Busy week as Parliament races aginst time to vet Akufo-Addo's ministers

Parliament’s Appointment Committee will Monday vet four of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees as it raises against time to vet some 19 nominees by Thursday.

The Houses rises on Thursday, March 30, 2017, however, it is not likely that any of the appointees would be approved.

Last week, the President released a list of 54 ministers and deputies bringing the total number of ministerial appointees to a staggering 110.

The President had first released 36 ministers, followed by 10 regional ministers and an additional 10 deputy regional ministers.

The four appointees who will be appearing before the Committee Monday are, nominee for Minister of State in Charge of Public Procurement, Adjoa Safo; nominee for Minister of State at the Presidency, Brian Acheampong; Minister of State in Charge of Tertiary Education, Prof Kwesi Yankah; and Minister of State in Charge of Agriculture, Dr. Nurah Gyeile.

Joseph Osei-Owusu
Chair of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, told Joy News’ Parliamentary Correspondent a deputy minister is also likely to be vetted today.

“There has been pressure to add a particular deputy minister due to the pressure because of the sensitivity of the portfolio and there is a lot of pressure on the Minister in view of the circumstances...that suggestion has come to me I have to consult,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is clear the President will have to wait until May before he will have the full complement of his government to deliver on promises made ahead of the campaign.

This is because the Appointment Committee of Parliament will be unable to vet and approve all 54 deputy ministerial appointees before the Houses rises on March 31.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN