Parliament 'sweats' over procedure to approve Veep

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Created on Tuesday, 31 July 2012 00:00

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Parliament 'sweats' over procedure to approve Veep

Joy News can confirm that either former Finance Minister Dr Kwasi Botchway or the Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr Kwasi Amissah-Arthur will be nominated for the position of the Vice President tomorrow.

Whilst the President John Mahama sweats on making the final decision, Parliamentarians are also in a dilemma as to what procedure to use in approving the President’s final choice.

Some are proposing a simple voice vote in Parliament but others say the Vice President, like all other nominees must be vetted.

Even if it is agreed the President’s nominee will be vetted there is still the question as to whether he will vetted in public or in camera.

Majority Leader, Cletus Avoka in an interview with Joy News argued the Vice President cannot be subjected to such public vetting.

He feared the nominee may be exposed to needless public ridicule.

Cletus Avoka admitted the House met last week to discuss the procedure to use in approving the choice of vice presidential candidate even though no conclusive decision was arrived at.

He said even if the appointments committee of Parliament will sit to make the approval, it should be done in camera to protect the dignity of the office of the Vice President.

Minority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu insists the decision as to what procedure to use in approving the Vice President rests only on the shoulders of the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

He said it doesn’t lie in the mouth of the Majority Leader to say what procedure to use in approving the Vice President.

Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Freddie Blay however believes the norm of Parliament to vet all nominations should be adhered to.

From: Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com