Only accredited persons can attend vetting of ministers

Only persons accredited would be allowed into the room where ministers-designate would be vetted, Parliament’s Appointments Committee has served notice.

The committee is preparing to issue accreditation to few people that would be invited by persons nominated by President Akufo-Addo to serve in the various ministries, in order for them to observe the vetting process.

The decision is seen as a cure to a worrying phenomenon in the past where the vetting room is filled with large followers of persons being vetted.

Speaking on Yen Nsempa morning show on Onua FM hosted by Bright Akwasi Asempa, the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who is also the Member of Parliament for Suame was emphatic that persons without accreditation would be denied entry. He further explained that the move would go a long way to save the would-be ministers from being corrupt: ministers are sometimes expected to return favour to persons who gave them moral support during vetting.

The ministers-designate would be able to save cost, the Majority Leader noted. According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, ministers-designate who bring people, especially from outside, have to bear their feeding cost and transportation fares.

He told Onua News that a maximum of ten (10) accreditations will be offered to each appointee for their guests. At the discretion of the Appointments Committee, four appointees may appear before members each day from next week.

The Majority Leader of Parliament also announced on Onua FM that an induction is being organized for both new and old Members of Parliament in order to learn: How to catch the Speakers eyes when you want to make any submission in the chamber, so you don’t raise your hand since that is prohibited in the House; also members will be thought the duties and responsibilities of an MP so they don’t continue to make unnecessary promises to their constituents.

He said these and many more will form part of the induction which will begin on the 24th January, 2016.