President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has shown confidence in the new ministers he appointed, despite the fact that they have a limited seven-month term in the administration, which ends on January 7, 2025.
During their swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House on Monday, May 20, the president emphasized that even within a short period, the new appointees can make a difference and significant contribution to the government. He expressed belief in their competencies, experiences, and talents to bring about positive change within the remaining time.
However, the president expressed disappointment in the Minority’s decision to walk out during the approval process of the new ministers, describing it as a ‘pity.’ He acknowledged that although the walkout did not affect the approval vote, it was regrettable.
The Minority in Parliament staged a boycott during the approval of the new ministers, with Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson questioning the urgency of approving the ministerial nominees when there are already numerous ministers and deputy ministers in the government.
While leaving the chamber, some opposition lawmakers were heard expressing concerns about the suffering of Ghanaians. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson reiterated the Minority’s commitment to caring for the people, even if the Majority does not.
Among the new ministers are Hon. Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye for Health, Ophelia Mensah Hayford for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ms. Fatimatu Abubakar for Information. The deputy ministers include Sylvester Tetteh for Information, Vincent Ekow Assafuah for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and Hon. Charles Acheampong for Communications and Digitilisation, among others.
In a separate development, Parliament approved a loan facility of $150 million from the World Bank to fund the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, despite objections from the Minority. After a heated debate and a disputed voice vote, the loan was approved with 137 NPP MPs voting in favor and 132 NDC MPs voting against it.
The Minority Leader raised concerns about the urgency of approving the loan, especially when previous funds had been misapplied and unaccounted for. He questioned the need for Parliament to reconvene to approve the loan and highlighted other questionable financial decisions by the government.
