The appointment of Minister-designate for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, was disrupted after the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, called for clarity on the status of the Ministry of Public Enterprises, which he described as inexistent.
He objected to the review process, citing the Executive Instrument (E.I.) 12 Civil Service Ministries Instrument 2021, which did not include the Ministry of Public Enterprises.
“With the meaning of E.I. 12, there is no Ministry of Public Enterprises,” said Mr. Iddrisu in his objection.
He also argued that the Presidency should provide “clarity and guidance” on the situation.
“Even if we wait until midnight for the President’s correspondence, but as we proceed, there is no Ministry of Public Enterprise and our hands are tied because we should assess him on the basis of the role he will play.”
However, the Deputy Majority Leader, Alex Afenyo-Markin, argued that the vet could continue to say that this was not an unprecedented situation and compared it to the appointment of State Ministers working under the Presidency.
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“I would like us to consider his appointment not as one for the purpose of running a ministry,” said Mr. Afenyo-Markin.
Following further exchanges, Mr. Iddrisu threatened to abstain from the review process.
“Our side will sit and observe while we wait for the Presidency’s clarity and better details. We do not intend to take part in any further proceedings until we receive a satisfactory explanation from the Office of the Presidency.”
The Chair of the Appointments Committee, Joe Osei-Owusu, responded by saying that he could not ask the Presidency for clarity without the consent of the Speaker of Parliament.
“I don’t think I can go behind Mr. Speaker to talk to the Presidency about things like this, so let’s do what we can,” he said.
But two members of the committee, Patrick Boamah and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, then suggested that the committee should leave the Chamber, after which the committee should consult privately.
Subsequently, Mr. Iddrisu accepted the suggestions.
Source: ATLFMNEWS
