It has emerged that the Minority in Parliament apposed the approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources-designate, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
This is contained in the 7th report of the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
According to the 62-page report, “The Committee thoroughly considered the nominee’s responses, the knowledge and vision for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. However, the Minority side opposed the approval of the nominee.”
This notwithstanding it indicated that, “The Commitee, therefore, recommends to the House by MAJORITY DECISION, the approval of the nomination of Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.”
Although the report did not give an indication of why the Minority members on the Appointments Committee rejected Mr Buah’s nomination, speculations are rife that it was due to his response to the question on how he addressed former President Akufo-Addo after the latter’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
After then President Akufo-Addo finished delivering his last SONA, Mr Buah said the former President would be remembered as “The first president who was cushioned by the IMF when you began, and you are still being cushioned at the end of your term. Mr. President, you left something very important in your account which is an account of your promise to God to build him a cathedral, but I will leave that to you because it is between you and your God.”
He added, “Let me remind Mr. President that his tenure in office will remain a timely reminder of how not to govern the country. We can once again gain a brighter future from the trolls of despair. Together we will work hard to lift ourselves from this historic low and reclaim our glory and place as the black star of Africa.”
“Fellow Ghanaians, we are comforted and strengthened by the following words of scripture Exodus 14:13 and I quote ‘And Moses said unto the people, fear you not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which he will show you today. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them no more’. Bye bye Mr. President, it is finished,” Mr Buah concluded his address.
In this regard, the Clerk to the Committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah wrote “When questioned about retracting and apologising for a comment made on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address on 3rd January 2025, the nominee firmly defended his statement. He explained that the remark he made was accurate and reflective of the prevailing circumstances at the time.
Mrs Jiagge-Gobah added that, “While he acknowledged that his choice of words might have been perceived as harsh or inappropriate, he emphasised that his intention was not to offend the former President but to express his genuine perspective on the matter. The nominee stated that he would have used more suitable words if given another opportunity to make the statement.”
Mr Buah was vetted together with Mr Tia Ibrahim (North East Region), Dr Frank Amoakohene (Ashanti Region), and Mr Akamugri Atanga Donatus (Upper East Region). They were approved unanimously.
The Committee’s report stated that “They were evaluated on their competence, vision, and alignment with national development priorities. All nominees outlined strategies for addressing sector-specific challenges.”
Report further noted that, “Their responses demonstrated an understanding of national priorities and a commitment to inclusive leadership, ensuring collaboration with stakeholders irrespective of political affiliations. ”