Minister designate for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, is expected to face Parliament’s appointment committee today following her nomination by President John Dramani Mahama.
Her nomination forms part of President Mahama’s first ministerial reshuffle and follows the death of the substantive minister, Murtala Mohammed.
If approved by Parliament, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings will take over the Environment, Science, and Technology portfolio.
Meanwhile, the MP for Bawku Central and outgoing will also be vetted today after he was nominated as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
The vetting follows Parliament’s recall from recess for a five-day sitting to consider urgent parliamentary business.
When the House reconvened on Monday, August 24, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin referred the President’s ministerial nominations to the Appointments Committee for consideration and approval.
The Chairman of the Business Committee, Mr. Ayariga, outlined the proposed timetable for the vetting during Monday’s proceedings.
Under the proposed schedule, the Committee will consider the two ministerial nominees and one Supreme Court nominee on Tuesday, before proceeding with the consideration of two additional Supreme Court nominees on Wednesday.
During the vetting, the Appointments Committee is expected to scrutinize the competence, experience, and suitability of Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and Mr. Ayariga for their respective portfolios.
The exercise forms part of Parliament’s consideration of several presidential nominations submitted for approval.
The process follows a request by Parliament’s Business Committee for a waiver of the Standing Orders requirement relating to the publication of presidential nominations.
The waiver is intended to facilitate consideration of the nominations and enable the Appointments Committee to proceed with the vetting schedule without being constrained by the usual publication requirement.
