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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