The Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region, Joseph Frempong is making frantic efforts at giving education the needed push to meet the needs and aspirations of the constituents.
As part measures to improve educational infrastructure in the constituency, the MP supported some selected schools that have challenges with dilapidated structures to be renovated.
Among the schools include Jamasi No1; Opinamang and Presby Schools, Nkawkaw, Owusukrom LA Basic Schools, Awenade Aglican School, St francis basic schools.
other schools also like Brotherhood M/A Basic ; Amanfrom M/A Basic, Yakorkor Methodist Primary; Saafi M/A School; Opinaman, Nkawkaw, Danteng School; Nsuta ‘B’(M/A) Nkawkaw; Fodoa Islamic; L/A Primary, Owusukrom and Kwadwo Nkansah M/A Schools all got roofing sheets from the MP.
The Municipal Education Directorate was also presented with over 300 mono and dual desks with tables and chairs for teachers. The desks were meant for distribution to schools with inadequate furniture.
In support of Basic Education Certificate Examination, the MP gave out 2877pieces of mathematical sets to all 2021 BECE candidates in the constituency.
The MP looks forward to reaching out to more schools in the constituency and other major interventions to bring up the standard of education in the area.
The Minority in parliament said tomorrow’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy of government promises to be full of taxes.
Mr. Thomas Ampem-Nyarko speaking to the media on Wednesday, 23rd November, 2022 said the signal the Minority is picking suggests that government intends to increase VAT by 2.5 percent; they intend to increase income taxes, and they intend to remove a lot of exemptions on MoMo; “so even merchants are going to be subjected to MoMo taxes”.
“We have known this government to be insensitive, but we never knew that their level of insensitivity would be this high; because in this time of serious hardship in this country, with inflation so high, none of us expected they would be increasing taxes to this level”.
According to him, the posture of the Minority is that they are willing to cooperate and support government in these difficult times because they need help; if we don’t help them this economy would crush. “However, government must come clear to show that they are going to reduce expenditure drastically”.
He alluded to how much expenditure on government machinery has increased since 2017 up to date. “What we are seeing is that they want to shift some of the expenditures out of government machinery to other sectors. That is not expenditure cut; they must do real expenditure cut all over, because we cannot continue to fund all the unnecessary expenditures that this government is engaged in”, he stated.
Mr. Ampem-Nyarko disclosed that the Minority will reject the 2.5 percent VAT. “We won’t say no taxes at all because government programmes must run. However, all these taxes when introduced would kill Ghanaians because of the hardship we are already experiencing to day”. Watch the press conference
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 that the Minority Caucus feels let down, betrayed by the sudden backtrack by their counterparts in the Majority Caucus not to support government business if the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is not removed from office.
He stated that they were not oblivious to the fact that to succeed in their censure motion, they needed the support and cooperation of their colleagues from the majority. “When we initiated the motion, we firmly and sincerely believed that our friends opposite will walk the talk with us and not just make radio and interview declarations; but they would manifest it supporting us on the floor of parliament and in the exercise of secrete vote as required under article 82.
“We feel led down and we feel betrayed by the Majority Caucus who has shown no wit in supporting us with our impeachment processing within the letter and spirit of article 82 of the 1992 Constitution. We are not abandoning the censureship motion, we are in it for the long haul, and we will insist that the letter and spirit of article 82 is fully respected and an outcome determined by secret vote ultimately after a debate when the committee’s report is submitted to plenary”.
He said the Minority is closely monitoring the posture and conduct of the Majority and that will determine the body language of the Minority. “What they do tomorrow will determine what we do in response, but we just simply don’t have trust and faith in their pledge to the public and their pledge to their constituents.
“The country probably must run and will run, and would not necessarily be grounded to a halt by an irresponsible Minority. But we will watch the posture and conduct of our colleagues opposite and that will determine our body language.
It is early yet to determine what happens tomorrow; we are in as a country, workers probably would have to be paid and they have to be paid from a budget, the private sector will have to be assured and they have to be given assurance from a budget. We are looking at the substance not the forms.
According to him, President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo will go down in history under the fourth Republic as the president who most disrespected public opinion because as far as “we are concerned, public opinion is not supportive and favourable to the continues stay in office of his failing, beleaguered lame duck Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.
Following threats by the Minority on the Finance Committee of Parliament not to support any more loans from government, Madam Ursla Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalization has called on the Minority to rescind their decision.
According to her, the World Bank board has already approved the loans, “they are willing and eager to give these monies to us, but we cannot contract any loan without parliamentary approval”.
The Minister who addressing the media after a meeting with the Finance Committee of Parliament to make case for the approval of three loan facilities namely;
• USD$200.0 Million IDA Credit to Finance the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project;
• USD$150.0 Million IDA Credit for Primary Health Care Investment Programme; and
USD$150.0 Million IDA Credit to finance the Public Finance Management for Service Delivery Programme; stated that the loan for the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project for example would provide funding for entrepreneurial skills development and training, provide start-up capital to stir up the innovation ecosystem and tech-ecosystem of our country.
Additionally, “it is also providing funding for us to extend connectivity to some hard-to-reach areas in our country. And without connectivity there is very little we can do to stimulate the rural economy”, she stated.
She said, if we didn’t learn any lesson at all from the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that we cannot gross over is the fact that “without digital technology, it is impossible for any country to grow its economy to live to communicate in the rapidly unfolding environment in which we live”.
The loan is also looking at the public sector its connectivity and digital strengthening to enable it deliver better services to the people and foster a more secure environment for us all in terms of cyber security.
Deputy Minister of Finance
She said before the committee, she admitted the country is facing challenges but digital technology provides us with the ladder to climb out of the difficulties we are faced with.
It is in view of these that she urged the Minority to reconsider their position on these loans and support their approval; stating that “if we don’t take the right decision today, our country would be in probably even more difficult circumstance tomorrow, and right decision taken at the wrong time is a wrong decision; so timing is everything”.
According to her, though the Minority insists they would not support any loan that is presented to the Finance Committee, she was hopeful they would change their stand upon further engagements, because they (Minority) admitted that the applications before them make sense, they are needed, so it is just appropriate they support the approval, she stressed.
Minority Leader
Isn’t it prudent to stop borrowing at this time?
When questioned if it is not prudent to stop borrowing for now, she responded saying it depends on what you are borrowing for. “If you are borrowing to create the environment which will enable you to stimulate economies across the country to relief the burden of the country, then yes; because you can see what benefit that facility will give to you within the stated time lime”.
“And we’ve seen how digital technology was absolutely critical for our recovery from the pandemic, so if we say we are in a debt distress situation so we’re not going to seek funding that we need; we’re not raising enough funds locally to finance our development, we all know that.
Are we going to continue borrowing over the long term to finance our development? Yes, adding that the critical question that we have to answer is what are we taking those facilities for; how and where are they going to be used; what benefits are we going to derive from them; do they have the capacity of putting in systems that will enable us recover and rebuild, and derive revenue from the sources from the use for which those facilities are expended? The answer is yes”, she stated.
She asserts that when the expected benefits start accruing, we will see that in the long run, we invested in the growth poles of our economy and are reaping the benefits. “These can create jobs for the young people who can sit at home and engage in secure and lucrative digital jobs across the country”.
It also helps improve our foreign exchange situation, gives the sustainable livelihoods, solves the unemployment situation and reduces the insecurity that the devil finds jobs for ideal hands.
The Minister assured that the projects are carefully thought through as very important to the development of the country, and it would be a shame if we let this opportunity pass us by.
The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda constituency in the Eastern region; Alexander Akwasi Acquah has presented GHc100,000.00 to the management and team of Kotoku Royals Football Club to commence first phase renovation work of Akyem Oda Sports Stadium to enable the team to return back from Cape Coast Sports Stadium to play on their home soil.
Speaking to the media, he disclosed that he is committed to ensuring the renovation work of Akyem Oda sports stadium to welcome back Oda based Kotoku Royals football club to play on their home soil and to help boost economic activities of Birim Central Municipality.
He said although many people in his constituency wrongly criticized and lambasted him when he first actively took part in Kotoku Royals football club welfare and rehabilitation of Oda sports stadium which discouraged him, he is now committed to its work to help bring back Kotoku Royals football club to play at Akyem Oda after speaking to the team’s management.
He further added that Kotoku Royals Football Club coming back to play at Akyem Oda will help boost the economic activities of the municipality and also unit the people hence his intention to present the money for the rehabilitation work of Akyem Oda sports stadium.
The welfare manager for Kotoku Royals football club; Rev. Emmanuel Obeng Dompreh receiving the money thanked Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah for his kindness and genuine love for the team and his constituency.
The Majority Caucus in Parliament has rescinded its decision to boycott the Presentation of the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
The Caucus had earlier called for the removal of the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta and the Minster of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu-Boahen failure of which they would not participate in any government business brought before the House including the presentation of the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, and passage of the Appropriation Bill.
Finance Minister in white
The Majority Caucus remained resolute on carrying on with their threat, even after engaging with the President on the matter and a road map drawn. Their reason was some comments from the Finance Minister after they have heeded to the president’s demands which did not help their course.
However, a release signed by the Majority Chief Whip, Annoh-Dompreh titled “RESOLUTION OF IMPASSE IN THE NPP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP” indicates that the group has agreed to perform their duties in parliament following a meeting with the Leadership of the Party and the Council of Elders.
It reads “…….. At a meeting this evening, the 22” of November 2022, involving the Majority Caucus, the Leadership of the Party and the Council of Elders, it has been agreed by all to refocus and recline to the earlier position requested by the president,
To wit:
1. The demand be stood down until the conclusion of the round of negotiations with the: International Monetary Fund (IMF) which would feed into the 2023 Budget;
2. The presentation of the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on the 24th November, 2022 by the Finance Minister on behalf of the President; and
Majority side of the House
3. The subsequent presentation and passage of the Appropriation Bill
The meeting agreed that the President would act upon the initial request of the NPP Parliamentary Caucus after the conclusion of these matters”.
The Leadership of the Parliamentary group and the Leadership of the Party also counseled the Honourable Members of the Parliamentary Party to resort to the Caucus communication channels and, to the largest extent possible, work together as one Caucus unit.
“Leadership and the Party in this regard call upon the Members of Parliament to attend to all Government Businesses in the House, including, in particular, the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy and all connected matters”.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament will not support any loan agreements brought before the House by government if the Finance Minister does not show any clear path to get the country out of the current debt situation.
This is according to Minority Members on the Finance Committee of Parliament.
Speaking to the media after the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 to discuss three loan agreements brought before the committee for approval, including;
• USD$200.0 Million IDA Credit to Finance the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project;
• USD$150.0 Million IDA Credit for Primary Health Care Investment Programme; and
• USD$150.0 Million IDA Credit to finance the Public Finance Management for Service Delivery Programme; a Minority member of the Finance Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, (Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman) said “we have taken a very simple position that looking at our debt situation, we are unable to support further approvals for further loans because we believe that if you are in a hole, you don’t continue to dig further.”
He said they are waiting for the Finance Minister to give out a clear path to take the country out of the current debt situation. “We need to know our debt sustainability plan; otherwise, we in the Minority are clear that we are unable to support additional borrowings by this government”.
He said a critical look at the loans show that most of the money is going into consultancy and other things; “we don’t see clearly what these funds are going to add on to what we already have”.
He said though the digitalization project makes some sense, it is unfortunate that they have earlier on approved about UD$150 Million for rural connectivity that has not really been implemented fully. “We want to see that all these things are done before add on to our debt situation”.
He asserts that the Minority is not against government concreting loans, “but until we see a clear path to debt sustainability it won’t make sense for us to continue to approve more loans”.
The Member of Parliament for Sissala East, Issahaku Chinnia Amidu said there is justification for how constituents clamor for developmental projects from their parliamentary representatives. According to him, though the constitution is very clear on the role of the MP, being a lawmaker and having oversight on the executive, they cannot blame their constituents on their expectations.
He asserts that MPs contest on the ticket of political parties, and in doing so during campaigns they combine their personal message with that of their political parties in order to market themselves and their parties for victory. “So invariably, you promise the people or you tell them you would be able to help them do the issues of education, road, water delivery, health delivery; because you are doing a combined kind of thing. You are campaigning for yourself as MP; you are campaigning for your party for the presidency.
You do a kind of campaign that gives the people the sense that when you become Member of Parliament you would be able to fix their roads, so I don’t blame them because that is how our system works”. Mr. Amidu, who is also the Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources said unless one is contesting as an independent candidate, it would be difficult to disassociate one from the manifestoes of the political parties one represents.
“…So there are promises you would make that put you in a position that you can’t say your work as a member of parliament is just to make laws; so you have the burden of trying to lobby central government and try to push for some of the issues of road, educational infrastructure, health infrastructure, employment and all that; and so it is a difficult thing. But I think as our democracy grows, and as the percentages of education increases, everybody will get to understand the role of the Member of Parliament and will begin to distinguish between what the MP should be doing and what the government or executive should be doing”, he emphasized.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana presides over meetings of the body. Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist, Speaker of the National Assembly from the time of independence on March 6, 1957, to December 1957, served as the first speaker of the Parliament of Ghana. The Ghanaian Governor presided over the legislative council before Ghana gained its independence. Its first African president, Emmanuel Quist, brought about a change in this in 1949. In 1951, Quist was chosen by the Legislative Council to serve as its first speaker.
Daniel Francis Annan, who became the speaker from 7 January 1993 to 6 January 2001, had the longest tenure. Joyce Adeline Bamford-Addo became the first female speaker of the Ghanaian parliament in January 2009.
The Zongo Community in the Akim Oda Constituency in the Eastern has recognised the good and selfless services of the Member of Parliament for the area, Alexander Akwesi Acquah.
The Community thus honoured the MP when they decorated him publicly with a traditionally made smock as a sign of appreciation of the good relationship he (MP) has with them.
The MP in response expressed his surprise, saying “I’m surprised for such a wonderful outfit”
He, however, assured the gathering of his continuous commitment to the development of Zongo community in the constituency.
He said the recognition is a motivation to do more to ensure the development needs of the various communities of which the Zongos form part are met.
The Zongohene, Alhaji Suleman Adamu said; “we have been moved by your humility and selfless service to humanity. The good people of Oda Zongo and beyond are living testimonies of your good and great work.” he said.
And pledged their support at all times towards a positive course.
Among the schools include Jamasi No1; Opinamang and Presby Schools, Nkawkaw, Owusukrom LA Basic Schools, Awenade Aglican School, St francis basic schools.
The Community thus honoured the MP when they decorated him publicly with a traditionally made smock as a sign of appreciation of the good relationship he (MP) has with them.
He, however, assured the gathering of his continuous commitment to the development of Zongo community in the constituency.
The Zongohene, Alhaji Suleman Adamu said; “we have been moved by your humility and selfless service to humanity. The good people of Oda Zongo and beyond are living testimonies of your good and great work.” he said.