The Appointments Committee of Parliament is set to vet Klottey-Korle Member of Parliament Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings today, Tuesday, August 25, following her nomination by President John Dramani Mahama as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Her vetting forms part of Parliament’s five-day emergency sitting, which began on Monday after Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin recalled the House from recess to consider urgent parliamentary business.
When Parliament reconvened on Monday, the Speaker formally referred the President’s latest ministerial nominations to the Appointments Committee for consideration.
Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings is among several nominees submitted by President Mahama as part of his first ministerial reshuffle.
Her nomination follows the death of the substantive Environment, Science and Technology Minister, Murtala Mohammed. If approved by Parliament, she will assume responsibility for the ministry and its key policy areas.
The President has also nominated Bawku Central MP and outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Other changes announced by the President include the reassignment of Banda MP Ahmed Ibrahim from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, who previously served at the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry, has meanwhile been nominated for reassignment to the Ministry of Defence.
The nominations were formally submitted to Parliament on Friday, August 7, in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires presidential ministerial nominees to secure parliamentary approval before assuming office.
During today’s proceedings, the Appointments Committee is expected to examine Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings’ professional background, experience, competence and suitability for the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio.
The Committee will subsequently submit its recommendation to the House, which will determine whether to approve or reject her nomination.
Her vetting will therefore mark an important stage in the parliamentary process for filling one of the key portfolios affected by the President’s reshuffle.
