Parliament has approved the nomination of MP for Ledzokuku Dr. Bernard Oko-Boye as Deputy Minister for Health.
 
First Deputy Speaker Joe Osei Owusu earlier submitted to the house a report of the Appointment Committee of Parliament requesting his approval, which the plenary approved.
 
Members of parliament on both the majority and minority sides backed the approval.
 
“He is going to the Health Ministry at a defining moment in history…. The entire nation is looking forward to the young doctor helping the nation find a solution… We can only wish Dr. Oko-Boye well,” MP for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said as he contributed to discussions on the floor ahead of approval.
 
“There is an impression that Dr. Oko – Boye is a Covid – 19 Minister. It is not so. He is being nominated as a deputy minister for health. We shouldn’t be fixated with the whole issue of Covid – 19…. I want that impression corrected,” MP for Abuakwa South Samuel Atta Akyea told the house.
 
“I have no doubt that he will serve in that position very well,” the Minister for Works and Housing added.
 
The 38-year-old medical professional was nominated as Deputy Minister earlier this month by President Akufo-Addo. The president requested that parliament expedites his approval so he can support government’s efforts to deal with the Coronavirus situation. The Appointment Committee vetted him on Wednesday, after which parliament was recalled from suspension to approve his nomination on Friday.
 
Speaker Prof. Mike Ocquaye congratulated Dr. Oko-Boye after the house approved his appointment.