Ghanaweb’s latest report has revealed the only ministerial nominee to be rejected by Parliament in Ghana’s history.
For the past few decades, it is always unlikely for Parliament to reject a nominee appointed for a ministerial position. They always go through and become Ministers. However, things didn’t go well for Reverend Dr. Kwesi Owusu Bi, who was rejected by Parliament.
He made history as the only nominee to be outrightly rejected by the committee. In 2007, he was nominated by then-President John Agyekum Kufuor to become the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Unfortunately, his nomination was rejected by the Appointments Committee, chaired by Freddie Blay, with Alban Bagbin as a key member.
The committee’s decision was based on inconsistencies in Dr. Owusu Bi’s statements during his vetting. He was accused of providing false information, particularly regarding a housing project funded by the Upper Denkyira District Assembly. According to reports at the time, he had received GHC30 million to build a teachers’ bungalow but failed to complete the project. He claimed he had refunded the money, but the committee found his explanation unconvincing and believed he had not been truthful.
After his disqualification, Dr. Owusu Bi expressed deep disappointment, claiming he had been honest throughout the vetting process.
He pointed fingers at Alban Bagbin, suggesting the minority leader played a role in his rejection. Dr. Owusu Bi defended himself, explaining that he used the money for research related to the housing project. When the research didn’t succeed, he claimed he returned the funds. He compared his situation to researchers working on HIV/AIDS cures, who aren’t required to return funds even if their research fails.
Another issue that led to his rejection was confusion over whether he had served as a Presiding Member of an Assembly. Dr. Owusu Bi denied this, but the committee claimed to have evidence proving otherwise, which he strongly disputed.
Despite his frustration, the committee stood by its decision, making Dr. Owusu Bi the first and only nominee to be rejected in Ghana’s Fourth Republican history.