“I’ll just ask that we approve the ministers,”-Majority Leader

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, directed last night that the house debate the Appointments Committee’s report on President Akufo-new Addo’s Ministers on Thursday, while the fates of the new appointees are decided today, Friday, March 24.

This comes after the House suspended debate on the report for more than five hours in order to allow members to attend a joint caucus meeting.

Although members on both sides of the house were not in support of the directive, the Speaker stood by his position.

“At the end of the day, my decision is that we will debate [the report] on Thursday and make a decision on Friday.” I have read your submissions, and I’ll allow three people from each side of the caucus ten minutes each, and we’ll move on. “My proposal is that we make a decision on Friday, but debate on Thursday,” the Speaker said.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) directed the Minority group not to approve the newly nominated ministers prior to their vetting on Monday, February 20, 2023, describing their appointments as an insensitive move that would increase government expenditure in the midst of an economic crisis.

K.T Hammond, Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, has been nominated as Minister for Trade and Industry, with Dr. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, serving as his deputy.

The Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was also appointed as the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

Among other things, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was appointed Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Minority has threatened to vote against the newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers.

Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson outlined some basis for the group’s position.

“We stand with the people of Ghana, and we are urging our colleagues from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand for Ghana and not to stand for their colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the nominees are our colleagues, but the principle is that it’s not about them, it’s about the republic of Ghana. They may be our colleagues and friends and relatives, but it’s not about them. I call on you to look them in their faces and vote against them for the republic of Ghana. For the future of our country,” he said.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu however appealed to the house to consider the approval of the nominees.

“I’ll just ask that we approve the ministers,” he said.