Deputy Minister Designate Forced To Reject Appointment

The Deputy Minister designate for Lands, Mines and Forestry, Mr. Ben Osei Kufuor has declined to take up the appointment. He made the announcement in Parliament on Friday afternoon before the commencement of the day’s proceedings. Mr. Osei Kufuor’s decision might have resulted from the controversy surrounding his approval for the position.

The Appointments Committee of Parliament after several months of meetings and investigations was still divided over whether Mr. Ben Osei Kufuor was dismissed by his former employers, Mim Timber Company for stealing.

Mr. Osei- Kufuor who is also the MP for Asunafo North had claimed that he vacated his post, but a letter on his file states that he was summarily dismissed over allegations of fraud. As the House prepared to take a vote on the matter on Thursday, the majority side technically deserted the house.

The NPP Majority was devising all means to ensure that the House successfully approves Mr. Osei Kufuor whilst the NDC Minority condemned their action saying that Parliament will be doing a disservice to the nation if it approved the nominee. Mr. Osei Kufuor is reported to have given an emotional statement announcing his decision not to take up the position.

Majority In Parliament Swerve Vote On Deputy Ministerial Nominee

The Majority in Parliament are devising all means to ensure that the House successfully approves the President’s nominee for the position of Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Ben Osei Kufuor. The Appointments Committee after several months of meetings and investigations is still divided over whether the nominee was dismissed by his former employers, Mim Timber Company for stealing.

Mr. Osei- Kufuor who is the MP for Asunafo North claims that he vacated his post, a letter on his file states that he was summarily dismissed over allegations of fraud. As the House prepared to take a vote on the matter, the majority side technically deserted the house.

Some minority members had submitted that the house will be doing a disservice to the nation if it approved the nominee, adding that the government must justify its credibility by appointing people with integrity to high office.
The Speaker after several attempts to summon members outside the Chamber to come and vote expressed regret that the Standing Orders of the House did not give him the power to compel members to assemble. There were only 92 members present with only 10 on the Majority side, less than the required number of one hundred members to form a quorum. The voting on Mr. Kufuor did not therefore take place.
Minority Leader, Alban Bagbin said the Majority is doing a disservice to the House. “If this is the way that they decide to behave, then, I am afraid they are losing the power to govern."