NPP Election Review Committee Concludes Nationwide Tour, Seeking Further Input from Members

 

Following a lengthy debate and vote, Parliament has formally accepted Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and eleven other nominees as ministers-designate.

The approval emphasizes the legislature's responsibility in vetting executive appointees before they take office.

Approved Minister-Designate and Their Portfolios:

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister-Designate for Health.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs.
Issifu Seidu is the Minister-Designate for Climate Change and Sustainability, while Charity Gardiner is the Minister-Designate for the Ahafo Region.
Salisu Bi-Awuribe, Minister-Designate for Savannah Region
Wilbert Petty Brentum, Minister-Designate for the Western North Region.
Joseph Nelson, Minister-Designate for Western Region
Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Minister-Designate for Bono Region.
Francis Owusu Antwi, Minister-Designate for Bono East Region.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State-Designate for Government Communications
Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Minister-Designate for Central Region
Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Minister-Designate for Upper West Region

Minority opposes Ablakwa's approval.
Despite overwhelming support of the nominations, the Minority Caucus distanced itself from the backing of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Foreign Affairs Minister, thereby rejecting his candidacy.

During the parliamentary processes, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the caucus in a symbolic move, asking for water to "wash their hands" with Ablakwa's permission.

"Give me water; we, the minority, wash our hands of Ablakwa's approval; they must bear Ablakwa's sins." The 88 MPs in the minority formally reject the nomination for the Foreign Affairs post, and this should be included in the Hansard."

The Minority's rejection of Ablakwa comes after past disputes over his screening process and worries about his comments during parliamentary sessions.

While the other cabinet nominations received overwhelming support, Ablakwa's rejection by the Minority underscores Parliament's continued political tensions.