I quit smoking ....Kumbuor

Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor

Listen to the Health Minister designate, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor© Copyright Myjoyonline

Health Minister designate Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor on Wednesday confessed that he has quit smoking in line with the principles of his new portfolio.

The confession was made at the Speaker's Conference Room during his vetting for the post of substantive Minister of Health.

Minority Leader Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu expressed concern over the possible dissonance that may arise if he, known to be a cigarette smoker, championed a 'no smoking' campaign by the Ministry of Health, a position he is about to head.

But Dr. Kumbuor said: “I am sure it will be grateful to notice that I have actually given it up and there is an honourable member of the house who can testify to that.”

He said he is committed to a tobacco free society, a position he championed when he was in parliament.

It is the second time Dr. Kumbuor was facing the committee in less than ten months - the first was when he was appointed a deputy to Dr. George Sipa Yankey in the same sector.

His boss resigned a few weeks ago over bribery allegations leveled against him, creating a vacuum and the subsequent promotion of Dr. Kumbuor.

The minister designate in an interview with Joy FM's Parliamentary Correspondent Sammy Darko said the vetting was longer than anticipated but was interesting notwithstanding.

Play attached audio for excerpts of the vetting

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline