Parliament has approved the final batch of ministerial nominees appointed by President John Dramani Mahama following their vetting by the Appointments Committee and subsequent consideration by the House.
However, the approval process was not without controversy, as the Minority Caucus refused to participate in the confirmation of Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The approved Ministers include Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (Minister for Health), Issifu Seidu (Minister of State, Climate Change and Sustainability), and Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu (Minister of State, Government Communications).
Additionally, regional ministerial designations were confirmed for Charity Gardiner (Ahafo Region), Salisu Be-Awuribe (Savannah Region), Wilbert Brentum (Western North Region), and Joseph Nelson (Western Region).
Others approved include Joseph Akwaboah (Bono Region), Francis Owusu Antwi (Bono East Region), Edumoah Ekow Panyin Okyere (Central Region), and Puozuing Charles Lwanga (Upper West Region).
While the rest of the nominees received unanimous approval, the Minority Caucus took a firm stance against Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s nomination as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Citing concerns related to the issue of ORAL, past controversies, and other unspecified matters, the Minority chose to abstain from the vote. This left Hon. Ablakwa’s confirmation solely to the Majority, which secured his approval through a voice vote.
“Give me water, we the minority wash our hands off the approval of Ablakwa, they should carry the sins of Ablakwa. The entire 88 MPs of minority hereby reject the nominee for the Foreign Affairs portfolio and same should reflect in the Hansard”.
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, Minority Leader
This latest development adds to growing tensions between the Majority and Minority Caucuses over recent ministerial vetting scuffle.
Despite calls for bipartisan consensus, the decision to abstain reflects underlying grievances that the Minority has yet to fully elaborate on.
Parliament Also Confirms Fourth Batch of Ministers
Before this, Parliament had approved an earlier set of ministerial nominees from President Mahama’s administration.
The fourth batch of ministers approved included Dr. Rashid Pelpuo (MP for Wa), Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP for Nanton), Samuel Nartey George (MP for Ningo-Prampram), Kofi Adams (MP for Buem), and Joseph Bukari Nikpe (MP for Saboba).
However, the approval process was once again marked by divisions. With the exception of Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, all other nominees in this batch were approved by consensus.
“This is the same nominee who has been holding other public officers to high standards and if you are demanding high standards and if you are demanding from other public officers accountability, then the rule is clear: he who comes to equity must do equity and he who comes to equity must come with clean hands”.
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, Minority Leader
The parliamentary session was chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Fomena Constituency, Hon. Andrews Amoako Asiamah.
The motion for the ministerial approvals was moved by the First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, and was seconded by the Minority Leader and Ranking Member of the same committee.
With these approvals, President Mahama’s ministerial team is now fully constituted. However, the Minority’s decision to boycott Hon Ablakwa and Hon. Samuel Nartey George’s confirmation raises questions about future cooperation between the two sides of the House.
READ ALSO: BoG First Deputy Governor Steps Down Ahead of Term End
