Kumasi, Feb 26, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Zongo Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has chided the Appointments Committee of Parliament for its decision to withhold the approval of Mr Mahama Ayariga as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. It said it found no basis for the Committee's feet dragging as the nominee had been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

A statement jointly signed by Alhaji Othman Yahya and Alhaji Ibn Ibrahim, Chairman and Secretary respectively, said the group found it difficult to rationalize why the findings of the Commission should be ignored. It appealed to the Committee to without further delay give Mr Ayariga the nod to put his expertise and knowledge at the service of the nation.

The group expressed support and confidence in the former Presidential Spokesperson. The Committee has delayed Mr Ayariga's appointment to seek further clarification on his acquisition of five tractors meant for farmers amidst suspicion of conflict of interest.