The House will discuss the Appointments Committee’s report on the new Ministers nominated by President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, while the destiny of the new appointments will be decided today, Friday, March 24. This was the instruction given by Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin last night.
This comes after the house took a five-hour break from debating the report to allow members to convene a joint caucus meeting.
Despite opposition from members on both sides of the aisle, the Speaker maintained his stance.
“We agree to disagree, at the end of the day, my decision is that we will debate [the report on Thursday] and take the decision on Friday. I have listened to your submissions, I will permit three from each side of the caucus, ten minutes per person and we will take the next step. My proposal is that we take the decision on Friday, but we will do the debate on Thursday,” the Speaker stated.
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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) instructed the Minority group not to approve the newly nominated ministers prior to their vetting on Monday, February 20, 2023, citing their nominations as an insensitive action that would boost government spending in the midst of an economic crisis.
The nominees for ministerial positions include K.T. Hammond, a member of parliament for Adansi Asokwa, as minister of trade and industry, and Dr. Stephen Amoah, a member of parliament for Nhyiaeso, as his deputy.
Bryan Acheampong, the Abetifi representative to parliament, was also selected as the food and agriculture minister.
Among other positions, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was named Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
In the meantime, the Minority has threatened to vote against the newly nominated 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 will just plead that we approve the ministers,” he appealed.
SOURCE: Citinews
