Parliament has approved the fourth batch of President John Mahama’s ministerial nominees following their vetting by the Appointments Committee and subsequent debate in the House.

The approved nominees include:

Dr. Rashid Pelpuo – Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Samuel Nartey George – Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations Kofi Adams – Minister for Sports and Recreation Joseph Bukari Nikpe – Minister for Transport

The debate, held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, was presided over by Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako.

While the Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, endorsed four of the nominees, they strongly opposed the appointment of Samuel Nartey George as Minister for Communications.

The Minority argued that Mr. George’s past remarks criticizing former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo raised concerns about his suitability for the role.

However, the Majority Caucus dismissed these objections, defending Mr. George’s nomination as well-founded and criticizing the Minority’s stance as unjustifiable.

After extensive deliberations, the Minority acknowledged the competence of the other four nominees but insisted on a secret ballot for Mr. George’s approval.

Facing resistance from the Majority, they ultimately abstained from voting, leaving his fate to be determined by a majority decision.

In the end, the Second Deputy Speaker confirmed the appointments through a voice vote, with the Minority opting out of the process.

The approval of this latest batch of ministers strengthens President Mahama’s government as it moves forward with its governance agenda. However, the deepening divisions between the Majority and Minority in Parliament continue to shape the political landscape