Education Minister rebuts Minority Leader over Energy Sector Levy

The Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has strongly countered claims by the Minority Leader and MP for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, regarding the recently approved energy sector levy on petroleum products.

In a spirited intervention on the floor of Parliament, the Education Minister defended the government’s commitment to reform and constitutional due process.

Rising on a point of order during parliamentary debate on the new Energy Sector Recovery Levy, the Minister stated that his interruption was necessary to clarify two critical misconceptions raised by the Minority Leader.

First, he addressed the Minority Leader’s assertion that the government has failed to undertake the necessary reforms to rescue the energy sector. The Minister firmly rejected that claim, pointing out that President John Dramani Mahama has already given cabinet approval for private sector participation in electricity distribution, a transformative move designed to inject efficiency and innovation into the sector.

“The honorable minority leader knows that when the leader is on his feet, it must be very compelling for me to come on a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I do so on two counts. One, repeatedly he’s stated that this government must undertake necessary reforms and that this government is failing to undertake the reforms.

“Mr. Speaker, I just want to assure him that President Mahama as President of the Republic has given cabinet approval for private sector participation in electricity, akin to the PDS Field Initiative, which is a major reform decision to open up electricity company so that efficiencies will improve.” He stated.

Hon. Iddrisu further criticized the Minority Leader’s questioning of the use of a certificate of urgency for the bill, pointing out that the Energy Sector Recovery Levy qualifies as a financial bill and is therefore constitutionally exempt from certain legislative delays.

He further explained the urgency of the situation, reminding Parliament that the government acted promptly to prevent another episode of dumsor (persistent power outages), which in the past severely affected businesses and households across the country.

“Mr. Speaker, the second count of my point of order is when the leader says that certificate of agency, certificate of agency on what? This is a financial bill, that combined effect of article 1062 and 108. This is not a bill we should be debating agency. Indeed, the Minister for Finance introduced this bill in daylight in order that he can save the country from dumsor tomorrow.

“This government will not sleep and wake up tomorrow to be blamed that this country will be subjected to another energy failures that will cripple the private sector, cripple individuals from undertaking their economic activities, so Mr. Speaker, let the leader be reminded that you, I respect your law. Read the combined effect of Article 1062 and 108 combined. This bill is a financial bill and can work the process and be concluded today in accordance with the constitution and the law. Thank you Mr. Speaker.” He said.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net