The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman in Eastern Region, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has urged lobbyists and stakeholders not to pressure President John Dramani Mahama into making ministerial appointments.
According to him, the President must be allowed the freedom to select competent individuals who are passionate and determined to help his government succeed.
“I don’t think we should put pressure on the President. The President has made a pledge to Ghanaians that he is going to appoint only sixty ministers. In Parliament NDC MPs are more than a hundred and eighty, obviously, he will also choose some people from outside parliament so the President has a lot of work to do. I believe that we can all serve Mother Ghana, and assist President Mahama in different capacities. I don’t think anybody should put pressure on him. We know that he will put together a team of people who are qualified, who have the zeal, who are determined to help him succeed”.
This appeal came in response to remarks made by the Chief of Akosombo, Nana Ansah Prem, during a thanksgiving rally in Akosombo by the MP.
The Chief had expressed that the Chiefs and people of Asuogyaman would be disappointed if their MP, whose mandate was recently renewed for unprecedented third term, was not given a ministerial role to drive further development in the constituency.
While expressing his readiness to serve in any capacity, Thomas Ampem Nyarko emphasized that the President’s decisions should not be influenced by external pressure.
“I appreciate the call from my chiefs and people but what I want to say is that whatever President Mahama feels that he will use us to do we are open for it.”
He added “if the favor of God falls on me why not but I don’t think anybody should put pressure on President Mahama. We should allow him to fulfill the promises that he made to Ghanaians that he will operate a very lean government because he cannot start by disappointing Ghanaians and I stand ready to support him in any capacity”.
During the rally, the Chief of Akosombo reiterated the urgent need for job creation in the area, emphasizing that unemployment remains a significant issue. Contrary to the perception that most residents in Akosombo are gainfully employed, Nana Ansah Prem revealed that many are struggling economically and called on the NDC government to prioritize this challenge.
Also present at the rally was the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who assured constituents of the government’s commitment to reviving key local industries. He announced plans to rejuvenate Akosombo Textiles, Juapong Textiles, and the Aveyime Rice Project, projects that are expected to create jobs and boost the local economy.
Okudzeto Ablakwa also addressed the government’s anti-corruption drive, revealing that the “Operation Recover All Loots” team is documenting cases of corruption and state capture under the previous NPP administration.
He assured the gathering that the findings would be handed over to President Mahama for legal action by the Attorney General.
The thanksgiving rally was organized to celebrate Thomas Ampem Nyarko’s historic victory as the first MP in Asuogyaman to secure three consecutive terms. The event drew a large crowd of constituents, chiefs,the Clergy, among others with performance by some of the top Gospel artists in the country.
