In accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President John Dramani Mahama has submitted to Parliament the first list of Ministerial nominations in his government for prior Parliamentary approval.
Reading a communication from the President to the House, the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, mentioned the following Members of Parliament as Ministerial nominees for various positions by the President.
1. Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
2. Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
3. Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayini – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
The Rt.Hon. Speaker later referred the communication to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report.
Commenting on the communication, the Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin congratulated the nominees and also urged those whose names have not been mentioned to have patience and bid for the right time.
The Minority Leader was however not enthused about the President’s style of nominating only three (3) people for Ministerial appointment in his first communication to the House. According to him the President has indicated his intention of not wasting anytime to set up his government therefore such prompt mantra must be exhibited in his communication to the House.
Before adjourning the House, the First Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, noted that the House will adjourn for Nine (9) days and resume on 21st January 2025. He explained that this will give the first time Members of Parliament the opportunity to undergo orientation.
The House in accordance with Standing Order 3, has also agreed that the Appointments Committee can go ahead and consider nominees in subsequent communication from the President to the House even when the House stands adjourned.
The Appointments Committee is expected to hold public hearing and vet the nominees for prior approval as soon as possible.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
