Richard Dela Sky, a lawyer and social activist, recently commented on Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka’s performance during his vetting as minister-designate for the Interior.
He noted that Muntaka has matured gracefully over the years, drawing a parallel to a “fine vintage wine“.
According to Sky, Muntaka has displayed a level of wisdom, experience, and composure that showcases his growth and preparedness for the responsibilities of the position.
His ability to handle challenging questions with ease and confidence, Sky added, reflects the depth of his political acumen and leadership qualities.
“I pray his words, which have demonstrated exemplary statesmanship thus far, will match his actions as he potentially returns to the ministerial office”.
Richard Dela Sky
Dela Sky also emphasized the importance of providing Hon. Mohammed Mutala Muntaka with the full support and resources required to ensure his success as Minister for the Interior if he is approved by parliament.
He expressed confidence that with the right backing, Muntaka would excel in his new role, bringing about positive changes and effective governance.
Sky underscored the need for collaborative efforts from both the government and the people to enable Muntaka to navigate the challenges ahead and fulfill the expectations of the office.
With the proper support, Sky believes Muntaka will rise to the occasion and serve the nation diligently.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a political scientist, also commended Hon. Muntaka for his intelligence, particularly highlighting his well-thought-out and articulate response to Hon. Afenyo Markin’s insightful question about Dr. George Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
During his vetting, Hon. Muntaka clarified that the authority to either retain or remove the heads of Ghana’s security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police, rests exclusively with President John Dramani Mahama.
This statement was made in response to a question from the Ranking Member of the Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who asked the Minister-Designate for his position on whether the current IGP would continue in his role under the new administration.
Accordingly, Gyampo acknowledged Muntaka’s ability to navigate complex issues with clarity and reason.
“The only people who must be candidates for change are those who have shown clear cases of incompetence and threaten sabotage”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
He noted that Hon. Muntaka’s response showcased not only his deep understanding of the subject matter but also his capacity to engage in meaningful dialogue on matters of national importance.
As such, he underscored that Muntaka’s level of intelligence and approach to critical questions further solidified his stature as a seasoned and capable leader.
Muntaka’s Proposal to Privatize Prisons Criticized
However, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer and political analyst, expressed strong criticism of Hon. Muntaka’s suggestion to privatize prisons.
He argued that such a move would have serious implications, potentially compromising the integrity of the prison system and raising concerns about the prioritization of profit over the well-being of inmates and the broader justice system.
Vormawor emphasized that the role of the state in managing prisons should remain a public responsibility, aimed at rehabilitation and justice rather than being driven by private interests.
“The Social Democrats have put before us a Minister Designate for Interior, who is proposing to Privatize Prisons. Asem ooo”.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
According to Barker-Vormawor, the NDC’s decision to present an Interior Minister-designate with such views reflects poorly on the party, suggesting it lacks a clear ideological identity.
He pointed out that for a party that claims to be rooted in social democratic principles, endorsing policies like the privatization of prisons signals a departure from core values, particularly those of social equity and public responsibility.
Barker-Vormawor questioned how the NDC can present itself as a progressive force when its proposed leadership seems to embrace policies that contradict its foundational beliefs.
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