As part of capital expenditure programmed for 2024, the Parliamentary Service will procure and distribute 600 pieces of laptops for distribution to Hon Members, Senior Staff and Clerks of the Parliamentary Service.

It is aimed at facilitating the work of the August House and deepening the digitalisation agenda of Parliament captured in the report of the special budget committee on the 2024 budget estimates for the parliament of Ghana.

According to the report signed by the Chairman,Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu deliberated over by the house on Friday December 22,2023 before adjourning sine die, for the 2024 Financial Year, Parliament plans to continue the implementation of the ongoing programmes aimed at improving the deliberative, information-dissemination, legislative, financial control, oversight and representational functions of the House and also promote service delivery by the Parliamentary Service to support the work of Parliament.

To this end, Parliament will continue to pursue the implementation of the Medium – Term Strategic Objectives as specified in the Parliament Strategic Plan (2024-2027) as outlined in its Mission Statement.
For the implementation of the above programmes and activities, the Parliament of Ghana has been allocated the sum of One Billion, Twenty-Two Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Three Ghana Cedis (GH$1,022,482,803) for the 2024 financial year.

CONSTRUCTION OF CONSTITUENCY OFFICES FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

The Committee noted with concern that the construction of 45 Constituency Offices for Members of Parliament could not commence as expected, although provisions were made in the 2023 Financial Year for the project.

The Committee was informed that there are conditions precedent to the commencement of the project. These include permits or documentation for the acquisition of Title Deeds covering the land which must be in the name of Parliament and the approval of the Architectural Designs for the building by the Parliamentary Service Board.

The Committee noted that so far, only ten Members have presented documents covering the land to the Clerk, and the Architectural Designs are yet to be approved by the Parliamentary Service Board.

The Committee was however, assured that preparations are far advanced for the project to commence in the 2024
Financial Year.

The Committee therefore encourages Hon. Members to follow up and present the required documentation covering the land procured for the Project so that the Technical Committee can be constituted by Parliament to authenticate the lands in 2024 in preparation for the commencement of actual construction works.

The Committee again, urges the Board to fast-track the process to approve the Architectural designs to start the project as planned.

The Committee noted that the President’s recommendation which is eight percent (8%) short of the budgetary requirement of Parliament will make it difficult for the House to undertake the construction of the intended 45 number Constituency Offices in the 2024 financial year.

“The Committee recommends to the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Leadership to take up the matter with the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the necessary resources are made available to the House to undertake this critical infrastructure project.” the report captures

In view of the immense benefits of the project in facilitating the representational role of Members and Parliament, the Committee urges all Members to take steps to submit their land documents and the necessary permits to the Office of the Clerk without delay.

The Committee reiterates that the parcel of land procured shall have to be in the name of the respective District Assemblies or the Parliamentary Service to avoid political coloration and ensure inclusive ownership of the project.

BEEFING UP SECURITY IN PARLIAMENT AND MPs

The Committee equally commended the Rt. Hon Speaker and the Leadership of Parliament for the continuous efforts in improving the security situations in Ghana.

However, they were of the believe that the security situation in Parliament and Members of Parliament is still at the level of insufficiency and fragility.

It hence accordingly urges the Rt. Hon Speaker and the Leadership to allocate more resources in improving the security situation in the precincts of Parliament, and for Members of Parliament in particular.

By:Mary Quartey

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