Will Minority boycott minisiterial vetting over party orders?

Parliament's Appointments Committee has slated today, February 20 to start vetting of latest ministerial nominees announced by president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

But barely 24-hours to the start of the process which includes almost equal membership on the part of the Majority and Minority Caucuses, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) issued a statement ordering its Members of Parliament to not approve any of the nominees.

According to party, the caucus should rather push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reduce the needless drain on scarce public resources.

In a press statement signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwettey, the NDC it added that the most important thing for government to do right now amid haircuts is a reduction of the size of government.

The statement is mute on whether the MPs on the Committe can sit through the vetting but later reject the approval process.

It read in part: “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,” the statement added.

Parliament readies to vet Sticka, KT Hammond and others

Parliament’s Appointments Committee will, on Monday, February 20, 2023, start vetting ministers and deputy minister-nominees recently announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The nominees to appear before the committee include Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, the Minister-designate for Trade and Industry and the MP for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah (Sticka) who would be serving as his deputy.

MP for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was also nominated as the Minister for Food and Agriculture while Stephen Asamoah Boateng is going to the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry as minister.

Karaga MP, Mohammed Amin Adam was named by the president as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry while Herbert Krapah was nominated deputy Minister for Energy.

Below is the statement

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

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