An Anti-Corruption Civil Society Group, Crusaders Against Corruption Ghana (CACG) has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin to as a matter of urgency, pass a vote of censure on Roads and Highways Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
The Group in addition, wants the Speaker to direct the Attorney-General to invoke Article 187, Clause 7 of the 1992 Constitution to surcharge Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
The demands of the Group are in relation to the abolishment of road tolls by the Roads and Highways Minister in November last year.
According to Crusaders Against Corruption Ghana, the cancelation of road tolls by Mr. Amoako-Atta prior to the approval of the 2022 Budget is, unconstitutional.
“Mr. Speaker, the 1992 Constitution of Ghana has provided for how laws are enacted and otherwise, including the body that is mandated to enforce these laws. For avoidance of doubt, reference is made to Article 93 (2) of the aforementioned constitution which states “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the legislative power of Ghana shall be vested in Parliament and shall be exercised in accordance with this Constitution”, portions of the petition read.
The Group is also of the view that the suspension of the road tolls even before Parliament approved the Budget caused financial loss to the state since the state lost over GH₵20m due to the Minister’s directive.
“Mr. Speaker, Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori –Atta indicated that the country would lose GH¢78 million should the road toll be abolished. This figure translates to the country losing GH¢209,677.00 each day as a result of the road tolls not being collected. This means that from November 18, 2021 to 9th March 2022 being the day of submitting this petition, Ghana, has lost a total of GH¢23, 483, 824.00 (Twenty Three Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Four Ghana Cedis), through the unconstitutional and illegal act of Mr. Amoako-Atta,” the Group said in its petition.
Background
The Finance Minister while reading the 2022 Budget on the floor of Parliament on November 17, 2021 disclosed that government will zero-rate tolls on all public roads and bridges immediately after the 2022 Budget is approved.
But the Roads and Highways Minister barely 24 hours after the Finance Minister announced the government’s intention, ordered the cessation of collection road tolls at all public roads and bridges.
His decision was criticised by many Ghanaians including some Members of Parliament who said his act was a contravention of the constitution.
The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin subsequently directed the Minister to with immediate effect, withdraw his statement announcing the cessation of collection road tolls.
According to the Speaker, the Roads Minister lacks the legal mandate to implement a policy proposal when it has not been approved and passed by Parliament.
“It is a proposal they are presenting to us to approve to take effect January, 2022. And so until this budget is approved, all that is contained in the budget are proposals. We have the authority to approve.
“They have been given the authority pursuant to Article 179 to prepare and lay before the House. So those are policy proposals that the Minister has presented to the House. Until they are approved, nobody has the authority to start implementing something that doesn’t exist. That amounts to a disrespect of the House.”
Latest Stories
-
Ebo Whyte offers fully-funded trip as he unveils new play ‘Dubai or No Sex’
9 mins -
Ancient culture of Anlo Kingdom: Exploring “Torkor Atorlia,” the fifth landing stage’s old ways of punishment
24 mins -
Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Botswana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone to lead discussions at Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) 4th Country & Stakeholder Symposium
55 mins -
Network International Delivers Strong 2023 Revenue growth at 15% y/y and free cashflow growth of 16% y/y
55 mins -
President Akufo-Addo extends Easter Greetings to Ghanaians, urges safe drive
1 hour -
Government pushes for use of more local materials in housing, other infrastructure projects
2 hours -
Dr Bawumia extends Easter greetings to Christians
2 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘Ghanaians should expect victory against Stade Malien’ – Dreams FC forward Ishmael Dede
2 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘We want to go there and win’ – Karim Zito on Stade Malian clash
3 hours -
Togbe Adzie Lãkle Howusu XII endorses youth leadership as New Force Movement gains momentum
3 hours -
Public Utility Workers Union appeals to PURC to address power crisis
4 hours -
Anbariya loses another appeal in Kumasi as Appeal Court ratifies High Court ruling against the Islamic Institute
4 hours -
Highway construction health hazard: Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam residents appeal for dust relief
4 hours -
SuperJazzClub releases its first single of the year ‘Off’
4 hours -
Methodist Church to lobby Akufo-Addo for expedited assent to anti-LGBTQI+ Bill
4 hours