President Akufo-Addo is asking Parliament to expeditiously confirm Deputy Energy Minister, Herbert Krapah as a Minister of State at the Ministry.
This appointment comes as the substantive Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is set to be confirmed as the running mate to the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Speaker of Parliament read the President’s request to the House on Wednesday, July 3.
“In view of the exceptionally heavy workload now attendant at the ministry, it has become necessary to appoint a Minister of State at the Ministry in the person of Honourable Herbert Krapah who is currently a deputy minister. I would be extremely grateful if Parliament acts expeditiously on this request to enable a full complement of the ministers and deputy ministers to undertake their important functions as soon as possible,” portions of the President’s letter to the MPs read.
Dr Bawumia formally informed the party’s national officers about his running mate choice earlier this week.
The meeting took place at the NPP’s headquarters in Asylum Down Accra, following an earlier presentation of Dr Opoku Prempeh’s nomination to the majority caucus in Parliament.
It appears this fresh development is to ensure that a vacuum is not created at the Energy Minister’s office once Dr Opoku-Prempeh is announced as Dr Bawumia’s running mate.
The Manhyia MP’s nomination is now awaiting the decision of the MPP’s National Council, which is the final approving body of the party.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Council is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, where Dr Bawumia is expected to officially announce his choice to them.