The former Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, has shed light on a longstanding convention within Parliament that affords leaders of the House a certain level of courtesy when they appear before the Committee.

The immediate First Deputy Speaker of Parliament speaking on Joy News’ Upfront on Thursday, January 16, explained the rationale behind the practice and how it varies depending on the role for which the individual is being vetted.

Addressing concerns about a perceived “soft spot” for parliamentary leaders nominated for ministerial positions, the former Bekwai MP affirmed that the convention is rooted in respect for their established leadership.

“Well, usually when it comes to a person nominated as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, they are often the Majority Leader or a Deputy Minority Leader we already know,” he said.

“These are our leaders. We work with them, so we have moved it in a way that reflects that respect.”

He recounted that historically, parliamentary leaders who were nominated for the position of Minister for Parliamentary Affairs often underwent brief vetting sessions.

“In fact, before I joined Parliament, what I observed is that the person just came and mentioned his name, and that’s all—they dismissed him or her,” he shared, illustrating the deep respect accorded to leaders of the House.

However, Joe Osei Owusu clarified that this courtesy does not automatically extend to leaders nominated for other ministerial roles, especially those outside parliamentary affairs.

“When you are nominated as Finance Minister, for instance, even if you are a leader, that’s a different ball game,” he emphasised.

“You’re moving from Parliament to a different area.”

Drawing on specific examples, Mr Osei Owusu cited the vetting of current Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who was formerly Minority Leader.

“I recall when Bagbin, the current Speaker, was nominated as Minister for Health. I spent quite some time on him because it was not for working in Parliament,” he explained.

“We knew him as Minority Leader or Majority Leader, but when he was nominated for Minister, he didn’t get that courtesy we usually give to Ministers for Parliamentary Affairs.”

Joe Osei Owusu defended the committee’s approach, stating that it balances the need for respect with the responsibility to thoroughly evaluate nominees.

“If you are nominated as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, you don’t need a person from outside to tell us about you,” he noted.

“But for other portfolios, the context is different.”

The former chairman’s remarks come amidst discussions about the fairness of the vetting process, particularly the extended scrutiny given to some nominees.

He reiterated that the convention of respecting parliamentary leaders remains intact but must be weighed against the requirements of the role they are being vetted for.