Calls for the appointment of a substantive Minister for Defence resurfaced in Parliament on Tuesday as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the prolonged absence of leadership at the Ministry. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pushed back, attributing the delay to constitutional procedures rather than presidential inaction.
Explaining the situation on JoyNews’ AM Show on Tuesday, February 4, NDC Communications Team member Wonder Madilo said President John Dramani Mahama was ready to nominate a Defence Minister as far back as December but was prevented from doing so because Parliament was on recess.
According to Mr Madilo, parliamentary approval is mandatory for all ministerial appointments, making it impossible for the President to submit a nominee while the House was not sitting. Parliament was on recess from December 5 until early February, effectively stalling the vetting and approval process.
“The President, of his own volition and without any pressure, indicated in December that he would appoint a new Defence Minister in the new year. What delayed that process was Parliament’s recess,” Mr Madilo explained.
He stressed that the constitutional requirement for parliamentary scrutiny cannot be bypassed, insisting that the President is under no obligation to rush the appointment simply to satisfy political pressure.
“The vetting and approval of ministers is the exclusive responsibility of Parliament. So the President is not under any pressure to act outside that process,” he added.
The issue returned to the spotlight when Parliament resumed sittings on Tuesday, February 3, marking the start of its ninth session. During proceedings, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called on the President to immediately nominate substantive ministers for the Defence and Environment ministries.
He noted that both ministries have remained without substantive heads since the tragic helicopter crash last year that claimed the lives of the two former sector ministers.
“Outside this chamber, the situation is harsher — a nation without two important ministers. Those vital ministries remain without substantive leadership,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated, urging the President to act.
