Minority Urges Mahama to Reshuffle Ministers Over Parliamentary Absences

The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to consider an early ministerial reshuffle, citing growing concerns about the persistent absence of some ministers from parliamentary proceedings.

The call followed the failure of the Minister of State in Charge of Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, and the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to appear before Parliament to respond to questions concerning their portfolios.

Raising the issue on the floor of the House on Tuesday, December 16, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh expressed frustration over what he described as undue delays, noting that some questions had remained on the Order Paper for an extended period without answers.

“These are questions directed at the Minister for Public Sector Reforms, and they have stayed on the Order Paper for a very long time. We are rising on Friday, and if these questions are not taken, it becomes problematic,” he stated.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also criticised the absence of the Food and Agriculture Minister, acknowledging that the minister had formally notified Parliament of his inability to attend but insisting that his deputy should have appeared in his stead.

“The Minister for Agriculture has written to inform us that he cannot be present, and that is acceptable. He has been very courteous. But his deputy must be here,” he said.

The Minority Chief Whip argued that there are capable members within the Majority caucus who are prepared to take up ministerial responsibilities if given the opportunity, urging the President to closely monitor developments in Parliament.

“The President must be watching. The first reshuffle must happen,” he added.