Private legal practitioner, Nana Agyeman Abu Bonsrah says other non-constitutional factors should be considered when appointing and vetting Minister-designates.
Speaking in an interview, he said aside constitutional requirements the nominees have to meet, other factors must be critically considered.
“I believe that the President having to look at the constitutional requirements also have to look at what is not in our law. I think it will be in the interest of our nation. They should look at temperaments, policy grasp, policy direction and all of that. When some of these things are lacking, there comes a cause for concern.”
Abu Bonsrah
Parliament’s Approval and Sammy Gyamfi’s untoward comments
Touching on the complaints after the voting by Parliament by Sammy Gyamfi, he posited that, it was needless. He explained that, with the eligibility and appointment of ministers, the constitution clearly has given what to look out for.
Additionally, he said the vetting process was needless because the Appointments committee did not have the power to reject nominees.
On the issue of the NDC Communications officer, Sammy Gyamfi’s comments on the approval, he said the statement is contemptuous. He criticized his choice of words, language and tone and termed it as one that is not ideal.
He further explained that, the Speaker and some party leaders are to be addressed with some manner of respect.
Moreover, Mr Emmanuel Amoah-Darkwah, an economist says the concerns by the opposition party is legitimate for the minority to ask questions.
He noted that, with the approval of the nominees, many factors went into play which have in turn raised lots of questions. He said, the country’s focus should be on getting competent persons to run the various sectors.
The Vetting Process
Touching on concerns with the competency of some of the designates, he suggested more probing should have been done during vetting.
“If they aren’t pleased with, the various issues that come up during their vetting, they should be able to ask for further and better particulars. It shouldn’t be like because they have appointment from the Executive, they will approve them. But through this vetting scrutiny, we should be able to get the best out of the nominees”
Amoah Darkwah
Mr Amoah-Darkwah further noted that if thorough scrutiny is done, the best would come out of the ministers designates. He also revealed public service delivery is very critical to the nation’s development. This he explained that, looking at the reasons some developments have not been achieved is due to the poor execution of the public service duties by persons in charge of these.
“So, its very important who is appoint to a ministry or a department or made the head of the sector or an agency.”
Amoah Darkwah
Mr Amoah-Darkwa then urged that the Appointments committee in their next vetting ask questions to clarify issues. This, he said, will in turn help appoint competent people for the job.
“I think it was a good process. But I think next time if you have an issue whether majority or minority, they should ask further questions.”
Amoah-Darkwah
