The Minority in Parliament has indicated it will monitor the GH¢1.2 billion approved for the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) to ensure it is used for the intended purpose.
The GH¢1.2 billion, according to the Minority, is quite a huge amount and has a responsibility to ensure the money is used judiciously.
Member for Yapei Kusawgu and a Minority member of the Finance Committee, John Jinapor, in an interview noted the relief being sought to offer Ghanaians with the Fund is proper.
He warned, however, his side will not tolerate arbitrary expenditures that will not benefit the people.
Also READ: COVID-19: Parliament approves GH¢1.2 billion expenditure on CAP
Mr. Jinapor spoke to Frontpageghana.com after the Minister of Finance was granted approval to access the amount from the Contingency Fund.
Parliament was recalled from suspension to listen to the Minister’s request to be granted approval to start spending from the Contingency Fund.
However, Chairman of the Finance Committee Dr. Mark Assibey Yeboah noted that Article 177(1) of the 1992 Constitution mandates the Committee to grant approval of such nature without plenary approval.
He indicated that the Committee will, therefore, write immediately to the Minister authorizing the expenditure.
Mr. Jinapor noted that the Minority has its position in terms of what ought to be done and will push the proposal strongly to the Minister.
He argued that in this difficult moment the best thing to do is build consensus to ensure indeed the interest of the Ghanaian people is served.
Also: Drivers create alternative routes to swerve security check points
GH¢280 million of the approved GH¢1.2 billion will go into food packages and hot meals while GH¢40 million will be used to stock the National Buffer Stock Company.
An additional GH¢200 million will be used to cater to bills on water and sanitation and GH¢241 will cover tax waiver for health personnel.
GH¢80 million will be spent on the allowance for health staff, GH¢2 million will be used to cover transportation for health workers and ¢600 million will be disbursed as soft loans to businesses.
—–
By Uthman A. Marani/Frontpageghana.com/Ghana
