the arts and culture of Ghana. Afeku was appointed Chairperson of the Leadership Taskforce of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This was announced on 25 January 2018. Vetting controversy Prior to being vetted by the Parliamentary Appointment Committee, reports emerged that Catherine and her husband were defendants in a civil case of breach of contract in 2007. The reports showed that the Afekus had been directed by an Accra High Court to pay $217,464.00 plus 50% interest to an American couple, Patricia and Bill Gick, after charges of fraud had been brought against them. Catherine and her husband had failed to honour the instructions of the court. A pressure group calling itself Truth and Accountable Governance petitioned President Akuffo-Addo to remove her from her ministerial position. When probed by the committee, Afeku made it known that payment had not been made because an appeal filed in 2013 was yet to be heard; hence, she could not preempt judgement. Her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament was held on 6 February 2017. During the vetting process, members of the minority argued that approval should not be given because she had not done the one-year mandatory National Service. Her defense for not honouring her constitutional obligation was due to her being in Nairobi, Kenya, with her parents at the stipulated time. Her nomination was approved on 11 February 2017 after she presented the Appointments Committee with a waiver letter given her by the National Service Secretariat. The approval was by consensus. Cabinet minister In May 2017, President Akufo-Addo named Afeku as one of the 19 ministers who would form his cabinet. The names of the 19 ministers were submitted to the Parliament of Ghana and announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Prof. Mike Ocquaye. As a cabinet minister, Afeku was part of the president's inner circle and is to aid in key decision-making activities in the country. Personal life Catherine is married to Seth Afeku with whom she has three children. She is a Christian and a member of the Catholic Church, Ghana. References 1967 births Living people New Patriotic Party politicians Ghanaian MPs 2017–2021 Ghanaian MPs 2009–2013 DeVry University alumni 21st-century Ghanaian women politicians People from Western Region (Ghana) Cabinet Ministers of Ghana Tourism ministers of Ghana Women government ministers of Ghana Women members of the Parliament of Ghana