“In the past, as a Committee, we worked in an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect. I believe that we would put up same posture. Of course, a person recovering from an ailment is not the same as a person already fit and hearty.

“So we all know our culture, we are sympathetic when people are unwell and the fact that by courageous spirit, he is ready to serve his nation,” he stated.

Mr Ofori-Atta, who travelled out of the country due to health-related issues, faced the 26-member Appointments Committee chaired by First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei on Thursday.

Ahead of his vetting process, Mr Afenyo-Markin, who also doubles as Vice Chairman of the Appointments Committee, in an interview with JoyNews’ Parliamentary Correspondent, Kwesi Parker-Wilson, expressed joy in Mr Ofori-Atta’s decision to not decline his appointment despite his present health issues.

“Nobody would want to see a brother or a friend on a sickbed. So we are happy he is back hearty and ready to serve his nation. To somebody, he would give up and say ‘let me think about myself’ so this should tell you how patriotic he is.

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“This is a man coming from a family that is known for public service, dedication to national duty. His father, his uncles, his grandpas were all part of the struggle to make Ghana a better place. So that is in his DNA regardless of what somebody may think, he is ready to serve his nation,” he said.

The Minority in Parliament led by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa complained in Parliament that the Akufo-Addo led government has budgeted over 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis for the office of Government Machinery.

According to the Minority, the 1.5 billion Ghana cedi budgeted by government is unacceptable and contradicts the NPP’s message of moderate spending.

But responding to the NDC’s claim, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the facts presented by the former deputy education minister is inaccurate and hence insisted that the NDC MPS were just disseminating propaganda in the public domain.

“It is never correct that we want to use the money to buy cars. NDC’s facts are inaccurate. They are saying mere propaganda. They think it’s for cars and general administration. It is very false…” he said.

He added that, the funds are meant for the flagship projects the party promised during the electioneering campaign.

And these special projects, he said would be executed by ministries which are under the presidency.

He recalled how the NDC mocked the free SHS idea when it was first muted by the NPP in the 2008 electioneering campaign.

“The President wants to monitor the projects by himself because they are flagship projects we the NPP can’t fail Ghanaians. Now the free SHS is taking off and they are shocked. They have changed their position saying it’s not a good idea to start free SHS…”

“One thing that affected the NDC money was waste. There will be no waste of funds. So they should not look at the money been reduced but channeled to other areas to help the Zongo and inner city projects…” he added.

According to the legal practitioner, the Akuffo-Addo-led administration is keen to developing from the grassroots the various constituencies across the country to benefit the people.

“Because they are in opposition, you want to throw dust into Ghanaians eyes… It goes to the constituency and it will target private institution or important projects to help the grassroots. If they look at things we are implementing they would rather clap for the NPP and hail us for our intelligence…” he said to Okay FM Friday.

Source: Ghana / Adomonline.com / Dennis Kofi Adu