Don’t be arrogant - MPs tell Spio

Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, Mr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah has been counseled by Parliament not to exhibit arrogance in the discharge of his duties and to also accommodate the views of personalities who may not be on the same level of intelligence as he is.

He was also advised to be truthful to himself, especially as he moves to spearhead one of the delicate ministries in the land.

“It does appear that the attitude of the nominee even at the committee was one that appeared to be bereft of modesty and lack of accommodation for diversity. If you are a leader, you must accept that not everybody will be at your level. A major part of leadership is to coach and bring people along in building a team.

“To be able to succeed with his brilliant ideas, I dare suggest that he needs a crop of dedicated servants he will be working with. If he is finally approved by this House, he must recognize that even those who are not necessary at half his level of intelligence, those people deserve to be heard and be respected”, noted Joseph Osei-Owusu, NPP MP for Bekwai.

The House made this observation yesterday when it approved the nomination of Mr. Spio-Garbrah for the position assigned him by the President after being convinced that the nominee was capable of delivering good things to the country.

His approval was followed by a recommendation by the Ebo Barton-Odro led Appointment Committee to the legislature to adopt its 13th report and approve his nomination for appointment as Minister for Trade and Industry.

The former Minister for Education on August 13, 2014, appeared before the Appointments Committee for public hearing to consider his qualification, eligibility and capability for the position to which he has nominated to.

Contributing to the approval of the nominee, the NPP MP for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who was equally saddened by the attitude put forth by Mr. Spio-Garbrah when he appeared before the Appointment Committee, also advised him to be bold and admit the things that he says and writes about to the public.

He said it was surprising that the statement Mr. Spio-Garbrah submitted to the committee was not the one he wrote and was published in the Daily Graphic. “He could not even help us with his own statement that he has written”, he argued.

He added, “The ministry is involved in a very delicate negotiation on behalf of the country – the Economic Partnership Agreement. With such an attitude, I will not be surprised that Ghana can be shortchanged – that he will go and sign something there and come and deny it”.

MP for Okere, Daniel Botwe in his contribution described the appointment of the nominee as that which demonstrates that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) lacked competent people within their fold to manage the affairs of the country.

He backed his argument by comments by Mr. Spio-Garbrah that the President has had discussions with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to ensure his smooth transition to the position he has been assigned.

Mr. Spio-Garbrah has a contract with the AfDB as Coordinator for the bank’s 50th Anniversary which is due to end in December, 2014.

The Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, on his part, said the capabilities of Mr. Spio-Garbrah could not be questioned but cautioned that “the House must be careful in approving persons to be untrue in little matters. He (Mr. Spio-Garbrah) needs to be truthful in little matters”, he added.

MP for Wa West, Joseph Yieleh Chireh, in contributing to the approval of the nominee told the House that since Mr. Spio-Garbrah was remorseful and apologized for the “Team B” comment he made prior to his nomination, it was important for the House to move on and approve him for the position assigned him by the President.

He said the nominee was very competent for the position he has been assigned and therefore urged the House to approve him.

Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Haruna Iddrisu, commenting on the nominee also urged the House to approve him for the position assigned him since he has demonstrated his capabilities of managing such portfolios before.