The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, gave the directive last night that the house should debate the report of the Appointments Committee on the new ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, while the fates of the newly appointed officials will be decided today, on Friday, March 24.
This is a result of the fact that the House of Representatives halted debate on the report for more than five hours in order to give members the opportunity to participate in a joint caucus meeting.
Despite the fact that members on both sides of the aisle opposed the directive, the Speaker remained firm in his stance.
“We agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, my decision is that we will debate and make the decision on Friday.” I have taken note of all of your comments, and I will now grant ten minutes to each participant, three from each side of the caucus, before moving on to the next stage.
The Speaker made the following statement: “My proposition is that we take the decision on Friday, but that we will do the debate on Thursday.”
On Monday, February 20, 2023, prior to the vetting of the newly nominated ministers, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) instructed the minority group not to approve them.
Describing their appointments as an insensitive move that would increase government expenditures in the midst of an economic mess, the NDC described the appointments as taking place on Monday, February 20, 2023.
K.T. Hammond, a member of parliament representing Adansi Asokwa, has been nominated to serve as the Minister for Trade and Industry. Dr. Stephen Amoah, a member of parliament representing Nhyiasso, will serve as Hammond’s deputy. Both men are among the ministers who have been proposed for nomination.
Bryan Acheampong, who is also the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, has been given the additional responsibility of serving as the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
In addition to his other responsibilities, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was given the role of Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
In the meantime, the minority has indicated that they are planning to vote against the newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the leader of the minority, provided an overview of the rationale behind the organization’s stance.
“We stand with the people of Ghana, and we are urging our fellow party members in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand for Ghana and not for their fellow party members. ” The nominees are our friends and colleagues, Mr. Speaker; however, the guiding principle here is that it is not about them; rather, it is about the Republic of Ghana.
It’s possible that they are our coworkers, friends, or relatives; however, this is not about them. I implore you to stare them in the eyes while you cast your vote against them for the presidency of the Republic of Ghana.
He explained the implications for the future of our nation.
However, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, pleaded with the house to take into consideration whether or not the nominees should be approved.
He made his case by stating, “I will just plead that we approve the ministers.”