The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked the Minority Caucus in Parliament not to approve the recently nominated Ministers and Deputies by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The NDC are hiding under the pretense of the current economic situation in the country to frustrate the vetting and approval process of the nominees for its partisan interest.
President Nana Akufo-Addo on February 7 nominated the Members of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa and Abetifi K.T Hammond and Bryan Acheampong as Ministers designate for Trade and Industry and Food and Agricultural respectively to replace the former sector Ministers, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and Owusu Afriyie Akoto who resigned to pursue their presidential ambitions.
The President also nominated Dr Mohammed Amin Adam as Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, while O.B Amoah as Minister of State at Local Government Ministry and Stephen Asamoah Boateng is heading to the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The others are Herbert Krapah as Deputy Minister for Energy and Stephen Amoah as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.
The Appointments Committee of Parliament is expected to vet the new ministerial nominees on Monday, February 20, 2023.
But the General Secretary of the largest opposition party, Fiifi Kwetey in a statement on Sunday, February 19, has cautioned the party MPs not to approve the nominees.
“The NDC has long expressed concern over the very large size of the current government and shares the views of most Ghanaians, including Civil Society, that it must be reduced bearing in mind the current massive economic mess, the country has been plunged into by the Akufo-Addo Bawumia government” the NDC asserted.
Read the full statement below
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2023
STATEMENT ON VETTING AND APPROVAL OF NEW MINISTERIAL NOMINEES.
The NDC has long expressed concern over the very large size of the current government and shares the views of most Ghanaians, including Civil Society, that it must be reduced bearing in mind the current massive economic mess, the country has been plunged into by the Akufo-Addo Bawumia government.
Despite numerous appeals, President Akufo Addo has quite characteristically, remained adamant and tone deaf.
The leadership of the NDC, has, against this backdrop, directed the Minority caucus in Parliament NOT to approve any of the new ministerial nominees and to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the needless drain on scarce public resources.
In this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a “governmental haircut”. Our directive to the minority in parliament, we believe strongly aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians.
Enough is enough.
Signed.
Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey General Secretary
