President Akufo-Addo has made changes to his government after months of calls from the general public and stakeholders in the country.

As required by the 1992 Constitution, the President wrote to the Speaker of Parliament, informing him of the new changes in government on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

This comes a month after former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen and Agric Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto resigned to focus on their respective political campaigns.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of parliament, Alban Bagbin, President Akufo-Addo informed the Speaker of certain changes that are intended for government with the approval of parliament.

It noted that following the resignation on 3rd January of Alan Kyerematen as Minister for Trade and Industry; Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto on 10th January 2023, as minister for food and agriculture and Ebenezer Kojo Kum, member of parliament for Ahanta West, on 3rd February 2023, as minister for chieftaincy and religious affairs, he has in accordance with Article 78 (1) of the constitution, nominated some persons as ministers of state in their place subject to the approval of parliament.

Mr Bagbin stated that the new persons have been appointed while other ministers have been reshuffled to other ministries.

Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T Hammond, has been appointed Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, while Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Brian Acheampong, has been appointed Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture.

Similarly, the Member of Parliament for Karaga, Mohammed Amin Adam, who was stationed at the Energy Ministry as deputy Minister has been given a new post. He has been appointed Minister of State at the Finance Ministry. He is set to replace Charles Adu Boahen.

Hebert Krapah, who was Deputy Minister at the Trade Ministry has been moved to the Energy Ministry as Deputy Minister-designate, as he replaces Mohammed Amin Adam.

The Speaker emphasized that as a result of the vacancy which will be occasioned because of the reorganization of government, the President has in accordance with Article 79(1) has nominated Dr Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiraeso as the Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry to replace Herbert Krapah.

Meanwhile, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has been appointed Minister-designate for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Also, Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, Osei Bonsu Amoah, has been appointed Minister of State at the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry.

Calls for reshuffling in Akufo-Addo government

Prior to this, a government spokesperson on security and governance, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, revealed that President Akufo-Addo will reshuffle his cabinet at the “right time”. He noted that despite the calls for Akufo-Addo to effect changes within his cabinet, he has the sole discretion in that regard.

Mr Boakye-Danquah explained that in as much as ministerial reshuffles are necessary, there is the need for the public to also consider the plans of the President. In his view, allowing ministers to stay at post for a long time has its unique benefits and therefore Akufo-Addo should be given the liberty to decide the fate of his ministers at his own pace.

The comments by the policy advocate came in the wake of widespread calls for Akufo-Addo to inject some fresh legs into his team. Stakeholders stated that the President’s prolonged trust in the current crop of ministers does not make room for fresh ideas for running the economy.

In this regard, one of the portfolios which has been widely stressed is that of the finance minister. Critics insisted the keeper of the national purse, Ken Ofori-Atta, does not deserve to be in office due to his role in the mismanagement of the economy.