Information Minister-designate, Fatimatu Abubakar, has expressed concerns about the delay in approving new ministers, citing its negative impact on government business.
According to her, the delay is preventing the ministers from effectively performing their duties.
“We have been waiting, and I think it’s a long wait, and it affects the government’s business because until about two weeks ago when we got letters to go as representatives, so many ministries like my place, where both the substantive nominations and deputy are new, it means you can’t do anything. The ministry is orphaned, and there are certain decisions that go beyond what administrators can make.
“They will need political direction or from the executives. A lot has been waiting on the table for long,” the Information Minister-designate stated on Citi News.
The concern follows a deadlock between the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Presidency over the latter’s request to halt the transmission of the anti-gay bill.
Currently, new ministers who have been nominated and vetted are still awaiting approval by Parliament.
The Speaker had halted the approval of the new ministers citing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court.
However, on Wednesday, March 27, a five-member panel presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo dismissed the injunction application describing it as an abuse of court processes.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has announced that Parliament will reconvene on Friday, May 17.
Credit: Felicia Osei