Deputy Finance Minister nominee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, proved that aside from having the capacity to be a minister, he also has a humorous side.
He revealed his sense of humor when he appeared before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
During the vetting, Thomas Nyarko Ampem was asked a question which was regarded as a temptation, with members of the Committee making jokes after the question came from the minority side.
In response to the question, Thomas Nyarko Ampem jovially stated, “Mr. Chairman, the only reason I would want to refuse the temptation is for us to hurry up before Afenyo-Markin comes.” His response led to members of the Committee bursting out in laughter.
Unfortunately for him, Alexander Afenyo-Markin made it to the vetting before he could leave, and when a similar question was asked again, Afenyo-Markin now present jumped to his rescue and advised him against answering it as he was not in office yet.
“I was going to give the little information I had about it but I will respect his (Afenyo-Markin) views, and then because I was hoping I would finish before he comes and now that he is here and is giving me a cue I will better take it,” the Deputy Finance Minister nominee added.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been a torn in the flesh of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ever since they came to power. He has made his presence felt at the vetting of ministers, asking them the most difficult questions.
Although some claim most of his questions seem to be unnecessary, others are of the contrary view and praise him for keeping the NDC on its toes.
Reacting to the criticisms about his performance and that of the Appointments Committee, he admitted that the vetting process has not been smooth but insists there is room for improvement.
“It is my first time as Minority Leader. It is my first time vetting nominees. I will make mistakes; I won’t get it all right. There is room for improvement,” he stated in response to critics.
According to him, so far as the vetting process is ongoing, mistakes will be made along the way but they will course corrected. “Day in day out, mistakes will be made. Day in day out there will be improvement. So let’s leave it at that.”
Watch video:
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s presence on the vetting committee alone seems to unsettle nominees. Listen to what unfolded in his brief absence during the vetting of Finance Minister-designate, Thomas Ampem Nyarko. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/9PeWrE1cC6
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) February 24, 2025
