The Minority in Parliament has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the vetting process for three ministerial nominees, accusing the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor of obstructing thorough scrutiny.
Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, who spoke on behalf of the minority, contended that this conduct undermined their constitutional oversight responsibility and jeopardised the integrity of the vetting process.
The Appointments Committee convened three days ago to vet nominees for the roles of Finance Minister, Energy Minister and Attorney General.
Per Article 78(1) of the Constitution, such nominations are subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Traditionally, the process allows up to three weeks for the committee to invite public comments. However, citing national interest, this window was waived to expedite the process.
Despite their cooperation to ensure a smooth process, the Minority claimed the Chairman’s actions compromised the effectivenessof the vetting.
In the press statement, they emphasised that “It cannot be right that members tasked by the Ghanaian people with oversight are denied the opportunity to scrutinise the nominees.”
Lack of Preparation
Key among the Minority’s grievances was the late provision of the nominees’ curricula vitae (CVs). They revealed that committee members only received the CVs during the vetting, with no opportunity to raise preliminary issues.
They also highlighted instances of the Chairman’s “partisan and protective” conduct. According to the statement, members were shouted at during proceedings, including Abena Osei-Asare, who was publicly silenced by the Chairman in a bid to protect the nominees. This, they argued, impeded their ability to ask critical questions.
Finance Minister Designate
The Minority raised significant concerns about the Finance Minister Designate, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. They criticised his evasive responses, particularly on whether the government would honour its campaign promise to cover first-year tuition fees for tertiary students.
“How can a finance minister-designate tell parents and students that because he is not yet the minister, he cannot confirm whether the pledge to pay their fees will be honoured? This is a clear way of telling Ghanaians they were deceived,” the Minority charged.
The Minority accused the nominee of feigning ignorance about private schools’ eligibility for the program, despite clear commitments in the party’s manifesto.
“If President Mahama and the NDC knew no private SHS writes WASSCE exams, why promise to include them?” they queried.
The Minority did commend Ato Forson for committing to scrap unpopular taxes like the e-levy and COVID levy, but expressed concern over the lack of clarity on compensatory revenue measures.
“His quick response of ‘expenditure cuts’ lacked specifics. Will these cuts affect critical areas like education, healthcare, or infrastructure? Ghanaians deserve answers,” they stressed.
Energy Minister Designate
The Minority’s disapproval extended to the Energy Minister Designate, John Abdulai Jinapor, who faced scrutiny over his criticism of the “Gold for Oil” policy.
Labelling the policy a “scam” during his nomination period, the nominee promised a review without presenting viable solutions for forex shortages affecting fuel imports.
The Minority also highlighted inconsistencies in his claims about fuel reserves for power generation, accusing him of misleading the public.
“He initially alarmed the nation about a five-hour fuel stock, only to later clarify it pertained solely to specific power plants. Such confusion creates unnecessary panic,” they argued.
On private sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Minority noted a dramatic shift in the nominee’s stance.
“On one hand, he criticised private sector involvement; on the other, he advocated for private participation in metering and collection. Does he plan to introduce ‘goro boys’ into ECG activities?” they asked.
Attorney General Designate
Concerns about potential conflicts of interest dominated discussions on the Attorney General Designate, Dr. Dominic Ayine.
The Minority pointed out that his law firm represents companies involved in arbitration claims against the government worth over $500 million.
“In any serious country, such a nominee would not have accepted the appointment,” they stated.
The Minority’s frustrations were not limited to individual nominees, but extended to the broader implications for Ghana’s democracy.
They warned that the Chairman’s conduct could lead to “irreparable harm” by allowing “round pegs in square holes” to occupy critical positions.
“The Chairman and the majority members of the Appointments Committee owe it to Ghana to assist us in fulfilling the work entrusted to us by the Constitution,” they asserted.
