The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the recent vetting of three ministerial nominees, accusing the Chairman of the Appointments Committee of bias, inadequate preparation, and creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
Speaking at a press conference on January 15, 2025, MP for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, described the vetting process as rushed and obstructive, alleging it undermined Parliament’s role in ensuring accountability.
Allegations of partisan conduct
Dr. Boako accused the Appointments Committee Chairman of failing to provide key documents and limiting the scope of questioning.
“The Chairman denied us the opportunity to thoroughly vet the nominees by failing to provide their CVs in advance and not allowing questions on preliminary issues. This is a betrayal of the trust Ghanaians have placed in Parliament,” he said.
He further alleged that Minority members faced bullying during the vetting process. “Committee members on the Minority side were shouted at and bullied. The Chairman’s behavior was protective of the nominees,” he stated.
Dr. Boako warned that such actions could harm Ghana’s democracy. “If this attitude continues, it will cause irreparable harm to our democracy, allowing unqualified individuals to hold key positions,” he cautioned.
Concerns over Finance Minister-Designate’s
The Minority criticized Finance Minister-designate Cassiel Ato Forson for being evasive and unprepared, particularly regarding campaign promises such as paying first-year tertiary tuition fees and extending Free SHS to private schools.
He stated, “Ghanaians deserve clarity because the Minister-designate’s responses showed he either didn’t do the numbers or has no intention of honoring these promises.
They also questioned Dr. Forson’s plans to address revenue shortfalls from proposed tax cuts.
“Salaries, allowances, or social programs? Ghanaians need answers,” Dr. Boako said, challenging the nominee to specify areas where expenditures would be reduced,
Energy Minister-Designate Criticized for Inconsistencies
Energy Minister-designate John Jinapor faced criticism for alleged inconsistencies in his statements about fuel supply and policies.
The Minority referenced his prior claim that Ghana had only five hours of fuel stock, which they described as misleading. “The lights are still on. His alarmist statements were unfounded,” Dr. Boako remarked.
The Minority questioned Jinapor’s changing stance on private sector involvement in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Dr. Boako expressed doubts about Jinapor’s approach to reforms in the energy sector and questioned whether he plans to introduce ‘goro boys’ into ECG activities.
Conflict of interest allegations against Attorney General-designate
The Minority accused the Attorney General and Minister of Justice-designate Dr. Dominic Ayine of conflict of interest due to his law firm’s involvement in arbitration cases against the state.
“How can Ghanaians trust that their money will be safe when the Attorney General is personally tied to cases involving $500 million in claims?” Dr. Boako questioned.
The Minority slammed Ayine’s proposal to establish a Public Tribunal, linking it to historical abuses and arguing that High Courts could handle specialized cases.
The Minority urged Ghanaians to demand better accountability from their leaders.
“This vetting process is not just about the nominees but about the future of Ghana’s democracy,” Dr. Boako emphasized.
The group called for improved oversight to ensure ministerial nominees are held to the highest standards of competence and integrity.
