President Mills’ choice for Deputy Finance Minister, Mr. Fiifi Kwetey has been approved by Parliament. His approval however did not go without the expected drama as in accordance with Article 104 and standing order 109 (1), the fate of Mr. Fiifi Kwetey was subjected to a secret ballot. He becomes the second government appointee to meet this fate - the first being Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni. With the House almost fully represented, Mr. Kwetey got the nod by securing 117 votes for and 106 votes against. His approval was announced by the Speaker, Joyce Bamford Addo. An impassioned debate between members of the Majority and the Minority sides of the Ghana’s Parliament however characterized the review of the report on Mr. Fiifi Kwetey. One after another, members from both sides of the House tabled their varied views amidst passionate and uncontrolled outbursts from other members of the House. The Deputy Finance Minister designate, Fiifi Kwetey was approved by the Appointments Committee of Parliament by a majority decision on March 25 2009. The approval was opposed by the Minority Members on the Committee thus necessitating a vote, which the minority lost as a result of their numerical disadvantage. The Deputy Finance and Economic Planning Minister designate endured one of the longest vetting sessions, going through some four hours of questioning and arguments, mainly on statements he was said to have made during electioneering campaigns for the 2008 elections. The Minority side of the Appointments Committee faulted him for allegedly peddling some untruths and therefore advocated the withdrawal of his nomination. The debate that preceded Mr. Kwetey’s appointment had the Minority questioning the integrity of the former Propaganda Secretary of the NDC saying that an individual who allegedly peddled so much falsehood on the campaign floor could similarly translate such action in the carriage of his duties. The Majority however argued that the competence of Mr. Kwetey should be used as a measuring rod for his approval rather than the personal differences members of the Minority. Earlier Parliament approved, by consensus, the appointment of three deputy Ministerial nominees. They include Dr. Kwesi Akyem Appiah-Kubi for Interior Minister, Mrs Dzifa Aku Ativor for Roads and Transport Minister and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah for Local Government and Rural development Minister. Source: Citi