The national executives of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have expressed their approval of the recent reshuffle of government appointees by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In a letter signed by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party announced their gratitude to the President for hearkening to the concerns of many Ghanaians for some new faces to be introduced in government. He added that the reshuffle is a vivid indication of the President’s commitment to good and accountable governance.
The party leadership expressed their appreciation to the old appointees for their dedication and service in their respective roles and urged them not to relent in supporting the party in its pursuit of national development.
“To the incoming appointees, we extend our congratulatory message and warmest wishes. As they assume new responsibilities, we urge them to bring forth innovative ideas and unwavering dedication to serve the good people of Ghana.”
Justin Frimpong Kodua
The statement also stressed that the ability of the designated ministers to execute key government policies without fail would be significant in the party’s effort to achieve a historic victory in the 2024 general election.
The General Secretary of the party urged all party faithful to unite with a single purpose and mission for a brighter vision for all. He added that “it is indeed possible to break the eight for the prosperity of our dear country and its people”.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision to bring fresh faces into the cabinet is seen as a move to inject new energy and ideas into the various ministries and departments with the belief that it could lead to improved efficiency and productivity in the public sector, which has been a subject of great concern to many Ghanaians.
Ministers Encouraged to Deliver on Their Mandate
While the party appreciates the reshuffle by President Akufo-Addo, it also encouraged the new appointees to work towards achieving the goals set out in the government’s manifesto. The party hopes that the new cabinet will effectively address the challenges facing Ghana, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic growth.
According to the party, “their contributions would be instrumental to propelling our party and government to a historic victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections”.
However, the decision to reshuffle by the President has been criticized by some leading members of the major opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Key among the critics is the Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson who questioned the President’s steadfast style of leadership.
“It is also too little too late, coming barely nine months to the exit of the government. Neither will it solve the suffering and hardships confronting the people of Ghana as a result of the bad governance and massive uncontrolled corruption of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government.”
Cassiel Ato Forson
The Deputy Minority Leader stated that he was disappointed with the President’s choice and that the reshuffle was long overdue. According to him, the reshuffle should have happened when many Ghanaians and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) made several calls on him to reshuffle and even terminate the appointment of some ministers.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, has also referred to the latest ministerial reshuffle as a “belated reshuffle after the ship has sunk and after the horses have bolted”. He emphasized that the damage has already been done and that the designated ministers might not have time to adjust and make any substantial changes to the present challenges the country is bedeviled with.
Another minority MP to have shared his opinion on the ministerial reshuffle is the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, James Klutse Avedzi, who is optimistic about the nomination of Dr. Amin Adams as Finance Minister but advised him to stand his ground so that he is not forced by the President to use state resources to finance the NPP’s campaign.
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