The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia says Ghanaians did not give the opposition party enough power to reject some of President Akufo-Addo's ministerial nominees.
Although he believes some of the nominees performed abysmally in their former role and should not have been re-appointed, he indicated that the NDC in Parliament lacks the capacity to fail the said appointees.
He said Ghanaians should rather vent their anger and frustrations on the appointing authority whom they gave their mandate to to govern the country.
"Ghanaians did not give us power to appoint ministers. They have not given us sufficient power to fail ministers. So that should be made very clear. If Ghanaians had given us the power to appoint ministers, we would be in government.
"Ghanaians have chosen that, you are the person we want. We believe in your judgement as Akufo-Addo and he has exercised his judgement in retaining a Finance Minister, and you're coming to accuse us. You are not accusing the person who did the nomination" he said.
Prior to the approval of the ministers-designate, there were calls from some Civil Society Organisations and sections of the public for some of the nominees to be failed for not impressing at the vetting.
The Minority MPs on the Appointments Committee vehemently opposed the nomination of three appointees - Hawa Koomson, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto - on various counts which include been untruthful to the Committee, misconducting themselves in their public lives.
But the Minority Caucus in Parliament failed to marshal enough MPs to push their decision through during the plenary.
This infuriated the NDC foot soldiers and leading members of the party including Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi who accused the Minority leadership in Parliament of betrayal.
"Do you think that if Ken Ofori-Atta had been rejected then the next person would be Ato Forson? If Ofori-Atta is rejected, the same Nana Akufo-Addo will nominate and he may nominate a worse person than Ofori-Atta. So if you have any blame, put it on the person who did the nomination.
"Even if we all (NDC MPs) voted against him, he will still be a minister. So the problem is not with the approval, the problem is with his nomination"
The NDC General Secretary stated that the NDC as a party was very disappointed by the first approval of ministers.
The veteran politician further said even if the Minority MPs had succeeded in rejecting some of the nominees, there is no law that bars the President from re-nominating the candidate for the same portfolio.
The former Wenchi West MP indicated that Ghanaians denied the NDC of constituting a government during the 2020 Elections and it will be unfair to accuse the NDC Caucus in Parliament for not being able to reject some appointees.
President Akufo-Addo is yet to release the list of Deputy Ministers for his second term and with the controversy that surrounded the vetting and approval of substantive sector nominees, it is unlikely to be a smooth sail for the individuals to be appointed.
Latest Stories
-
H4P Organization champions inclusive healthcare for PWDs at Accra Rehabilitation Centre
5 minutes -
COMSYS Ghana Ltd crowned Enterprise Solution Provider and Network Infrastructure Company of the Year
6 minutes -
Andy Dosty leaves Hitz FM’s morning show for new afternoon programme
13 minutes -
Hitz FM unveils new programming line-up, promises a refreshing radio experience
21 minutes -
Kensei-Kai Foundation partners W.K.M Karate Association to roll out high school karate in Wa
24 minutes -
2 more youths shot at Nkwanta outskirts as violence continues
35 minutes -
Speaker decries low female representation in parliament; calls for reforms
37 minutes -
Ace Liam: 2-year-old Ghanaian Guinness World Record sensation bags Global Award
42 minutes -
NSMQ 2025: Methodist SHTS, Berekum qualifies for national championship for the 2nd time
44 minutes -
Gov’t increases LEAP budget, begins nationwide disbursement
47 minutes -
Over 70% of Ghanaian adults suffer low back pain – Physiotherapist raises alarm
50 minutes -
Fuel truck crashes near Benas Filling Station in Amanase
52 minutes -
Dr. Kofi Amoah calls for National Rescue Fund, pledges GH₵100k to kickstart initiative
60 minutes -
Ghana must clean up utility finances to win in regional power trade – Jabesh Amissah-Arthur
1 hour -
Parliament marks global day with bold commitment to gender equality and open governance
1 hour