TIG Post

Tag: “Parliament

  • Parliament approves over GH¢2b for state funerals, Independence Day, Peduase Lodge, others

    Parliament approves over GH¢2b for state funerals, Independence Day, Peduase Lodge, others

    Parliament has approved the 2024 Budget Estimates of the Office of Government Machinery, amounting to two billion and seventy-four million, eight hundred and twenty-seven thousand, one hundred and sixty-four Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,074,827,164.00) for the 2024 financial year.

    The approval was based on the report of the Finance Committee, chaired by Kwaku Kwarteng, which was presented to the plenary on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

    The report noted that the National Identification Authority (NIA) has been allocated an amount of GH¢308,944,822 for its operation in 2024, but this does not include payments arising out of the Government and Support Agreement (GSA) for the Ghana-Card project.

    The Committee urged the Ministry of Finance to make projections for payments that may arise out of the GSA and allocate them to the NIA, to give a clear picture of the government’s commitments to the partnership and expenditure on the project.

    The report also outlined the activities that the Office of the President and its agencies will implement in 2024, which include:

    • Celebrating Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary and 2024 Founders Day
    • Maintaining the Jubilee House, Peduase Lodge and six other lodges
    • Supporting state and state assisted funerals
    • Hosting Heads of State and other foreign senior government officials
    • Organising Cabinet meetings and retreats

    The report also highlighted the activities of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), which will construct and complete sustainable, climate smart irrigation systems to cover an area of 7,000 acres at Kasunya.

    The Authority will operationalise all anchor farmers by April, 2024, and train and enable 500 youth farmers, as well as construct accommodation for 300 youth farmers.

    At the Banda Enclave, the Authority will clear and develop 6,000 acres of land for cultivation of various commodities, set up irrigation systems and engage prospective anchor farmers. It will also construct equipment shed and warehousing facilities.

    At the Kumawu Enclave, the Authority will clear and develop 10,000 acres of land for production. It will also set up irrigation systems and engage prospective anchor farmers. It will also construct equipment shed and warehousing facilities.

    In the area of the Public Sector Reform, the Secretariat will pursue actions towards the review of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy (NPSRS) and the implementation of the Public Sector Reform for Results Project (PSRRP).

    It will also continue to coordinate the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Initiatives through a number of activities, including:

    • Printing OGP 5th National Action Plan
    • Organising Sectorial Engagements with Implementation Agencies and key stakeholders to disseminate the 5th OGP Action Plan
    • Organising monitoring and feedback sessions with Implementing Agencies

  • Payment of December salary may delay – Parliament tells staff

    Payment of December salary may delay – Parliament tells staff

    As the Christmas holiday approaches, officers of the Parliamentary Service have been informed that there might be a delay in the payment of their December salaries.

    The Parliamentary Service has not yet received the transfer notification for December salaries as of December 20, 2023.

    In a notice signed by Daniel T. Chirawura, Director of Finance, officers were notified that the salaries for December may not be disbursed before the Christmas holidays.

    However, the Parliamentary Service has made financial arrangements to provide support to officers, and this assistance will be available before the House rises on December 22, 2023.

    The notice expresses appreciation to the officers for their patience and understanding during this period.

    “Consequently, Officers of the Service may not be paid their salaries for the month of December before the Christmas holidays.

    “Given the circumstances, the Service has made the necessary financial arrangements to cushion Officers during the Christmas holidays. The support will be made available to Officers before the House rises on 22nd December 2023,” a notice signed by Daniel T. Chirawura, Director of Finance said.

  • Lack of funds for Special Schools must be addressed immediately – Parliament to Ofori-Atta

    Lack of funds for Special Schools must be addressed immediately – Parliament to Ofori-Atta

    Parliament has called upon the Finance Ministry to reconsider the allocation of funds within the education sector, urging a redirection of resources from the non-formal education sector to address challenges facing Special Education in the country.

    Expressing dissatisfaction during a debate on the approval of 29.5 billion Ghana Cedis for the Education Ministry, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, highlighted the inadequacy of the GHS600,000 funds allocated for special schools, including the Akuapim School for the Deaf and the Akropong School for the Blind.

    “Even though the ministry has been allocated GHS29.5 billion, only GHS673,429, which is under 1 million, has been allocated to special education. Mr. Speaker, special education is something that we need to take quite seriously as a country,” he emphasized.

    Dr. Ato Forson urged the Ministry of Finance to consider reallocating funds to ensure adequate coverage for schools catering to students with special needs.

    The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, echoed these concerns, appealing to the government to prioritize special education over non-formal education.

    “I don’t want to believe that it is a typo error. We need to spend more on the special schools, not the non-formal education. So I will want to plead that if we can do a reallocation from the non-formal education to the special schools, it should be done,” he stated.

  • Vetting of Supreme Court nominees scheduled for December 20

    Vetting of Supreme Court nominees scheduled for December 20

    Parliament is gearing up for a public hearing vetting to consider nominees appointed by the President to fill vacant positions on the Supreme Court bench.

    In a communication addressed to the House, the President put forward three justices currently serving on the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court. The nominated justices are Henry Anthony Kwofie, Yaw Darko Asare, and Richard Adjei-Frimpong.

    The Appointments Committee, led by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, will oversee the vetting process and present a report to the plenary for further consideration.

    President Akufo-Addo, in a letter to Parliament dated October 11, 2023, underscored the urgency of filling the vacancies resulting from the retirement of some members on the bench.

  • MPs outraged as govt drops cashew prices to GHC7 per kilo, call for 17% increase

    MPs outraged as govt drops cashew prices to GHC7 per kilo, call for 17% increase

    In a recent development, a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) has urgently appealed to the government to review the current price regime for cashew nuts, citing concerns over its impact on the industry.

    Speaking to the media, the spokesperson of the group, who also serves as the MP for Jaman North, Frederick Yaw Ahenkwah contended that cashew farmers are facing financial losses under the current farm gate price of GHS7, citing high inflation and production costs as contributing factors.

    According to the MPs, the producer price for cashews has significantly dropped from the original GHS10 to GHS7 this year, adversely affecting the farmers’ ability to sustain production.

    “The Tree Crop Development Authority in 2022 set a price for cashews, and they began with GHS10. The following year, they increased it, and now, this is the third year. In the first two years, the farmers saw an appreciable increase in the price. So, we thought that as the years advanced, the government would continue to set a good price for the farmers. But, to our surprise, the price, which was GHS8.50 last year, has been reduced to GHS7 this particular year, and we know that there is inflation in the system.”

    “Prices of farm inputs are high; fuel and other things are skyrocketing. So, these factors go into production. They are all factors of production. By the end of the day, if these farmers bear these high prices and are then unable to pay for the costs they have incurred, I think virtually they are running at a loss….So, we are appealing to the government to, as a matter of urgency, try and review the price. At least GHS9 or GHS10 would make them happy with it,” he said.

    MP for Jaman North emphasized the need for a price increase to at least GHS9 or GHS10 per unit,

    According to them, the farmers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current pricing structure, hence the urgent need to resolve the issue.

    “We need it very important to draw the attention of the government although the price regime has come to stay but we are appealing to the government as a matter of urgency to try and review the price, at least GHS9 OR GHS10 for the farmers they would be happy with it. As we speak to you, since the price came out we have been receiving a lot of calls from our constituents and we cannot sit down unconcerned, it is our mandate to draw the government’s attention to what is happening there.

    According to the farmers, the existing price regime, although established, is causing tension and agitation within the industry. 

    They argue that the government’s attention is crucial at this point, especially considering the recent approval of a loan aimed at boosting the production of cashew and other crops.

    The MPs stressed that their constituents have been reaching out, expressing their discontent with the current prices.

    “There’s tension there, there’s agitation.  Just last week a loan was approved here to boost the production of cashew and other crops. If government has this good intention to expand the production of cashew and the very industry players who will help the industry to expand are treated this way, do you think they will have the energy to continue the production,” they added. 

     They highlighted the importance of addressing this issue promptly to ensure the sustainability of cashew production. 

    They added that the tension within the industry poses a threat to the government’s goal of expanding cashew production, as industry players may lose the motivation to contribute to the sector’s growth.

    As discussions surrounding the cashew industry continue, farmers await government intervention to review and potentially adjust the pricing structure, aiming for a resolution that satisfies both producers and industry sustainability goals.

    The government declared a reduction in cashew prices for the upcoming 2024 crop season, effective from January 2024.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crop Development Authority, Hon. William Agyapong Quaittoo, the new minimum price for a kilogram of cashew will be GHC7, down from the initial price of GHc8.5.

    Despite the calculated figure being GHC6.76 per kilo using the current formula, the government has chosen to round it up to GHC7.

    The announcement was made during a meeting with cashew farmers and buyers in Kintampo, Bono East region, on Friday, December 16, 2023.

    The primary reason cited for the reduction is the decline in the quality of Ghanaian cashew in the international market, causing Ghana to fall from the second position to the third in West Africa. This decline in quality has resulted in a decrease in the price per ton from USD 1,080 to USD 880.

    Additionally, the value of the Ghanaian currency plays a role in the downward revision of the cashew price.

    However, Hon. Quaittoo mentioned that the announced figure is subject to review after two months if the quality of Ghanaian cashew improves. Steps are being taken, including training farmers and stakeholders and regulating traders in the cashew industry, to enhance quality.

    Ghana is a major exporter of cashew in West Africa, expecting to export about 350,000 metric tons of Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) in 2024. Cashew farmers, particularly in the top-producing regions of Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, and Savana, have consistently expressed concerns about losses due to low market prices after harvest.

    In recent years, the government has regularly announced minimum cashew prices, with the 2023 crop season’s GHC8.50 being the highest. Farmers, anticipating an increase for the 2024 season, appeared visibly disappointed with the announced GHC7 per kilogram.

  • Parliament greenlights cannabis farming for industrial use

    Parliament greenlights cannabis farming for industrial use

    Parliament has granted approval to the Narcotics Control Commission Regulations 2023, formally legalizing the cultivation and management of cannabis for industrial and commercial purposes.

    The approval specifies that the cannabis must have a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 0.3.

    During discussions on the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), the Minister of the Interior, Ambrose Dery, emphasized that this should not be misconstrued as the legalization of recreational marijuana.

    He clarified that cannabis with THC levels of 0.3 is not currently cultivated within the country, and the ministry is in the process of facilitating the introduction of such varieties.

    However, Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, raised concerns about the potential abuse of the law and its implications for the country’s mental health.

    He cautioned against overlooking the risks of abuse and how it could contribute to existing mental health challenges in Ghana.

    “And none of you is talking about the potential of abuse and how that can degenerate into mental health problems we already have in this country. Why are we pretending that this is going to solve our problem? Minister? Do you even know how many people in this country are smoking weed?” Agbodza questioned.

  • Parliament to deliberate on $338m loan for Accra-Tema Motorway expansion

    Parliament to deliberate on $338m loan for Accra-Tema Motorway expansion


    The government has presented a request to the parliamentary body, seeking approval for a substantial loan agreement amounting to $338 million.

    This financial aid is earmarked for the extensive rehabilitation and expansion of the Accra-Tema motorway, as well as other crucial road projects across the nation.

    Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Patrick Boamah, unveiled these plans during a press briefing held in Accra on Monday.

    The proposed funding will not only facilitate the enhancement of the Accra-Tema motorway, stretching over 19.5 kilometers, but it will also contribute to the refurbishment of the existing six-lane divided Nsawam highway within a projected timeframe of 36 months.

    In elucidating the comprehensive scope of the project, Mr Boamah delineated three key sections.

    The primary segment focuses on the Accra-Tema Motorway, encompassing 19.5 kilometers. This phase entails an ambitious plan for the rehabilitation and expansion, ensuring a minimum of 10 lanes on the motorway.

    Moving forward, the second section pertains to the N1, known as the George Walker Bush highway, covering a distance of 5.7 kilometers. Lastly, the third segment will address the Nsawam road, concentrating on the rehabilitation of the existing six lanes.

    Mt Boamah emphasized the magnitude of the endeavor, highlighting the total project span of 27.7 kilometers.

    He emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, revealing that it will unfold as a joint venture between Maripoma Limited and the Ghana Infrastructure Fund.

    With a forward-looking approach, he projected a comprehensive program that may extend over three years or more, contingent upon the evolving dynamics of the project.

  • We made a mistake passing companies Act 2019 – MPs

    We made a mistake passing companies Act 2019 – MPs

    Members of Parliament (MPs) have openly admitted to an oversight in the passage of the Companies Act 2019, specifically regarding a provision that disqualifies individuals facing charges from serving as company directors. The Supreme Court has deemed this provision inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution, prompting MPs to acknowledge the error and request amendments.

    A report by citinewsroom.com reveals that MPs have recognized a mistake in the Companies Act 2019, specifically in a provision related to the eligibility of individuals facing charges to serve as company directors. This revelation follows a Supreme Court order, which declared the provision inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution. Lawyer Derick Adu-Gyamfi brought the case to court, arguing that certain subsections of the Act were unconstitutional and violated principles such as fair hearing.

    Call for Amendment

    Haruna Iddrisu, the MP for Tamale South, openly admitted the legislative error and called upon the Attorney General to swiftly present amendments to Parliament for review and approval. He stated, “In the company’s code we passed, we said that if a person is charged with an offence, that person does not qualify to be a director. We erred, and we should eat our humble pie.”

    Sarah Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome-Kwabenya, supported Iddrisu’s call for amendment and acknowledged the role of the Supreme Court in highlighting the issue. She emphasized the need for the Attorney General to bring a proposed bill to amend the relevant portion of the Companies Act.

    “I don’t want to over-buttress the point that indeed the Supreme Court has done a great job, and the Attorney General, I am sure, has heard the ruling of the Supreme Court and will do the needful and bring a proposed bill only to amend that portion of the company’s code,” Safo added.

    This admission of the legislative oversight and the subsequent call for amendments demonstrate a commitment among MPs to address constitutional inconsistencies and ensure that the Companies Act aligns with the principles outlined in the 1992 Constitution.

  • William Atuguba criticizes presidential appointment of ministers from parliament

    William Atuguba criticizes presidential appointment of ministers from parliament

    Former Ghanaian Supreme Court Justice, William Atuguba, has argued that the practice of allowing presidents to appoint ministers of state from Ghana’s Parliament lacks coherence.

    He contends that this undermines the independence and authority of the Parliament, which should serve as a check on the executive branch, including the president and their ministers. Justice Atuguba made these comments during a public lecture titled ‘Protecting Our Democracy: The Role of the Judiciary’ held on October 24, 2023, and criticized the notion that Ghana’s Parliament is truly independent as a deception.

    “For example, why should the president be allowed to still be appointing ministers from parliament? People (the parliamentarians) who are to oversee the executive, including the ministers.

    “And then a lot of them go and sit there and say this is an independent parliament. Nonsense. Fraud!” he said while answering a question on the independence of state institutions, including parliament.

    As a result, the retired judge of the Supreme Court demanded that the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution be revised, particularly with regard to the president’s appointment power.

    “We have to look at this constitution properly. The problem is how to get the amendment done,” he added.

  • Livestreaming: 3 suspects captured in IGP leaked tape appear before committee

    Livestreaming: 3 suspects captured in IGP leaked tape appear before committee

    Parliament’s committee has begun interrogating the police officers implicated by former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, in a leaked tape on the ousting of Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

    The three officers are COP George Alex Mensah, the Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi.

    While defending his recording of the conversation during an investigation by an adhoc committee set up by Speaker Alban Bagbin, Bugri Naabu mentioned that Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Supt. Gyebi were the personnel who had the discussion with him about removing the IGP from office ahead of the 2024 elections.

  • Leaked tape: Parliament to summon COP Mensah, Superintendents Asare and Gyebi on Thursday

    Leaked tape: Parliament to summon COP Mensah, Superintendents Asare and Gyebi on Thursday

    The police officers implicated by former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, in a leaked tape on the ousting of Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, will appear before Parliament on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

    This information was revealed by Chairman of the adhoc committee set up by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to probe the leaked audio tape, Samuel Atta Akyea in an engagement with the media.

    The said officers summoned by Parliament are COP George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi.

    “These are the three individuals who will appear on Thursday,” Mr Atta Akyea told Citi FM.

    According to Bugri Naabu, Commander Asare threatened his life when he reached out to find out how their conversation was leaked.

    Bugri Naabu said he phoned the Commander who on several occasions refused to make any comments.

    “I called Mr Asare and asked him who sent the tape into the public domain, and he banged the phone on me. Then I called him again and he refused to talk to me,” Bugri Naabu is quoted to have said by Ghanaweb.

    Bugri Naabu informed Parliament that he later received a message by Commander Asare from his son. Per his comments, the Commander threatened his life over the leaked audio tape.

    “But rather, he sent a message through my son, that he will deal with me, he threatened me,” Bugri Naabu.

    According to Bugri Naabu, he only sent the audio to President Akufo-Addo.

  • Parliament commends journalists for nation-building

    Parliament commends journalists for nation-building

    During a parliamentary session, Mr. Akwasi Konadu, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, delivered a statement addressing the significance of the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists,” wherein he appealed to fellow lawmakers to support and assist in creating an environment where media professionals can carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or bias.

    This, he said, could be achieved by ensuring the safety and security of media practitioners and giving them all the necessary support to do their jobs.

    He urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) not to relent in its pursuit of justice for all journalists who had suffered any form of injustice in their line of duties.

    He also appealed to the Police to ensure that the killers of Mr Ahmed Hussein-Suale, an investigative journalist and Mr Samuel Kwanena Ennin, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, were brought to book.

    “Parliament, we also want to assure all media practitioners that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them,” Mr Konadu said.

    The United Nations General Assembly in 2013 set aside November 2, as the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” to condemn attacks and violence against journalists.

    Contributing to the presentation, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader, said the National Media Commission that was charged to regulate the conduct of media practitioners captured under Article 167 of the 1992 Constitution was to promote and ensure the freedom and independence of the media for mass communication or information.

    To take all appropriate measures to ensure the establishment and maintenance of the highest journalistic standards in the mass media, including the investigation, mediation and settlement of complaints made against or by the press or other mass media and to insulate the state-owned media from governmental control.