Professor Ransford Edward Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has expressed dissapointment over the failure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to reshuffle his ministers.
Prior to this, there have been several calls by political analysts, indivuduals and institutions on the government to make some changes in its cabinet in the wake of the current economic crisis.
Professor Ransford Gyampo, who was speaking in an interview, accused His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo of being ‘stubborn’ about calls by Ghanaians to downsize his government.
“I am a bit worried, we have heard that there was going to be some ministerial reshuffle and those of us who had previously called for reshuffle were so much excited and were looking forward to it. But it appears that we have been disappointed.
“In my view, the intransigence about the calls for reshuffle is quite snobbish, and it’s quite disrespecting to the good people of the country who own the ultimate fiduciary power that the president seeks to exercise.”
Gyampo
The lecturer, made known that President Akufo Addo’s posturing is a severe indignity to the expression of disagreement to the democratic principles of the country.
“And unfortunately, this is being perpetuated by a President whom we all pleased in terms of his democratic pedigree. I’m quite disappointed because if you look at the posturing, it’s like you can call for a ministerial reshuffle for all you care, but he will not listen to you. So some of us are beginning to have a feeling that seems like, if you say it and make calls over and over again, you will still not be listened to so you better stop.”
Gyampo
Professor Gyampo to a greater extent described as cruel, the decision by the first gentleman of the land not to listen to public opinions.
Per the account of Political Science lecturer, “Refusing to listen to credible public opinions in my view is not an achievement, it is democratically cruel and backward to have a president who will say the people can make their calls, but I won’t listen. It does not make you responsive to the interest of the people. It appears the President doesn’t want to listen to us.”
Latest Ministerial Changes
Commenting on the President’s latest ministerial changes, the renowed lecturer divulged that the President did not reshuffle his ministers, but only nominated some persons to fill some vacant positions in government.
In the words of Professor Gyampo, “What we are seeing now is about filling vacant spaces in government, this can never be misconstrued as a reshuffle.”
His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo on February 7, 2023, made some changes to his government with Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Hon KT Hammond picked to replace Mr. Alan Kyerematen who rencently stepped down as the Trade and Industry Minister.
The Lawmaker for Abetifi Constituency, Hon, Bryan Acheampong was also nominated to head the Ministry of Food and Agriculture while the MP for Akwapem South Constituency, Hon Osei Bonsu Amoah was picked as the Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government.
The Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso Constituency and former head of MASLOC, Mr. Stephen Amoah was also nominated as a Deputy Trade Minister. Mohammed Amin Adam was elevated as the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry where he replaces Charles Adu Boahen.
Hon Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, former Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) is now the new Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Hon Herbert Krapa, a Deputy Trade Minister, moved to the Energy Ministry as deputy minister.
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