Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially referred four deputy ministerial nominees to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting and subsequent reporting.
The nominees, appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, include Madam Dorcas Afo-Toffey, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro and Deputy Minister-Designate for Transport; Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North and Deputy Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West and Deputy Minister-Designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations; and Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan and Deputy Minister-Designate for Health.
According to a statement from Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, “The nominations were done by the President in accordance with Articles 78 (1) and 79 (1) of the Constitution, and their names had been submitted to Parliament through the Speaker for prior approval to serve as Deputy Ministers.”
The statement further clarified, “This is the last batch of deputy ministers” nominated by the President.
The nominees are now expected to appear before the Appointments Committee, which will assess their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the respective portfolios before presenting its report to the full House for approval.
In referring the nominations, Speaker Bagbin advised the Committee to approach its work with diligence and fairness, stating, “Do the right thing and not do anything expeditiously” in the performance of their constitutional oversight duties.
