The Member of Parliament for Bongo Constituency, Mr Edward Bawa has opined that the Energy Minister Designate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh did not demonstrate knowledge of the sector during his vetting.
According to him, although some of the minister designates did well at the vetting, others did not perform to satisfaction, pointing Opoku Prempeh as one of those who did not show his readiness to run the sector.
Dr Opoku Prempeh was the Minister of Education in Akufo-Addo’s first term but was named by the President as an Energy Minster Designate for his second term after wining the 2020 election.
The then Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Adutwum has also been named Education Minister designate.
Speaking in an interview on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie, hosted by Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Mr Bawa said, “For Energy, he didn’t demonstrate knowledge in the area.”
He said others he spoke to about Opoku-Prempeh’s vetting also testified later that Opoku Prempeh did not demonstrate knowledge in the area.
He said although Opoku Prempeh does not have background in the energy sector, his common knowledge of science should give him some footing.
Mr Bawa noted that although some don’t have background in their respective sectors, they are able to study on the job. However, with the challenges confronting the energy sector, he was of the view that there is no time for Opoku Prempeh to study on the job.
“My assumption is that he will learn on the job. But if you look at the energy sector, there is no luxury of learning on the job, you must hit the ground running,” he said.
He suggested that the Minister has to take advice from technocrats in addition to common sense to be able to run the sector considering its challenges.
Other Ministers
For those who performed to satisfaction at the vetting, Mr Bawa mentioned Dan Botwe, noting the fact that he is hardworking and has the capabilities to run his ministry.
“For some of them, because of their credentials, you don’t doubt their competencies; a typical example is Dan Botwe. His vetting was just about an hour, because of his leadership skills, he is respectful, and he has a very good human relation and so they don’t doubt his capabilities as somebody who can handle the Local Government Ministry,” he said.
Attorney General
For the Attorney General, Mr Bawa said,“When you look at the Attorney General’s vetting, it took about six hours because there were so many question marks about some decisions taken there and so people wanted to scrutinise him to be sure he can handle his sector.”
He however, commended the 26-member appointment committee for the work they have done so far in respect to vetting the ministers designate for the second term of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Generally, I think my colleagues are doing well. I see them ask piercing questions,” he said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori