Politics of Friday, 27 March 2015

Source: GNA

Ho-Central NDC differs on issue of ministerial appointments

A section of the Ho Central Constituency Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dissociated itself from a reported “heightening displeasure” over lack of ministerial appointments from the constituency since 1992.

A statement signed by Stanley Glate, Constituency Secretary, said that position “did not emanate from the totality of the entire executives of the Ho Central Constituency, but a minority group expressing its opinion.”

The statement said the President’s prerogative to make appointments was “not based on the number of votes he earns from a constituency, but on the acumen and competencies of people.”

The statement noted “about five strategic appointments to higher levels of authority from this constituency.”

These are “Board Chairman of NIB, CEO of NLA, CEO NIB, Acting CEO National Pension Regulatory Authority and the Controller and Accountant General, just to mention a few.”

“To us we value these positions more than just a ministerial appointment,” the statement said.

The Constituency Chairman, Mr Divine Ferg Afedo when contacted, explained that the displeasure of the constituency was with lack of “appointment as Minister or Deputy Minister of State…” not lack of “appointments to Government Agencies, Departments or Chief Executive Officers of Financial Institutions and Corporate Bodies.”

“I hope and trust that the powers have taken a critical note of the concerns of the people of Ho Central, where a lot of competent and quality human resource abounds,” he said, acknowledging “the sole prerogative of the President to make appointments.”

Mr Afedo assured the NDC, its supporters in the constituency and President John Mahama, that, legitimate concerns would be pursued with seriousness “with the Party’s hierarchy and not through demonstrations.”

“We are prepared to continue to work assiduously to deliver more votes…come 2016,” he gave the assurance.