authority and Clark Sustainable Resources Development Limited for harvesting, processing and marketing of timber from the Volta Lake (Phase II) was laid before the House for consideration.
In another development, the House also deferred discussions on recomposition of members of the various committees of the House because the name of MP for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Mr P.C. Appiah-Ofori did not feature in any of the select committees.
In addition, the name of a deceased MP, Ms Doris Seidu also appeared in one of the select committees.
The Minority Leader, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, explained that the anomaly had already been detected and the Minority Chief Whip, Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah was working on it.
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