The Appointments Committee of Parliament surprised many Ghanaians when it failed to vet Linda Ocloo, the minister-designate for the Greater Accra Region, despite the region’s pressing challenges.
This unexpected move has sparked concerns about the thoroughness of the vetting process, especially given the critical issues facing the national capital.
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, in a statement on his official Facebook page referencing his book “The President Ghana Never Got,” revealed that Linda Ocloo has previously been involved in a high-profile controversy concerning a Supreme Court judge.
According to his research, Ocloo, while serving as an MP, alleged that a Supreme Court judge had called her, urging her to vote for Prof. Mike Oquaye instead of Alban Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament.
This allegation was made public by then Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, but the matter lost momentum when Linda Ocloo did not cooperate with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership in pursuing it further. Muntaka later apologized over the issue.
Speaking to Manasseh for his book, Linda Ocloo reportedly expressed her disappointment that even some members of her own party doubted her claims because she did not assist in their investigation.
She disclosed that she had recorded evidence but refrained from cooperating due to security concerns, stating that she would address the matter at an appropriate time.
Manasseh also revealed in his book that Muntaka Mubarak spoke about a bag full of U.S. dollars that was allegedly brought to Parliament, though further details remain undisclosed.
With the Greater Accra Region facing significant governance and infrastructural challenges, the failure of the Appointments Committee to question the minister-designate on her plans has raised eyebrows.
Many believe that the nominee should have been given an opportunity to outline her vision for the region.
The omission has fueled further debate about the transparency and accountability of the vetting process, leaving Ghanaians questioning the standards applied in approving ministerial nominees.
For a detailed account of these revelations, Manasseh Azure Awuni urges the public to read “The President Ghana Never Got.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
