Parliament Approves President’s Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial Nominees Amid Minority Walkout
The Parliament of Ghana approved the President’s nominees for ministerial and deputy ministerial positions last Friday despite a protest walkout by the Minority Caucus, citing concerns over government size and financial burden on taxpayers.
Last Friday, the Parliament of Ghana approved the President’s nominees for various ministerial and deputy ministerial positions despite a dramatic walkout staged by the Minority Caucus. The protest was in response to what the Minority described as an overly large government, which they argued would place an excessive financial burden on taxpayers.
The walkout did not hinder the approval process, as the Majority Caucus remained in the House and endorsed the nominees. These appointments included nine ministers designate, one minister of state designate, and fourteen deputy ministers designate, all of whom were vetted by the Appointments Committee in March 2024.
The approval followed a motion moved by the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, who recommended the House adopt the committee’s report and approve the nominees by consensus.
Ministers Designate
- Andrew Egyapa Mercer - Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
- Lydia Seyram Alhassan - Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources
- Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah - Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development
- Ophelia Mensah Hayford - Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Darkoa Newman - Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye - Ministry of Health
- Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover - Greater Accra Region
- Fatimatu Abubakar - Ministry of Information
- Daniel Machator - Oti Region
- Abena Osei-Asare - Minister of State
Deputy Ministers Designate
- Dr. Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah - Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Sylvester Tetteh - Ministry of Information
- Charles Acheampong - Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation
- Adelaide Ntim - Ministry of Health
- Vincent Ekow Assafuah - Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development
- John Kobina Abbam Aboah Sanie - Ministry of Energy
- Collins Adomako Mensah - Ministry of Energy
- Professor Kingsley Nyarko - Ministry of Education
- Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie - Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations
- Akwasi Konadu - Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
- Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba - Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
- Dr. Alexander Ampaabeng - Ministry of Finance
Reasons Behind the Walkout
Dr. Forson, speaking on behalf of the Minority, explained their boycott was due to the economic hardships facing the country, including an economic crisis, food insecurity, and significant debt caused by excessive borrowing and wasteful government spending. He criticized the government for urging citizens to endure financial hardships while allegedly indulging in excessive spending and increasing the number of ministers and deputies.
Earlier Obstructions
Before the walkout, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, an NDC MP, highlighted a pending Supreme Court case challenging the nominees. Supporting this, Dr. Dominic Ayine cited Order 123, arguing that debating and approving the nominees could prejudice the court’s decision. Despite these concerns, the Speaker overruled the objections and allowed the approvals to proceed.
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