Effutu MP and Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised allegations against President John Dramani Mahama for purportedly breaching parliamentary standing orders. His concerns were voiced during the ministerial vetting on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Afenyo-Markin argued that the President had not adhered to the appropriate procedures in notifying Parliament of ministerial nominees. He emphasized that, per Standing Order 65(1), the communication addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, regarding the nominations should have been personally signed by the President.
Highlighting the issue, he stated, “The notification of Parliament regarding the nominees is riddled with a procedural misstep that threatens the credibility of this process. Instead of the President’s direct communication, the letter in question was signed by his Secretary, claiming authorization from the President.”
He further clarified the rules, pointing out, “Order 65(1) mandates that any communication from the President to the House must be in writing and signed by the President. In the President’s absence, this responsibility falls to the Vice President or a Minister specifically authorized by the President.”
Afenyo-Markin questioned the legality of the Secretary’s involvement, noting, “Where does the authority of the Secretary to Parliament come into play here? This action by President Mahama’s government constitutes a breach of our standing orders and undermines the credibility of this vetting process.”
The controversy arose following a letter to Parliament notifying members of President Mahama’s nomination of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Majority Leader and Ajumako Enyan Esiam MP, as Finance Minister Designate; Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Bolgatanga East MP, as Attorney General and Minister of Justice Designate; and John Abdulai Jinapor, Yapei-Kusawgu MP, as Minister of Energy Designate.
