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Ato Forson (left) and Annoh-Dompreh
The Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson appreciates well when it comes to revenue matters probably because of his work at the Finance Ministry as Deputy Minister, the Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has said.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh said he has known Dr Forson for a while and can attest to the fact that he has one of the most patriotic members of the Minority.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh, while speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, February 21 appealed to the Minority to support the new ministers’ designate.
“I have known the arrowhead Dr Ato Forosn so well, and I pray what I am going to say people will not misconstrue it. Ato Forson has been one of the most patriotic members on the other side. I served on the Finance Committee before I had to give way to somebody, this is a man, probably because of his stint at the Finance Ministry he can appreciate well when it comes to revenue matters, when it comes to governance, I just want to appeal to our colleagues that for the sake of our country, we have no other country than this country,” he said.
He further explained that there has been a convention in the House that when one gets any privilege of service, all the lawmakers rally behind the person to succeed.
“This is their major decision since coming into leadership, this is the first time more or less they are going to make such a significant decision, that they should tamper justice with mercy.
“That is not the right expression to use in this context because I don’t see the relevance of this but I am just saying that they should just let go, support the nominees, let us pass them.
“Primarily, all these nominees, the Honourable Bryan Acheampong, Honourable KT Hammond, Honourable OB Amoah, Honourable Stephen Amoah, they are all our colleagues and in this house, we have this convention that if one of our own is nominated for a privilege od service we rally around one another to get them endorsed especially in the case that there are no criminal committal of any crime, it will not be injuries if they so decide to support the decision,” the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Member of Parliaments said.
He added that “I have known the arrowhead Dr Ato Forosn so well, and I pray what I am going to say people will not misconstrue it. Ato Forson has been one of the most patriotic members on the other side. I served on the Finance Committee before I had to give way to somebody, this is a man, probably because of his stint at the Finance Ministry he can appreciate well when it comes to revenue matters, when it comes to governance, I just want to appeal to our colleagues that for the sake of our country, we have no other country than this country.”
The National Democratic Congres (NDC) told its lawmakers not to approve President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees. The vetting of the nominees starts today Monday, February 20.
The NDC said it has long expressed concern over the very large size of the current government and shares the views that it must be reduced bearing in mind “the current massive economic mess, the country has been plunged into by the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government.”
Despite numerous appeals, the main opposition party said in a statement on Sunday February 19 signed by General Secretary Foifi Kwetey that, President Akufo Addo has “quite characteristically, remained adamant and tone deaf.
“The leadership of the NDC, has, against this backdrop, directed the Minority caucus in Parliament NOT to approve any of the new ministerial nominees and to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the needless drain on scarce public resources.
“In this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a “governmental haircut”. Our directive to the minority in parliament, we believe strongly aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians. Enough is enough.”
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Monday February 20, the Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said “A couple of weeks ago, the President announced names of nominees for Ministerial appointments. The vetting commenced this morning.
“We in the Minority wish to make it clear that we remain committed to ensuring greater scrutiny and will spare no effort to protect the public purse. In line with this, we are taking part in the vetting process so that at the very minimum, we can scrutinize the President’s decision in bringing up those nominees.
“However, the Minority will not subscribe to a consensus vote at the level of the Appointments Committee. This will ensure that the matter is brought before the full House for a vote to be taken in secret.”
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana
