The Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee of Parliament boycotted Tuesday’s vetting of President Akufo-Addo’s Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry .
The Caucus cited the growing number of ministers and dissatisfaction with the current administration’s economic performance as primary reasons for the boycott.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson criticized the government’s handling of the economy and expressed concerns over the impact on ordinary Ghanaians.
“The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has already demonstrated poor economic management, leading to a crippling economic crisis, food insecurity, and debt default due to excessive borrowing.”
“Adding more ministers at this time shows a lack of appreciation for the economic hardships Ghanaians are facing.”
The Minority Leader emphasized the struggles of ordinary citizens and businesses under the current administration, citing high taxes and economic policies that have forced businesses to relocate.
He argued that a leaner government would have been a more appropriate response to the ongoing crisis.
He said, “With ordinary Ghanaians experiencing excruciating hardships and businesses moving away from Ghana due to high taxes, it would have been prudent for the President to downsize his already large government.”
“This would have demonstrated an awareness of the economic realities and a willingness to take steps to restore confidence in the economy,” Dr. Forson continued.
The Caucus reiterated their earlier stance from May 17, 2024, declaring their inability to support the nomination of any new ministers at this time.
“We cannot in good conscience support the approval of this deputy minister-nominee when the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has been reckless, wasteful, and insensitive to the plight of ordinary Ghanaians.”
The Majority, in the absence of the Minority, however, met and vetted the President’s nomination of Kofi Ajenkorah Marfo as a deputy minister-designate for Trade and Industry.