Kweku Quarshie, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, has strongly pushed back against the positive characterization that President Mahama has “shaken up” the country’s security structure.
Instead, he contends that the real shake-up has occurred within the employment framework of the government, where numerous individuals appointed under the previous administration have been dismissed.
“He hasn’t done anything new, nothing extraordinary in the sense that these are security issues, and any president who assumes office would like to pick people he’s comfortable working with, especially when it comes to security”
Kweku Quarshie, Member of the NPP Communications Team
He emphasized that every government naturally appoints security officials it trusts and that President Mahama’s actions are not unusual. However, he criticized the impact on individuals who lost their jobs as a result.
“What he’s shaking up is the lives of young men who were employed by the previous administration that he sacked. That’s what he’s shaking up. He’s shaking up the employment structure in the government service. That’s what he’s done”
Kweku Quarshie, Member of the NPP Communications Team
Quarshie pointed out that this pattern has extended beyond the security sector, affecting various industries where appointments have been terminated. He described the dismissals as arbitrary and detrimental to those affected.
Recent appointments and dismissals within Ghana’s security sector and broader government institutions have stirred political debate, with critics and supporters offering conflicting interpretations of President John Mahama’s decisions.
While the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) argues that these moves have disrupted lives and livelihoods, government representatives maintain that such decisions are routine for any administration.
NPP on Governance and Service
In addressing broader political issues, Quarshie also rejected claims that the NPP “enjoyed” its eight years in power.
He argued that the party did not govern for pleasure but rather for service to Ghanaians. He took particular issue with what he perceived as the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s attitude toward power.
“The NPP did not enjoy eight years of governance. We had eight years of service to the nation. So it tells you they see this whole thing as enjoyment. That’s how they feel about it”
Kweku Quarshie, Member of the NPP Communications Team
He expressed concern over the language used by the current administration, suggesting that it reflects a perception of governance as a “game” rather than a duty to improve the lives of citizens.
“A lot of the time, you hear in the diction of the president and your leaders, they say that whatever we are doing is a game changer. They don’t say it’s a life changer or life changing. They say it’s a game changer. It seems to me they see the lives of the people they are about to lead as a game they are playing”
Kweku Quarshie, Member of the NPP Communications Team
Quarshie also criticized statements about asset management for outgoing officials, arguing that such remarks reinforce a culture of entitlement in government.
Leadership Change in the Police Service
Beyond the political debate, concerns have also been raised about the changed leadership within Ghana’s security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service.
Peter Mensah, Deputy CEO of PSC Tema Shipyard Ltd., has been vocal in his support of the change, citing his advocacy for a change in the police leadership upon the suppressed promotions and declining morale under the previous administration.
“I have been an ardent advocate for a change in the leadership at the Ghana Police Service,” Mensah stated.
He argued that while former Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare maintained a strong public image, internal challenges within the service were largely overlooked.
“There’s this strategic PR the former IGP put up for himself that in the public domain, it looks bright, like everything is good but when you go to the police service proper, people were suffocating”
Peter Mensah, Deputy CEO of PSC Tema Shipyard Ltd
Mensah asserted that officers were hesitant to voice concerns for fear of being transferred as a form of retaliation.
“The moment you voice out and it is a bit not in line with the IGP, in the next moment, you are being transferred. That’s what was going on”
Peter Mensah, Deputy CEO of PSC Tema Shipyard Ltd
He further alleged that the welfare of police officers was neglected, leading to a decline in morale and effectiveness within the service.
He called for a leadership approach that prioritizes the well-being of officers while maintaining professionalism and accountability from the new IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the debate over government appointments, dismissals, and security leadership remains a focal point of national discourse.
While the ruling NDC defends its decisions as necessary for governance, the opposition NPP insists that these actions have disrupted lives and careers.
The discussions surrounding security leadership changes and political appointments underscore the broader issues of governance, accountability, and public service in Ghana.
For Quarshie, the focus remains on how these decisions impact both the security framework and the livelihoods of those affected.
