Parliament to pass petroleum revenue bill

Parliament is preparing to pass the petroleum revenue management bill after wrangling over key issues delayed its passage late last year. Parliamentary spokesman Jones Kugblenu said on 9th February that the House is “working towards passing the bill on Friday (11th February),” adding that work could be extended into the following week. “They have gone over all the controversial issues now”, he said.

Majority Leader Cletus Avoka said that Parliament would pass the bill before 17th February, when President John Atta Mills is scheduled to address the House.

However, Ghana's Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Henry Ford Kamel told a 9th February mining meeting in South Africa that he hoped the bill would be passed “by July”.

The government had hoped to pass the bill before first oil production started on 15th December.

For more news and expert analysis about Ghana, please see Ghana Politics & Security.

© 2011 Menas Associates

Ghana: Parliament approves oil revenue accountability committee

Parliament has voted in favour of clause 53 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill to establish a Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) despite reservations by the House Majority.

The new committee will ensure transparency in the management of petroleum revenue. Initially, the Majority were not in favour of the PIAC as they felt its duties could be performed by other state institutions. However, after consultation with the Minority, the House unanimously approved the clause.

Speaking during the parliamentary session, Majority leader Cletus Avoka stressed that while he approved the establishment of the committee, the House would have to further examine its functions and composition.

Chairman of the Energy Committee Moses Asaga wants the PIAC's powers to be limited to petroleum revenues only. Dr Anthony Akoto Osei – a member of Parliament's Finance Committee and the opposition Natioanl People Party – said that the PIAC could only function effectively if it is allowed to operate freely with few restrictions.

The House resumed debate on the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill last week after failing to pass it before going on recess.

For more news and expert analysis about Ghana, please see Ghana Politics & Security.


© 2010 Menas Associates