Category: General

The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, is set to meet key stakeholders in the pension industry regarding the refund of outstanding 4% Tier 2 contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

The discussion is expected to begin this month. Indeed, the 2022 Auditor-General’s report highlighted SSNIT’s inability to fully retrieve the 4% contributions from the Tier 2 Fund Managers. These fund managers were entrusted with managing the funds on behalf of contributors following the enactment of the National Pension Act, 2008 (Act 766).

This came to light when the Director-General of SSNIT, Dr. John Ofori-Tenkorang, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament today to answer questions relating to the findings raised by the Auditor-General in its 2022 reports.

With the enactment of the National Pensions Amendment Act, 2014 (Act 883), a total of 105,124 contributors from both public and private sectors had already made contributions to SSNIT. These contributors, whose 4% contributions were managed by private fund managers, are now retired and receiving full pensions from SSNIT.

As of the beginning of 2021, the fund managers owed SSNIT GH¢483,365,156.60. However, only GH¢6,076,705.05 was received by SSNIT in 2021, leaving an amount of GH¢477,288,451.55 yet to be retrieved from the fund managers.

Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang noted that the Trust is making significant progress to retrieve all outstanding funds owed SSNIT.

Appointment of Auditors for subsidiaries

The Auditor-General’s report further indicated that 10 sampled subsidiaries of the Trust appointed their own  auditors to audit their financial statements contrary to Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution and Regulation 204 of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378).

In his response, Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang stated that the Trust’s subsidiaries operate as independent limited liability companies in accordance with the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) with powers to appoint their auditors.

“Pursuant to the Companies Act, it is the Board of Directors of the company that has the mandate to appoint auditors on behalf of the shareholders. We have communicated this legal opinion in writing to the Auditor-General and we are waiting for a formal response”, he added.

However, the Auditor-General disagreed with the SSNIT DG’s position, prompting the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, to intervene accordingly and resolve the matter.

“The Auditor-General audits the public accounts of Ghana and the same Auditor-General audits the accounts of Public Boards, Corporations and other Statutory Institutions. So, per that provision in the Constitution, the Auditor-General audits the accounts of SSNIT”.

“Now, SSNIT owns a company, which is a limited liability company governed by the Companies Act. So directly, the Auditor-General cannot audit that private company. So whatever decision is taken, (by the company) it’s incorporated into SSNIT’s accounts which is audited by the Auditor-General. So, there is no need for the Auditor-General to audit the subsidiaries”, Mr. Klutse Adedzi clarified.

 Overpayment of Advance Mobilisation

Regarding the advance payments of 15% contract sum threshold as stipulated in the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), the Deputy Director-General of SSNIT, in charge of Investment and Development, Mr. Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, noted that the Trust accepts the recommendations.

He added that Management has put in measures to ensure that subsequent payments do not exceed 15% of the contract sum threshold.

The Chairman of the Committee enquired from the auditors if they were satisfied with the response provided by SSNIT and the representatives of the Auditor-General acknowledged that they were satisfied with the response.

Need to increase investible funds to the Treasury Sub-Asset Portfolio

The Auditor-General in its report advised SSNIT’s Management to increase the investment outlay in the Treasury Sub-Asset Portfolio to surge its liquidity reserve to support the Trust.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Klutse Avedzi sought to know whether SSNIT has complied with this recommendations from the Auditor-General.

In his response, the Director-General of SSNIT said “the recommendation is well taken. The only reason we have fallen below threshold happened in years where we have not received adequate contributions. But we are committed to ensuring we have healthy liquid treasury portfolio that will solve the liquidity ratio problem”.

Ghanamps.com

Rt. Hon, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has stated that, the January 2024 Standing Orders of Parliament offers an opportunity to address the evolving needs of Ghana’s dynamic and hybrid parliamentary democracy.

According the Speaker, the processes and procedures in the House is challenged, with time and practice exposing the gaps and deficiencies in the November 2000 Standing Orders.

He further indicated that, the present composition of the House has brought those gaps and deficiencies into sharper focus even though, those deficiencies surfaced as far as the early 2001.

“We must start aligning the conduct of business in the House with the evolving and changing trends and requirements of our Parliament. We need to know how to apply and cope with the January 2024 Standing Orders which has replaced the 2000 Orders. These are some of the reasons we are here today. As we say in Africa, “When the drummers alter their beats, the dancers must adjust their steps” he added.

Speaker made this statement in his opening address at the orientation workshop for Members of Parliament and Procedural Staff on the new Standing Orders in Ho, over the weekend.

He stated that, the attendant composition of the House has brought to the fore several challenges with the old Standing Orders.

 These led to diverse interpretations of some procedures and practices, constant and acerbic verbal one-upmanship on the floor of the House, increased tensions, near fisticuffs, and eventually, including the pronouncement of the Supreme Court regarding the November 2000 Standing Orders.

The current Standing Orders of Parliament which came into effect on the 2nd of January 2024 assures for effective and efficient performance of Parliament and Parliamentarians.

The Speaker indicated that, the Parliament of Ghana’s Standing Orders are deeply rooted in the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and drawing on the Darwinian concept of a “living organism.” It is a dynamic document that continues to evolve and therefore, the metaphorical representation of a “living Constitution” is a testament to its capacity to adapt to society’s ever-changing needs, reflecting the evolution of laws, policies and preferences. He borrowed the words of Laurent Fabius, the former Prime Minister of France, “The revision of legal documents may not be without imperfections, but at least it won’t be rigid. It will be a necessary step towards building the institution and country we desire.”

He advised Hon. Members of Parliament, to approach their work with diligence and innovation, given the fact that Parliament is confronted with an increasing level of public distrust, which must be tackled through their approach to work. To him “The 2020 general elections presented incontrovertible evidence of this and alerted us to the potential future shifts and turns in our country’s socio-political landscape”.

The Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, Hon Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin in his remarks on behalf of the Majority Leader indicated that, the only weapon for an MP is the rules book (Standing Orders) and cited himself as example that, when he entered the chamber in 2013 and found himself fumbling, the only saviour was the rules book.

He therefore, advised his colleagues that, the only way to survive and stand on your feet and make meaningful contributions on the floor of the chamber in the midst of all intimidation is to stand firm and indicate that, you are within the rules.

He was therefore of the opinion that his colleagues should not take the rules for granted. “For the outgoing MPs, do not forget about the rules book as you are likely to come back and for those who would be retained, take the rules seriously”. He advised.

The Minority Chief Whip and MP for Adaklu, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza congratulated the Rt. Hon. Speaker for spearheading the revision of the Standing Orders and bringing it into operations. He was of the opinion that, the orientation will address members concerns and bring them up to speed on the new provisions and the rationale behind them. He entreated his colleagues to commit their attention to all the facilitators.

In his welcome remarks, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, indicated that, since the commencement of the previous Orders, Parliaments have been confronted with contemporary challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic; institutionalization of mechanisms to promote the Open Parliament Concept; the hung nature of the Eighth Parliament, which is the first of its kind since the inception of the Fourth Republic, presented a number of novel situations and challenges that were not clearly provided for under the previous Standing Orders.

He mentioned some of the practices and procedures that has been introduced in the new Orders which includes the recital of the National Pledge on the first day of Sitting for each week, the conduct of a roll call of Hon. Members of Parliament, at each sitting of the House, at the behest of the Rt. Hon. Speaker. He added that, Parliamentary Committees have increased from thirty-one (31) to forty-four (44) to emphasise the new focus and direction of the House, as part of efforts to expand and improve parliamentary oversight of activities of state actors.

Ghanamps.com

Parliament’s Committee on Selection is to recompose various Committees in the wake of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s reshuffling of his Minister for the first time under his eight (8) years mandate.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, there is the urgent need for the Committee on Selection to do their work immediately in other to aid the Appointment Committee to do its work.

Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin further noted that the House should take action so that the president’s re-composition of his government can be worked on.

Ghanamps.com

A number of Members of Parliament from the Majority side have been appointed to ministerial and deputy ministerial positions in the latest ministerial reshuffle by the President Nana Akufo Addo.

The Presidency on February 14, 2024 in a statement gave the list which included the following MPs as either designate to Ministerial portfolio or deputy Ministerial positions.

Ministerial positions
Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation – Ophelia Mensah Hayford,
Gender, Children and Social Protection Hon. Dakoa Newman,
Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah
Sanitation and Water Resources – Lydia Seyram Alhassan
Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer,

Deputy Ministers Designate
Information – Sylvester Tetteh
Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development -Vincent Ekow Assafuah
Communications and Digitilisation – Charles Acheampong
Health – Adelaide Ntim, Alexander Akwasi Acquah;
Works and Housing – Dr. Prince Hamidu Armah;
Lands and Natural Resources – Akwasi Konadu;
Fisheries and Aquaculture Development – Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba;
Energy – John Kobina Sanie, Collins Adomako Mensah;
Education – Kingsley Nyarko;
Employment and Labour Relations – Festus Awuah Kwofie;
Gender, Children and Social Protection – Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah.

Meanwhile the following persons have also been re-assigned
Finance – Mohammed Amin Adam;
Interior – Henry Quartey;
Roads and Highways – Francis Asenso-Boakye;
Works and Housing – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah;
Minister of State, Office of the President – Ambrose Dery;
Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development – Abdulai Abanga

Mr Kennedy Agyapong and Sly Tetteh, lawmakers for Assin Central and Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfrom, respectively have made peace after they nearly engaged in a brawl in Parliament on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin invited the two of them into his office where they settled their differences.

They were seen in a video having a hearty conversation amidst laughter.

Ghanamps.com

Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong today charged towards Member of Parliament for Ngleshie Amanfrom Mr Sylvester Tetteh in Parliament for his money.

The incident happened when proceedings was underway in the House, and to the surprise of journalists in the chamber, Mr Ken Agyapong was seen following Mr Tetteh throwing his hands about without really hearing what they were telling each other except what Mr Ken Agyapong shouted and said, “fa me sika ma me”.

It took the intervention of the deputy majority leader who doubles as MP for Efutu, Alexander Afenyo Markin to separate the two and finally moved the Ngleshie Amanfrom MP, Mr Tetteh out of the Chamber to maintain peace and order.

Ghanamps.com

The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has expressed worry over the high attrition rate in Parliament when welcoming members back to the House for the first meeting of the fourth session of the eighth parliament.

According to him as if the crashing out of the senior team the black star was not painful enough, the nation woke up on Saturday where twenty-eight MPs through the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries lost their bid to represent the party in the next general election.

This couple with the seventy Minority MPs who lost their primaries last year gives reason for worry, he said.

He further bemoaned the huge number of MPs who on their own have decided not to come back to the House and lamented that a lot is invested in an MP and it cost a lot to train an MP to appreciable level and the political parties should take a second look at the way and manner the experience MPs are leaving.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Second Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee of Parliament Members Holding Office of Profit, Andrew Amoako Asiamah said conflict of interest and abuse of power in the public sector has eroded the confidence of the citizens.

He thus charged public officials to build trust, maintain integrity and ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the general public.

He made this statement in his opening speech read on his behalf by Mr. Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North constituency and also a member of the Committee at at three-day workshop organised by the Committee of Members holding Office of Profit of Parliament at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

He added that, addressing conflict of interest is an ongoing process and not a one-time solution and therefore reducing conflict of interest and abuse of power among public officials requires a multi-pronged approach targeting both prevention and mitigating strategies. Facilitators for the workshop were Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS)and Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean University of Professional Studies (UPSA)Law School.

They made some presentations, recommendations and proposals to members regarding the conflict of interest and abuse of power by public officials.

Ghanamps.com

The recently held parliamentary primaries within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have led to significant changes in the political landscape, resulting in the loss of seats for several ministers and incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs).

The recently held parliamentary primaries within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have led to significant changes in the political landscape, resulting in the loss of seats for several ministers and incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs).

GREATER ACCRA

1. Dome/Kwabenya – Sarah Adwoa Safo  lost
2. Ablekuma North – Sheilla Bartels  lost
3. Amasaman – Akwasi Owusu Afrifa-Mensah lost
4. Tema Central – Yves Hanson-Nortey lost
5. Anyaa Sowutuom – Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi lost
6. Trobu – Moses Anim lost
7. Weija Gbawe – Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah lost

   
   ASHANTI

8. Atwima Mponua – Isaac Kwame Asiamah lost
9. Atwima Nwabiagya South – Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere lost
10. Bosome Freho – Akwasi Darko Boateng lost
11. Juaben – Ama Pomaa Boateng lost
12. Manso Nkwanta – George Kwabena Obeng Takyi lost
13. Odotobri – Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi lost
14. Offinso North – Ntim Augustine Collins lost
15. Subin – Eugene Boakye Antwi lost

    
    EASTERN

16. Abirem – Osei John Frimpong lost
17. Abuakwa North – Gifty Twum-Ampofo lost
18. Fanteakwa South – Kofi Okyere-Agyekum lost
19. Fanteakwa North – Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah lost .
20. Suhum – Kwadjo Asante lost

    
    CENTRAL

21. Abura Asebu Kwamankese – Elvis Morris Donkoh lost
22. Hemang Lower Denkyira – Bright Wireko-Brobby lost

    
    NORTHERN

23. Zabzugu – Jabaah John Bennam lost

    
    WESTERN

24. Efia – Joseph Cudjoe  lost
25. Shama – Samuel Erickson Abakah lost

    
    AHAFO

26. Tano North – Freda Prempeh lost

    
    NORTH EAST

27. Walewale – Hajia Lariba Zuweira

 

 

 

The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Hon. James Klutse-Avedzi, has stated that most of the Public Health Institutions have been procuring on their own without recourse to the procurement laws.

He was of the view that from his observation most of these Public Health Institutions go contrary to section 20 of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act despite recommendations from the Auditor-General in every annual report to desist from such practice.

The Chairman of the Committee made this observation during the second day of the PAC sitting in Parliament House to consider the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana – Ministries, Departments and Other Agencies for the year ended 31st December 2022.

The Committee invited the Ministry of Health led by the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, to answer a number of queries cited against the agencies and hospitals under the Ministry.

Most common infractions cited in the Auditor-General’s Report 2022 includes Non-payment of rent, non-competitive procurement, payment of unearned salaries, hire purchase of vehicles and unsupported Payments.

Some of the clinics and institutions that were cited in the report for uncompetitive procurement includes Castle Clinic, Nurses Training College, Pantang, Princess Marie Louise Children Hospital, Accra Psychiatric Hospital, National Blood Service among others.

The Director General of the Ghana Health Service was also advised by members of the Committee to recruit more procurement officers to help in procuring items for the various agencies by complying with the laws.

Ghanamps.com