Bagbin cautions deputy ministers designate

The Minority Leader, Alban Bagbin in his typical watchdog role has cautioned six deputy Ministers designate to stop carrying out official functions, since their nomination has not yet been approved by the Appointments Committee.

Such nominees, according to Bagbin can only perform official duties after they have been approved by Parliament and sworn the oaths of secrecy and allegiance to the President.

Bagbin speaking in a radio programme on JOY FM, said information reaching him indicate that the deputy ministers designate have been carrying out official assignments, describing it as "unacceptable."

"I will implore such nominees to desist from such acts and wait for the report of the Appointments Committee of Parliament," the Minority Leader said.

He said further that until the nominees are endorsed by Parliament and sworn in by the President, they should stay clear of the offices and desist from presiding over official functions in the name of their designated ministries.

Bagbin described the actions of the nominees, who include Ms. Sarah Sam, Messers Moctar Bamba Sofo and Osei Kufuor, as criminal and inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the 1992 Constitution.

The report of the Committee has delayed because it is investigating allegations of malfeasance levelled by the public against some of the nominees. "Some of the nominees are being investigated for alleged malpractice at their former places of employment by the Appointments Committee."

Until such time that the committee presents its report to the House for approval, the nominees must not hold themselves out as deputy ministers, the Minority said.