The Minister of Health designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, has refuted assertions of assuming his role unlawfully, citing pending approval from Parliament.
Speaking to reporters in Accra on Monday, Dr. Okoe-Boye clarified that he had received a directive from the Presidency to fulfill duties amidst the delay in confirmation.
This directive, he elucidated, came from the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, appointing him and other nominees as representatives of the President in certain ministries.
The rationale behind this, he conveyed, is to ensure continuity and prevent disruptions in critical sectors like healthcare.
However, the Minority in Parliament has voiced objections to this action, asserting that it is unlawful for any individual to assume the role of the President’s representative without proper authorization.
Consequently, they have urged the Chief of Staff to rescind these appointments.
“Because His Excellency the President doesn’t want the country to stall, [in a bid to prevent some] key sectors like health from suffering from lack of direction, some of us, let me be specific to myself, have received letters from the Chief of Staff making us representatives. I am the representative of His Excellency the President at the Ministry of Health,” he explained.