The vetting of Deputy Interior Minister nominee Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi turned salty after an unparliamentary question from Member of the Appointments Committee, Jerry Shaib.
The vetting process of Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi was going on smoothly until Jerry Shaib decided a question that did not only displease or disrespect the Deputy Interior Minister nominee, but was also an affront to the noble House.
Jerry Shaib, in a video shared on X, first off congratulated the nominee and asked why, as a married man, his wife was not present at the vetting to support him.
“Congratulations, I see that you’re a married man, but I don’t think your wife is here to support you.
Do you have any reasons why?”
Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi made an inaudible comment, but he obviously unsure where this line of questioning was headed.
What broke the straw was when Jerry Shaib asked, “Honourable nominee, are you stingy?”
Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, who was visibly displeased by the question, quickly dropped all formalities and retorted, “What do you understand by being stingy?”
Sensing the brewing tension and possible escalation of the situation, Chairman of the committee, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan stepped in and asked Jerry Shaib to withdraw his question.
“Honourable member, can you withdraw that question? It is unparliamentary.”
The Appointments Committee of Parliament began vetting President John Dramani Mahama’s deputy ministerial nominees on Monday, February 24, 2025.
The public hearings will take place from Monday, February 24, to Thursday, February 27, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m. each day in Committee Rooms 1 and 2 of the Administration Block.
President John Mahama has nominated 13 deputy ministers to assist in their respective sectors, aiming to drive national development, fulfil the government’s promises, and advance Ghana’s socio-economic agenda.
Additionally, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba has been nominated as Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reform, tasked with streamlining government operations and improving service delivery.
The public hearings are expected to attract significant interest, as many Ghanaians look forward to evaluating the nominees’ vision for their respective roles.
Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who announced the nominees on February 5, emphasized that they were carefully chosen for their expertise, dedication, and alignment with the government’s vision.
“President Mahama is confident that these individuals will bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to their respective ministries,” he stated.
*Full List of Nominees include:*
1. Ministry of Finance: Thomas Nyarko Ampem – Tasked with supporting Ghana’s fiscal strategies amidst global economic uncertainties.
2. Ministry of the Interior: Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi – Expected to tackle national security challenges and internal peace initiatives.
3. Ministry of Defence: Ernest Brogya Gyenfi – Set to assist in enhancing Ghana’s defense capabilities.
4. Ministry of Education: Clement Abas Apaak – Poised to champion educational reforms and improved access to quality education.
5. Ministry of Energy & Green Transition: Richard Gyan-Mensah – Will play a key role in promoting clean energy solutions.
6. Ministry of Roads & Highways: Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini – Expected to support critical infrastructure development.
7. Ministry of Justice & Attorney General: Justice Srem-Sai – Will aid in upholding the rule of law and legal reforms.
8. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources: Yusif Sulemana – Focused on sustainable land use and resource management.
9. Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs: Rita Naa Odoley Sowah – Tasked with strengthening local governance.
10. Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources: Gizella Tettey-Agbotui – Set to address housing challenges and water access.
11. Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts: Yussif Issaka Jajah – Aims to boost tourism and cultural preservation.
12. Ministry of Food and Agriculture: John Kofi Setor Dumelo – Will spearhead agricultural productivity and food security.
13. Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry: Samson Ahi – Expected to drive trade expansion and industrial growth.
Watch video:
“Hon. Nominee, Are you stingy?” – Hon. Jerry Shaib during the vetting of the Deputy Interior Minister Designate, Hon. Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi. pic.twitter.com/B3YAhcTS4K
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) February 25, 2025
