The Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, Dr. Stephen Amoah, says he will accept a reduction in his salary if the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is willing to do the same.
In recent times, there have been calls for government appointees to consider a reduction in their salaries to help salvage the economy.
On the back of this, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the vetting of the nominee, asked Dr. Amoah if he would like to take a salary cut in the interest of the public purse.
But responding to this, Dr. Stephen Amoah said he will embrace the suggestion only if the NDC lawmaker will do the same.
“Mr. Chairman, I think I said something here; my knowledgeable Dr. Ato Forson and I, the only difference is the height.
“So the way we are brothers if he sees me on the corridor and he says brother, let us cut [our salaries] and he cuts his, I will cut mine”, Dr. Amoah said.
Dr. Stephen Amoah who is also the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso was nominated as the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry by President Akufo-Addo on February 7, this year.
If approved, he will deputise Adansi-Asokwa MP, K.T. Hammond who was vetted yesterday as the substantive minister for the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Meanwhile, Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed, has expressed concern about President Akufo-Addo’s new appointments to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The Tamale Central MP indicated that due to the temperaments of the two politicians, it is not prudent for them to be under one roof.
According to him, putting the two lawmakers together may also affect work at the Ministry.
“We should pray they don’t exchange blows. That’s what I think. These are two very complex individuals. Very, very complex … You are talking of two very complex individuals who are going to work at the same ministry.
“I know honourable K.T. Hammond. He is a no-nonsense man. There are certain things he won’t tolerate under any circumstance. And I know my good friend, ‘Dr. Sticker’. When his name was mentioned, we all rose. We were happy for him.
“But frankly speaking [not] at that ministry, more so one of the most important, if not the most important ministry”, the MP said on Accra-based 3FM on February 8.
