IN THE THIRD SESSION OF THE EIGHTH PARLIAMENT OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC OF GHANA VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS MINUTES OF THE THIRTY-SIXTH SITTING OF THE THIRD MEETING OF PARLIAMENT WEDNESDAY, 20TH DECEMBER, 2023 1. The House met at sixteen minutes before eleven o’clock in the forenoon. Prayers were read. The Rt Hon Speaker took the Chair. 2. The following Hon Members were present: 1. Abakah, Samuel Erickson (Shama) Abanga, Abdulai (Binduri) Abdulai, Jacob Iddriss (Savelugu) Abdul-Latif, Dan (Ablekuma Central) Abdul-Salam, Adams (New Edubiase) Ablakwa, Samuel Okudzeto (North Tongu) Aboagye, George Kwame (Asene/Akroso/Manso) Aboagye, Kwadwo Nyanpon (Biakoye) Acheampong, Bryan (Abetifi) Acheampong, Charles (Lower West Akim) Acheampong, Richard (Bia East) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. [1] Ackuaku, Sophia Karen Edem (Ms) (Domeabra/Obom) Acquah, Alexander Akwasi (Akim Oda) Adam, Hamza (Prof) (Kumbungu) Adam, Mohammed Amin (Dr) (Karaga) Adams, Kofi Iddie (Buem) Addi, Teddy Safori (Ayensuano) Adjei, Kwasi Boateng (New Juaben North) Adom, Frederick Obeng (Upper West Akim) Adomako-Mensah, Alex (Dr) (Sekyere Afram Plains) Adomako-Mensah, Collins (Afigya Kwabre North) Adongo, Isaac (Bolgatanga Central) 23. Adu, Johnson Kwaku (Ahafo Ano South West) 42. 24. Afenyo-Markin, Alexander Kwamena (Effutu) 43. 25. Afrifa-Mensa, Akwasi Owusu (Amasaman) Afriye, Nana Ayew (Dr) (Effiduase/Asokore) Afriyie, Kwaku (Dr) (Sefwi-Wiawso) Agalga, James (Builsa North) Agbodza, Kwame Governs (Adaklu) Agyare, Alexander (Kade) Agyekum, Emmanuel Kwadwo (Nkoranza South) Agyeman-Rawlings, Zanetor (Dr) (Klottey Korle) Ahenkorah, Kingsley Carlos (Tema West) Ahenkwah, Frederick Yaw (Jaman North) Ahi, Sampson (Bodi) Ahiafor, Bernard (Akatsi South) Akandoh, Kwabena Mintah (Juaboso) Akanvariba, Lydia Lamisi (Ms) (Tempane) Akyea, Samuel Atta (Abuakwa South) Alalzuuga, Albert Akuka (Garu) Alhassan, Abdallah Iddi (Salaga North) 44. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. [2] Alhassan, Bashir A. Fuseini (Alhaji) (Sagnarigu) Alhassan, Lydia Seyram (Ayawaso West Wuogon) Alhassan, Sayibu Suhuyini (Tamale North) Aliu Mahama, Umar Farouk (Yendi) Alorwu-Tay, Angela Oforiwa (Mrs) (Afadzato South) Amankwa-Manu, Kofi (Atwima Kwanwoma) Amewu, John-Peter (Hohoe) Ameyaw-Cheremeh, Kwasi (Sunyani East) Amoah, Stephen (Dr) (Nhyiaeso) Amoako, Andrew Asiamah (Fomena) Amoako-Attah, Kwasi (Atiwa West) Ampofo, Twumasi Kwame (Sene West) Ampratwum-Sarpong Kwaku (Mampong) Anhwere, Emmanuel Agyei (Atwima-Nwabiagya South) Anim, Ernest Yaw (Kumawu) Anim, Moses (Trobu) Annoh-Dompreh, Frank (Nsawam-Adoagyiri) Antwi, Eugene Boakye (Subin) Anyimadu-Antwi, Kwame (Asante Akim Central) 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. Apaak, Clement Abas (Dr) (Builsa South) Appiagyei, Patricia (Ms) (Asokwa) Appiah-Kubi, Andy Kwame (Asante Akim North) Armah, Prince Hamidu (Dr) (Kwesimintsim) Asamoah, Vincent Oppong (Dormaa West) Asante, Kwadjo (Suhum) Asante-Boateng, Kwaku (Asante Akim South) Asenso-Boakye, Francis (Bantama) Asiamah, Isaac Kwame (Atwima-Mponua) Asiamah, Kwabena Amankwa (Fanteakwa North) Asiamah-Adjei, Nana Ama Dokua (Akwapim North) Atta Mills, Samuel (Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abrem) Avedzi, James Klutse (Ketu North) Avoka, Cletus Apul (Zebilla) Awuah, Ignatius Baffour (Sunyani West) Awuni, Theresa Lardi (Ms) (Okaikwei North) Ayamba, Laadi Ayii (Ms) (Pusiga) Ayariga, Mahama (Bawku Central) Ayiku, Benjamin Narteh (Ledzokuku) 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. [3] Ayine, Dominic Akuritinga (Dr) (Bolgatanga East) Baafi, Michael Okyere (New Juaben South) Baba, Benson Tongo (Talensi) Baligi, Bright Bakye Yelviel (Dr) (Lambussie) Bandim, Azumah Abed-Nego (Dr) (Bunkpurugu) Banor, Patrick (Asutifi North) Bartels, Sheila (Ms) (Ablekuma North) Bawa, Edward Abambire (Bongo) Bedzrah, Emmanuel Kwasi (Ho West) Betino, Joseph (Suaman) Boakye, Henry Yiadom (Akwatia) Boamah, Patrick Yaw (Okaikwei Central) Boateng, Akwasi Darko (Bosome-Freho) Boateng, Ama Pomaa (Ms) (Juaben) Boateng, Joseph Appiah (Afram Plains South) Botwe, Daniel (Okere) Braimah, Muhammad Bawah (Ejura-Sekyedumase) Buah, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi (Ellembele) Bukari, Joseph Nikpe (Saboba) 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. Chiragia, Sampson Tangombu (Navrongo Central) Chiwitey, Andrew Dari (Sawla/Tuna/Kalba) Cudjoe, Comfort Doyoe (Ms) (Ada) Cudjoe, Joseph (Effia) Cudjoe, Robert Wisdom (Prestea/Huni-Valley) 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 104. Dafeamekpor, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami 123. (South Dayi) 105. Dalu, Thomas Adda (Chiana/Paga) Darko, Daniel Ohene (Upper Denkyira West) Dauda, Collins (Alhaji) (Asutifi South) Dawuni, Abukari (Wulensi) Djornobuah, Alex Tetteh (Sefwi Akontombra) Donkoh, Elvis Morris (Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese) Donkor, Kwabena (Dr) (Pru East) Duker, George Mireku (Tarkwa-Nsuaem) Eyiah, Naana (Gomoa Central) Forson, Cassiel Ato Baah (Dr) (Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam) Frempong, Joseph (Nkawkaw) Gakpey, Kwame Dzudzorli (Keta) George, Samuel Nartey (Ningo-Prampram) 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. [4] Ghansah, Alhassan Kobina (Asikuma/Odoben/Brakwa) Ghartey, Joe (Esikadu/Ketan) Gidisu, Wisdom (Krachi East) Gomado, Yao (Akan) Gomashie, Abla Dzifa (Ms) (Ketu South) Gyamfi, Emmanuel Akwasi (Odotobri) Gyan, Alexander (Kintampo South) Gyan-Mensah, Richard (Gomoa West) Hammond, Kobina Tahir (Adansi Asokwa) Hanson-Nortey, Yves (Tema Central) Haruna, Seidu (Wenchi) Hottordze, Alexander Roosevelt (Central Tongu) Ibrahim, Ahmed (Banda) Ibrahim, Murtala Muhammed (Tamale Central) Ibrahimah, Zuwera Mohammed (Ms) (Salaga South) Iddrisu, Habib (Tolon) Iddrisu, Haruna (Tamale South) Issifu, Seidu (Nalerigu/Gambaga) Jabaah, John Bennam (Zabzugu) 137. Jajah, Yussif Issaka (Ayawaso North) Jalulah, Stephen Pambiin (Pru West) Jasaw, Godfred Seidu (Dr) (Wa East) Jinapor, John Abdulai (Yapei/Kusawgu) Jinapor, Samuel Abdulai (Damongo) Kini, Geoffrey (Nkwanta South) Kissi, Dickson Adomako (Dr) (Anyaa/Sowutuom) Konadu, Akwasi (Manhyia North) Koomson, Mavis Hawa (Mrs) (Awutu-Senya East) 156. 146. Korsah, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah (Techiman South) 165. 147. Kpodo, Benjamin Komla (Ho Central) Kumah, Joseph Kwame (Kintampo North) Kuyon, Solomon (Krachi Nchumuru) Kwakye-Ackah, Peter Yaw (Amenfi Central) Kwarteng, Kwaku Agyeman (Obuasi West) Kwofie, Festus Awuah (Dr) (Upper Denkyira East) Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Osei (Suame) Kyeremeh, Nelson (Berekum East) Larbi, Oscar Ofori (Aowin) 166. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. Lartey, Agnes Naa Momo (Dr) (Krowor) Mahama, Asei Seini (Daboya/Mankarigu) Mahama, Naser Toure (Ayawaso East) Manu-Adabor, Francis (Ahafo Ano South East) Marfo, Emmanuel (Dr) (Oforikrom) Marfo, Kofi Ahenkorah (Achiase) 162. Mensah, Betty Nana Efua Krosbi (Ms) (Afram Plains North) 163. Mensah, Francisca Oteng (Kwabre East) Mensah, Isaac Adjei (Wassa East) Mensah, Joseph Kwasi (Nkoranza North) Mensah, Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley (Weija Gbawe) Mercer, Andrew Kofi Egyapa (Sekondi) Morrison, Cynthia Mamle (Mrs) (Agona West) 164. 167. 168. 169. Muntaka, Mohammed-Mubarak (Alhaji) (Asawase) 170. Musah, Abdul-Aziz Ayaba (Mion) Nanja, Sanja (Atebubu/Amantin) Napare, Dominic (Sene East) Nawaane, Mark Kurt (Dr) (Nabdam) Newman, Dakoa (Okaikwei South) 171. 172. 173. 174. [5] 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. Nitiwul, Dominic Bingab Aduna (Bimbilla) Nkansah-Boadu, Mavis (Afigya-Sekyere East) Nokoe, Kofi Arko (Evalue Ajomoro Gwira) Norgbey, Ernest Henry (Ashaiman) Nortsu-Kotoe, Peter Kwasi (Akatsi North) Ntim, Adelaide (Ms.) (Nsuta-Kwamang Beposo) Ntim, Augustine Collins (Offinso North) Ntoso, Helen Adjoa (Krachi West) Nyakotey, Albert Tetteh (Dr) (Yilo Krobo) Nyarko, Bismark Tetteh (Upper Manya Krobo) Nyarko, Kingsley (Prof) (Kwadaso) Nyarku, Kwamena Minta (Dr) (Cape Coast North) Obeng Takyi, George Kwabena (Manso-Nkwanta) Obeng-Boateng, Alfred (Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai) Ocloo, Linda Obenewaa Akweley (Shai-Osudoku) Odamtten, Isaac Ashai (Tema East) Ofosu-Adjare, Elizabeth (Techiman North) Okofo-Dateh, Williams (Jaman South) Opoku, Davis Ansah (Mpraeso) 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. 211. 212. [6] Opoku, Eric (Asunafo South) Opoku, Isaac Yaw (Dr) (Offinso South) Osei, John Frimpong (Abirem) Osei, Kennedy Nyarko (Akim Swedru) Osei-Asare, Abena (Mrs) (Atiwa East) Osei-Owusu, Joseph (Bekwai) Oti, John Kwabena Bless (Nkwanta North) Otuteye, Christian Corletey (Sege) Owusu-Bio, Benito (Atwima-Nwabiagya North) Owusu-Ekuful, Ursula G. (Mrs) (Ablekuma West) Paitoo, Desmond De-Graft (Gomoa East) Pelpuo, Abdul-Rashid Hassan (Dr) (Wa Central) Quartey, Henry (Ayawaso Central) Ramadan, Mohammed Adamu (Adentan) Ricketts-Hagan, George Kweku (Cape Coast South) Safo, Sarah Adwoa (Ms) (Dome/Kwabenya) Sandaare, Sebastian Ngmenenso (Dr) (Daffiama/Bussie/Issa) Sanid, Suleman Adamu (Ahafo Ano North) Sanie, John Kobina Abbam Aboah (Mpohor) 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. Sefe, Richard Kwami (Anlo) Sekyere, Benjamin Yeboah (Dr) (Tano South) Sosu, Francis-Xavier Kojo (Madina) Sowah, Della Adjoa (Mrs) (Kpando) Sowah, Rita Naa Odoley (Dadekotopon) Sukparu, Adams Mohammed (Sissala West) Sulemana, Adama (Tain) Sulemana, Alhassan Tampuli (Gushegu) Sulemana, Yusif (Bole/Bamboi) Sumah, Anthony Mwinkaara (Nadowli/Kaleo) Tahidu, Abdul-Razak (Chereponi) Terlabi, Ebenezer Okletey (Lower Manya Krobo) Tetteh, Joycelyn (North Dayi) Tetteh, Sylvester (Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro) 227. 228. 229. 230. 231. 232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. Tetteh-Agbotui, Gizella (Mrs) (Awutu-Senya West) Tettey, Joseph Akuerteh (Kpone-Katamanso) Toffey, Dorcas (Ms) (Jomoro) Toobu, Peter Lanchene (Wa West) Tuferu, Mohammed Hardi (Nanton) Twum-Barimah, Paul Apreku (Dormaa East) Ussif, Mustapha (Yagaba/Kubori) Vanderpuije, Alfred Okoe (Ablekuma South) Vanderpuye, Edwin Nii Lantey (Odododiodioo) Vondee, David T.D. (Twifo Atti Morkwa) Wakpal, Daniel Nsala (Kpandai) Wireko-Brobby, Bright (Hemang Lower Denkyira) Woyome, Kobena Mensah (South Tongu) Ziedeng, Bede Anwataazumo (Lawra) 3. The following Hon Members were absent with permission: 1. Agyeman-Manu, Kwaku (Dormaa Central) Aidoo, William Owuraku (Afigya Kwabre South) 2. 3. [7] Quayson, James Gyakye (Assin North) 4. The following Hon Members were absent: 1. Abudu, Lariba Zuweira (Ms) (Walewale) Addo, Yaw Frimpong (Manso-Adubia) Adutwum, Yaw Osei (Dr) (Bosomtwe) Afful, Eric (Amenfi West) Agbeve, Charles (Agotime-Ziope) Agyapong, Ken Ohene (Assin Central) Agyenim-Boateng, Kwaku (Berekum West) Amankwa, Nicholas (Amenfi East) Amoah, Osei Bonsu (Akwapim South) Ampem, Thomas Nyarko (Asuogyaman) Assafuah, Vincent Ekow (Old Tafo) Blankson, Alex (Akrofuom) Boakye-Yiadom, Patrick (Dr) (Obuasi East) Bobie, Evans Opoku (Asunafo North) Chinnia, Amidu Issahaku (Sissala East) Crentsil, Abeiku (Ekumfi) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. Dapilah, Cletus Seidu (Jirapa) Darko-Mensah, Kwabena Okyere (Takoradi) Dery, Ambrose (Nandom) Fordjour, John Ntim (Rev) (Assin South) Hayford, Ophelia Mensah (Mrs) (Mfantseman) Kum, Ebenezer Kojo (Ahanta West) Kumah, John Ampontuah (Dr) (Ejisu) Liwaal, Oscar (Yunyoo) Mbomba, Thomas (Tatale/Sanguli) Okyere-Agyekum, Kofi (Fanteakwa South) Oppong-Nkrumah, Kojo (Ofoase/Ayirebi) Prempeh, Freda Akosua O. (Dr) (Tano North) Prempeh, Matthew Opoku (Dr) (Manhyia South) 30. Sawyerr, Queenstar Maame Pokua (Mrs) (Agona East) 31. Tawiah, Augustine (Dr) (Bia West) Twum-Ampofo, Gifty (Abuakwa North) 32. [8] 5. INAUGURATION OF PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATIONS Rt Hon Speaker inaugurated the Ghana Chapter of the Parliamentary Friendship Associations and indicated that the Associations offer opportunities to engage other national Parliaments on broad developmental issues including Parliamentary diplomacy for the benefit of member countries. He entreated Hon Members to fully commit to the objectives of the Associations. He took the opportunity to recognise the presence of Forty (40) High Commissioners, Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions for the inauguration of the Associations and urged them to help make the Associations successful. Leadership took turns to make brief comments on the inauguration and wished the Associations well. 6. RECOGNITION OF SCHOOLS Rt Hon Speaker recognised the following Schools: i. Ankamu D/A A&B Basic School in the Gomoa West Constituency, led by the Assistant Headmaster, Mr Fiifi Dadzie; and ii. Benin Bethel CYDC School in the Asante Mampong Municipal Assembly, led by Mr Eric Effah, Project Director. Rt Hon Speaker thanked the Schools for coming to observe proceedings of the day. Sitting suspended at 11:25 a.m. Sitting resumed at 1:00 p.m. Hon Second Deputy Speaker took the Chair. [9] 7. VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS The Votes and Proceedings of the Thirty-Fifth Sitting held on Tuesday, 19th December, 2023 were adopted as the true record of proceedings. 8. PRESENTATION OF PAPERS The following Papers were presented: By the Hon Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Mr James Klutse Avedzi 9. (i) Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana (Technical Universities) for the Year ended 31st December 2021. (ii) Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana (PreUniversity Education Institutions) for the Financial Year ended 31st December 2021. PRESENTATION AND FIRST READING OF BILLS The following Bill was presented and read the first time: By the Hon Minister responsible for Trade and Industry, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond on behalf of the Hon Minister responsible for Energy Energy Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Hon Second Deputy Speaker referred the Bill to the Committee on Mines and Energy for consideration and report. Hon Second Deputy Speaker directed the Committee on Mines and Energy to consider whether the Bill is of urgent nature to be taken through all the stages in one day pursuant to Standing Order 119. [10] 10. MOTION That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢1,734,758,575.00 for the services of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for the year ending 31st December, 2024. (Moved by the Hon Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abdulai Jinapor and seconded by the Hon Chairman of the Committee on Lands and Forestry, Mr Francis Manu-Adabor) Question proposed: Debate arising Question put and motion agreed to Hon Second Deputy Speaker withdrew from the Chair at 1:30 p.m. Rt Hon Speaker resumed the Chair. 11. The House accordingly approved the sum of GH¢1,734,758,575.00 for the services of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for the year ending 31st December, 2024. 12. MOTION That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢786,934,764.00 for the services of the Electoral Commission for the year ending 31st December, 2024. (Moved by the Hon Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and seconded by the Hon Member of the Committee on Special Budget, Ms Patricia Appiagyei) Question proposed: Debate arising Question put and motion agreed to [11] 13. The House accordingly approved the sum of GH¢786,934,764.00 for the services of the Electoral Commission for the year ending 31st December, 2024. Rt Hon Speaker directed the Special Budget Committee to engage the Electoral Commission quarterly on its activities and report to the House where necessary for necessary action. 14. MOTION That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢1,237,216,612.00 for the services of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation for the year ending 31st December, 2024. (Moved by the Hon Minister responsible for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Gifty Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and seconded by the Hon Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Communications, Mr Sylvester Tetteh) Question proposed: Debate arising Question put and motion agreed to 15. The House accordingly approved the sum of GH¢1,237,216,612.00 for the services of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation for the year ending 31st December, 2024. Rt Hon Speaker withdrew from the Chair at 3:30 p.m. Hon Second Deputy Speaker took the Chair. 16. MOTION That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢3,320,653,634.00 for the services of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for the year ending 31st December 2024. [12] (Moved by the Hon Minister responsible for Food and Agriculture, Mr Bryan Acheampong and seconded by the Hon Chairman of the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Mr John Frimpong Osei) Question proposed: Debate arising Question put and motion agreed to 17. The House accordingly approved the sum of GH¢3,320,653,634.00 for the services of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for the year ending 31st December 2024. 18. MOTION That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢2,392,960,280.00 for the services of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the year ending 31st December, 2024. (Moved by the Hon Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Francisca Oteng Mensah and seconded by the Hon Chairperson of the Committee on Gender and Children, Ms Patricia Appiagyei) Question proposed: Debate arising Question put and motion agreed to 19. The House accordingly approved the sum of GH¢2,392,960,280.00 for the services of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the year ending 31st December, 2024. [13] 20. MOTION That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢267,212,801.00 for the services of the Ministry of Railways Development for the year ending 31st December 2024. (Moved by the Hon Deputy Minister for Railways Development, Mr Kwaku Asante-Boateng and seconded by the Hon Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Transport, Mr Kennedy Nyarko Osei) Question proposed: Debate arising Question put and motion agreed to 21. The House accordingly approved the sum of GH¢267,212,801.00 for the services of the Ministry of Railways Development for the year ending 31st December 2024. 22. ADJOURNMENT And it being eight minutes before five o’clock in the evening, the House was adjourned till Thursday next at ten o’clock in the forenoon. CYRIL KWABENA OTENG NSIAH ALBAN SUMANA KINGSFORD BAGBIN Clerk Speaker [14]