Joseph Osei-Owusu, the former Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, has criticized the expedited vetting process for three ministerial nominees by President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as “indecent” and lacking transparency.
Concerns Over Short Notice
The nominees were vetted on January 13, 2025, just four days after their nominations were announced on January 9, 2025. Osei-Owusu argued that this timeline was insufficient to ensure meaningful public participation and proper scrutiny.
“I would have thought that a minimum of one week, or at best two weeks, would be given to allow people who have issues to bring them out to the committee. But I did not see any publication whatsoever,” he said in an interview.
Importance of Public Engagement
Osei-Owusu emphasized the need for public involvement in the vetting process, highlighting that the essence of a public hearing is to provide a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns or opinions about the nominees.
“The reason we call that a public hearing is that we want to afford the public the opportunity to participate—not just to make it public, but to ensure inclusivity,” he explained.
Hasty Decision
The former First Deputy Speaker of the 8th Parliament described the rushed process as “needless” and “hasty,” suggesting it undermines the democratic principles of accountability and transparency.
Broader Implications
This criticism comes amid heightened scrutiny of President Mahama’s new administration, with calls for thoroughness and openness in decision-making. Osei-Owusu’s remarks reflect concerns about balancing efficiency with the need for public trust in governmental processes.
The issue raises questions about the implications of fast-tracking crucial procedures in governance and the potential for undermining democratic accountability.
