Parliament has confirmed the nomination of Sam Nartey George as Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, along with four other nominees.
Mr. George’s confirmation came through a majority vote, as the Minority Caucus chose to abstain from supporting him.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin explained that their opposition to Mr. George stemmed from his allegations against former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo regarding illegal mining (galamsey) and his public criticisms of the Chief Justice. He also mentioned Mr. George’s failure to provide documentation about his spouse’s business and his secondary income during his confirmation hearing.
“We are leaving this matter to the Majority in this House. It’s their responsibility now, as we in the NPP Minority Caucus of 88 are abstaining,” he stated.
In a social media post, Mr. George defended himself, stating he submitted all required documents to the Appointments Committee. He clarified, “For clarity, I submitted to the Appointments Committee yesterday all the necessary documents, and more,” listing various certified documents, including his academic certificates and proof of expenses.
Mr. George emphasized his commitment to serving the nation, saying, “Facts are sacred, and I remain dedicated to serving my Nation to the best of my abilities. So help me God.”
Meanwhile, the House unanimously approved four other nominees: Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo as Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs and Employment; Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology; Kofi Iddie Adams as Minister-designate for Sports, Recreation; and Joseph Bukari Nikpe as Minister-designate for Transport, along with 12 other appointees.
Their approval followed a motion by Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor, who stated the committee found all nominees competent and suited for their roles, recommending their adoption and approval.
The Chairman also urged the House to pass Mr. George’s nomination by majority decision.
Minority’s Opposition
In support of the motion, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin reiterated the committee’s unanimous agreement on the other four nominees in the interest of national benefit. “I wholeheartedly support the Chairman’s motion to approve honourable Pelpuo, Muhammed, Adams, and Bukari,” he noted.
While acknowledging that Mr. George met constitutional requirements to hold office, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the Minority Caucus felt that issues raised during his vetting made it “impossible for us, as a matter of principle, to support his nomination.” He added that they wished to separate themselves from it and let the Majority carry that burden.
The Minority Leader further clarified that while they did not oppose Mr. George’s right to express opinions, they took issue with his language regarding the Chief Justice. “His criticism, which he calls constructive, could have been expressed in a more measured way, especially since he is in public service,” he stated.
He also expressed disappointment over Mr. George’s insistence that former President Akufo-Addo profited from illegal mining, describing it as “most unfortunate.”
