Category: General

The Minority at a press conference on Monday, February 20, 2023 before the commencement of the workings of the Appointment Committee has said they would participate in the vetting of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Ministerial nominees.

According to the Minority they would scrutinize the president’s decision in bringing nominees but they would not subscribe to consensus vote at the level of the Appointment Committee, just to ensure the matter is brought to the floor for the full House for a secrete vote to be taken.

The Minority Leader Dr Ato Forson in addressing the media noted that the president a couple of weeks ago announced nominees and wish to make it clear that they remain committed to ensuring greater scrutiny and will spare no effort to protect the public purse.

They are calling for the following:
1. The immediate reduction in the number of Ministers from the current 86 to 65
2. The merger of Ministries
For example, i. Information and Communication
ii. Transport and Railways
iii. Chieftaincy and Tourism
iv. Sanitation and Local government
3. The immediate reduction in the number of political appointees at the Office of the President.
4. Immediate scrapping of all amorphous creations and waste-pipe, job-for-the-boys’ appointments since the assumption of office of President Akufo Addo in 2017. The work of those undefined, amorphous creations must revert to established entities in the civil and public service that perform similar, if not same functions.
Some of these bizarre portfolios at the office of the president are:
1. Youth Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs
2. Policy Associate
3. Chief Executive of Public Sector Reforms
4. Overseer of the National Cathedral
5. Church Relations Manager
6. Diaspora Church Mobilization Officer
7. Policy & Coordinator Analyst
8. Focal Person, La Francophonie
9. Technical Director, La Francophonie
10. Coordinator, Special Development Initiatives Secretariat
11. Director of Special Projects
12. Manager of Operations & Programs
13. 5 Technical Communications Assistants
14. Technical Advisor, Zongo Development Authority
15. 2 Technical Advisors, Special Development Initiatives Secretariat
16. Technical Advisor, Political Affairs
17. Presidential Staffer, NABCO
18. Office Management Executive Associate
19. Technical Director to the Presidential Advisor on Media
20. Data Manager

And finally they reiterated their call for the dismissal of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta whose gross incompetence in managing our economy has assumed legendary status. The President must spare Ghanaians the agony of waking up tomorrow to see Ken Ofori-Atta still in charge of the economy.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

An eight member delegation from the Committee on Legal Affairs of the German Bundestag called on members of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee, Subsidiary Legislation Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ghana’s Parliament.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, emphasized that this visit by the Members of the Bundestag to Ghana’s Parliament is historic since it is the first of its kind in the Fourth Republic of Ghana’s Parliamentary democracy.

Members of the joint Committee shared experiences with their counterparts from the Bundestag on many areas including the rule of law, administering and access to justice, fighting of corruption, funding of political parties, human rights issues and the practice of Ghana’s Parliamentary processes.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Bernard Ahiafor, narrated to the delegation the constitutional processes of how nomination of Ministers by the President is done and the prior approval by Parliament before appointment by the President.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee, Cletus Avoka, explained to the delegation how Ghana has transformed from the Westminster, Presidential, Parliamentary and hybrid systems since the First Republic to the current Fourth Republic, stressing that perhaps the 1992 constitution has been the longest practicing constitution in the history of Ghana because of the combination of the Presidential and Parliamentary system of Government.

Mr Avoka also wanted to know from the German MPs whether the government funds political parties in Germany.
Other members of the Joint Committee including Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Dominic Ayine and Francis Xavier Sosu, spoke about the Justice for all programme and how many people who were on remand for more than eight years were freed, the need to increase female representation in Parliament and how technology is being used to limit the level of corruption in the country.

On her part, the leader of the delegation, Elizabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, noted that laws must be used to support the weak in the society, adding that it is only when Parliaments are strong by using the law that it can be strict on the government.

She responded to the question of states funding political parties by saying the German Government supports political parties that are able to pull about 0.5% in elections in order to help it remain relevant.

The delegation was made up of Hon. Elizabeth Winkelmeier-Becker (Chair of the Committee of Legal Affairs), Hon. Esra-Leon R. Limbacher (MP), Hon. Stephen Mayer (MP), Hon. Till Steffen (MP), Hon. Philipp Hartewig (MP), Hon. Stephen Brandner (MP) and Hon. Clara Anne Bunger (MP).

The delegation was also supported by staff of the German Parliament and the German Embassy in Accra; they include Mr. Michael-John Mccabe (Interpreter), Ms. Sara Hennemann (Secretary) and Pauline Okkens (Political and Protocol Section).

Ghanamps.com

The Minister for Finance Ken Ofori Atta on Thursday, February 16, 2023 updated the Parliament on Ghana and people of Ghana on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) which the Minority in Parliament has been pushing for.

According to him the aim of the programme is to alleviate the debt burden in a transparent, efficient and expedited manner, as they minimize its impact on investors holding government bonds.

“Mr. Speaker government is pleased to announce that as of February, 14 2023, approximately 85 percent of holders eligible to participate in the invitation for exchange as determined by the Central Securities Depository tendered in the Exchange”.

He said the current debt restructuring programme is occasioned largely by a series of external shocks that hit the country since 2020 as well as domestic factors.

And further told the House at the inception of negotiations with the IMF, it was agreed that Ghana would have to address its economic challenges on three fronts, embark on fiscal consolidation, undertake debt operations and secure financing assurance from development partners.

The Ministry has since December 5, 2022 seeking to restructure about GHc 137 billion worth of Government bonds and notes, as at December last year the total outstanding debt eligible and non-eligible holder amounted to approximately GHc 137 billion and subsequent extensions of the dates and payment of maturities meant that the remaining stock reduced from GHc 137 billion to GHc 130 billion.

Mr. Ken Ofori Atta commended lawmakers for passing the 2023 budget statement and financial bills that accompanied it, and further noted that he is still counting on MPs for the passage of all outstanding revenue bills which are necessary for effective budget implementation as well as boosting Ghana’s effort at increasing Tax-to-GDP from less than 13 percent to the sub-Saharan average of 18 percent.

Government is relying on the Treasury Bills and concessional loans as the primary sources of financing for the 2023 fiscal year; therefore, the House should support Governments financing requests to ensure a smooth recovery from the economic challenges.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Ahead of Nigeria’s general elections; Presidential and Parliamentary of February 25, 2023 the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is ready to observe the election as preparation are far advanced.

According to the Chairman of the Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. the parliament is in touch with the ECOWAS long term observers and they have an advance team which is being coordinated by the Secretary General John Azumah.

In a telephone interview with Ghanamps.com at his base in Liberia, Senator Snowe noted that he would be joining the team next week Tuesday, February 21, 2023; and as head of the Parliamentary delegation for the Nigerian election observation he noted that eight (8) of his colleagues lawmakers are part of the team.

“We are monitoring the situation there and working with the ECOWAS Commission and the Nigerian, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and we are hopeful that we can have a peaceful election in Nigeria”, he said.
Furthermore, on the preparation towards the upcoming Liberia’s general election this year, he pointed out that the ECOWAS Commission would be in Liberia this week to have an assessment of Liberia’s preparedness for their upcoming election.

And in May of this year, the ECOWAS Parliament would be in Liberia for a fact finding mission to do an assessment on Liberia’s preparedness for the election, and June 2023 Committees on Political Affairs and Legal would have a delocalized meeting in Liberia.

It would be centered on Liberia’s preparedness for its election, as ECOWAS would have long and short term observer mission that would be going to Liberia for its elections.

In the case of Sierra Leone, which also has a general election this year, Chairman Snowe pointed out that, there is a mission of the Parliament in mid March 2023 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Female Parliamentary Association (ECOFEPA) which would be having a big symposium and the Speaker has mandated the Political Affairs Committee to spend some time there within that period to see Sierra Leone’s preparedness for the elections.

Again, in May 2023, they have a mission there to check on the final preparation of the elections in June 2023, as they would be there to observe the elections as well.

And as they plan for the Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, they are putting in place plans to addressing issues of run offs. “We have our team prepared to visit those countries or be a part of the run off process”, he stated.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) is considering communities in the Ketu South Constituency in the next phases of the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project to help improve their network challenges.

That, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitisation, reiterated, would depend on the availability of funds.

She said this on the floor of Parliament in her response to a question by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South.

Madam Gomashie wanted to know the steps the Ministry was taking to solve the challenges in the communication networks in the Ketu South Constituency.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful informed the House that MTN Ghana had connectivity in Klikor, Agbozome and the Diamond Cement Area of the Ketu South Constituency.

She noted that AirtelTigo had six operational sites in Ketu South, three of which were located at Aflao, with the remaining three at Agbozome, Avoeme and Denu.

All the six sites receive both 2G and 3G coverage telecommunication networks.

“Mr Speaker, finances permitting, the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications will consider other communities in the Ketu South Constituency in upcoming phases of the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project to help improve their network challenges,” she stated.

For further clarification, Madam Gomashie questioned how connectivity at Aflao could be improved to avoid data problems and the ability to make calls.

“Aflao alone is like a big constituency on its own, it has about 83 branches, now increased to hundred and over, so one mask is not enough to serve the people…”

In her response, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said: “The network operators are obliged by their license obligation to extend connectivity to district capitals, which all of them have done, but going beyond the district capitals, it is the commercial return on investment, largely influencing their rollout obligations.”

“We will continue to work with them, knowing how critical connectivity is for the growth of our digital economy to ensure that they improve the network challenges there.”

“I do know that Aflao is a very big border community and the economic activity there is vibrant and so, we will work with the network operators to see what they can do to extend connectivity there.”

GNA

Former Member of Parliament for Shama in the Western Region, Dr Ato Panford has been reported dead.

A family source confirmed the sad news to Takoradi-based Connect FM, on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

He’s said to have died at the GPHA Hospital in the Western Regional capital, Takoradi.

Dr Ato Panford was the Member of Parliament for Shama in the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Ghanamps.com

The Mampong Akuapem Apesemakahene, Nana Yirenkyi I has stated strongly that the Akuapem North Parliamentary seat is not a bonafide property of any individual hence people who are trying to malign others so they can clinch to the seat should desist from the act.

His message came at the heels of some publications against the Director of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Samuel Awuku that he is using the organization’s resources to support Bawumia’s campaign thereby depleting NLA’s financial resources.

The said publication also sought to suggest that the President had confronted Sammy Awuku over the development.
This, Nana Yirenkyi believes is a fabricated claim against the NLA Boss just to destroy his reputation and Goodwill among the people of Akuapem.

He has warned such persons to desist from the act and do a clean campaign if they are indeed confident that they can will the Akuapem North seat.

“We are warning them to stop those childish moves or else, we call our ancestors to deal with them,” he said.

Speaking in interview with the media Nana Yirenkyi I hinted that there is no gainsay that all the people including chiefs in Akuapem North are ready for Sammi Awuku should he contest to be their Member of Parliament (MP).

“Look, the people are for Sammy Awuku. If he stands today, he will secure the votes he needs. We know those people who are launching this kind of hate campaign and false allegations against Sammy, we know those behind these false stories and we are ready for them,” he said.

According to him, Akuapem North needs someone who can unite the people for proper development of Akuapem and no one can stop “our brother from contesting Akuapem North seat. No matter how they fabricate stories against him he will become our MP.”

The visibly angry Apesemakahene said this is the last warning they are giving to people behind the false stories and that should that continue, they will come out publicly to announce the names of people behind the said publications.

He said: “Sammi Awuku is the one who the chiefs and people in Akuapem North need. In any case, Akuapem North seat is not anybody’s property; you can contest, campaign and when you are voted for, you do what you can do, so stop the attacks.”

Ghanamps.com

Parliament has to suspend for an hour for Members of Parliament to go through the Foreign Affairs Committee, as lawmakers complain of not having copies of the report.

The African Union Convention on Cross Border Cooperation (NIAMEY Convention), according to the Tamale Central MP Murtala Ibrahim Muhammed complained of not having the report and requested that they are given time to go through the report.

Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson agreed with the point raised and seconded the move for a hour to be given for members to go through.

Meanwhile at the time the Speaker Started proceedings this morning, the House had only eight lawmakers in the chamber, with three persons including the Majority Chief Whip on the majority side.

The Minority side led by Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson in the company of four others represented the Minority side.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Cocoa Board Joseph Boahen Aidoo has warned that if nothing is done to curtail the illegal mining and destroying of water bodies in the country, Ghana would have to import water for farming and other water related activities.

According to him there is real danger stating that rivers like the Pra, Ankobra and Tano others would be no more. For now, a lot of cocoa farms are also in danger following the destruction to these water bodies.
He added that everybody, not only he the CEO of cocoa board should be concerned that water bodies are being destroy through the activities of the illegal mining.

He made this know when he appeared before the Public Account Committee (PAC) as part of its public hearing and was asked a public interest question by the Ningo-Prampram lawmaker whether he was worried, about the activities of the illegal mining.

“Mr. Chairman we have a lot of mercury being discharged which posses a lot of health risk for human beings, not just for those who stay around these corridors and enclaves, but extends to those of us in Accra”.

Despite the fact that in Accra there are no illegal mining activities, “for all you know you go and buy a nice Tilapia for your afternoon meal who knows maybe that Tilapia or that red fish has actually swallowed some mercury”.

“Again, you are likely to be affected; the fight against galamsey should not be left for those who stay around the rivers, cocoa farmers, it should be every body’s fight and for the cocoa sector particular its difficult for, “us to do irrigation; you cannot use bore holes”.

He further told the Committee that surface run offs water are use for irrigation as the river bodies are polluted and contain chemicals, cocoa farmers have to transport water to their homes and to their farms through the use of tricycles, he noted.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

A member of the Nigerian delegation to the Community Parliament, Kolawole Taiwo has accused the French government of fueling a political inertia in the adoption of the West African single currency, ECO, over its CFA France.

According to him the CFA franc is the common currency for the Francophone Zone, created in the 1930s on the eve of the Second World War. Critics see it as a neo-colonial device and a form of French monetary imperialism in Africa that continues to destroy any prospect of economic development in user nations.

Hon Kolawole Taiwo representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos noted that the single currency is not about technicalities but about political will to set it in motion.

Our leaders are not ready to make it happen, there are too many external interferences that are delaying it.
For instance the Francophone countries still see France as their master, and the French don’t want to let go of them which was the reason why they came up with CFA franc in order to block the achievements of single currency which is known as Eco, the lawmaker said.

He said, the problem of Eco is not technical but it is a political reason. If our leaders want it to happen tomorrow, they will announce it.

Another member of the ECOWAS Parliament from Liberia, Mr. Clarence Massaquoi said that achieving 2027 single Currency will need a practicalised political will to do it.

They should be concerned about the economy of other smaller countries, which will speak well of the political will of our leaders of their countries.

I think in the ECOWAS region, we are reluctant to exercise our political will on several decisions, the lawmaker added.

According to him, a single currency is not just a single basis for saying that ECOWAS has to gamble with the realities by making decisions, they should not be afraid of political powers which for me is one of the reasons why we lag behind in decisions. I am only hoping that we would say that because it took the EU 37 years to come up with the Euro, so we too should take 37 years even if we have the possibility and prospect and willingness of the people to do it today.

And hope ECOWAS can take decisions; the political will is for the structure itself. As it stands, the parliament does not have a full parliament power, so most of the decisions are taken by the authority of Heads of States. If they are not willing to let go of some of the political control and are not willing to stand the fear of losing control, then we cannot thrive. Even the decision to give the parliament full parliamentary power, he added.

Ghanamps.com