Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for immediate action from Parliament to facilitate the transition of the newly appointed Ministers and deputies.
The call follow’s President Akufo-Addo’s latest shake-up of government appointees which was announced on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
In a session held in Parliament, the Speaker stressed the urgency of the situation and directed the leadership of the House to expedite the process of approving a new appointment committee to enable a fast-track vetting process for new ministerial appointees.
Speaker Bagbin, acknowledging the significance of the reshuffle, emphasized the need for swift action to ensure a seamless transition.
“Hon Members, the nominations are accordingly referred to the appointments committee for consideration and report. Leadership of the House, you’re hereby called upon to submit the recomposed committees immediately for the consideration of the committee on selection.
“We need to approve the new composition of the newly approved committees by the House so that they can take immediate actions on this reorganization of the government,” stated Speaker Bagbin during the parliamentary session,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo has unveiled a significant cabinet reshuffle, marking a pivotal moment in the administration’s governance strategy. The shake-up comes amidst mounting calls for change and perhaps aims to reinvigorate the government ahead of the upcoming December election.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
One of the headline changes in this Valentine’s Day ministerial shuffle is the replacement of the controversial Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta, who has faced criticism from within his party’s ranks, is set to be replaced by Dr. Mohammed Adam Amin Anta, MP for Karaga and a seasoned technocrat with extensive experience in the financial sector.
Another notable appointment is that of Lydia Alhassan, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, who will take over as the new Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources after going through and passing the vetting process. She replaces Freda Prempeh and will be tasked with addressing key challenges in sanitation and water provision, previously overseen by Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
The reshuffle also includes Andrew Agyepa Mercer, the Deputy Minister of Energy and MP for Sekondi, who will assume the role of Minister of Tourism. Mercer’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards promoting Ghana as a top tourist destination and boosting the tourism sector.
Henry Quartey, a respected figure in the government, has been designated as the Interior Minister Designate, responsible for maintaining internal security and safeguarding the nation’s borders. He replaces Ambrose Dery, who decided not to stand for re-election.
Other key appointments include Ophelia Hayford Mensah as the Minister for Environment Science, Technology, and Innovation, Fatimatu Abubakar as the Information Minister, and Francis Asenso Boakye as the Roads and Highways Minister.