Some National Democratic Congress (NDC) members are dissatisfied with the approval of six minister designates on the floor of Parliament, Friday, March 24, 2023.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show today, the Upper East Regional Communications Officer of the NDC, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, suggested that the Members of Parliament on the minority side are aware of the disappointment they caused among the rank and file of the party.
“What happened on Friday is very disappointing. Nobody should make a mistake about that. The MPs themselves, those who created the dissatisfaction, they’re aware. That is why you see them, one after the other, trying to exonerate themselves. Collectively, I think the blame should go to all of them, even though we know that about 98 or 99 of them voted against the nominees.”
Mr. Abdallah Salifu was even more surprised about the turnout of events on the floor of Parliament because of the extensive engagements within the party ahead of the election.
“It would surprise you to know the level of consultation that went on ahead of the party releasing the statement. The party did not do it without consulting the Minority Caucus. They sat with them. There is nobody who matters in the party who didn’t have a say in that meeting,” he said.
The Upper East Regional Communication Officer reminded the MPs that they were not bigger than the party they represented in Parliament.
“Without the NDC as a party, the majority of them would not be there. They know that,” he said.
After hours of disagreements and a brief suspension, Parliament finally approved President Akufo-Addo’s six ministerial nominees.
Adansi Asokwa MP, Kobina Tahir Hammond has been confirmed to head the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with Dr Stephen Amoah appointed as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.
Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Brian Acheampong has been approved as the Minister of Food and Agriculture and the Member of Parliament for Karaga, Mohammed Amin Adam, has been okayed as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng is the new Minister for Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah heads to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as Minister of State.
Mr KT Hammond secured 154 yes votes as against 116 NO votes to gain approval from the house. Dr Stephen Amoah received 146 votes against 123 NO votes to pass the approval stage.
Also, Brian Acheampong was approved after receiving 167 YES votes. Meanwhile, Amin Adam secured 152 YES votes while O.B Amoah had 149 YES votes.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
