Majority verdict saves Mumuni as Zita gets nod

The Appointments Committee of Parliament has by a majority decision approved the nomination of Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, Foreign Affairs minister.

The approval comes in the wake of controversial vetting proceedings which sparked a walk-out by the minority members of the vetting committee.

The minority had argued for the postponement of his vetting until a court ruled on a case involving the minister-designate and a newspaper - Daily Guide.

Mumuni has sued the Daily Guide for defamation based on a publication of a report of the Auditor General and imputed improper conduct on his behalf at the time he was head of the National Vocation and Technical Training Institute.

But the majority had insisted, Mumuni be vetted without cross examining him on the case in court since the case was still subjudice, and proceeded to vet him without the minority.

Joy News Parliamentary Correspondent Araba Koomson reported on Friday Alhaji Mumuni per the recommendation of the committee, was recommended for approval, obviously without the consent of the minority.

According to Araba Koomson, Mrs Sabah Zita Okaikoi, minister nominee for Information has also been approved by a unanimous vote.

Zita, 34, experienced some topsy-turvy moments during her vetting by the committee.

Not impressed by her performance, some critics tagged Zita as inexperienced to handle the number one public relations position of the government.

Indeed pollster and Editor of the Daily Dispatch newspaper, Ben Ephson, had advocated for the reassignment of the nominee.

Sherry Aryittey minister nominee for Environment Science and Technology and four other nominees have their reports ready before parliament waiting for final approval.

Story by Nathan Gadugah