Parliament has approved the final batch of ministerial nominees appointed by President John Mahama following their vetting by the Appointments Committee and subsequent consideration by the House.
However, the approval process was not without controversy, as the Minority Caucus refused to participate in the confirmation of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
While the other nominees received unanimous approval, the Minority Caucus took a firm stance against Ablakwa’s nomination as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
They cited concerns relating to the issue of ORAL, past controversies, and other unspecified matters, but the Minority chose to abstain from the vote.
This left Ablakwa’s confirmation solely to the majority, who secured his approval through a voice vote.
“Give me water, we the minority wash our hands off the approval of Ablakwa, they should carry the sins of Ablakwa. The entire 88 MPs of minority hereby reject the nominee for the Foreign Affairs portfolio and same should reflect in the Hansard,” Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, Minority Leader said.
The approved Ministers include Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (Minister for Health), Issifu Seidu (Minister of State, Climate Change and Sustainability), and Felix Kwakye Ofosu (Minister of State, Government Communications).
Additionally, regional ministerial designations were confirmed for Charity Gardiner (Ahafo Region), Salisu Be-Awuribe (Savannah Region), Wilbert Brentum (Western North Region), and Joseph Nelson (Western Region).
Others approved include Joseph Akwaboah (Bono Region), Francis Owusu Antwi (Bono East Region), Edumoah Ekow Panyin Okyere (Central Region), and Puozuing Charles Lwanga (Upper West Region).
Earlier Parliament approved the nomination of Samuel Nartey George as Minister-designate for Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation, along with four ministers-designate, following their vetting by the Appointments Committee.
They include Dr. Rashid Pelpuo (MP for Wa), Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP for Nanton), Kofi Adams (MP for Buem), and Joseph Bukari Nikpe (MP for Saboba).