In the wake of the deputy Finance Minister Nominee’s vetting, there has been a wide range of reactions from the public, political commentators, and economic analysts.
Among those who have critically assessed the session is Professor Godfred Bokpin, Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School.
Prof. Bokpin began by highlighting his expectations and disappointment of the nominee’s performance, noting that as a deputy minister, the nominee should have demonstrated a deeper understanding of his portfolio.
“I had a bit of expectation because, in my mind, the deputy minister would have listened to the vetting of the substantive minister. He would have picked some of the strengths where his boss did very well. Some of the areas where probably more specific suggestions could have possibly come in, and then filled in those gaps.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
According to Prof. Bokpin, the deputy Finance minister, having received extensive briefings and studied the party’s manifesto, should have been able to present more detailed answers rather than resorting to broad, general statements.
A Calculated Strategy or Hesitation?
Prof. Bokpin suggested that the nominee’s approach could have been a deliberate strategy to manage the vetting process without attracting controversy.
“It looks to me that the committee itself had learned from the first phase and the reaction of Ghanaians. That also played a part in managing the process without unsettling people— to get approval and move on.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
However, Prof. Bokpin warned that merely playing it safe in the vetting process was not enough.
“The stakes are high—higher than just pleasing the committee. We have different stakeholders who probably took time off to listen to the deputy minister because they were looking for answers. People need to take decisions.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
One of the most critical points raised by Prof. Bokpin was the necessity for the deputy minister to have a mind of his own rather than merely deferring to his superior or the party’s manifesto.
“If all that you have to do is to refer us to what the substantive minister has said or what is in the manifesto, then, we could probably do away with that position. We could make some savings.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
While acknowledging that it may have been a strategic approach to avoid controversy, he nonetheless expressed disappointment. “I felt that he [nominee] could have done better, I was a bit disappointed.”
Meanwhile, others argued that in governance, perception matters, and people can only judge a leader based on what he says and does in the public space.
Economic Concerns and Market Confidence
Beyond the vetting session, Prof. Bokpin also touched on broader economic concerns.
“The honeymoon effect of a regime change—something that the market was largely expecting—has immediately given birth to some confidence in government institutions.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
However, he cautioned that this confidence could be short-lived if the government fails to introduce tangible measures for fiscal stability.
“My fear is that it’s just a matter of time before the market starts seeing cracks. That may affect the government.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
He urged the government to focus on structural economic measures rather than surface-level adjustments.
Prof. Bokpin also weighed in on the ongoing debate about reducing the number of ministers as a cost-saving measure.
“The time will come when cutting the number of ministers and ministries will not have economic value going forward. The market is looking for specific measures on cost-cutting and rationalization because the market is angry. The market is looking for answers.”
“There are uncertainties in our own calculations. A back-of-the-envelope analysis is telling us that the fiscal deficit will be higher than what was programmed under the 2024 budget, even [after] the revision.”
Professor Godfred Bokpin Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School
Prof. Bokpin’s analysis presents a balanced but critical view of the deputy minister’s vetting performance.
While acknowledging the possibility of a strategic approach to the session, he emphasized the need for independent thought, concrete policy direction, and decisive leadership. His observations on the economy highlight the urgent need for government action beyond mere political maneuvering.
Whether the deputy minister will rise to the occasion in the coming months remains to be seen, but as Bokpin suggested, he must learn from this experience and assert himself moving forward.
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