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Tag: Habib Iddrisu

  • Habib Iddrisu advises Dumelo to take Deputy Agric Minister role seriously

    Habib Iddrisu advises Dumelo to take Deputy Agric Minister role seriously

    First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has urged Deputy Minister-Designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, to be diligent in his new position and fully support the Minister.

    While speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, Mr. Iddrisu cautioned Dumelo against approaching his political career lightly, emphasizing that his new responsibility differs from his acting profession.

    “If you go to the Ministry, try to assist your Minister. The Ministry is huge, and you should not try to jump the gun. And also note that when you go to the Ministry, you are not in your movie industry as you are. Try to be as serious as you can so that you can be able to assist your Minister to succeed,” Mr. Iddrisu advised.

    The Ayawaso West Wuogon legislator has been selected to serve as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, a role that will require him to contribute to policy implementation and sectoral growth.

    Ahead of his confirmation, Dumelo expressed his ambition to inspire Ghanaians to chase their dreams and succeed in their fields.

    “I want to inspire people to be able to follow their passion, follow what they want to do, and do it and do it well,” Mr. Dumelo stated.

    Reflecting on his journey, he pointed out his accomplishments in the entertainment industry, entrepreneurship, and politics. While he believes he has excelled in the first two, he admitted he is still striving to establish himself in governance.

    “I’m a man of probably many talents. In the movie industry, I think I did quite well. In the business industry, I think I’m doing quite well. And in politics, I’m yet to do well,” he admitted.

    Dumelo hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can motivate others to work toward their aspirations and make a positive impact in Ghana.

  • You couldn’t run the economy for 12 hours but want to do 24 hours – Habib Iddrisu to Mahama

    You couldn’t run the economy for 12 hours but want to do 24 hours – Habib Iddrisu to Mahama

    Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s 24-hour economy policy, dismissing it as a joke and self-mockery.

    Mr Iddrisu highlighted the NDC’s past challenges in managing a 12-hour economy during their political tenure due to frequent power outages, commonly known as ‘dumsor,’ which adversely affected businesses and employment.

    The NDC’s 24-hour economy proposal, a key policy for the upcoming 2024 general elections, aims to enable businesses to operate round the clock, boosting revenue and providing job opportunities.

    However, Deputy Majority Whip Habib Iddrisu, speaking on GHOne TV, deemed the NDC’s vision as unrealistic, questioning their ability to sustain a 24-hour economy when they struggled with a 12-hour one.

    Iddrisu attributed the ‘dumsor’ crisis to the NDC’s mismanagement of the energy sector, resulting in the shutdown of small-scale businesses and job losses.

    He criticized the NDC for making a mockery of themselves, emphasizing the need for a reliable electricity supply to support any 24-hour economy.

    Regarding the current intermittent power outages, Iddrisu clarified that the situation was not comparable to the ‘dumsor’ era and stated that ongoing maintenance work on power lines was causing temporary outages.

    He maintained that Ghana was not experiencing ‘dumsor’ under the current administration and emphasized the government’s efforts to address the power-related challenges.

  • NPP Parliamentary reshuffle: Habib Iddrisu is 1st Deputy Majority Chief Whip

    NPP Parliamentary reshuffle: Habib Iddrisu is 1st Deputy Majority Chief Whip

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tolon Constituency, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, has been elevated to the position of 1st Deputy Majority Chief Whip.

    Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, who is serving the last year of his first term in the legislature, has become the first MP in the Fourth Republic from the area to achieve such a status.

    The promotion, announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, places Alhaji Habib Iddrisu among the leaders of the majority who sit on the front row in the chamber.

    Known for his hard work and results-oriented approach, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu has prioritized the needs of his constituents in areas such as education, health, and infrastructural development.

    In his response to the new role, he expressed his determination to do more for his constituency and the country as a whole. He pledged to offer the necessary support to his side for the effective execution of business in the house.

    “This though came to me as a surprise, I am optimistic it will spur me on to do more for my constituency and the country at large. I have a responsibility to lend the needed support to the leader of my side and colleagues for the overall development of mother Ghana”, he disclosed.

    Following an emergency meeting between the majority Caucus members and President Nana Akufo-Addo, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stepped down from his position as Majority Leader on Wednesday, February 21.

    In a subsequent meeting of the National Council of the NPP on Friday, February 23, 2024, where the changes were confirmed, the Suame MP, who is in his final term, was confirmed as a Minister of Parliamentary Affairs despite his resignation as Majority Leader.

    Presenting the recommendations and the concurrence letter from the Majority Caucus, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Koduah, who was part of the emergency meeting, indicated that the caucus sought approval from the National Council, which convened at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

    This process, he added, adheres to the provisions of Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024), as interpreted by Speaker Alban SK Bagbin. The Speaker’s interpretation emphasized the significant role of parliamentary caucuses in leadership selection while maintaining the involvement of political parties in the process to ensure a balance between internal party democracy and parliamentary norms.

    According to the NEC’s recommendations, the newly appointed leadership team for the Majority Front Bench will consist of:

    • Majority Leader: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu
    • Deputy Majority Leader: Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa
    • Majority Chief Whip: Frank Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri
    • First Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon
    • Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra
  • NPP Primaries: Habib Iddrisu set to retain Tolon seat as he goes unopposed

    NPP Primaries: Habib Iddrisu set to retain Tolon seat as he goes unopposed

    The Member of Parliament for Tolon and Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, is set to face no competition in the upcoming NPP Parliamentary primary scheduled for January 27th in the constituency.

    Having assumed office as an MP in 2021, Habib Iddrisu is the sole candidate who submitted his nomination for the primaries before the deadline closed on December 25th, 2023.

    During the 2020 election, Habib Iddrisu secured a significant victory by polling 31,429 votes, surpassing the NDC’s Yussif Adamu, who garnered 22,145 votes.

    With no contenders in the current primary, Habib Iddrisu is poised to represent the NPP once again. He has pledged to enhance the party’s vote count and support for Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 election.

    “I believe my work as MP for the past three years speaks for itself and I am very sure that is why nobody contested me. The Chiefs and people here in Tolon are happy with me and you can see for yourself “.

    On December 2nd, 2023, the NPP conducted primaries in orphan constituencies ahead of the 2024 election.

    The January 27th primaries will be the last internal election for the party ahead of 2024 polls.

  • Mid-Year Budget Review postponed to July 27

    Mid-Year Budget Review postponed to July 27

    The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to present the Mid-Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government and supplementary estimates for the 2023 Financial Year on Thursday, July 27 instead of the earlier announced date of Tuesday, July 25.

    The disclosure was made by Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the Second Deputy Majority Whip, on the floor of Parliament while presenting the Business Statement of the House for the week ending Friday, July 28.

    He emphasized the limited time left for the House to adjourn sine die and urged all Committees with referral Bills to expedite their consideration for the attention of the House.

    The Bills include the Grains Development Authority Bill, 2022, Ghana Industrial Property Office Bill, 2023, Rent Bill, 2023, Budget Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

    The Business Committee recommended commencing sittings each day at 10:00 hours and extending sittings to ensure that business scheduled for the eighth week, mainly the Bills, are considered and passed promptly.

    These measures aim to facilitate the consideration of other parliamentary matters requiring the House’s attention.

    In the upcoming week, four Ministers will attend the House to address 26 questions – one urgent and 25 orals.

    The Ministries include Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Lands and Natural Resources, Sanitation and Water Resources, and Roads and Highways.

  • Habib Iddrisu pleads with food suppliers to discontinue picketing 

    Habib Iddrisu pleads with food suppliers to discontinue picketing 

    Second Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has urged food suppliers across the country not to be influenced by political factors in organising protests at the National Food Buffer Stock Company concerning the outstanding debts owed to them.

    During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Iddrisu emphasized the significance of the suppliers and urged them not to allow their sentiments to be manipulated for political gain.

    “I want to tell the suppliers that they are not just ordinary and they are not just poor people so they should not just allow people to play with their sentiments and politics of this,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture reassured the food suppliers that 50% of the outstanding payments owed them would be disbursed by the end of Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

    According to the Minister, a sum of ¢100 million, representing 50% of the total debt of ¢203 million, was already transferred to the accounts of the food suppliers on Monday, July 17, 2023. The remaining amount is expected to be credited to their accounts by Wednesday.

    “Since 2017, Buffer Stock has done great business with the suppliers to the tune of ¢2.7 billion. In 2017, was ¢81.1 million, in 2018, ¢296 million, in 2019, ¢431 million, in 2020 ¢467million, 2021 ¢692 million, in 2022 ¢726 million. Buffer stock has made payments since it started in 2017, 2018,2019, 2020 and 2021 in full. Mr Speaker in 2022, of the ¢726, 617,881, ¢500 million have been paid to the suppliers. So we owe the suppliers a little more of ¢203 million.”

    “Last week, we received ¢100million which is 50% of what is due to the suppliers’ and we have supplied the same to the Buffer stock. We are hoping that by midweek this week that 50% will be sent to suppliers. I have also assured you that by the 17th of August, the remaining 50% will be paid,” he stated.

    The National Food Suppliers has early on in a media interaction on Monday threatened to resume their picketing on Thursday if the monies were not credited to their accounts by the government.

    Meanwhile, the minority caucus has again boycotted business activities to accompany the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson to the court thereby forcing the house to vary the order of business.

  • Reject political influence – Habib Iddrisu to food suppliers

    Reject political influence – Habib Iddrisu to food suppliers

    The Second Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has urged national food suppliers not to be influenced by political pressures in staging protests at the National Food Buffer Stock Company over the debt owed them.

    Iddrisu stressed the importance of the suppliers during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, urging them not to allow their feelings to be manipulated for political advantage.

    “I want to tell the suppliers that they are not just ordinary and they are not just poor people so they should not just allow people to play with their sentiments and politics of this,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture promised food suppliers that 50% of overdue payments would be issued by the end of Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

    According to the Minister, a total of $100 million, or 50% of the total debt of 203 million, was already transferred to the accounts of food suppliers on Monday, July 17, 2023. The balance is expected to be credited to their accounts by Wednesday.

    “Since 2017, Buffer Stock has done great business with the suppliers to the tune of ¢2.7 billion. In 2017, was ¢81.1 million, in 2018, ¢296 million, in 2019, ¢431 million, in 2020 ¢467million, 2021 ¢692 million, in 2022 ¢726 million. Buffer stock has made payments since it started in 2017, 2018,2019, 2020 and 2021 in full. Mr Speaker in 2022, of the ¢726, 617,881, ¢500 million have been paid to the suppliers. So we owe the suppliers a little more of ¢203 million.”

    “Last week, we received ¢100million which is 50% of what is due to the suppliers’ and we have supplied the same to the Buffer stock. We are hoping that by midweek this week that 50% will be sent to suppliers. I have also assured you that by the 17th of August, the remaining 50% will be paid,” he stated.

    In an early press conference on Monday, the National Food Suppliers Association vowed to resume picketing on Thursday if the funds were not paid to their accounts by the government.

    Meanwhile, the minority caucus has once again boycotted business activities in order to accompany Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson to court, causing the house to change the order of business.

  • Tolon MP debunks forgery allegations; threatens to take action against persons claiming otherwise 

    Tolon MP debunks forgery allegations; threatens to take action against persons claiming otherwise 

    Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, has debunked allegations of forgery made against him in Australia.

    The accusations came to light when Yaw Brogya Genfi, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Organiser, filed a writ at the Supreme Court seeking to annul Habib Iddrisu’s election as the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for the Tolon constituency.

    In the writ, Brogya Genfi claimed that the MP had been convicted of fraud and forgery in Australia, making him ineligible to contest the Ghanaian election at the time he filed his nomination.

    According to the writ filed on November 7, 2023, Mr. Iddrisu pleaded guilty and was convicted by the Perth Magistrates Court on November 28, 2011.

    During a recent appearance on the Big Issues show on July 16, the Tolon MP was confronted about the case by lawyer Martin Kpebu.

    In response, Habib Iddrisu asserted, “There is no case against me.” However, Martin Kpebu reminded the MP of the eligibility issue, stating, “They said you are not eligible. You were convicted in Australia for something.”

    Expressing his frustration, the Tolon MP firmly denied being found guilty in any court of competent jurisdiction and expressed disappointment in Martin Kpebu’s remarks.

    Habib Iddrisu warned, “He has mentioned a certain statement, and I’m telling you that I’m going to take action based on this record. You said I was convicted in Australia and that there is a case against me. The point is, have I been found guilty in any court of competent jurisdiction. I’m very disappointed in you. If you don’t withdraw it now, I will take action.”

    The MP further emphasized, “You cannot sit down here and make reckless and stupid comments. To the best of my knowledge, I have not been declared guilty at any court.”

  • Habib Iddrisu, Mustapha Ussif, pose in a picture with Dangote at Mecca

    Habib Iddrisu, Mustapha Ussif, pose in a picture with Dangote at Mecca

    Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu and his colleague Member of Parliament and Minister of Sports, Mustapha Ussif, are in the holy land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

    The duo were captured in the ihram (traditional Islamic covering for male pilgrims) attending Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in Mecca.

    Photos being shared on Facebook by the deputy Majority Chief Whip on Facebook, captures the two MPs in the company of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

    They are captured in the Haram (the immediate precincts of the Kabah) where most pilgrims gather to pray on a daily basis.

    Dangote is wearing dark shades and holding a face mask with Habib and Ussif standing to his right side.

    Aside the two MPs, Tamale North lawmaker, Alhassan Suhuyini has also been spotted separately in Mecca performing the Umrah rites. Alhassan Tampuli, Farouk Aliu Mahama and Ibrahim Murtala-Mohammed are also in Saudi.

    Ramadan is a busy season for the cities of Mecca and Medina, as people throng in from across the world to undertake the Umrah in the blessed season of worship.

  • To enable govt finance its budget, we must pay our taxes – MP

    To enable govt finance its budget, we must pay our taxes – MP

    Member of Parliament for Tolon constituency, Habib Iddrisu, has called on Ghanaians to pay their taxes.

    According to him, payment of taxes by citizens will help government finance its expenditure and projects outlined in the 2023 budget.

    Speaking on Citi Breakfast Show, Mr Iddrisu noted that the introduction of new tax measures will help shore up the country’s revenue.

    “These are revenue measures to finance the expenditure of the budget…Our tax to GDP is still somewhere around 13, 14% in Ghana…We need to pay our taxes so that government will be able to use that to finance its programmes and its projects,” he said.

    “We [majority in parliament] supported this bill because it was part of the budget we supported…” Habib Iddrisu explained

    It would be recalled parliament on Friday, March 31, 2023, passed three revenue bills, namely; Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty Amendment Bill, and Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill.

    The country will rake in GH¢3.96 billion when the aforementioned bills are implemented.

    The Growth and Sustainability Levy is expected to raise approximately GH¢2.216 billion in 2023, while the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2022 which amends the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) is expected to yield revenues of approximately GH¢1.29 billion.

    The Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2022 amends the Excise Duty Act, 2014 (Act 878) and is expected to yield approximately GH¢455 million.

    Some Ghanaians, including the business community, have however tongue-lashed Members of Parliament for passing the three revenue bills.

  • How a Ghanaian MP was sutured in Parliament’s ‘toilet room’

    How a Ghanaian MP was sutured in Parliament’s ‘toilet room’

    The Majority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has disclosed that the Member of Parliament for Nanton, Mohammed Hardi Tuferu’s, wounds were cleaned and stitched up in Parliament’s restroom.

    Mohammed Tuferu was involved in an accident ahead of a crucial vote on the government’s revenue bills on Friday.

    His car reportedly somersaulted several times before landing upside down.

    The MP is reported to have suffered a deep cut on his forehead but was still taken to Parliament to vote before he was taken to hospital for further treatment.

    Some Ghanaians have described the decision to rush the MP to Parliament after a near-fatal accident as reckless and insensitive but speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, April 3, Mr Iddrisu said safety precautions were taken before the MP was sent to Parliament to participate in proceedings.

    “The time we were taking the voice vote, he had come to Parliament and I put him in the washroom, we didn’t put him in the Chamber, we put him in the washroom and brought the nurses from Parliament and a doctor to attend to him. The Majority Leader came, and the nurses from Parliament came to attend to him in the washroom”.

    “He had minor bruises on his face, so they cleaned it up and even stitched it up. So he was stitched in Parliament in the washroom.”

    Mr Iddrisu also dismissed claims that several other majority MPs were absent from Parliament.

    According to him, no MP was outside the country and nothing untoward was done to pass the government’s new tax bills.

  • Brogya Genfi challenges legitimacy of Habib Iddrisu to serve as MP

    The Ashanti Regional Deputy Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Yaw Brogya Genfi, has filed a suit against the sitting Member of Parliament for Tolon Constituency, Habib Iddrisu questioning the legitimacy of the legislator.

    In a writ filed at the Supreme Court on Monday, November 7, 2022, Brogya Genfi argued that the legislator, who is a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is constitutionally unfit to run for and be a lawmaker for any constituency in Ghana because he was allegedly convicted of fraud in Australia before 2020 elections.

    According to Mr Genfi, a convict, per Article 94(2)(c)(i) of the 1992 constitution is not permitted to hold state and public offices.

    The writ which seeks the Apex Court to invoke its original powers to interpret and enforce the constitution named the legislator, the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Attorney-General as defendants.

    Responding to the suit against him in an exclusive interview on Citi TV’s The Big Issue, Habib Iddrisu denied knowledge of the suit.

    According to him, he has heard of rumours concerning the suit but he is yet to be served.

    “I have also been hearing it on social media, that is all to it. I have not been served, so whatever I hear, I have to be served to know what it is about,” Iddrisu told host Selorm Adonoo.

    The Tolon MP also urged his constituents not to panic over reports of the suit against him, adding that he is innocent of all the allegations.

    “But you see, my constituents shouldn’t be worried…the allegations against me, I am innocent of it.”

    Source: Ghanaweb 

  • Government will conclude IMF negotiations and incorporate deal in 2023 Budget – Habib Iddrisu

    Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu says government will complete negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before the 2023 Budget will be presented to Parliament.

    The Tolon MP is convinced that government will secure a bailout for the country before November 15.

    Speaking on Newsfile, Saturday, he said due to the confidence and trust imposed by the IMF in Akufo-Addo’s government, negotiations have been at a fast pace to secure a programme for the country.

    “The IMF has trust and confidence in this government and the President for that matter…At the end of the day, the 2023 Budget will be presented and I am very convinced from where I sit that the negotiations with IMF will be concluded by then and will be incorporated in the budget.

    “I am convinced that by the 15th of November the budget that will be presented in Parliament will have incorporated in it the IMF programme,” he said.

    This, he said would happen because of the “credible people at the Finance Ministry”.

    Meanwhile, the lawmaker has debunked claims that the government provided inaccurate macroeconomic figures to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The Tolon MP argued that the IMF with such credibility and credentials could not have accepted just any macroeconomic figures from the Finance Ministry.

    Habib Iddrisu was reacting to allegations on Newsfile by Former Deputy Finance Minister, Mona Quartey that the Economic Management provided incorrect macro-economic numbers to the IMF.

    “We need to respect the institution IMF, especially since due diligence is done by them. They are a credible organization, they will not just sit down and say that the government of Ghana is giving them wrong information and they just take information like that.

    “It is never true that government has provided them with wrong information,” he said on Newsfile, Saturday.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

     

  • Mahama’s ‘Building the Ghana We Want’ lecture was a lamentation of his own failures – Deputy Majority Whip

    The Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the 8th Parliament, Habib Iddrisu, has described the ‘Building the Ghana We Want’ lecture by ex-President John Dramani Mahama as a useless exercise.

    According to him, the former president failed to proffer any tangible solution to the country’s challenges.

    In a TV3 interview monitored by GhanaWeb, Habib Iddrisu added that Mahama only engaged in mere fabrications and lamentations of his own failures as president.

    “Yesterday, I literally wasted my time listening to the ex-president. I listened throughout his speech, and I couldn’t actually understand. In fact, it was very empty. In fact, it was a lamentation of his own mistakes.

    “At the end of the day, there is nothing new that he said yesterday that he had not said before. His presentation was empty in terms of facts. It was empty in terms of data. It was a lamentation of his own mistakes,” he said.

    He reiterated that the former president did not give any solution to the challenges in the country, adding that, left to him alone, the Akufo-Addo government would not give any attention to the statements Mahama made.

    Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama, while delivering the lecture at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, UPSA; lamented the state in which Ghana finds itself economically, stressing that the buck stops with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    He holds, however, that Akufo-Addo has refused serially to take responsibility for the current mess.

    Mahama said that the country had been left to ministers who were performing below par but who the president insists are ‘excellent.’

    He recalled an incident last December where Akufo-Addo said the economic challenges were “not my fault; he refuses to take responsibility,” Mahama stressed.

    The former president insisted that mismanagement was at the heart of the current crisis and not a pandemic or war, “Ghana has been turned into a family heirloom,” Mahama noted.

    According to him, the National Democratic Congress remained ready to share pragmatic steps on how to deal with the current challenges despite the refusal of the New Patriotic Party government to seek support, even if through back channels.