Don't approve any new ministerial nominee - NDC Minority

The leadership of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has directed the Minority caucus in Parliament not to approve any of the new ministerial nominees of President Akufo-Addo.

President Akufo-Addo recently nominated Adansi Asokwa MP Kobina Tahir Hammond for the position of Minister of Trade and Industry to replace Mr Alan Kyerematen, who resigned to vie for the flag bearer slot of the governing New Patriotic Party.

In a communication to the Speaker of Parliament, the president also nominated Mr Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi, as Minister of Food and Agriculture to replace Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who also resigned to pursue his presidential ambition.

Former Information Minister andDirector-General of SIGA, MrStephen Asamoah Boateng has been nominated for the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry following the resignation of Mr Kojo Kum.

Furthermore, the president named Dr Mohammed Amin Adam as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, a replacement for Mr Charles Adu Boahen, who was sacked following an exposé in which he was caught on video allegedly negotiating and taking a bribe for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Additionally, the president has named Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, the MP for Akuapem South, as Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Herbert Krampah is to replace Dr Mohammed Amin Adam while Dr Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiaeso, has been pencilled for the position of Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.

The ministerial nominees would have to be vetted by parliament's Appointments Committee and approved by the house before they can be sworn in by the president to take their respective positions.

But the NDC says it has long expressed concern over the very large size of the current government and shares the views of most Ghanaians, including Civil Society, that it must be reduced bearing in mind “the current massive economic mess, the country has been plunged into by the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government.”

The NDC in a statement signed by its General Secretary Fiif Kwetey said despite numerous appeals, President Akufo-Addo has quite characteristically, remained adamant and tone deaf.

It noted that in this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a "governmental haircut".

The NDC believes its directive to its MPs aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians.

instead, the party wants the MPs to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the needless drain on scarce public resources.