The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini has cautioned the new government to take a cue from the previous over spending of state funds during the Ghana at 50 celebrations.
“However let the celebration not be used as an opportunity to dissipate public funds, reward political party loyalist or be a subtle means to celebrate an election victory at the polls.
[Mr Speaker] this caution becomes necessary because of the fresh experiences during the celebration of Ghana@50, a decade ago, “he said.
Although he commended the President for the 30 member committee he has formed to plan the celebration, he recalled that former President Kuffour formed the same committee which led to the misuse of state funds.
On the 20th of July 2007, Parliament approved US$20 million as the first tranche of the total amount of Ghs 29.31m which was approved for the celebrations. The second tranche of eleven million eight hundred thousand United States Dollars (US$11.8 millions) which was a loan from Fidelity Bank, was approved by this august house on the 30th day of July, 2007.
He also added that a government white paper on a commission of enquiry report, by 31st December, 2008, a total sum of ninety-seven million seven hundred and seventy-six thousand three hundred and eighty-eight Ghana Cedis and forty-four Ghana Pesewas (GH¢97,776,388.44) had been spent on the celebrations. Far in excess of over 300% of what was approved.
Mr Suhuyini explained that “Despite additional proceeds accruing to the planning committee through the sale of cars, land, furnishing, mansions and sponsorship totaling nineteen million three hundred and fifty-two thousand four hundred and ninety-eighty Ghana Cedis (GH¢19,352,498.00) only GH¢4,800,543.38 of that was used for its intended purpose of servicing the loan from Fidelity Bank which parliament approved, leaving an outstanding amount of fifteen million three hundred and seventy-four thousand and seventy-five Ghana Cedis and fifty-eight Ghana Pesewas (GH¢15,374,075.58) as at December 2008.
Aside this, non-cash donations were not properly accounted for, costly bridging finance and overdraft facilities were procured from banks because according to organizers there were delays in budgetary releases.
According to him, the government white paper several projects such as rest stops, toilets and the renovation of heritage sites were either left incomplete due to lack of funds or not started though paid for. Even a green Ghana project was commenced in the middle of October and at the start of harmattan and according to the CEO speaking before the commission 6million seedlings were planted.
“Mr. Speaker these and like happenings which fill our airwaves even now, breed cynicism which threaten the foundations of our forth republican democracy. Our citizens need a break, and it is my prayer and anticipation that this celebration planning committee will apply the brakes as they are guided by the ghost of the past celebration.
I hope this time around the budget will not be exceeded and the private sector, which after all is still very much alive and not collapsed will indeed support considerably.”
Source: B&FT
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So ***barred word***. Empty barrels set say make de most noise. This is not radio gold alhaji n alhaji. Hey a life lazy body.
I'm sorry Tamale North
I'm really disappointed in Tamale central constituency, how can you send this thing to parliament to disgrace you? He is just a noise maker and courting a lot of hate for himself and that will affect the constituency. This guy think he can be noisy like Fiifi Kwettey,Quashiega, Ablakwah and co and that will make him a tough guy but that will end him the most idi*t hated by Ghanaians like his mentors. Parliament is for serious people not gangs game where one want to show his toughness by making too much noise with no sense. This guy has been in Parliament for less than 3 months but all over Ghana for the wrong side,he is courting a lot of hate from 3/4 of the country and how can you send an idi*t like that to represent you in Parliament.Rawlings who was a youth in his 30s-40s didn't give Ghana such idi*ts in his government,appointees and parliamentarians. These JSS & SHS boys are too,too st*pid and need to go back to school to learn sense, we can't leave this country in the hands of half educated idi*ts. Our education system must be reversed to 5th and 6th form system so as to get matured students to become matured adults. We are breeding to much fo*ls to ruin our country. GOD HAVE MERCY.
Infact this guy is a great liability to his constituency, how can they let such a guy who had every bit of his fiber soaked in propaganda be representing then. He is smart in a very bad way and I don't think he will go far in his chosen career. Has he spoken about Ghana at 40, even common independence celebration such as that for last year, hypocrite
Suhuni or whatever your name is ***barred word***. you just entered parliament and want to be heard all over. give us a break, watch your back