The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, has suspended session due to the failure of both sides to agree on how to vote for the approval of two Supreme Court Justices and Ministers and Deputy Ministers nominated by President Akufo-Addo.
The Majority desired that voting for Supreme Court Justices and Ministers be done concurrently, but the Minority insisted on separate voting and counting.
The Majority also demanded that MPs from their side openly display their votes, but this was quickly rejected by the Minority, who insisted on secret voting.
The Minority, led by Cassiel Ato Forson, vigorously opposed the Majority’s proposal and begged the Speaker to allow MPs to vote in private.
He went on to say that the majority’s actions clearly demonstrated that they were not interested in continuing with the vote on Friday, and he asked the Speaker to postpone session.
Following multiple conflicts between both sides, the Speaker suspended sitting, allowing both parties to continue their involvement on the House floor.
The Minority has already stated its intention to reject the new ministers and deputies recommended and thoroughly vetted by the Appointments Committee.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) urged the Minority group not to approve the newly nominated ministers prior to their vetting on Monday, February 20, 2023, calling their appointments as an insensitive move that would increase the government’s expense in the middle of an economic catastrophe.
K.T Hammond, Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, has been nominated as Minister for Trade and Industry, with Dr. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, serving as his deputy.
Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, has also been nominated Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Among other things, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was appointed Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
