Parliament has confirmed Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Ghana’s new Minister for Foreign Affairs, despite a boycott by the Minority in Parliament.
While Ablakwa’s approval was secured by a majority decision, the Minority Caucus of the NPP abstained from voting, citing concerns over his leadership of the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) task force.
In contrast, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh was unanimously approved as Minister of Health, along with 10 other ministerial nominees who received broad parliamentary backing.
Full List of Approved Ministers:
- Seidu Issifu – Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
- Charity Gardiner – Minister of the Ahafo Region
- Awuribe Issifu – Minister of the Savannah Region
- Wilbert Petty Brentum – Minister of the Western North Region
- Joseph Nelson – Minister of the Western Region
- Joseph Addae Akwaboa – Minister of the Bono Region
- Francis Owusu Antwi – Minister of the Bono East Region
- Puozuing Charles Lwanga – Minister of the Upper East Region
- Felix Kwakye Ofosu – Minister of State for Government Communication
- Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere – Minister of the Central Region
Minority’s Protest Over Ablakwa’s Nomination
Despite his approval, Ablakwa’s appointment was met with strong opposition from the Minority Caucus, who abstained from both the committee-level and plenary votes.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that Ablakwa’s confirmation should be attributed solely to the Majority, arguing that his involvement in the ORAL task force raised legal and ethical concerns.
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In a symbolic protest, Second Deputy Whip Habib Iddrisu dramatically poured bottled water over his hands during the session, declaring, “We are washing our hands of this decision.”
Afenyo-Markin questioned the legitimacy of the ORAL committee, arguing that Ghana already has established anti-corruption institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
He further criticized Ablakwa’s aggressive approach to accountability, stating that “If you hold others’ feet to the fire, you must also demonstrate accountability yourself.”
What’s Next?
With his confirmation secured, Ablakwa and the newly appointed ministers are set to be sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama, marking the next phase of their leadership in government.
