The NDC MP who left her father’s funeral to vote during Ministers’ approval
Friday’s showdown in Parliament saw legislators battle it out to uphold the positions of their respective sides.
The Majority had argued for President Akufo-Addo’s new appointees to be approved while the Minority fought back sighting a bloated government was not favourable for an economy in turmoil.
Though the secret ballot went the way of the Majority, fresh information suggests some NDC Members of Parliament made hard choices just to stack up the numbers in the House.
The House business for the day had coincided with a very important moment on the calendar of La Dadekotopon legislator, Rita Odoley Sowah.
According to NDC member Dzifa Gunu, the MP had lost her father with the final funeral rite slated for this same week.
On Friday, the house had tabled the crucial debate on the nominees as part of its line-up.
However, due to the exigency of the proceedings, Rita “spent less than three hours at the church service”.
“Friday, the final day of your late dad’s funeral, you spent less than 3 hours at the church service, you couldn’t stay to even watch his coffin being carried to the cemetery, you left to Parliament house,” Dzifa wrote.
But after hours of disagreements, a brief suspension, and a secret ballot, Parliament finally approved President Akufo-Addo’s six ministerial nominees.
This means Rita’s sacrifice on the day failed to yield the desired results.
Adansi Asokwa MP, Kobina Tahir Hammond was confirmed to head the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with Dr Stephen Amoah appointed as Deputy. Abetifi MP, Brian Acheampong was approved as Agriculture Minister and Karaga MP, Mohammed Amin Adam, was okayed as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng is the new Minister for Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Osei Bonsu Amoah heads to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as Minister of State.
The outcome of the Parliamentary proceeding has left a sour taste in the mouth of many NDC members including former President John Mahama, and Majority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson and the NDC leadership.
Read the full statement on Rita Odotey’s situation below.
On Thursday, whilst your late dad was laying in state to be buried on Friday, you were in Parliament because you were responding to a call to SERVICE
Friday, the final day of your late dad’s funeral, you spent less than 3 hours at the church service, you couldn’t stay to even watch his coffin being carried to the cemetery, you left to parliament house
At a point the Regional Chairman called me to enquire if you were in parliament, indeed you were in parliament for the rest of yesterday
Unfortunately, sadly, your sacrifice was in vain, the reason why you couldn’t fully be at your own dad’s funeral didn’t materialise.
I don’t have the courage to point accusing fingers at anyone, I don’t.
All I pray for is that the Lord gives you the strength to survive the pain and disappointment as you wouldn’t have another opportunity to perform a funeral worthy to enough in memory of your dad.
May it be well with you my MP Rita Odoley Sowah
Source: Ghana News
