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Release
NPP, January 25, 2013
THE PRESIDENT
GHANA BAR ASSOCIATION
ACCRA
ATTN NENE AMEGATCHER
25th JANUARY, 2013
Dear Sir,
The public call by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on New
Patriotic Party Members of Parliament to reconsider the
Party's decision not to take part in the vetting of
ministerial nominees has been brought to my attention.
Whilst we are always available to engage with your Association
and others to explain our stance on any and every issue, I
hope the comments below will help you to understand quickly
that our decision in this matter, and hopefully all others we
may take is based on firm principles and is fully consistent
with our commitment to work to deepen and improve our evolving
democracy and establish a just peace in our country.
MINISTERIAL NOMINEES
The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates and the
National Chairman of the NPP are challenging the declaration
of the election of the President in the Supreme Court.
This challenge is fully supported by the NPP as per the
decision of the National Council of the Party, which chose to
go to law and not to the streets in a violent challenge to a
disputed election.
Whilst the challenge is pending, NPP Members of Parliament
will engage fully in the work of Parliament.
They will participate vigorously in the everyday business of
Parliament. They will be involved in all legislative functions
and assist in carrying out Parliament's oversight
responsibility of the Executive and public purse In the normal
course of Parliamentary business, NPP MPs will scrutinize and
contribute to the making of the Budget, study and help pass
bills, and deliberate loan agreements and all financial
transactions involving the state.
Whilst the challenge is pending, NPP members of Parliament
will, however, not participate in any activities or deliberate
on matters that involve the constitution of President Mahama's
government, like vetting of Ministers of state. The decision
was taken by the National Executive Committee of the N.P.P. in
full consultation with the N.P.P. Parliamentary group, who are
integral to the N.P.P.
The Ministers' role is to assist the President in the
performance of his functions, and since the legitimacy of the
President's position is under challenge at the Supreme Court,
participating in their vetting would be contradictory to the
challenge.
Thus the Ministers of State stand and fall by and with their
appointing President, vide the very process that is ongoing to
replace the Ministers appointed by the late President Mills.
Reconciling our position to our local culture would be that if
one is challenging the elevation of a Paramount Chief one does
not, at the same time, recognise such sub chiefs as he may
enstool.
I hope this explains our position. However, I am always
available to answer any further questions you may have.
JAKE O. OBETSEBI-LAMPTEY
(National Chairman)
CC:
NANA AKUFO-ADDO, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
DR. MAHAMADU BAWUMIA, VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
MR. KWADWO OWUSU AFRIYIE, GENERAL SECRETARY N.P.P.
HON. OSEI KYEI MENSAH-BONSU, NPP MINORITY LEADER AND N.P.P MPs
POLITICAL PARTIES
CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS
THE MEDIA
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