Dafeamekpor’s suit doesn’t stop Parliament from approving new ministers – Attorney General

On March 22, 2024, 4:34 AM

Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has expressed concern over Parliament’s decision to halt the vetting process of new ministers due to a suit at the Supreme Court.

In a statement, the AG explained that Parliament is not restrained from proceeding with the vetting and approval process of the new ministers and deputy ministers.

It will be recalled that Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, halted consideration for ministers and deputy ministers of state nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, citing an interlocutory injunction filed at the Supreme Court by MP Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor.

Responding to Mr. Bagbin’s decision, Mr. Dame emphasized that Parliament faced no risk of prejudice to the authority of the Supreme Court if it continued with the approval processes for nominees.

He clarified that the substance of Mr. Dafeamekpor’s suit, challenging the President’s power to relieve ministers, did not affect the approval of newly nominated ministers and deputy ministers as the constitution prescribes.

“It has no bearing on the approval of persons newly nominated by the President as Ministers and Deputy Ministers and duly presented to Parliament for approval under articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the constitution.”

Below is the statement from the Attorney General.