Ghana’s Minority caucus in Parliament is pushing for a secret balloting for the approval of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees, indicating a potential challenge to the government’s legislative agenda. The MPs said they will not subscribe to a consensus voting of new ministers after they had been vetted by the Appointments Committee. This development could lead to a heated debate in Parliament, which could threaten the government’s ambitious economic reforms.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the vetting process, stating that the public must be assured that the candidates nominated for ministerial positions have been scrutinized in a fair and impartial manner. He also highlighted that the Minority will partake in the vetting to scrutinize the process, adding that they will not spare any efforts to protect the public purse.
“We in the Minority wish to make it clear that we remain committed to ensuring greater scrutiny and will spare no effort to protect the public purse. In line with this, we are taking part in the vetting process so that at the very minimum, we can scrutinize the President’s decision in bringing up those nominees,” the Minority Leader indicated.
The Minority Leader’s call for transparency in the vetting process reflects a growing concern among Ghanaians about the need for greater accountability in government. In recent years, the government has faced criticism over the management of the country’s resources, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
However, the government has defended its economic reforms, stating that they are necessary to boost economic growth and improve the lives of Ghanaians. The government has also emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, with President Akufo-Addo launching initiatives such as the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ agenda, which seeks to make Ghana self-sufficient and less reliant on foreign aid.
The Minority Leader also called for the immediate reduction in the number of ministers from 86 to 65, and the merger of ministries to improve efficiency and reduce duplication of roles. The reduction in the number of political appointees at the Office of the President was also called for.
The call for a reduction in the number of ministers comes as the vetting of new ministers commences on Monday, February 20, 2023. The new ministers include KT Hammond, Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, MP for Nhyiaeso and former head of MASLOC, Stephen Amoah, who has been nominated as a Deputy Trade Minister.
MP for Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Acheampong has also been nominated to head the Ministry of Food and Agriculture while MP for Akwapim South OB Amoah has been picked as the Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government. Stephen Asamoah Boateng will also oversee the affairs of the Chieftaincy Ministry.
The rest are OB Amoah, the MP for Akwapim South now Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, MP for Karaga now Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.
The Adansi Asokwa MP will replace Alan Kyerematen who resigned to pursue his presidential ambitions. Bryan Acheampong will also replace the former Ministry of Food and Agriculture Dr. Afriyie Akoto who also resigned to pursue his presidential vision.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had earlier directed the Minority Caucus in Parliament not to approve President Nana Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees, adding further uncertainty to the vetting process.
The current political climate in Ghana underscores the importance of transparency, accountability and a commitment to reform in government.
