Minority demands that voting on ministerial nominees be completed today.
Following the suspension of the process, the Minority caucus in Parliament is adamant that the voting on President Nana Akufo-ministerial Addo’s nominees take place today.
As a result of the failure of both sides to reach an agreement on how to vote for the approval of two Supreme Court Justices, as well as Ministers and Deputy Ministers nominated by President Akufo-Addo, there was chaos in Parliament after the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, suspended sittings.
The Minority insisted that voting and counting take place separately, while the Majority insisted that voting for Supreme Court Justices and Ministers take place simultaneously.
The Minority immediately objected, demanding that voting take place in secret, to the Majority’s demand that MPs from their side publicly display their votes.
The Minority, which is led by Cassiel Ato Forson, vehemently disagreed with the Majority’s idea and urged the Speaker to permit MPs to cast secret ballots.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson, insisted that they would not hold the voting on a date other than today after the meeting was adjourned.
“We demand that the election be held today, March 24, 2023, and on no other date. We vote after pleading with the Majority side to enter Parliament right away.
We are prepared and eager for the vote to take place immediately.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) instructed the Minority group not to approve the newly nominated ministers prior to their vetting on Monday, February 20, 2023, citing their appointments as an insensitive action that would increase the government’s spending in the midst of an economic crisis.
The nominees for ministerial positions include K.T. Hammond, a member of parliament for Adansi Asokwa, as minister of trade and industry, and Dr. Stephen Amoah, a member of parliament for Nhyiaeso, as his deputy.
Bryan Acheampong, the representative for Abetifi, was also chosen to serve as the department’s minister.
Among other positions, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was named Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.