Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo has addressed concerns and criticisms regarding his new appointment as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority. He discussed his journey to the position, his academic background in maritime security, and his history of critiquing various governments in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Prof. Gyampo revealed that he was initially hesitant when he was approached about the opportunity. According to him, the president made it clear that the position was not meant for a party loyalist but for a competent Ghanaian who could serve the country.
Despite this assurance, Prof. Gyampo was still reluctant. However, after much consideration and what he described as a thorough assessment, stating;
“I’m sure that he [President] himself, he’s assessed me for a long time. And if he thinks that I will be able to do it, I think I would humbly agree with his own judgment about me.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana Shippers Authority
Prof. Gyampo also elaborated on his academic work related to maritime security, particularly his research in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen. He explained;
“People always think that’s all. It’s about the marines. No, it’s about shipping. You ship on the road, you ship on the sea, and then you ship also in the air. So, it’s three. So, it’s not only about what happens on the sea.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana Shippers Authority
He further highlighted his work on enhancing security in maritime operations. He recounted;
“When they gave me some research work, I did that in collaboration with a lot of people, including the currently appointed CEO of the Ghana Maritime Authority, where we looked at how we can build capacity in promoting security on the high seas.”
“It was an extensive program, successful program, and I think the insights that I got there—how you can deal with pirates and how the high seas can be made safe, how we can address illegal fishing through illegal means, and how we can ensure that the integrity of our high seas is not compromised—are valuable experiences.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana Shippers Authority
Prof. Gyampo strongly rejected claims that his appointment was a reward for criticizing the previous administration. He argued that he has been vocal against every government, he stated;
“Some easily forget, some are ignorant. Go to Ghana’s history. I started this work of subjecting governments to strict proof in J. A. Kufuor’s time.”
“I did [a] study because of J. A. Kufuor, who had criticized Jerry Rawlings for having 82 ministers, and then when he became president, he had 88 ministers. I criticized him severely and then that forced me to go into that study to look at how much it cost to hire just one minister.”
“When President Mills was the president of Ghana, I was the man who told him that we don’t need a moralist as a president who will stand for a certain virtue but would not be able to translate it to his appointees.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana Shippers Authority
He also criticized President John Mahama and later former President Nana Akufo-Addo, arguing that his stance has always been about holding leadership accountable, rather than partisan loyalty.
On Accepting an Appointment Despite Past Criticism
Prof. Gyampo questioned why accepting an appointment in a new government should be viewed as a betrayal or political alignment. He emphasized;
“And if after doing that, President Mahama feels that, ‘Look, you criticized President Akufo-Addo, and now I have been elected. I want you to come and play a role in my government,’ must I say because I criticized President Akufo-Addo, I wouldn’t serve the nation?”
Professor Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana Shippers Authority
He dismissed claims that his new role compromises his independence, calling such arguments a display of limited understanding.
Prof. Gyampo emphasized that his commitment to truth and accountability remains unchanged. He reiterated;
“Go and ask Jean Mensa when I was working with her at the IEA. When she was paying me, in a staff meeting, I disagreed with her.”
“Go to the University of Ghana. I mobilized people to go on demonstration sometimes against my own people. When my application for promotion to the rank of full professorship was being considered, I was at loggerheads with my provost. I didn’t care.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana Shippers Authority
Ultimately, he affirmed that his principles will not change because of his new role.
Prof. Gyampo’s remarks provide insight into his views on governance, accountability, and public service. As he takes up his new role at the Ghana Shippers Authority, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the responsibilities and challenges ahead.
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