The vetting of the Minister of Finance-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on Monday, January 13, 2025, sparked a heated exchange between Mahama Ayariga, the MP for Bawku Central, and Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin. The session, held in Parliament, became contentious over procedural concerns raised by the Minority Leader.
Afenyo-Markin argued that former President John Dramani Mahama had not adhered to the parliamentary standing orders in his ministerial nomination process. He emphasized that the letter informing the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, of the nominees should have been signed by the President himself, as required by Standing Order 65(1).
Highlighting this procedural lapse, Afenyo-Markin stated, “Before we delve into the suitability of the individuals nominated, we must first address a fundamental error in the process. The letter to Parliament was signed by the Secretary to the President, which, per our rules, is not permissible unless explicitly authorized in the absence of the President.” He underscored that communication of this nature should bear the signature of the President, Vice President, or an authorized minister.
Mahama Ayariga, in response, dismissed Afenyo-Markin’s concerns as misplaced, asserting that it was not within the Minority Leader’s purview to dictate how the President manages his nominations. Ayariga countered, “This is not the platform to critique or guide the presidency on procedural matters. If you have such opinions, perhaps a press conference would be more appropriate.”
He further argued that Afenyo-Markin’s interpretation of the President’s timeline for forming a cabinet was misguided, noting, “The President pledged to form his cabinet shortly after assuming office, not immediately following the declaration of results. Let’s not impose timelines on him that were never promised.”
Ayariga also questioned the infallibility of the House’s rules, citing recent Supreme Court rulings that overturned some parliamentary provisions.
In a rebuttal, Afenyo-Markin denied attempting to undermine the presidency, insisting his comments were well within his rights as a parliamentarian.
