Former President John Mahama says the voting pattern by the Members of Parliament (MPs) on President Akufo-Addo’s six new nominees was out or parochial and personal interest.
This comes on the back of the approval of all the six ministerial nominees by the President on Friday March 24, 2023 through secret balloting in the chamber.
At the end of secret voting, Kwabena Tahir Hammond who is the nominee to the Trade and Industry Ministry secured 154 Yes, 116 No votes. Mr. Bryan Acheampong, nominee to the Ministry of Agriculture had 167 Yes, 98 No votes and the rest of the nominees namely Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Mohammed Amin Adam, O.B Amoah and Dr. Stephen Amoah were all voted for by majority decision.
In a Facebook post the former President stated just like many Ghanaians have expressed disappointment of the approval of the Ministers he is also disappointed.
“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.
He continued: “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.”
According to the former President, considering with the current crisis the nation finds itself the 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.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
