Former President John Mahama has expressed his disappointment over what he described as “betrayal” from some NDC Members of Parliament.
This follows the approval of some Ministerial nominees.
Approval Of 6 Ministers
Parliament on Friday approved the appointment of six ministerial nominees through a secret vote.
Adansi Asokwa MP, Hon Kobina Tahir Hammond was confirmed as Minister for Trade and Industry with 154 yes votes as against 116 NO votes, while Dr Stephen Amoah was approved as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry after polling 146 votes against 123 NO votes.
Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was approved as the Minister of Food and Agriculture with 167 YES votes. The Member of Parliament for Karaga, Mohammed Amin Adam, was okayed as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry with 152 YES votes.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng is the new Minister for Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah heads to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as Minister of State, having garnered 149 YES votes.
This result shocked the Minority to the roots with some accusing members of treachery and greed.
“There is no knife that cuts so sharply and with such poisoned blade as treachery” MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said.
Soul searching
Reacting to this, the former President has asked the MPs who “betrayed” their side to do “some serious soul searching”
“A couple of weeks ago, our NDC group in Parliament announced a principled position not to approve any new ministers until the President has taken steps to significantly reduce the size of his government.
“This position was supported by a broad section of Ghanaians and public advocacy groups.
“Unfortunately, Ghanaians were sorely disappointed yesterday when several members of the Minority for some parochial and personal interest voted against the principled position adopted by the party.
“I am also disappointed.
“Those responsible for this betrayal must do some serious soul searching and learn to place national interest over personal interest.
“Equally disappointing is the President’s refusal to seize the opportunity to realign and downsize his bloated government when the NPP flagbearer hopefuls and the Chieftaincy minister resigned.
“Clearly in this time of crisis and excruciating hardships, President Akufo-Addo, his NPP administration and some of our MPs are out of tune with the mood of the Ghanaian people.
“I still believe, as I said in Ho recently, that in this time of crisis, government can still run efficiently with not more than 60 ministers.
“For our grassroots members and all Ghanaians who are disappointed by this insensitivity, I urge you not to despair.
“2024 offers us an opportunity to work hard to defeat this reckless government that seeks to destroy our democracy and the very livelihoods of Ghanaians- an opportunity for us to work and build the Ghana we all want from January 07, 2025,” the NDC presidential hopeful wrote on his Facebook page.
