The Appointments Committee of Parliament will today, Monday, February 20, start vetting President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees. 

Expected to appear today are the Minister-designate for Trade and Industry KT Hammond, the MP for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah, the Deputy Trade Minister nominee. 

Also, Mr Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi Constituency, the nominee for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. 

The Akwapim South lawmaker, OB Amoah has also been nominated as the Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government.

Others expected to appear before the Appointments Committee are Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam and Stephen Asamoah Boateng.

President Akufo-Addo made changes to his government on February 7. 

He appointed new persons while other ministers have been reshuffled to other ministries.

Meanwhile, ahead of the exercise, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed its Minority members in Parliament 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.