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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Justmoh Company Dr. Justice Amoh, currently constructing the Boankra Inland port has appealed to Parliament to intervene and ensure that funds are made available for the completion of phase one of the project which is forty percent complete.

According him this is an important national project hence they have been to their banks to ensure that the project goes on even though they have not been paid since November 2023.

He made this appeal when the Committee on Roads and Transport visited the site on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, as part of their oversight to see for themselves where the project has reached as there is much public interest in the project.

More so, it is hoped that the visit of the MPs would help facilitate how best funds would be made available to the contractor for successful completion of the project.

The CEO of Justmoh thanked the Committee for coming around and pointed out that the visit is historic, adding that in his thirty-five years being in the construction industry this is the first time he has had a visit from a parliamentary Committee.

Concerning the regulation of his contract on the Boankra project, he noted that the process is ongoing, and to the best of his knowledge, it is before the Public Procurement Authority and they have given approval for the project to continue; “but we are yet to finalize the signing of the contract.”

According to him, the contract that was approved by parliament was three hundred and thirty million dollars; but this was revised now to three hundred and eighty million dollars and “we signed one hundred and ten million dollars with the concessioner for a section of the project”, he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee, Kennedy Osei-Nyarko has explained that the current contractor working on the Boankra Inland Port project has been regularized based on issues raise by the Minority members of the Committee on controversies between Ashanti Port Service and Justmoh on the abrogation of their contract.

According to him the sector Ministry has explained that Ashanti Port Services were given time to get the needed fund to work but could not do it and their contract was subsequently terminated as the Ministry has gone to the Public Procumbent Authority to regularize the contract of Justmoh, the current contractor working on the project.

He said the Attorney General and lawyers would deal with whatever they need to do in the wake of a possible judgment debt as some of the parties are in court.

In an interview, he pointed out that they have advised the ministry to bring the new contract to Parliament as the initial contract was brought to Parliament.

Mr. Osei-Nyarko further noted that the Committee has learnt that there were some variations in the contract, indicating that in the initial feasibility study, it did not come out that some portions were water logged, and when not worked on, in the future additional money would be spent to do filling. And working on those areas delayed the project a bit.

Meanwhile, the committee has requested for the new contract to be brought to it for them to be well informed on the current development to help them adequately inform the public and the media on the project.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee Kennedy Osei-Nyarko in the company of other Committee members has expressed satisfaction in the work so far done at the site.

The Committee members as part of their oversight role paid a day’s working visit to the ongoing Boankra Inland port project in Ejisu constituency on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

According to him, the Ministry, contractor and consultant have done well so far with forty percent of phase one of the project done.

“What we witnessed is impressive; when you are outside you hear so many things as if nothing is happening, all of us are witnesses; you the media, we on the side of the committee, I would say we are impressed. We were told by the consultant that the contractor has not been paid since November 2023, the IPC that has been raised has not been honoured”.

He affirmed that the project is such a great initiative, and that the government and the ministry should do well to ensure the project goes on, since it would be helpful for the nation.” It is not for only the Ashanti Region; but the Sahel and the Northern part of the country; it is going to serve a great part of the Northern half of the country”.

And further pointed out that initially he was of the view that the first phase would be completed by the end of this year, “but we have been told in 2026 due to the new changes that came in. We are happy as a committee and we are going to the House to report it; where ever we have to find money for the contractor to finish the work we would do for the project not to halt”, he assured.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Minority members on the Appointment Committee have boycotted vetting of deputy Trade and Industry Minister nominee, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Minority Leader Dr Atto Forson, they, as a caucus are affronted by the already large size of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and its poor economic performance. “We are again unable to support this nomination by President Akufo-Addo at this time because our country has gone through very difficult periods, including crippling economic crisis, food insecurity, debt default as a result of excessive borrowing, corruption in government and wasteful and reckless expenditure.

He further pointed out in his statement that, ordinary Ghanaians going through excruciating hardships and businesses relocating from Ghana as a result of the high tax regime created by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, one would have expected the President to downsize his already large government.

This would have sent a signal to the people that President was mindful of the economic realities and was willing to do things differently to restore the needed confidence in the economy. That the President continues to nominate additional ministers to his already large sized government at this injury time demonstrates a lack of appreciation of the economic mess that his government has unleashed on Ghanaians as a result of its bad economic policies.

And consistent with their position as announced on May 17, 2024, the NDC Minority Caucus cannot out of good conscience support the approval of this injury time deputy minister nominee, especially when this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has been reckless, wasteful and insensitive about the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian.

“We will not, and cannot, take part in a decision to further burden the already suffering Ghanaian, especially when the president is unmindful of the financial consequences of his bloated government”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Majority Leader Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has admonished his colleagues to respect the decision of their flagbearer on who he presents as his running mate and who the New Patriotic Party (NPP) structure accepts as the running mate.

In the wake of Andy Appiah Kubi making unfavourable remarks about the possible candidature of his colleague Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate, the Majority Leader further pointed out that officially the part has not announced who the running mate is.

In an interview he stated that names of those likely to be running mates coming up are respected party members who have worked hard for the party, and it would be inappropriate for one individual to call out one person and denigrate the person.

He discouraged colleagues from coming out with some attacks, described people in bad manner. This game of politics when destiny choose you is like that, it does not matter your age and height, educated or not educate, humble or not, we should all wait and ensure the unity of the party.

Again, when Professor Jane Nana Opoku was chosen, the decision was around thirty five percent we know, but when the decision was announced they rally and we did not hear a single soul in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) coming out publicly to say no; none is perfect, we have to manage each other and see what the person brings on board and cautioned that his colleagues should be mindful of what they say out there if the decision is eventually made.

We should support the party and not attack the decision of the party and the flagbearer; we have done so much for this country, we will make Ghana proud by protecting our legacy, he emphasized.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Contrary to some media speculations that the Chairman of the Finance Committee Kwaku Kwarteng is being demoted, Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin says he is rather being elevated.

According to him with the revision of the standing orders, the new standing orders has s a Committee on Finance and Economy; and with election 2024 approaching, any serious political party would want to project its bests.

“And our respected colleague Kwaku Kwarteng, the very hard-working Chairman of the Finance Committee, during former President Kufour’s time was government spokesperson on the economy”.

Again, when we were elected to power in 20216, he was made the deputy minister for finance and appeared on many media outlets speaking for government on the issue of the economy, he added.

At a media briefing, he pointed out that finance is a subset of the economy so “we felt that, with this new committee coming up, it is important to elevate our respected colleague to this new committee to chair it so that he can take the fight to the NDC. So far they claim they have answers to the economic challenges but they know that our colleague who has better knowledge on the economy can better show case our issues on the economy when made majority spokesperson on the economy. That is good news, it is not fair to the issue for any media house to say he has been removed”, he emphasized.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Leader of Government Business Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has pointed out that the current ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has nothing to hide regarding the national cathedral project, saying the government has been transparent, hence the reason the Deputy Majority, Leader Patricia Appiagyei filling a question about the project.

According to him the Asokwa lawmaker has filled an urgent question on how much has been paid on the construction of the national cathedral and if there has been value for money audit made.

Again, it should not be said that only Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa who cares about Ghana and the opportunity is for the Minister for Finance to come to the House so that they all know if the right thing was done. “My colleagues have been in government before, they know that with government money, you just do not wake up and pay it into an account, there are structures at the ministry, and audit would have to be done”.

The Majority Leader made these remarks on Friday, June 28, 2024, after he presented Business statement for the ensuing week and members wanted to know when monies pumped into the foundation for the building of a National Cathedral would be accounted for.

He asserts that the Minister is going to bring all of these to the House, “and if there was work done before payment, we will know. If at that point anyone is dissatisfied, and we want further probe we would do that. There is no problem at all, this government is a transparent government. That is why a deputy Majority leader would file such a question; we are not covering anything up, we know the essence of transparency in government; that is what we are doing”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Mr. Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani East inspected the progress of work on the construction of a standard astro-turf facility at the Penkwasi ‘Sakora Park” in the Sunyani Municipality.

Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh, also the Board Chairman of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), the managers of the Bui Generating Station, performed the ground breaking ceremony for work to begin on the GHC5.5 million artificial football pitch with ancillary facilities in December last year.

The BPA is funding the 500-seater capacity project, which has VIP stands, changing rooms and floodlights. The execution of the project, however, was delayed due to some emerging challenges emanating from the siting of the stands, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt.

Checks revealed the Sunyani Traditional Council had, however, resolved the matter, and the contractors, Accra-based Wembley Sports Construction Company Limited (WSCCL) is expected to move to site.

The GNA noticed the main pitch was almost complete as the contractor began the laying of the artificial pitch-carpet.

Accompanied by Mr John Ansu Kumi, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and some New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives, Mr Ameyaw-Cheremeh told the GNA the facility was aimed at helping to unearth and nurture football talents in the municipality and even beyond.

He said football was now a lucrative enterprise, hence the need to scout, and help build the talents of the young people.

“We also have football talents and it’s my utmost desire and determination to ensure that these talents are built to feature in the national teams, the premier league and even international derby,” he assured.

Describing the facility as far-fetched, Mr Kumi, the Sunyani MCE advised residents to cooperate with the contractor to speed up work and complete the project for use.

By: Dennis Peprah

Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, has broken grounds to build a new classroom block for the Esiama Anglican Primary School.

The ultra-modern classroom block would come with a 12-unit seater toilet facility and a water project.

The move follows the dilapidated nature of the Esiama Anglican Primary School block, which is not conducive for smooth academic work.

The project, when completed, would be the third Primary school block facility initiated by Mr. Buah in the area.

The MP pledged to build the new school when he visited the chief and elders during the last Christmas celebrations.

Mr. Buah said Esiama was one of the oldest towns in the Nzema area where education started, which produced many had distinguished scholars in responsible positions in the country and abroad.

He said his tenure as the MP had witnessed major developmental projects in Esiama from asphaltic overlay of town roads, water project, schools, toilet facility, and lighting system, among others.

He said the former NDC administration spearheaded several key projects and brought some industries to the Nzema area.

The Tufuhene of Esiama on behalf of the Chief of Esiama, Nana Ainoo Kwagyan, lauded the leadership style of Mr Kofi Buah since he entered Parliament in 2009.

He said the MP had continued to spearhead development of the Esiama Township in particular and Ellembelle in general.

Nana Kwagyan said the good works of the MP continued to follow him wherever he went and asked the people to pray for him since he was one of the greatest assets to Nzemaland.

The Chief lauded the MP for the numerous projects he had initiated so far with special reference to the street lighting system.

Nana Kwagyan called for a level playing field devoid of any manipulations in the run-up to the December 7 elections.

Nana Nyamekeh Fofole, Chief of Ambainu, who is a member of the Inspectorate and Monitoring team at the Ellembelle District Education Office, lauded the commitment of the MP towards education.

He was happy that education continued to be the priority of Mr Buah for the overall benefit of the people.

Nana Fofole thanked the MP for sponsoring the annual District MOCK examinations for BECE candidates since 2009 and for providing Mathematical sets to BECE candidates.

He also acknowledged the construction of school blocks and the Ellembelle school bus initiative, all pushed by the MP.

P.K. Yankey/Ghanamps.com

Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin on Thursday evening, June 27, 2024, just after adjournment admonished his colleagues in the Majority to respect the party’s structure and understand the times in which they are ahead of December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

“We should be very mindful of how we express certain views in the public space; yes we have all heard matters regarding running mate of the NPP to complement our ticket, but no decision has been made yet and the party structures are there”.

“So, I will want to encourage colleague members of parliament and that we are in this together. There is no perfect person in this world and perfect character in this world. Again, none of us can tick every box, let us be careful how we say things about each other and how we approach things, the language we use it may not be helpful”, he emphasized.

The Majority Leader’s admonishment follows a comment by a member of the Majority Caucus, Andy Appiah Kubi that the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia needs a running mate who will help the flagbearer and not one that will lead him, when the name of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh popped up in the media space as likely running mate of the NPP.

In a quick press briefing, the leader noted that colleagues on the Majority side should be measured in their language and should have confidence in the party, “and I believe we would use the structures of the party to come out with certain decisions.”

In addition, let us wait and respect the leadership of the party. We should not go out of our way to denigrate ourselves; we should not go out of our way to describe each other in a way that would be unacceptable, he affirmed.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com