Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has appealed to Members of the Majority caucus in Parliament to join the Minority in rejecting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees when it comes to the secret voting.
Mr Armah Kofi Buah stated that he is aware of some New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers who have concerns about the size of the Akufo-Addo government and want it downsized.
These MPs, he said, must join the opposition legislators in disapproving of the nominees.
Speaking in an interview with TV3’s Evelyne Tenfmaa on Monday, February 27, the Elembelle Member of Parliament said “Our commitment is to make sure that we can get some of the members from the Majority side to join us so that we can vote against these nominations when it is brought to the main House.
“That is the appeal to Members of the Majority side and I know some of them know that this government must cut costs and make sure that they reduce the size of the government, they should join us in this crusade for the people of Ghana.”
This was after the chair of the Appointments Committee of Parliament Joseph Osei Owusu said the report of the committee will be taken through a secret vote.
Mr Osei Owusu said “Our recommendation will be that the Majority says yes then the Minority says no. If we recommend approval by consensus then the decision is taken by voice vote but when we recommend by Majority decision then the report is adopted by a secret ballot.”
Prior to the vetting of he nominees on Monday, February 20, the Minority said they were not going to subscribe to a consensus vote at the level of the Appointments Committee regarding the new ministers-designate.
The National Democratic Congres (NDC) told its lawmakers not to approve President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees.
The NDC said it has long expressed concern over the very large size of the current government and shares the views 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, the main opposition party said in a statement on Sunday February 19 signed by General Secretary Foifi Kwetey that, 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.”
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Monday February 20, the Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said “A couple of weeks ago, the President announced names of nominees for Ministerial appointments. The vetting commenced this morning.
“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.
“However, the Minority will not subscribe to a consensus vote at the level of the Appointments Committee. This will ensure that the matter is brought before the full House for a vote to be taken in secret.”
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana