Ghanaians are waiting for you to reduce fuel, electricity prices – Oppong Nkrumah to NDC govt

No matter the explanation you (NDC MPs) give, what the people of Ghana are waiting for is that fuel prices don’t go up, electricity prices don’t go up, fuel is available at the pumps, and the lights don’t go off.

These were the words of NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah during the approval of the first set of President Mahama’s ministerial nominees in Parliament on Tuesday, January 21.

The ministers are Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minister of Finance; John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy; Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice; Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education; Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways, and Eric Opoku Minister of Food and Agriculture.

Process
The nominees went through a vetting process conducted by the Appointments Committee. They were assessed in their qualifications, experience, and strategies for addressing challenges in their respective sectors.

After thorough deliberations, the committee unanimously recommended their confirmation. Last Tuesday’s approval process in Parliament was chaired by Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, in the absence of the Speaker, Alban Bagbin.

After hours of debate, both the Majority and Minority agreed that the ministerial nominees have the competence and character to lead their respective ministries. The Second Deputy Speaker subsequently confirmed the appointments.

Debt management
In his submission before the approval, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said Ato Forson said that they were going to do better in debt management. “But, at the same time, they are considering taking more money from the IMF, which is not a grant but debt. What will this debt do. Worsen our debt situation or improve it?” He queried.

Minority disappointed
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin said, “We are also disappointed in the choice of the President. We have had over 30 women elected to Parliament from the NDC majority side and of all these hardworking women, only a few of them have been given substantive ministerial appointments so far.

He asked: “Is it the case that they are marching them for deputy ministerial appointments? That is not right. Our women cannot be second-class appointees.”