Parliament Approves 9 New Ministers Despite Minority Walkout
In a significant ministerial reshuffle, Parliament has approved the nomination of nine Ministers of State by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This reshuffle is aimed at revitalizing various sectors of the government.
Among the key appointments, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has been named the Minister of Health, Lydia Seyram Alhassan has been appointed as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, and Dakoa Newman takes on the role of Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
Additionally, the Deputy Ministers of State nominated by President Akufo-Addo have also been approved, marking a considerable shift in the leadership landscape. All nominated ministers underwent vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
The approval process, however, was marred by controversy as the Minority in Parliament staged a walkout prior to the final approval of the Ministers and Deputy Ministers-designate. The Minority cited ongoing economic and power crises as consequences of government mismanagement and called for more decisive actions rather than new ministerial appointments.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson voiced the caucus’s dissatisfaction, highlighting the country’s economic instability, food insecurity, persistent power outages (“dumsor”), and excessive borrowing. Dr. Forson argued that the current crisis demands urgent and effective solutions rather than expanding the ministerial roster.
“Businesses are struggling. While the government has asked Ghanaians to tighten their belts, the government has loosened its belts. Piling up ministers and deputies does not signal to the Ghanaians the president understands the seriousness of the mess created,” Dr. Forson stated.
Despite the opposition from the Minority, the approval process continued, thereby solidifying the government’s new ministerial lineup. The reshuffle underscores the administration’s efforts to address various challenges while also sparking debate on the appropriateness and timing of these appointments in the current economic climate.