The members of the minority in Parliament who voted in favour of the approval of the ministers have been commended for their role in developing the nation.
Peter Ayinbisa, the Upper East Regional Communication Director for the NPP, speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show, was against the victimisation of the NDC MPs who voted in favour of the minister designate.
“I must use this opportunity to commend all MPs of Ghana, particularly those on the minority side. On Friday, they demonstrated the ability of all MPs to work together to build consensus. That is what they did. They made us understand the need to sit around the table and for us to lobby, to discuss, and arrive at what is good for mother Ghana.”
Mr. Ayinbisa insisted that the nominations of the six were firmly in line with the President’s constitutional mandate.
“Are we saying that this is not the president’s constitutional mandate? It is the President’s mandate to nominate some people to handle or manage some ministries in this country. The president does so by making the names available to Parliament for it to approve or disapprove. One of the outcomes was realised. Members of Parliament chose to approve.”
The Upper East Regional Communication Officer condemned the victimisation of the MPs, particularly those on the NDC side.
Mr. Ayinbisa added that threats against the MPs who may have voted for the approval of the six go against the tenets of democracy.
“Why are we threatening MPs who have voted according to their conscience? Why are we doing that? Are we saying the MPs are stooges of others? Are we saying the MPs are unintelligent? Are we saying that they do not know what is right?” he quizzed.
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
