Parliament Approves President�s Nominee For Trade & Industry Ministry, Spio-Garbrah

Parliament has after heated debates approved the President�s nominee Ekwow Spio-Garbrah for the Trade and industry Ministry. While some Minority members raised some misgivings about the Nominee�s conduct and attitude at the vetting, the Majority side touted the competence of Mr. Spio-Garbrah and believed he is capable of assisting in driving the vision of the president of ensuring accelerated development. Presenting the report of the appointment committee for the approval of the nominee, the chairman of the committee Ebo Barton-Odro said having carried due diligence examination, the committee is satisfied that the nominee is suitable for the job. Radio Ghana�s Correspondents Dominic Hlordzi and Augustus Acquaye report that President Mahama in furtherance of the Constitution referred the appointment of Mr. Spio-Garbrah to parliament for approval. The appointment committee had about six hours vetting of the nominee on Wednesday 13th August 2014 where he was grilled on personal and public issues including his controversial Team B comment and the promotion of made in Ghana goods. Mr. Barton-Odro made a case for the House to approve the nominee. The Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu raised several concerns on statements made by Mr. Spio-Garbrah at his vetting and wondered whether he can be relied upon as a Minister. The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Harruna Iddrisu in supporting the approval of the Nominee said Mr. Spio-Garbrah is well positioned to assist government in addressing the needs of Ghanaians. After a voice vote the House gave Mr. Spio-Garbrah the nod to head the Ministry of trade and industry.