The National Democratic Congress has directed members of its parliamentary caucus to boycott the approval of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Party, Fifi Fiavi Kotey, the NDC asked its MPs to reject the nominees to save the costs spent on the executive arm of government.
"In this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a 'government haircut'. Our directive to the minority in parliament, we believe strongly aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians," portions of the statement read.
President Akufo has nominated step-in ministers for his appointees who have resigned from their position.
The Appointments Committee of Parliament is expected to commence the vetting of these Ministers and Deputy Ministers nominated by the President from Monday, February 20, 2023.
Bagbin's Announcement
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, announced that President Nana Akufo-Addo had nominated the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond as the Minister for Trade and Industry to replace Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen who resigned in January this year to concentrate on his presidential ambition with the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah serving as his deputy.
The Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was also appointed as the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
The move is part of four new ministerial nominations, two elevations from deputy minister to Minister of State positions and one deputy ministerial reshuffle made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Also nominated by the President to be deputy Minister for the Trade and Industry sector is Dr Stephen Amoah, popularly known as 'Sticka', the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso in Kumasi and former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).
This is among a list of other nominations, which have been sent to Parliament for vetting and approval before presidential appointment.
NDC's Position
But the largest opposition party holds the view that considering the hardships in the country, it will be expedient for the President to prune down his appointees, something which they believe the President has turned a blind eye to.
“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 to reduce the needless drain on scarce public resources,” the statement added.
Read attached the full statement
Source: Peacefmonline.com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
The NDC should be aware that desperate opposition to anything has inherent flaws that will undoubtedly come back to haunt them. Then, given the folly of eating all your eggs and believing you can have your chicken too, the negative connotation of losing credibility becomes very clear and imminent.
Can someone give me the cost to the nation of a parliamentarian being appointed ministers of state? Are they paid separately as MPs and separately as minister as to a non MP? We have used propaganda and made it look like there is double payment. Lets take away say thre three minister from each ministry. Will there not be technocrats still? Will the civil and public servants still not be at post? And assuming without admitting that 2 out 3 minister for every ministry are MPs, upon leaving the ministries will they still not be paid as such? So what exactly is the issue. Then lets equally say the legislature is a drain on the economy so they rather not be paid but given stipends and/or honorarium. The voluntarily opted to serve their constituents. How about that? We know the cost of everything yet we know the value of nothing.
Very surprising indeed. So NDC elected MPs are being micro-managed by Asiedu-Nketiah and Fifi Kwartey (unelected Party men at the Headquarters). What will their constituents say? So Asiedu-Nketiah and Fifi Kwartey have replaced their constituents....wow, wow. How can the party officials be bold like this to reverse our democratic gains. This is undemocratic and may explain why they appointed Ato-Forson. Ato-Forson is very weak leader. This is a contempt of parliament and I cannot believe it. So NDC MPs cannot think for themselves and lead their constituents? Haruna would not have agreed to this and would have preferred to die in the ditch.
Irresponsible NDC MPS must know Ministers are appointed to work for the country not to dance. So their Irresponsible actions will only hurt the country and not NPP as a party.
These (P)NDC guys ruled this country for close to 30years with nothing to show us. They only stole our money and enriched themselves and their families. Took huge ex-gratia for years. Some receive ex-gratia for 6times. NDC now behaving like angels. E.v!l NDC party. You guys will remain in opposition forever.