Political Scientist and Head of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante has expressed his support for President Mahama’s Ministerial appointments.
He praised the president for his proactive stance, emphasizing that he has “hit the ground running.” Dr. Asante analyzed the appointments from two primary perspectives; the caliber of individuals nominated and the constitutional considerations guiding these nominations. He began;
“There are people with experience, not necessarily in politics. Those with political experience, we can see them. Those with academic and professional experience, bringing them onto this type of business, then you have those people with a lot of backgrounds in terms of their competence and skills from where they come from.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
He highlighted that political appointees do not need to have a partisan background, asserting; ”You can appoint anybody fresh, provided he has what it takes to manage public office.”
According to Dr. Asante, ministers will not work in isolation. He explained the collaborative nature of governance. He reiterated;
“There are bureaucrats who are going to help [them] navigate [their] way through that terrain. All that a minister has to do is that you are led about the work you have to do and at the same time, you have a listening ear to listen to the technocrats for suggestions and ideas.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
Dr. Asante also commended the president’s attention to gender and regional balance in his appointments. He emphasized;
“You can see gender featuring, and it’s part of the requirement from our rules and regulations regarding the ministerial appointment. So, gender he [Mahama] trying to do his bit, and I have no doubt in my mind that he can go beyond the 30%.”
“As children of Oliver, we want more. I would have wished that we could get about 40% of women in parliament to encourage more women in public offices and in partisan politics.”
“Apart from gender, the constitution requires us to have a regional balance. And if you look at them, they come from various regions.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
Competence and Experience: The Case of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Using Haruna Iddrisu as an example, Dr. Asante illustrated the president’s emphasis on competence and experience.
He described Iddrisu as someone who “has seen it all in terms of politics and academic life.” Dr. Asante said;
“I have no doubt in my mind that going to one of the biggest ministries in Ghana, the Education Ministry, he has acquainted himself very well with the political offices that he has held. He has held former ministerial roles, former majority, and being an MP and all that. Remember, when he was a student at the University of Ghana he was the NUGS president.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
According to Dr. Asante, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s experience in student politics, political leadership, and academic achievements makes him a well-rounded individual thus a perfect suit for his new appointment.
Moreover, Dr. Asante cautioned the need for collaboration by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu in his new position, so that he can come out successfully. He advised;
“All that he has to do is avail himself to the direction and discussion from his colleagues in the ministry. I’m talking about the bureaucrats, so they can guide him to navigate this difficult terrain.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
Dr. Asante highlighted the blend of experienced and younger appointees, drawing parallels from past regimes. He observed;
“It is a conscious effort to get things done. It is a blend between the old guard and new guard so that the young ones can learn under the feet of the old guard.”
“This bears resemblance to what President Kufuor did in his tenure. You saw senior, experienced people holding the fort, and then young people learning under their feet.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
Dr. Asante concluded by acknowledging the influential figures supporting the president’s agenda, both in visible roles and behind the scenes. He added;
“These are people who graduated from the PNDC onto the NDC and have a wealth of experience that they want to bring to bear. And once a while, they throw one of them into ministerial positions, and the rest they hide behind.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
In summary, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante provided a comprehensive analysis of the president’s approach to appointments, emphasizing the blend of experience, gender balance, regional representation, and the strategic involvement of both the old and new guards.
His perspective underscores the deliberate efforts to ensure a competent and balanced administration.
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