A flagbearer aspirant of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concern about the concept of 'family and friends' government and how that in some cases ties the hands of an appointing authority from take tough decisions.

In referencing the constant calls for the removal of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta from office, Mr Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku alluded to the fact that it was always going to be difficult for the President to sack his cousin.

Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku believes that “family and friends” governance has contributed to the stunted development of the country.

According to him, the ideal thing for any president to do in the matter of the calls for Ken Ofori-Atta's dismissal was for the president to serve the interest of Ghanaians rather than his personal sentiments.

“Nana Addo has been through thick and thin with his cousin, Ken Ofori-Atta. That’s why people have challenges with friends and family in government. When you’re a president, you take a decision in the interest of the nation and not in the interest of what’s good for Nana Addo,” he said.

Mr Nsafoah Poku says when given the opportunity to lead the NPP and subsequently serve as president, he will not run a “family and friends” government.

He believes appointing persons within one’s close circle in governance could breed disagreements.

“If I had a cousin, no matter how good he is, I will not be put in that position. There are other people who are also good to do the same job. Because you might end up having family issues at home. Sacking your cousin is not lightly; you will fall out with him,” he added.

Mr Nsafoah is also not particularly pleased with the Akufo-Addo government's fight against corruption.

He singled out the banking sector crisis and wondered by till date, the trial of some managers of the banks that found to have committed crimes have not been completed.

“There are a lot of people that should be in prison by now. I don’t see how the trial of the Duffuors is being done at a snail's pace. The government borrowed 24 billion cedis, we are going to IMF for less. If taxpayers are paying for monies they mismanaged, all those banks that went down including Beige and Allied Savings and Loans should be in prison,” he said.