The Majority in Parliament has urged the Minority to reconsider their stance on boycotting the vetting of Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo.

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed disappointment with the reasons cited by the Minority for their boycott.

He emphasized the government's commitment to a comprehensive approach involving all sectors to tackle national challenges and ensure inclusive national development.

While acknowledging government achievements, he also acknowledged ongoing difficulties that underscore the need for uninterrupted governance.

The Minority announced their decision to abstain from participating in the vetting through a press release issued on Tuesday, July 2, signed by leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

They cited concerns over the large size of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, its economic performance, and various national crises including economic downturn, food insecurity, debt defaults, government corruption, and wasteful spending.

The Minority criticized President Akufo-Addo's nomination of additional ministers, arguing it demonstrated a failure to grasp the economic challenges caused by government policies.

They asserted their refusal to support actions that would further burden Ghanaian citizens already struggling under the weight of a bloated government and financial constraints.

“Members of the Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee of Parliament will not participate in today’s vetting of the President’s nominee for the post of Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.”

“The Caucus is affronted by the already large size of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and its poor economic performance.”

“We are again unable to support this nomination by President Akufo-Addo at this time because our country has gone through (and continues to go through) very difficult periods, including crippling economic crisis, food insecurity, debt default as a result of excessive borrowing, corruption in government and wasteful and reckless expenditures,” excerpt of the statement said.

But in a statement, the Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin said “The Majority Caucus has learned with concern the decision by the Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee not to participate in today’s vetting of the President’s nominee for the post of Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. The reasons provided for this intended action are regrettable.

“The Government continues to engage in a whole-of-society approach to address our challenges as a country. This is to ensure that all our people in the various sectors are brought on board the business of national development. While lauding the Government’s achievements, we also recognise the persisting difficulties. It is precisely these challenges that make it imperative for governance to continue without interruption.

“Our compatriots nationwide will not view this august House charitably should we enable an interruption in governance merely on account of pending elections. In soccer, important goals are scored both in regular and injury time. Every moment counts. It is therefore our hope that our colleagues on the other side will reconsider their position and act in the best interest of the country, enabling with all good faith, the business of Government to proceed. We as a majority will endeavour to engage our colleagues with the same collaborative spirit that has characterised our relationship in this august House.”