Brouhaha Over Approval Of Ministerial Nominees

The one independent caucuses with the NPP majority, making the balance 138 (NPP) and 136 (NDC). In the aftermath of the approval of the President’s six nominees for various ministerial positions on March 24, with the support of NDC Parliamentarians, the party finds itself dealing with a) a hostile public response and b) the appearance of cracks within the party.ExpectationsIn 2021, the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) conducted a post 2020 election survey and asked – “In your opinion, how likely or unlikely is it that the current Parliament with the NPP and NDC having an equal number of seats will- a) force or ensure full attendance of all MPs during sitting in parliament; b) improve the practice of parliamentary democracy, thereby enhancing democratic development; c) keep the executive in check; and d) aid scrutiny of international contracts?” On the first three, eight out of ten (80 per cent) Ghanaians expected to see improvements.

There was another expectation, judging from public commentary, that the era of “the minority will have its say, but the majority will have its way” will end.

This means that even if all 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) show up and vote strictly along party lines, the NDC minority will always lose the vote on any parliamentary matter.

That is the first political reality it faces.The second political reality it faces is that they are dealing with a very determined majority whose government has several policy priorities they are committed to seeing through.

Take for example the passage of Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) budget which was characterised by an initial walkout, a rejection by the NDC minority, a rescission of the vote and a final passage of that budget.

In short, the majority has shown that, save for absenteeism among its members, there will be no crossing over from their side to cast a vote in support of parliamentary matters deemed to be in the interest of the minority.

Sometimes, the interests will clash and choices, pleasant or unpleasant, will have to be made.What should Minority MPs Do?I understand the party’s position, and I am sure it is something the general public shares, that government must cut down expenditure and reduce the size of government.