President Akufo-Addo is requesting that Herbert Krapah, the deputy minister of energy, be confirmed as a minister of state at the Ministry as soon as possible by the parliament.
This appointment coincides with Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the substantive Energy Minister, being confirmed as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running partner.
On Wednesday, July 3, the Speaker of Parliament presented the House with the President’s request.
“In view of the exceptionally heavy workload now attendant at the ministry, it has become necessary to appoint a Minister of State at the Ministry in the person of Honourable Herbert Krapah who is currently a deputy minister. I would be extremely grateful if Parliament acts expeditiously on this request to enable a full complement of the ministers and deputy ministers to undertake their important functions as soon as possible,” portions of the President’s letter to the MPs read.
Earlier this week, Dr. Bawumia formally informed the national officers of the party about his choice of running mate.
The meeting was held in the NPP headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, after Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s nomination to the majority caucus in Parliament was first presented.
This recent development seems to be an attempt to prevent a vacancy from arising at the Energy Minister’s office in the event that Dr. Opoku-Prempeh is named as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate.
The nomination of the Manhyia MP is currently pending the NPP National Council’s decision, which is the party’s ultimate approval body.
Thursday, July 4, is the National Council meeting scheduled where Dr. Bawumia is anticipated to formally reveal his decision to them.