IN THE THIRD SESSION OF THE SEVENTH PARLIAMENT

OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC OF GHANA

ORDER PAPER

FOR THE FORTY-FIFTH SITTING OF THE FIRST

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT

WEDNESDAY 31^ST JULY 2019

BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS

1.         PRAYERS

2.         CORRECTION OF VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND OFFICIAL REPORT

3.         QUESTIONS

*618.   Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri): To ask the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture when the contractor involved in the restocking of selected dams and dugouts with four million catfish and fingerlings would be paid accordingly.

*619.   Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri): To ask the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture what steps are being implemented to ultimately ensure that we have a waiver of tax on aquaculture input materials as a boost to the industry.

*620.   Mr. Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor (South Dayi): To ask the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture when the Tongor-Dzemeni fish landing site will be constructed.

*625.   Ms. Sophia Karen Ackuaku (Domeabra/Obom): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what steps the Ministry has taken to install road safety signs, including road markings, speed ramps, bus stops and street lights on the Kasoa – Amasaman – Obuom-Domeabra road.

*639.   Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (Ellembele): To ask the Minister for Roads and Highways whether the Esiama – Nkroful – Assasetre – Aiyinasi road is under contract, and if so, when the contractor will return to site to begin work.

4.         STATEMENTS

AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS

5.         PRESENTATION OF PAPERS

            The following Papers to be presented:

(a)        By the Minister for Finance

Supplier’s Credit Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Defence) and Financiere DUC, Luxembourg for an amount of Eleven Million, and Forty Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Five United States Dollars (US$11,040,425.00) for the Supply of Night Vision Binoculars, Monoculars, Accessories and Training of Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

(b)        By the Minister for Defence

Commercial Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Defence) and Amandi Holding Limited of the British Virgin Islands, Vuluxx Company Limited, Ghana and Hawkmoor Limited of the United Kingdom for an amount of Two Hundred and Two Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Seventy-Three United States Dollars and Nineteen Cent (US$202,830,073.19) for the Construction of a Forward Operating Base (FOB), Supply of Products, Provision of Equipment and Ancillary Services for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

(c)        By the Chairman of the Committee

Report of the Committee on Mines and Energy on the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

(d)        By the Chairman of the Committee

(i)         Report of the Finance Committee on the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

(ii)        Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Three Million United States Dollars (US$3,000,000) on the Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board under the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

(iii)       Report of the Finance Committee on the Concessionary Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Five Million Units of Accounts (UA5,000,000) [equivalent to US$7,500,000] for Cocoa Sector Institutional Support Project (COSISP).

(iv)       Report of the Finance Committee on the Terms of a Receivables-backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

(v)        Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$7,500,000) on the Receivables-Backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

6.         MOTION

That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢6,370,355,925.82 as Supplementary Estimate of Government for the 2019 Financial Year.

(Minister for Finance)

7.         MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for an amount of Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$13,500,000.00) to finance the Support to Basic Education Project in Five (5) Regions in Ghana may be moved today.

(Chairman of the Committee)

8.         MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for an amount of Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$13,500,000.00) to finance the Support to Basic Education Project in Five (5) Regions in Ghana.

                        (Chairman of the Committee)

9.         RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS

1.         By the provisions of Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the terms and conditions of all government borrowings shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless the terms and conditions are approved by a resolution of Parliament in accordance with article 181 of the Constitution;

2.         Pursuant to the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), at the request of the Government of the Republic Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for an amount of Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$13,500,000.00) to finance the Support to Basic Education Project in Five (5) Regions in Ghana.

THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

In accordance with the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), this House approves the Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for an amount of Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$13,500,000.00) to finance the Support to Basic Education Project in Five (5) Regions in Ghana.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

10.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board may be moved today.

(Chairman of the Committee)

11.       MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

                        (Chairman of the Committee)

12.       RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS

1.         By the provisions of Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the terms and conditions of all government borrowings shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless the terms and conditions are approved by a resolution of Parliament in accordance with article 181 of the Constitution;

2.         Pursuant to the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), at the request of the Government of the Republic Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

In accordance with the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), this House approves the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

13.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Three Million United States Dollars (US$3,000,000) on the Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board under the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board may be moved today.

(Chairman of the Committee)

14.       MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Three Million United States Dollars (US$3,000,000) on the Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board under the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

                        (Chairman of the Committee)

15.       RESOLUTION

THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE IS RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS

1.   By the provisions of Article 174 (2) of the Constitution, Parliament is empowered to confer power on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax imposed by an Act of Parliament;

2.   The exercise of any power conferred on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax in favour of any person or authority is by the said provisions made subject to the prior approval of Parliament by resolution;

3.   By the combined operation of the provisions of section 150(i) of the Customs Act 2015, (Act 891), the Export and Import Act, 1995 (Act 503), the Export Trade, Agricultural and Industrial Fund Act, 2013 (Act 872), the Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870), the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 890), the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 948) and other existing Laws and Regulations applicable to the collection of Customs duties and other taxes on the importation of goods into Ghana, the Minister for Finance may exempt any statutory corporation, institution or individual from the payment of duties and taxes otherwise payable under the said Laws and Regulations or waive or vary the requirement of such statutory corporation, institution or individual to pay such duties and taxes;

4.   In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and at the request of the Government of Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a request by the Minister for Finance for the prior approval of Parliament the exercise by him of his power under the Laws and Regulations relating to the waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Three Million United States Dollars (US$3,000,000) on the Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board under the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

NOW THEREFORE, this Honourable House hereby approves the exercise by the Minister responsible for Finance of the power granted to him by Parliament by Statute to waive such stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Three Million United States Dollars (US$3,000,000) on the Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board under the Long Term Loan Facility Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Six Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$600,000,000) for Cocoa Productivity Enhancement Programmes by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

16.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Concessionary Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Five Million Units of Accounts (UA5,000,000) [equivalent to US$7,500,000] for Cocoa Sector Institutional Support Project (COSISP) may be moved today.

(Chairman of the Committee)

17.       MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Concessionary Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Five Million Units of Accounts (UA5,000,000) [equivalent to US$7,500,000] for Cocoa Sector Institutional Support Project (COSISP).

                        (Chairman of the Committee)

18.       RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS

1.         By the provisions of Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the terms and conditions of all government borrowings shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless the terms and conditions are approved by a resolution of Parliament in accordance with article 181 of the Constitution;

2.         Pursuant to the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), at the request of the Government of the Republic Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a Concessionary Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Five Million Units of Accounts (UA5,000,000) [equivalent to US$7,500,000] for Cocoa Sector Institutional Support Project (COSISP).

THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

In accordance with the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), this House approves the Concessionary Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance [Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)]) and the African Development Bank for an amount of up to Five Million Units of Accounts (UA5,000,000) [equivalent to US$7,500,000] for Cocoa Sector Institutional Support Project (COSISP).

                                    (Minister for Finance)

19.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Terms of a Receivables-backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season may be moved today.

(Chairman of the Committee)

20.       MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Terms of a Receivables-backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

                        (Chairman of the Committee)

21.       RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS

1.         By the provisions of Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the terms and conditions of all government borrowings shall be laid before Parliament and shall not come into operation unless the terms and conditions are approved by a resolution of Parliament in accordance with article 181 of the Constitution;

2.         Pursuant to the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), at the request of the Government of the Republic Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a Terms of a Receivables-backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

In accordance with the provisions of the said Article 181 of the Constitution and Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), this House approves the Terms of a Receivables-backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

22.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$7,500,000) on the Receivables-Backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season may be moved today.

(Chairman of the Committee)

23.       MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the Request for waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$7,500,000) on the Receivables-Backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

                        (Chairman of the Committee)

24.       RESOLUTION

THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE IS RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS

1.   By the provisions of Article 174 (2) of the Constitution, Parliament is empowered to confer power on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax imposed by an Act of Parliament;

2.   The exercise of any power conferred on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax in favour of any person or authority is by the said provisions made subject to the prior approval of Parliament by resolution;

3.   By the combined operation of the provisions of section 150(i) of the Customs Act 2015, (Act 891), the Export and Import Act, 1995 (Act 503), the Export Trade, Agricultural and Industrial Fund Act, 2013 (Act 872), the Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870), the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 890), the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 948) and other existing Laws and Regulations applicable to the collection of Customs duties and other taxes on the importation of goods into Ghana, the Minister for Finance may exempt any statutory corporation, institution or individual from the payment of duties and taxes otherwise payable under the said Laws and Regulations or waive or vary the requirement of such statutory corporation, institution or individual to pay such duties and taxes;

4.   In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and at the request of the Government of Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a request by the Minister for Finance for the prior approval of Parliament the exercise by him of his power under the Laws and Regulations relating to the waiver of stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$7,500,000) on the Receivables-Backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

NOW THEREFORE, this Honourable House hereby approves the exercise by the Minister responsible for Finance of the power granted to him by Parliament by Statute to waive such stamp duty amounting to up to the Ghana Cedi equivalent of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$7,500,000) on the Receivables-Backed Trade Finance Facility between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a Consortium of Banks and Financial Institutions, with the Government of the Republic of Ghana as Guarantor, for an amount of up to One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars (US$1,500,000,000) for the Purchase of Cocoa in Ghana for the 2019/2020 Crop Season.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

25.       MOTION

That this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Committee on Defence and Interior on the Conflicts Between the Fulani Herdsmen and Farming Communities in the Country as Well as the Effects of Their Cattle on Agricultural Productivity and Security of Citizens.

(Chairman of the Committee)

26.       MOTION

That the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies Bill, 2018 be now read the third time.

                                    (Minister for Education)

27.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the second reading of the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

28.       MOTION

That the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read a second time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

29.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 128(1) which require that when a bill has been read a second time it shall pass through a consideration stage which shall not be taken until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed, the consideration stage of the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be taken today.

(Minister for Finance)

30.       COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

-           At the Consideration Stage

31.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 131(1) which require that when a Bill has passed through the Consideration Stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                        (Minister for Finance)

32.       MOTION

That the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read the third time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

33.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the second reading of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

34.       MOTION

That the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read a second time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

35.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 128(1) which require that when a bill has been read a second time it shall pass through a consideration stage which shall not be taken until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed, the consideration stage of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be taken today.

(Minister for Finance)

36.       EARMARKED FUNDS CAPPING AND REALIGNMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

-           At the Consideration Stage

37.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 131(1) which require that when a Bill has passed through the Consideration Stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                        (Minister for Finance)

38.       MOTION

That the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read the third time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

39.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the second reading of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

40.       MOTION

That the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read a second time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

41.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 128(1) which require that when a bill has been read a second time it shall pass through a consideration stage which shall not be taken until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed, the consideration stage of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be taken today.

(Minister for Finance)

42.       ENERGY SECTOR LEVIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

-           At the Consideration Stage

43.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 131(1) which require that when a Bill has passed through the Consideration Stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                        (Minister for Finance)

44.       MOTION

That the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read the third time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

45.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the second reading of the Luxury Vehicle Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

46.       MOTION

That the Luxury Vehicle Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2019 be now read a second time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

47.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 128(1) which require that when a bill has been read a second time it shall pass through a consideration stage which shall not be taken until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed, the consideration stage of the Luxury Vehicle Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2019 may be taken today.

(Minister for Finance)

48.       LUXURY VEHICLE LEVY (REPEAL) BILL, 2019

-           At the Consideration Stage

49.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 131(1) which require that when a Bill has passed through the Consideration Stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Luxury Vehicle Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                        (Minister for Finance)

50.       MOTION

That the Luxury Vehicle Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2019 be now read the third time.

                                    (Minister for Finance)

51.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the second reading of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                        (Minister for Lands and Natural Resources)

52.       MOTION

That the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read a second time.

                        (Minister for Lands and Natural Resources)

53.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 128(1) which require that when a bill has been read a second time it shall pass through a consideration stage which shall not be taken until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed, the consideration stage of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be taken today.

                        (Minister for Lands and Natural Resources)

54.       MINERALS AND MINING (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

-           At the Consideration Stage

55.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 131(1) which require that when a Bill has passed through the Consideration Stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                        (Minister for Lands and Natural Resources)

56.       MOTION

That the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read the third time.

                        (Minister for Lands and Natural Resources)

57.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 80(1) which require that no motion shall be debated until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed between the date on which notice of the motion is given and the date on which the motion is moved, the motion for the second reading of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                                    (Minister for Communications)

58.       MOTION

That the Ghana Meteorological Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read a second time.

                                    (Minister for Communications)

59.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 128(1) which require that when a bill has been read a second time it shall pass through a consideration stage which shall not be taken until at least forty-eight hours have elapsed, the consideration stage of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be taken today.

                                    (Minister for Communications)

60.       GHANA METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

-           At the Consideration Stage

61.       MOTION

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 131(1) which require that when a Bill has passed through the Consideration Stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least twenty-four hours have elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 may be moved today.

                                    (Minister for Communications)

62.       MOTION

That the Ghana Meteorological Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be now read the third time.

                                    (Minister for Communications)

63.       MOTION

That the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2018 be now read a second time.

(Moved by the Hon. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Ms. Gloria Akuffo. Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ben Abdallah Banda presented the Report on the Bill.)

-           Decision to be taken pursuant to Standing Order 110(a)

64.       COMMITTEE SITTINGS

65.       THE HOUSE EXPECTED TO ADJOURN SINE DIE.

SUPPLEMENT

ANSWERS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

*618.   1.         Mr. Speaker, in June 2018 as part of the Ministry of Fisheries

and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) activities to promote aquaculture development, carried out the restocking of dams and dugouts with catfish, tilapia and heterotis fingerlings. The restocking activities covered 32 dams and dugouts in 32 communities covering a total surface area of 2412.9ha in the then three (3) Northern Regions. The restocking intervention was expected to provide additional 10,380mt of fish to enhance the nutrition intake of the target communities.

1. A total of 10 million fingerlings were procured from three (3) companies for the restocking project. The list of the three (3) companies involved are provided below. 

• M/S Northern Empowerment Association,
• M/S Flosell Limited and
• M/S Delta Fisheries Limited.

1. Mr. Speaker, this Ministry can confirm that as at 25^th January, 2019, all the three (3) companies that supplied the fingerlings, have been duly paid and the Ministry has received official receipts from two of the companies viz, M/S Flosell Company Ltd and Delta Fisheries Ltd. The Ministry is yet to receive a receipt from M/S Northern Empowerment Association. Copies of the two (2) Receipts are attached as Annex 1 for your perusal. 

*619.   Steps Being Implemented to Ensure Waiver of Tax on Aquaculture Inputs

1. Mr. Speaker, the aquaculture industry has a high potential to increase domestic fish production, reduce fish imports and create additional jobs along the fish value chain. To harness this potential requires among other things, the provision of adequate incentives to stimulate private sector participation especially in the inputs supply to aquaculture operators.
2. One of the main hindrance to the development of the aquaculture industry is the high cost of inputs including fish feed. The high cost of inputs increases the cost of production and reduces profitability of the industry along the value chain. This also militates against the investment drive in the aquaculture sub-sector. Granting exemption for fish inputs imported will not only reduce the cost of inputs, but make the inputs affordable to the operators.

1. It would be recalled that in the Harmonized System and Customs Tariff Schedule (HSCTS) 2007, the exemptions granted also covered fishing inputs. However, after the revision of the Schedule in 2017, all the exemptions for the fisheries sector including aquaculture inputs including fish feed, cage construction and other fishing inputs such as ropes, twines were removed from the list of exemptions.

1. As part of efforts to ensure the inclusion of aquaculture inputs in the list of exemptions, MoFAD has held consultations with key stakeholders in the Industry and agreed on a list of inputs exclusive to the aquaculture industry that can be added to the list of items that should be exempted from taxes and duties.

1. Accordingly, the Ministry submitted the list of inputs to the Ministry of Finance for consideration and inclusion in HSCTS. We have attached copies our letter No. PE-27/152/01 dated 9^th August, 2018 and our Reminder dated 25^th January, 2019 as Annex 2. It is expected that the list of items submitted, which are equally agriculture inputs, would be exempted under the 2017 HSCTS.

*620.   Construction of Tongor-Dzemeni fish landing site

1. As part of the modernization of the fisheries sector, the Ministry has planned to construct twelve (12) landing sites and two (2) Mini Harbours in selected fishing communities including Dzemeni in the Volta Region.  The list of all the landing sites is attached as Annex 3.
2. The fish landing sites when completed are expected to facilitate the safe launching and landing of artisanal fishing canoes, create and maintain a hygienic environment for fishing handling; prevent and minimize post-harvest losses; as well as add value to fish caught by artisanal fishermen. It should be noted that for all the fish landing sites, feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) have been completed. 

1. Financing has been received under the China Development Bank (CDB) Loan Facility for ten (10) of the Landing Sites and construction is expected start in the last quarter of 2019. It is gratifying to note that His Excellency the President, Nana Akufo-Addo has cut the sod for the Axim and Moree fish lading sites during the official tour of the central and Western Regions from 24^th to 26^th July 2019. The list of the sites under the CDB Loan Facility, however, does not include the fish landing site for Dzemeni in the Volta Region. 

1. Mr. Speaker it is interesting to note that the Ministry of Transport (MoT) is currently leading the construction of the landing sites with the support from MoFAD. The two Ministries (MoFAD and MoT) are working closely to ensure that the landing sites are constructed taking into account the concerns of the fisheries sector.

1. The Ministry of Transport is therefore in position to brief this august House about the status of the landing site at Dzemeni and all the other sites.

*625.   BACKGROUND

The main Amasaman-Kasoa road starts from Amasaman in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region through Domeabra, Obuom to Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.

It is an Inter-Regional Urban Road and is of length 33.0km. This road is classified as a major arterial by Department of Urban Roads (DUR). It is a bituminous surfaced road and in good condition.

CURRENT PROGRAMME

The Contract for the Provision of Road line Marking and Signs on selected roads in the Greater Accra Region including this road in question was awarded on 21^st November, 2016 and commenced on 14^th December, 2018 for completion on 14^th December, 2018. The completion date was revised to 14^th December, 2019. Roadline marking and signs, construction of speed ramps and bus stops on the said road are ongoing.

The physical progress of work is projected at 80% completion. Fixing or installation of street lights is however, not part of the road safety infrastructure.  The project is financed from the Ghana Road Fund.

FUTURE PROGRAMME

Assessment for the installation of street lights had already been carried out for consideration when funds become available.

*639.    BACKGROUND

The Esiama – Nkroful – Assasetre – Anyinasi road forms an integral part of the Regional Road (R88) and serves as one of the strategic roads leading to the coastlines in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The total length of the road is 26.5km.

The first 6.5km of the road has been scarified and in a gravel state whilst the remaining 20km is bituminous surfaced and in fair condition.

CURRENT PROGRAMME

The road was awarded on contract on 18^th September, 2015 for rehabilitation to a double seal bituminous surface. The contract commenced on 28^th October, 2015 and was scheduled for completion on 27^th April, 2017.

The Contractor has completed clearing works and executed some earthworks, drainage, subbase and base works.  The physical progress is estimated at 28%.

The project suffered delayed payment and as a result, the Contractor served notice to the Employer to pull out of the contract due to non-payment. The project has, therefore, been recommended for termination.

In the meantime, routine maintenance works involving grading and pothole patching works, shall be carried out on the road to make the road motorable and safe; until a new contract is secured.

FUTURE PROGRAME

The road has been re-packaged into three (3) Lots for re-award under Ghana Gas funding. Currently, funds have been secured for the first Lot (thus Lot 1: km 0.0 – 6.5) from Esiama and procurement for the works contract is on-going. Tenders have been received, opened and evaluation of tenders completed.

The contract is expected to be awarded by the end of 3^rd quarter, 2019. The road is expected to be upgraded to an asphaltic concrete surface under this new contract.

The remaining section of the road, (thus km 6.5 – 26.5), which has been re- packaged into two (2) Lots for rehabilitation; is waiting for funds from Ghana Gas to commence the procurement process.