The National Executive of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has requested that none of the new ministry nominations be approved by the Minority Caucus in Parliament.
The party claims that this is in keeping with calls for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to scale back his administration in light of the current economic difficulties.
The NDC expressed its support for the measures in a statement bearing the general secretary’s signature, Fifi Kwetey. The NDC has long expressed worry about the size of the current government.
He said the party agrees with the majority of Ghanaians, including the civil society, that the size of government needs to be reduced in light of the current economic crisis.
President Akufo-Addo has, as is his wont, remained stubborn and tone deaf despite several pleadings.
The statement said in part, “The leadership of the NDC, against this backdrop, has directed the Minority caucus in Parliament to not approve any of the new ministerial nominees and to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the unnecessary drain on scarce public resources.”
The NDC continued, “We feel our directive to the minority in parliament closely matches with the sincere emotions of the majority of Ghanaians. “Enough is enough,” the declaration declared.
Kobina Tahir Hammond, Bryan Acheampong, and Stephen Asamoah Boateng are the nominees for ministers of trade and industry, food and agriculture, and chieftaincy and religious affairs, respectively, made by President Akufo-Addo.
The others are Dr. Stephen Amoah, Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Minister of State for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance.
On Monday, February 20, the Appointment Commitment of Parliament is anticipated to hold a public hearing in preparation for vetting the applicants.
