Parliament House
It is quite rare for ministerial nominees to face rejection by the Appointments Committee of Parliament. This committee plays a crucial role in evaluating nominees to ensure they possess the necessary qualifications and integrity for their roles. However, one nominee, Reverend Dr. Kwesi Owusu Bi, made history as the only individual to be outrightly rejected by this committee.
Dr. Owusu Bi was nominated in 2007 by then-President John Agyekum Kufuor for the position of Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Despite his qualifications, his nomination was met with significant opposition. The Appointments Committee, chaired by Freddie Blay, conducted a thorough vetting process and ultimately decided against confirming him. The reasons for this decision were serious and raised concerns about his credibility.
The committee highlighted inconsistencies in Dr. Owusu Bi’s statements during the vetting process. A key issue revolved around a GH¢30 million allocation from the Upper Denkyira District Assembly intended for a teachers’ bungalow construction project. Allegations surfaced that Dr. Owusu Bi had not been truthful regarding whether he refunded the money after failing to complete the project. This lack of transparency led to doubts about his suitability for a ministerial role.
In his defense, Dr. Owusu Bi expressed frustration over the committee’s decision. He insisted that he had been truthful throughout the vetting process. “If I say I was able to sleep on the day my disqualification was announced, I would be lying. I could not understand why I was disqualified after telling the truth,” he said. His emotional response reflects the gravity of the situation and the personal impact it had on him.
The committee’s findings suggested that Dr. Owusu Bi’s claims were not consistent. For instance, he stated that he had refunded the GH¢30 million, but the committee concluded that he had not been honest about this matter. He argued that when funds are allocated for research, a failure to deliver results should not necessitate a refund.
Despite the setback, Dr. Owusu Bi remained determined to clear his name. He planned to hold a press conference to present his side of the story and reaffirm his integrity as a man of God. “The committee relied on information from other sources rather than my statements,” he lamented.
