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Ghana’s Parliament has adjourned for 12 days to facilitate the vetting of ministerial nominees appointed by President John Dramani Mahama and to hold an orientation workshop for newly elected Members of Parliament.
The suspension will allow the Appointments Committee to review the nominees and submit recommendations to the plenary for approval. The break also includes a four-day workshop aimed at equipping new legislators with the procedures and operations of the House.
As of Thursday, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin had referred three ministerial nominees to the Appointments Committee following a formal communication from the Presidency.
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The nominees are:
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Majority Leader and MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, as Minister-designate for Finance.
- John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister-designate for Energy.
- Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice-designate.
Explaining the decision to adjourn, Majority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza noted that the suspension is necessary to process the President’s nominees effectively.
“Some names were referred to the Appointments Committee, and in some cases, the President’s communication is acted upon before Parliament reconvenes for formal announcements,” he stated.
Agbodza added that further nominations from the president are expected during the adjournment, which the speaker could refer to the committee for action.
Patrick Yaw Boamah, a minority MP, supported the move, highlighting the importance of streamlining the process for the supplementary list of nominees expected from the president.
“We anticipate the supplementary list soon, and once it’s submitted, we will work swiftly through the Appointments Committee to ensure smooth proceedings,” Boamah assured.
The break will also feature a four-day orientation workshop for new legislators, providing them with insights into parliamentary procedures and operations to ensure effective participation in House activities.
Parliament is expected to resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, to continue its duties, including addressing the outcomes of the vetting process and discussing other legislative matters.
