The Founding President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe has admonished President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama, and advocated for reform, accountability, and responsible governance.
In a forthright statement, Mr Cudjoe detailed his past contributions, current engagements, and future aspirations for Ghana’s development.
Addressing speculation about his ambitions, Mr Cudjoe was emphatic: “I am happy with my work with IMANI. I do not need any appointment to any office or committee in the next government.” He underscored his satisfaction with his advocacy work, expressing no desire for formal political roles.
Mr Cudjoe highlighted his work during the first Mahama administration on a committee tasked with reducing government payroll by identifying and weaning off unnecessary agencies. The initiative, though challenging, he noted achieved remarkable success, saving the taxpayer nearly GHS 200 million.
He pointed out that under the Akufo-Addo administration, he also served on a forex committee established by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Reflecting on these experiences, he expressed disappointment at the current government’s failure to build on previous successes.
“I assumed wrongly that Nana Addo and Ken were going to build on our work and save us more money by continuing to prune and downsize the government. Instead, they run the largest wasteful and corrupt bureaucracy ever bankrupting the country in the process.”
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
Engagement with Mahama
Franklin Cudjoe, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education expressed commitment to contributing to Ghana’s governance and development, albeit from the periphery.
He confirmed ongoing consultations with former President John Dramani Mahama, offering strategic advice to bolster the latter’s prospects for success.
“I am preparing a brief on a critical sector that will impact immediate revenue decisions and a manifesto promise,” he disclosed, adding that he would urge Mahama to exercise caution in appointing certain individuals to key positions.
Specifically, he warned against the influence of “moneybags with questionable sources of wealth” seeking appointments to further dubious enterprises.
Franklin Cudjoe’s remarks come as Ghana faces critical governance challenges, including economic mismanagement and a bloated bureaucracy.
His statement underscored the need for a leaner, more accountable government and the importance of safeguarding public trust by eschewing corruption and cronyism.
On a separate note, Mr Cudjoe condemned recent incidents of violence and property destruction in Ghana, cautioning against unlawful behaviour.
“All those attacking innocent people and destroying public and private property must stop! Please don’t take the law into your hands and do stupid stuff! You will be dealt with appropriately”, Mr Cudjoe concluded.
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