Parliament has confirmed the nomination of the Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, along with four others.
Mr. George’s confirmation was secured by a majority decision, as the Minority Caucus abstained from endorsing him.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, explained that the Minority was rejecting Mr. George’s nomination due to his accusations against former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of benefiting from illegal mining (galamsey) and his public criticism of the Chief Justice.
He also cited the nominee’s inability to provide documents regarding his spouse’s business and his source of secondary income, as stated during his confirmation hearing before the Appointments Committee.
However, in a post on social media, Mr. George said he submitted all the necessary documents to Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The House, however, unanimously endorsed four other nominees: Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo as Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment; Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed as Minister-designate for Environment, Science, and Technology; Kofi Iddie Adams as Minister-designate for Sports and Recreation; and Joseph Bukari Nikpe as Minister-designate for Transport.
Their approval followed a motion moved by the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, for the House to adopt the committee’s report on the President’s nominees.
However, the Chairman recommended that the House approve Mr. George’s nomination by a majority decision.
Seconding the motion, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reiterated that the committee had unanimously agreed to approve the four other nominees in good faith and the national interest.
Regarding Mr. George, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minority Caucus believed certain matters raised during his vetting made it “impossible to support his nomination.”
Similarly, Alexander Afenyo-Markin reiterated the disapproval of members of his side of the House to the nomination of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs.
He said their stance is based on the failure of the North Tongu MP to submit relevant documents requested by the Committee in respect of his earnings and assets.
