Parliament has approved the appointment of the fourth batch of ministers nominated by President John Dramani Mahama.
The approval was made after the Appointments Committee recommended the nominations of Dr. Rashid Pelpuo as the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment; Samuel Nartey George as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations; Joseph Bukari Nikpe as Minister for Transport; Kofi Adams as Minister for Sports and Recreation, and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
The House, presided over by the Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako, debated over the approval of the minister-nominees. Four of the nominees were approved by the Minority caucus, whereas appointment of Mr. Sam Nartey George as the Communications Minister, was disapproved.
Led by Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the Minority demanded that the minister-designate for communication retract his comments made during his vetting process, which criticised Former President Akuffo-Addo and the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The Majority however rejected the Minority’s claims, stating that the minister’s nomination was justified and that the minority’s objections against him were untenable.
Upon hours of deliberation, the Minority approved the other four ministers but wanted Mr. Samuel Nartey George’s approval done through a secret ballot.
Therefore, the minority abstained from voting, leaving the decision to be made by the Majority .
The Second Deputy Speaker confirmed the appointment through a voice vote but the minority did not partake in the decision making. However, the House, based on majority votes, approved the appointments of the five nominee-ministers.
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