Parliament Approves 12 Ministers-Designate Amid Minority’s Fiery Rejection of Ablakwa
Opposition Leaders Dramatically Distance Themselves from Foreign Affairs Nominee Over Vetting Concerns
- Parliament endorsed 12 ministers-designate after extensive deliberations
- Opposition MPs opposed Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s nomination as Foreign Affairs Minister
- Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin led a dramatic “hand-washing” act, rejecting Ablakwa over vetting concerns
Parliament has given the green light to 12 ministers-designate, including Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for Health and Issifu Seidu for Climate Change and Sustainability, following rigorous debates and voting.
The approval process underscores the legislature’s critical role in vetting and endorsing executive appointments.
Approved Ministers-Designate and Their Portfolios:
- Kwabena Mintah Akandoh – Health
- Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Foreign Affairs
- Issifu Seidu – Climate Change and Sustainability
- Charity Gardiner – Ahafo Region
- Salisu Bi-Awuribe – Savannah Region
- Wilbert Petty Brentum – Western North Region
- Joseph Nelson – Western Region
- Joseph Addae Akwaboa – Bono Region
- Francis Owusu Antwi – Bono East Region
- Felix Kwakye Ofosu – Government Communications
- Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah – Central Region
- Charles Lwanga Puozuing – Upper West Region
Minority Boycotts Ablakwa’s Approval
However, the Minority Caucus rejected Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s nomination as Foreign Affairs Minister in a dramatic display of dissent.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the group symbolically “washed their hands” of his approval, claiming, “Let his sins be carried by those who endorsed him.”
This rejection stems from unresolved issues during Ablakwa’s vetting, where his responses failed to satisfy the Minority’s concerns. While the other nominees enjoyed bipartisan support, the Minority’s outright disapproval of Ablakwa underscores Parliament’s deep political divisions.
