Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has dismissed reports suggesting that Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been flocking to the Flagstaff House in pursuit of appointments.
He made this statement in response to criticisms from Members of Parliament belonging to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who accused NDC MPs of neglecting parliamentary duties and failing to attend House sessions.
According to Dafeamekpor, NDC MPs are not mere ceremonial attendees; they actively participate in parliamentary proceedings to fulfill their responsibilities.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, he stressed, “We are not ceremonial attendees to parliamentary proceedings; we attend to conduct business. So, it is also not true that my side, my members, are trooping to the Flagstaff House for appointments or board positions. It is also not correct, so let the record not reflect that my members are absent because they are seeking appointments onto boards or opportunities to chair them. We deny that.”
He also refuted claims that the delay in appointing four additional Ministers of State was due to interference.
He emphasised that the power to appoint lies solely with President John Mahama, who has the discretion to make such decisions as he deems appropriate.
Mahama, he stated, will act with authority and fulfill his responsibilities in due time.
Additionally, Dafeamekpor refuted claims that President John Mahama’s government comprises only ten percent women.
“Mr. Speaker, it is also not accurate that John Dramani Mahama appointed only 10% of women in government. That is not accurate.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is also not accurate that the delay in appointing the four outstanding Ministers of State is due to other issues. It is not true. The power to appoint is inherent in His Excellency John Mahama, and he may do so with some urgency and he will do it,” he said.
He added, “With this, Mr. Speaker, I urge my brother to allow us to take the two statements that we have agreed to take and let the record also reflect that the current Minority Leader was a distinguished board chairman of two very important state institutions.”
Watch the video on GhanaWeb TV below:
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