The nomination of the MP for Asunafo-North Ben Osei Kufuor as deputy minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines is hanging in the balance. The nominee is among six others whose approval has been put on hold to enable the Parliamentary appointments committee investigate some allegations made against them.

The nominee is having problems over his alleged dismissal by his previous employers for theft and some issues about his academic certificates.

Last week the President nominated yet another person, Professor Kassim Kasanga, as an additional deputy minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines.

This brings to three the number of deputies for the ministry, with Clement Eledi already at post. Sources close to the Presidency have hinted that the University lecturer’s nomination signals a withdrawal of the nomination of Mr. Osei Kufuor.

Media Relations Minister, Elizabeth Ohene, will not confirm this but indicated in an interview with Joy FM, that the President had to make another nomination because work at the ministry was being stalled.

Joy FM also learnt that the president had earlier written to withdraw the nomination of two nominees including Ben Osei Kufuor, but the chairman of the Appointments Committee, Freddie Blay, has denied this.