The Minority in Parliament says it will thoroughly scrutinise President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees. 

The Caucus says it will ensure that the deadwood in the government is removed. 

This is according to the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. 

The Ajumako Enyan Essiam MP said the current economic crisis does not make room for such appointments. 

Speaking at a press conference prior to the vetting of the nominees, Dr Ato Forson said his caucus will not protect the suffering Ghanaian. 

According to him, Ghanaians should rest assured that their interests will be respected at all times. 

“Ghanaians had hope that the seriousness of the economic crisis would have prompted a reduction in the size of government and that President Akufo-Addo will see the wisdom in getting rid of the deadwood in his government who have nothing to offer this country. 

“In the circumstances, while the insensitive government is refusing to act responsibly, to contend with the looming economic disaster, we in the Minority will fully discharge our duties to the people of Ghana. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, a couple of weeks ago, the President announced a new set of ministerial nominees and the vetting commenced this morning we in the Minority will like to make it clear that we remain committed to ensuring greater scrutiny and we will spare not an effort to protect the public purse. 

“In line with this, we are taking part in the vetting process so that at the very minimum we can scrutinize the President’s decision in bringing up these nominees.”

Already, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed their MPs to reject the new nominees. 

In a press release dated February 19, the party explained that this is to help push for the reduction in the size of the current government.

The NDC stated that the party together with other civil society organisations have on numerous occasions expressed concern over government’s size but the President has yet to act on the calls for a reduction.

“The leadership of the NDC, has, against this backdrop, directed the Minority caucus in Parliament not to approve any of the new ministerial nominees and to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the needless drain on scarce public resources.”

“In this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a “governmental haircut”. Our directive to the Minority in Parliament, we believe strongly aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians. Enough is enough,” parts of the statement read.