February 9, 2012

Four ministerial nominees were on Thursday vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament for prior to their assumption of office.

They were; Moses Asaga, Minister designate for Employment and Social Welfare, Dominic Azimbe Azumah, Minister of State designate for the Presidency, Fritz Baffour, Minister designate for Information, and Henry Ametefee, Deputy Minister designate for the Volta Region.

Mr Asaga who was the first to appear before the committee among other issues assured of his commitment to address the challenges of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) scheme, which had achieved 97 per cent coverage.

He said when finally approved he will direct his energy to ensuring that the remaining three per cent coverage is achieved.

Hon. Asaga added that his experience at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning put him in a better position to assist the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to implement the scheme.

Mr Fritz Baffuor who was the next to take his turn expressed concern over the inability of the National Media Commission (NMC) to exact punitive measures against erring media houses and agreed with calls for the NMC to be given the power to sanction such organizations which flout the media regulations of the country.

The Hon. Member of Parliament for Garu-Tempane, Dominic Azimbe Azumah Minister of State designate at the President at his vetting was not asked any tough questions but was highly commended by his colleagues from both sides of the house for his efficiency and unifying role in parliament.

He called for a concerted effort among feuding factions in the Bawku conflict to put an end to the raging conflict.

Hon. Dominic Azimbe Azumah noted that he together with his other colleague MPs from the Upper East District have actively engaged feuding factions on the need to give peace a chance, adding that he is still committed to achieving this aim.

The Deputy Volta Regional Minister designate, Henry Ametefee, assured to use his vast experience as former District Chief Executive to bring about development in the region as he works to maintain peace in the area.

Kwadwo Anim/ghanamps.gov.gh