The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has alleged that significant changes are imminent within the Majority leadership in Parliament following the nomination of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the current Majority Leader, as Minister of Finance-Designate by President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Afenyo-Markin claimed that the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central is set to assume the position of Majority Leader.
Additionally, he stated that the MP for Cape Coast South will replace Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah as Deputy Majority Leader, with the latter being appointed as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Afenyo-Markin further asserted that the MP for South Dayi is poised to take over as Majority Chief Whip, replacing Kwame Governs Agbodza, who he suggested is also in line for a ministerial nomination.
The current Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, according to Afenyo-Markin, is expected to be named Minister of Local Government and Decentralisation.
“I can see the incoming Majority Leader and his deputy conferring. Those of us in opposition, we know more things than those of you in government,” he remarked, adding a hint of intrigue to the unfolding parliamentary developments.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has referred the three ministerial nominees announced by President Mahama to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report.
The nominees include Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Minister-Designate for Finance, John Jinapor as Minister-Designate for Energy, and Dominic Ayine as Attorney General and Minister-Designate for Justice.
“I have received on your behalf a message from the Office of the President, dated January 9, 2025.
Honorable Members, I will accordingly refer the nominees to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report to the House. It’s so referred,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
In response, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh urged the nominees to prepare adequately for their vetting, warning that the process will not be business as usual.
“We want to caution your nominees to come prepared. It is not going to be business as usual, so they should come prepared,” Annoh-Dompreh emphasized.
Where are the rest of the ministers? This tot-tot appointment is not accepted – Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticizes President Mahama’s recent ministerial appointments.#TV3GH
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) January 9, 2025
