In the history of Ghana's Fourth Republic, it's incredibly rare for a President's ministerial nominee to be outright rejected by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
It's a sign that something went seriously wrong. Rev. Dr. Kwesi Owusu Bi holds the unique (and perhaps unenviable) distinction of being the only nominee to suffer that fate. What led to this unprecedented rejection?
The 2007 Nomination and Shocking Rejection
Back in 2007, then-President John Agyekum Kufuor nominated Dr. Owusu Bi as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
However, his nomination ran aground when the Appointments Committee, chaired by Freddie Blay and including future Speaker Alban Bagbin, voted against his confirmation.
The Reasons for Rejection: Inconsistencies and Untruthfulness
The official reason for the rejection was damning: the Committee cited inconsistencies and outright falsehoods in Dr. Owusu Bi's statements and submissions, particularly regarding a controversial housing project.
The Chronicle newspaper reported that the Upper Denkyira District Assembly had allocated GH₵30 million to Dr. Owusu Bi for the construction of teachers' bungalows. The Committee alleged that he was untruthful about whether he had refunded the money after the project failed to materialize.
Specifically, the Committee questioned:
The GH₵30 Million: Whether he actually received the money and whether he returned it when the project couldn't be executed.
Presiding Member Status: Whether he had ever served as an Assembly and Presiding Member.
Dr. Owusu Bi's Defense: "I Told the Truth!"
In a 2007 interview with The Chronicle, Dr. Owusu Bi vehemently defended himself, claiming he was treated unfairly and that he had told the truth to the Committee.
He argued that he did refund the money after research into the project failed. He even compared his situation to researchers who receive funding for HIV/AIDS cures without success, asking why he should be required to return the money when he did return it voluntarily.
Bagbin's Blunt Assessment: "What Kind of Pastor Are We Dealing With?"
Alban Bagbin, then the Minority Leader, delivered a particularly stinging assessment, questioning the nominee's character and integrity.
The Aftermath: No Appeal and Lingering Questions
Dr. Owusu Bi initially considered an appeal but ultimately did not pursue it, stating he needed to consult with others before challenging authority. The incident remains a notable moment in Ghanaian political history, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability for those seeking public office.
Conclusion
The case of Rev. Dr. Kwesi Owusu Bi serves as a cautionary tale for all ministerial nominees. His rejection underscores the seriousness with which the Appointments Committee takes its role in vetting candidates and the potential consequences of inconsistencies or perceived dishonesty.
It also raises questions about the fairness of the process and whether Dr. Owusu Bi truly received a fair hearing. Whatever the truth may be, his is a name forever etched in the annals of Ghanaian parliamentary history.
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