Parliament Approves Ablakwa, Akandoh, and 10 Other Ministerial Nominees

Parliament has confirmed Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh as the Minister for Health, and ten other ministerial nominees, despite some disagreements from the opposition.

Mr. Ablakwa’s nomination was approved by a majority vote, with the Minority members abstaining from voting. However, the nominations of Mr. Akandoh and the remaining nominees were confirmed by consensus. The new ministers include Seidu Issifu, who has been appointed as Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Charity Gardiner as the Minister for the Ahafo Region, Awuribe Issifu as Minister for the Savannah Region, and Wilbert Petty Brentum as Minister-designate for the Western North Region.

Other confirmed nominees include Joseph Nelson for the Ministry of the Western Region, Joseph Addae Akwaboa for the Bono Region, Francis Owusu Antwi for the Bono East Region, Puozuing Charles Lwanga for the Upper East Region, Felix Kwakye Ofosu as Minister of State for Government Communication, and Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere as Minister for the Central Region. Their confirmation followed the presentation of the Appointments Committee’s 12th report, delivered by its Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, who urged the House to approve the nominees.

However, the confirmation of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as the Minister for Foreign Affairs did not go without contention. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced that the Minority Caucus, comprising all 88 members of the NPP, had rejected Mr. Ablakwa’s nomination and abstained from voting on his confirmation. He emphasized that the approval of Mr. Ablakwa was solely a decision made by the Majority. Afenyo-Markin also clarified that while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an important institution, the Minority could not support Mr. Ablakwa’s appointment.

Afenyo-Markin further explained that the Minority’s objection to Mr. Ablakwa stemmed from his role as the chairman of the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) committee, a task force he previously led. The Minority expressed concern over the constitutionality of the ORAL committee and questioned its necessity, given that Ghana already has established anti-corruption bodies, such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Financial Crime Office, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and the National Investigations Bureau (NIB). According to Afenyo-Markin, the Minority believes that the committee’s actions have been detrimental to the country and are undermining the work of established institutions.

In a symbolic act to demonstrate the Minority’s disapproval, the Second Deputy Whip, Habib Iddrisu, poured bottled water over his hands, signifying that the Minority was washing their hands of any responsibility for Mr. Ablakwa’s approval. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Minority was not part of the “sins” they attributed to Mr. Ablakwa, referring to his leadership of the ORAL committee, which they felt had not been constructive. Afenyo-Markin stated, “All the Airport Hills sins are on their head,” suggesting that the actions of Mr. Ablakwa and his committee were problematic and had implications for the country.

Despite the disagreements, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that Mr. Ablakwa had distinguished himself in matters related to his proposed portfolio as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. However, he maintained that the Minority could not support his leadership of the ORAL committee, as they felt it was undermining existing anti-corruption institutions. He expressed concern that the committee’s actions were taking the country backward rather than addressing corruption in a meaningful way.

Afenyo-Markin also made it clear that the Minority would not obstruct Mr. Ablakwa’s political future. He noted, “I am a politician like you, and I will not be the one to be pursuing you.” This statement indicated that while the Minority disagreed with the nominee’s past actions, they would not actively work to impede his career in the future. The Minority’s position was based on principles, and while they dissociated themselves from Mr. Ablakwa’s approval, they acknowledged his potential contributions in his new role.

The final approval of the other ten ministerial nominees reflects the consensus-based approach of the Majority in Parliament, ensuring that these ministers can begin their work immediately. However, the rejection of Mr. Ablakwa’s nomination has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Majority and Minority on issues related to governance, leadership, and accountability in the country’s political landscape. As the new ministers prepare to assume office, all eyes will be on how these appointments impact the governance of Ghana in the coming years.