Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin has formally referred four deputy ministerial nominees of President John Dramani Mahama to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting and approval.
This came after the Speaker read a presidential communication to the House on Thursday, in line with Article 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that deputy ministers must be appointed with prior approval of Parliament.
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The four nominees, all sitting Members of Parliament, are as follows:
- Hon. Dorcas Afo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro – Deputy Minister-designate for Transport
- Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North – Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs
- Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West – Deputy Minister-designate for Communication, Data, Technology and Innovation
- Hon. Grace Ayesu Dankwa, MP for Essikado-Ketan – Deputy Minister-designate for Health
In the communication, President Mahama praised the nominees for their track records in public service, noting their qualifications, experience, and integrity as critical assets in supporting the agenda of the government.
Speaker Bagbin, while referring the nominations to the Appointments Committee, stressed that the House must exercise its constitutional authority with care and independence.
“You are not compelled to consider them expeditiously. They are wholly in our hands. Please do the right thing,” he advised the committee.
He underscored the importance of due diligence and public accountability in the vetting process, which will include a public hearing and the submission of a formal report to the House.
Curriculum vitae and supporting documents for all four nominees have been attached to the communication to assist the committee in its work.
This marks President Mahama’s final set of deputy ministerial appointments.