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Month: March 2013

MP sends kenkey to Parliament

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members in Parliament yesterday became very angry when a minority member suddenly brandished a ball of kenkey and a finger of fried fish in parliament to buttress a point that the cost of living is skyrocketing because of the government’s incompetence and inefficiency to implement pragmatic policies that will have a direct bearing on the lives of the ordinary Ghanaian.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Nsuta-Kwamang Beposo, Kwame Asafu-Adjei, in his contribution to the debate on the 2013 budget statement, unexpectedly brought out a ball of kenkey and finger of fried fish (kyenam) from his briefcase to show to parliament that the virtual collapse of agriculture under the NDC administration had seriously affected prices of staple food in the country.
The MP, who is an agricultural expert, said now a ball of kenkey, a staple food for most ordinary Ghanaians, cost at least GH¢1 while in some areas in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other big towns, a ball of kenkey was being sold for GH¢2.
He said he bought his kenkey from a popular kenkey ‘joint’ at Adabraka for GH¢2 while the little finger of fried fish he brought to parliament was sold to him at GH¢3.
“These times are very difficult times for ordinary Ghanaians on the streets who may have to spend say GH¢4 for a meal at the roadside and at the of the day, such a poor person will need GH¢15 or GH¢20 just to buy food for the day,” he lamented, demanding to know the direction in which the country was heading towards.
He pointed out that during the NPP regime, agriculture in the country boomed and prices of staple food were relatively stable.
He said the Kufuor government paid greater attention to commercialization, subsidization and mechanization of agriculture as well as development of infrastructure that had direct or indirect bearing on the growth of agriculture.
He said in countries where prices of food were cheaper, the standard of living was better.
“In Ghana currently, we have a hand-to-mouth situation where whatever you earn would have to be spent on food,” he said.
The NDC MPs, who were very angry with his contribution and the practical demonstration he made, doubted what the Nsuta-Kwamang MP was holding was real kenkey and dared him to eat it in parliament.
They also strongly challenged the real cost of the kenkey and fish and said that Hon Asafu-Adjei was not telling the truth in terms of the prices of staple food in the country.
Supporting the contribution of Hon Asafu-Adjei, the NPP MP for Kwadaso, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, said for the past five years, real growth in agriculture had been collapsing.
“From 7.4% in 2008 to 5.3% in 2010 and then in 2011, the growth almost stunted at 0.8% and picked up to 2.6% in 2012,” Hon Afriyie Akoto said.
He noted that the agric sector was catching what he described as a ‘Dutch disease’ because the poor growth in the sector lagged sadly behind the performance of the overall economy.
He said things would get worse, with attention now being turned on Ghana’s booming oil industry.
He said farmers and fishermen continued to suffer from low productivity because of inadequate supply of improved inputs- seeds, fertilizer, agro-chemicals and pre-mix fuel, as well as lack of access to ready market and credit facilities.
According to him, the 2013 budget did not equip the country with sufficient tools to arrest the stagnation of the food and agricultural sector while the Dutch disease was staring the country in the face in view of the booming oil sector.
The NDC MP for Mion, Dr Yakubu Alhassan, did not agree with his NPP colleagues, saying that under the NDC government, there had been improvement in the agricultural sector, with increase in rice and shea nut production, adding that the minority in parliament should not politicize issues pertaining to agriculture because it formed the backbone of the Ghanaian economy.

Agric sector is in a deplorable state- Kwaadaso MP

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The Member of Parliament for Kwaadaso Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has described the food and agriculture sector, currently as one in a deplorable state that the upbeat message contained in the 2013 budget statement would not help in finding the right solution.

He said the sector is in such a state that the resources allocated and policies indicated in the budget would not be enough to move the sector out of the rut in which it finds itself.

Contributing to the debate on the budget, Hon. Owusu Afriyie stated that for the past five years growth in agriculture has been collapsing, from 7.4 % in 2008, it reduced slightly to 7.2% in 2009 then to 5.3 in 2010.

He noted that there was hardly any growth in the following years with only 0.8% in 2011 taking up slightly to only 2.6% in 2012.

Dr Afriyie Akoto who is the ranking member on the food and agriculture committee of Parliament noted that in the 2013 budget statement, growth is targeted at an unambitious 4.9 percent, adding that the country would be lucky if we reach even half of that target giving the major resources allocated to that sector in 2013 and the business – as-usual policies envisage.

The agric expert stated that the poor growth performance of the sector lags behind the performance in the overall economy, wondering if that was the unset of the Dutch disease.

He further stated that the stagnant agriculture growth means deepening poverty for the 4.5 million farmers and fishermen of this country and rising deprivation and hunger for food consumers.

Kwadwo Anim/GhanMPs.gov.gh

Where is the money from TOR debt recovery levy, hedging; Kwaku Kwarteng asks

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, Kwaku Kwarteng is demanding full disclosure from government on the whereabouts of funds from Ghana’s hedging programme.

Mr. Kwarteng also wants the government to account in full for funds from the Tema Oil Refinery debt recovery levy collected in 2012 in a transparent manner.
The MP was contributing to the debate on the 2013 budget statement which did not declare any proceeds from the TOR debt recovery levy and the hedging programme.
According to the MP, on paragraph 139 and 140 of the 2012 budget statement, the government stated that the hedging programme had been successful, which meant that some funds were realised. He therefore questioned the veracity of the reported figure of GHC 0.00 quoted elsewhere in the budget statement.
“The Budget Statement that reported the success of the hedging programme, also stated that our hedge profit was zero Ghana cedis (GH¢0.00). This is unacceptable,” he stated.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Thursday, Mr. Kwarteng said the purpose of the hedging programme had been defeated by government’s decision to stop paying subsidies.
He said there was no basis for the government to continue collecting taxes towards the hedge fund in 2013 as contained in the budget statement since it had removed subsidies from petroleum subsidies.
He asked the Finance Minister, Mr. Seth Terkper in parliament to explain the discrepancy where one part of the budget states that the hedging programme was successful whilst another part indicates zero amount from the programme.
Mr. Terkper asked to be given time to look into the matter properly and offer answers.
The Obuasi MP urged Parliament to demand accountability from the executive as far as the management of the country’s financial resources were concerned.

AFAG calls for parliamentary enquiry into SSNIT shares sales

Posted on by Akumaa GhanaMPs

A pressure group, Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), has called for a Parliamentary enquiry into the sale of SSNIT’s 61.12% shares in the Trust Bank to the Ecobank Transitional.

The group also called for the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees and the resignation of the SSNIT Managing Director.

AFAG insisted that the four organized labour representatives on the SSNIT Board comprising Mr. Kofi Asamoah, Mr. Robertson Allotey, Mr. Dian Okine and Mr. Amo Dako should be sacked.

“We are calling for a Parliamentary enquiry into the sale of SSNIT’s 61.12% shares in the Trust Bank (TTB) to Ecobank Transitional (ETI),” AFAG said.

“We are also calling for the dissolution of the SSNIT Board of trustees, resignation of the SSNIT MD and the immediate removal of the four organized labour representatives, Mr. Kofi Asamoah, Mr. Robertson Allotey, Mr. Dian Okine and Mr. Amo Darko from the SSNIT Board of Trustees.”

Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, AFAG’s President Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, claimed the sale of the SSNIT shares in the TTB has resulted in the loss of Ghs 179 million to Ghanaian workers investment.

“AFAG will like to inform Ghanaians that the sale of the SSNIT shares in the TTB has resulted in the loss of GhC179 million cedis to workers investment; why should the future of workers be placed at such risk in order to satisfy the selfish interest of some few persons?”

He emphasised that there was no need for the sale of TTB because it was performing well.

“Though the Bank of Ghana requires a minimum of 60 million Ghana cedis as recapitalisation for local banks in Ghana, TTB’s recapitalisation is 125 million Ghana cedis which mean that it is capable of operating two more local banks.”

Dr. Afriyie further called on all Ghanaian workers to join AFAG’s gargantuan forum scheduled for Tuesday, March 20 in Koforidua.

“AFAG is calling on all workers to join us at our “Gargantuan” forum starting Tuesday 20th March in Koforidua where we will collect signatures from workers and the general public in support of our quest at bringing sufficient pressure to bear on the legislature to initiate a Parliamentary enquiry into the sale of the SSNIT shares in the TTB, reverse the sale and identify all those corrupt men behind the sale for prosecution without fear or favour.”

Source: Citifmonline.com/Ghana

Bunpurugu MP warns arrest of Kokomba Chief could spark fresh clashes

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

 

The Northern regional security high command is being cautioned against attempts to arrest the Kokomba chief in the Bumpurugu Yoyoo district following clashes there.

The Member of Parliament for Bunpurugu, Solomon Boar Nanliit warns this may spark fresh fighting between the Bemobas and the Kokombas.
There has been simmering tension between the two tribes after an Independence Day violent clash over a parcel of land left one person dead.
The MP told Joy News the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) should instead be interested in fashioning out a roadmap to peace.
“How will (arresting the Konkomba chief) address the situation?” he quizzed.
Arresting any of the chiefs from either faction will not solve the problem, he declared, cautioning the REGSEC to desist from doing anything that can worsen the volatile situation.
myjoyonline.com

Minority engages majority on rising fiscal deficits as parliament debates 2013 budget

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Parliament on Tuesday started the debate on the 2013 budget statement and economic policy delivered by Finance and Economic planning Minister.

Both sides of the house put up spirited opinions on the financial plan.
Whilst the majority hailed the economic policy as one that would sustain the economy to achieve the country’s desired development goals, the Minority described the budget as “a job killing budget” that was stealthily leading Ghana into the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) status.
The motion for the debate on the budget statement was moved by the Minister of Finance, Seth Terkper and was seconded by Dr Anthony Akoto-Osei, MP for Old Tafo and ranking member of the Finance Committee.
Contributing to the debate, MP for New Juaben North, Dr Mark Osei-Asibey, said the country’s economy was headed for recession considering the rising public debts and decreasing gross domestic products (GDP).
He said government was derailing the economy and creating a financial quagmire for future generations by the numerous borrowing and financial commitments it was making. He urged that the situation should be urgently arrested to put the economy back on track.
Ghana’s current public debt stands at GHS33.5 billion from a post 2009 figure of GHS9.6 billion.
“Even without the inclusion of the Chinese Development Bank three billion loan, this is a whopping 248% increase in public debt in four years. Mr Speaker, as we speak right here now, each Ghanaian owes GH1, 340.00”, Dr Osei-Asibey noted.
He said Ghana was classified as HIPC in 2008 when its fiscal deficit hit 9 percent, moving up to 12 percent in 2012 “and we are coming to 9% again in 2013. So, without a doubt, Mr Speaker, Ghana again, is a HIPC country.”
The New Juaben North MP said it was heart-wrenching that the prudent economic measures instituted by government between 2001 and 2008 had been whittled away by the present government’s negative handling of the economy.
That has resulted in “excessive borrowing, increasing national debt stock, reckless spending and payment of dubious judgment debts”.
The MP said that Ghana missed its target in 2012 since that years’ financial outlook projected a growth of 9.4 percent and recorded a marginal 7.1 percent growth, comparing the period to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) last three years where the economy grew progressively from 7.6 percent to 8.4 percent without the oil proceeds.
He said the agriculture sector that was projected to grow at 4.8 percent managed a meagre 2.6 percentage growth because government had not committed the needed investment in the sector, arguing that government should pay more attention to the country’s other traditional sources of income and not fall into the “Dutch Disease Syndrome”.
Dr Osei-Asibey questioned why Ghana was registering negative growth when its neighbours like Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone were recording positive economic performances. He indicated that Liberia registered a budget surplus while Nigeria reduced its deficit to 2.17 percent.
“Mr Speaker, we missed all the convergent criteria. The only one I know that my colleagues on the other side will talk about is the single digit inflation. Let me address that single digit inflation hoax – that single digit inflation is a hoax.
“Mr Speaker, there are established relationships in economics. If you have low inflation, there has to be attendant low interest rates, low cost of living, stable currency. It is only in Mills and Mahama’s Ghana that you have a single digit inflation that the cost of borrowing is 22.9%, Mr Speaker, the single digit inflation that is being talked about is a hoax,” he insisted.
The Finance Minister, however, quickly countered the argument and maintained that the MPs submission was not accurate.
“Mr Speaker, the correlation which the Hon. Member is speaking about is not accurate. It is such that if you go back between May 2009 and early 2012, there is a correlation which is quite clear between the interest rates, the fall in inflation. It is when we started using interest rates as a measure to correct the economy that that correlation was misplaced,” he noted.
Responding to the Finance Minister’s intervention, Dr Osei-Asibey drew the house’s attention to the 8.6 percent rate of inflation in 2010 and the 12.3 percent Treasury Bill rate, which drew no correlation.
“The Treasury Bill Rate was 12.3 percent, inflation has only inched up from 0.2 to 8.8 percent and the government itself is borrowing at 22.9 percent. Do we call this a correlation? Mr. Speaker, where did we go wrong – it seems we are blessed but cursed with poor management.”
He urged government to limit the fiscal deficit, reduce spending, stop the creation of “unnecessary” ministries and fast-track the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act “to check the unbridled spending.
Mr Fiifi Kwetey, MP for Ketu South and a former Deputy Finance Minister, did not share Dr Osei-Asibey’s views. He argued that the gloomy picture that Dr Asibey had painted was not a true reflection of Ghana’s economy which still remained resilient despite the current discouraging fiscal deficits.
He said notwithstanding the difficult hurdles that Ghana’s economy had to surmount, “it continued to show a path of sustainable growth, continued to be a beacon for other countries as far as economic management is concerned.”
The Ketu South MP said since the present government assumed power, Ghana’s gross reserves increased from GHS 1.1 billion to the current GHS 5.4 billion, insisting that government should be commended for maintaining single digit inflation for the past three years.
“Mr Speaker, four years ago around this time, we had a deficit in all bases of 14.5%. In the new bases, it’s about 8.5%. Mr. Speaker, it’s more simply an issue about numbers. The issue that happened four years ago had to do with the fundamentals of the economy of Ghana. We are talking about a situation where the reserves of this country had come down to as low as US$1.8 billion. As we speak today, the same reserves are up at a region of US$%10.5 billion.
Inflation was running away and by the beginning of 2009, inflation had gone up high to 21%.
Dr Akoto -Osei said it was unacceptable for the country to record an excess spending of 8.7 billion in 2012, urging the house to take steps to ensure that the public purse was protected.
He said Ghana overspent by GHS 300 million in 2009 and that by 2010 the country spent in excess of GHS 800 million, but the 2012 figure of GHS 1.8 billion was worrying and amounted to gross indiscipline.
Dr Akoto-Osei called for measures to ensure that government establishments maintain fiscal discipline.
Chairman of the house’s Finance Committee and MP for Ketu North, James Klutse Avedzi, urged critical and urgent tax reforms to meet revenue targets.
myjoyonline.com

MPs must petition Privileges Committee if DCEs frustrate them – Kyeremeh

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The Member of Parliament for Sunyani East, Kwesi Ameyaw Kyeremeh, has proposed that Members of Parliament who are frustrated by District Chief Executives in the discharge of their work must petition the Privileges Committee of Parliament for solution over that issue.

He however said the Privileges Committee must be the last resort after all other means to resolve the impasse has proved futile, as the committee has proved to be effective as it has in the past dealt with similar problems involving MPs and District Assemblies.

Speaking at a two day workshop for Parliamentary Press Corp on the utilization of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Hon. Kyeremeh who is also an expert in local governance issues stated that it has been realized that some DCEs often frustrate MPs in their areas simply for political gains, especially as the DCE has intention of contesting the seat occupied by the NPP.

He noted that such conflicts derail development at the local level as both the District Chief Executive and the Member of Parliament are expected to lead in the exercise of developing their areas, adding that if such undesirable situation occurs there must be speedy resolution of the matter.

“ The people on the ground are looking up to the DCE and the MP for development, and so the conflict between the two personalities should not in any way affect the living conditions of the poor people in the area’’ Hon. Kyeremeh noted.

Kwadwo Anim/Ghanamps.gov.gh

Kennedy Agyapong Quizzes VRA P.R.O: Is Your Salary Realistic

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Outspoken New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Assin Central constituency Kennedy Agyapong wants the Corporate Communications Manager at Volta River Authority (VRA), Samuel Kwesi Fletcher, to publicly tell the whole nation whether his (Fletcher’s) salary is ‘realistic’ for pontificating on radio that Ghanaians do not pay realistic electricity tariffs.

Kennedy Agyapong was reacting to Sam Fletcher’s remarks in an interview he granted King Edward on HELLO FM that “for more than 10 years, Ghanaians have never paid the right electricity tariffs, they don’t pay realistic tariffs and it is about time somebody told that truth to everybody.”
According to Mr. Fletcher, considering the volumes of crude oil VRA purchases, a small change in the price of crude oil could result in a huge disparity between income and expenditure, thus the VRA wants major tariff reviews to be carried out every two years and quarterly adjustments made to account for changing crude oil prices, currency fluctuations and other parameters.
But the outspoken Assin Central NPP MP seems unenthused by Mr Fletcher’s comments.
“Mr. Fletcher should take his time because all the questions you (King Edward, host of the show) asked him, he was giving cheeky answers. If he (Fletcher) thinks he can’t do the PR job, he should quit.”
“I want to ask Fletcher that, ‘is his salary realistic?’ He has to tell the whole Ghana. He can’t just use that English word this morning; ‘realistic price’. He was saying that with impunity and arrogance. If he (Fletcher) has ever established a company and paid salaries of workers from his own pocket…he wouldn’t have used that word. What is he talking about?” he asked rather angrily.
Speaking on the same platform, a clearly riled Ken Agyapong impliedly stated that losses incurred in transporting and distributing electricity efficiently should be blamed at the doorstep of the VRA.
“I paid 7,500 Ghana cedis for my cold store in 2009. I am now paying 42,000 Ghana cedis and…, i have to buy fuel 8,000 Ghana cedis….They (VRA) are killing the industry.”
“…in the rural areas, street lights are always on during the day. Even 2 o’clock in the afternoon these lights are on. So must I be the one to pay for those expenses? We have to check all this loopholes. Let me ask Fletcher, has VRA been paid by government the debt it owes? He (Fletcher) should wait if he meets with President Mahama and the Energy Minister, then he should show off his arrogance….,” the NPP MP said.
Peacefmonline.com

Gov’t must support women into politics – Savelugu MP

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The first Deputy Majority Chief Whip Hon. Hajia Mary Boforo has emphasized the need for Ghana as a country to do more to entice more women into Parliament by supporting them and removing obstacles that prevent them from coming to Parliament.

She said though the increase in the number of female MPs representing 10.9% (that is 30 out 275 members of parliament) in Parliament this year is laudable, the 30% women representation in Parliament target by the international community continues to be missed.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament to mark this year’s International Women’s day, Hon. Mary Boforo who is also theChairperson of the Parliamentary Women Caucus, stated that government should support allow young ladies to participate in that legislative process of this country to address issues that affect the African woman.
She noted that even though challenges exist with regards to our laws, she believes that Ghana has just enough laws and policies to promote the Gender Agenda. She however said what is lacking is the political will on the part of successive governments and political parties through which women assume political leadership.
Hon. Mary Boforo called on stakeholders including parents to effectively discharge their duties in safeguarding young girls and women, adding that the time has company to end gender violence.
Kwadwo Anim/Ghanadistricts.com

Ajumako District Hospital Gets Ambulance

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Mr Ato Forson, Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, has presented an ambulance, Ford E-350 car valued GHc40, 000 to the Ajumako District Hospital to help save lives. The presentation coincided with the 56th Independence Anniversary celebration parade at the Ajumako Campus of the University of Education, Winneba.

Mr Ato Forson advised Ghanaians to come together and to help build, develop and promote Ghana, adding “let us do what we can – be a change that we all want to see, and avoid the negative attitudes of this is not my government.”
Presenting the keys of the ambulance to the Omanhen, Nana Ogyeabo Kwamena Hama Ababio II, the MP assured that the district hospital, which should have been completed in July 2009, would be taken care of and all structures – the OPD, maternity block and the theatre would be taken care of.
He advised the hospital authorities to put the ambulance to good use to save lives, especially in referral cases.
The Omanhen intend handed the keys over to the District Director of Health Services, Madam Doris Ahelegbe.
The Omanhen and Madam Ahelegbe thanked the MP for the offer and assured that the vehicle would be taken care of and put to good use for the benefit of all citizens in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District.
GNA