The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly criticized President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial reshuffle and described the move as mere political maneuvering intended to deceive Ghanaians.
The opposition party during its maiden press conference address by its General Secretary, Honorable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey accused the government of perpetuating a culture of ‘profligacy’ and ‘cronyism’, describing the changes as nothing more than an ‘illusion of change’.
Mr Kwetey vehemently criticized the New Patriotic Party’s administration for maintaining a large size of government despite widespread calls for fiscal prudence and efficiency.
According to the party’s General Secretary, the reluctant posturing of the New Patriotic Party’s administrations to adhere to calls from Ghanaians to reduce its large size of government shows a government that is hugely disconnected from the pressing realities faced by the Ghanaian people.
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, Just before this presser, news of a supposed government reshuffle came in, and we must say we are once again highly disappointed in this government. Even though disappointments in this government have become the norm, we were at least expecting some level of change amidst Dr Bawumia’s promise to govern Ghana with only 50 ministers”
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
The Honorable Fifi Kwetey commenting on Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to reduce government size to a minimum of fifty ministers, questioned why President Akufo-Addo did not take into account the promise of the Vice President to affect them during his recent ministerial reshuffling.
He noted that the Vice President’s promise to reduce the number of Ministers to a minimum of fifty is a deliberate attempt to win votes from Ghanaians.
Ministerial Reshuffling, A Missed Opportunity To Efficient Governance
Furthermore, the National Democratic Congress strongly asserted that the ministerial reshuffle done by President Akufo-Addo was a great opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to reforms and more efficient governance practices, but President Akufo-Addo failed to prove so.
Mr Kwetey noted that President Akufo-Addo rather upheld the status quo by offering no real and substantial changes to his governance arrangement particularly its large size of government.
Moreover, the opposition National Democratic Congress criticized the recycling of ministers who, in their view, demonstrated a stark inability to drive the nation forward over the past seven years.
Mr Kwetey vehemently posited that the reshuffle done by President Akufo-Addo lacked strategic realignment of the large size of government, and equally failed to address the systemic failures in governance that hinder the country’s progress.
“Dr. Bawumia’s slogan, “It Is Possible,” now begs the question: If indeed it is possible, why not now? Why the wait, if not for political convenience at the expense of national welfare? This reshuffle could have been a moment of bold leadership, a signal of a genuine commitment to reform”
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
The opposition party’s General Secretary questioned why the proposed changes made by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia were not implemented immediately if they were indeed feasible.
According to the opposition party, the reshuffle done by President Akufo-Addo is a demonstration of his government ‘marking time’ in power, and its lack of vision and will to implement the drastic changes that the country urgently needs.
On the other hand, the National Democratic Congress reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Ghana and promised that when elected it would steer a government that is efficient, lean, transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of every citizen.
Mr Kwetey noted that the upcoming December 7th elections are an opportunity for Ghanaians to voice their verdict on the current administration’s failures and embrace a future under a leader with a proven track record, integrity, and vision.
He recommended the party’s flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama and described him as the best candidate befitting the country’s high office of President, and further urged Ghanaians to rally behind the party and vote for Mr Mahama as the President in the 2024 general elections.
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