Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo has described President Akufo-Addo’s Tuesday governmental appointments as no ministerial reshuffle at all.
According to Professor Gyampo, the exercise mainly filled vacancies in government where there have been resignations, complemented with token movements that really do not carry any weight.
In effect, the exercise fell far short of the expectations of members of the public who have been clamouring for a real reshuffle.
Since Ghana’s economy started showing signs of instability, a section of Ghanaians called for a ministerial reshuffle and a downsized government, he said.
Prof. Gyampo made the observation on Wednesday while contributing to a review of President Akufo-Addo's action.
This call initially was met with indifference. However, when it became incessant the President finally replied saying, “The calls come for all kinds of reasons; NDC wanting to destabilise the government is one. There are people who are also looking for jobs.”
Six months later, President Akufo-Addo reshuffled some ministers in his government.
But Prof Gyampo insists these changes are far from a ministerial reshuffle.
“You don’t know the meaning of reshuffle if this is what you describe as a reshuffle. We called for a reshuffle and this is no reshuffle.
“Ministerial reshuffle is the rotation and changing of governmental ministers by a head of state after a thorough assessment of their performance. But what the President has done is not about a reshuffle, it is basically filling vacant spaces in his government. So filling vacant spaces in government is not synonymous with a reshuffle,” he stressed on Wednesday.
The Political Scientist further accused the President for being insensitive to the plight of Ghanaians.
In his view, the current economy cannot support the elephant size government currently in place and thus, it was an opportune time for President Akufo-Addo to reduce government expenditure by axing some ministries.
“The intransigence about the call for a reshuffle on the part of the President, in my view, is quite snobbish and disrespectful to the people of Ghana. It is also an affront to the expression of dissent.
“Even though the government is calling on us to sacrifice, it still remains over-bloated. How do you ensure that this call gains acceptance when you are not willing to sacrifice,” he told Winston Amoah.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Shippers Authority assures shippers of no delays at ports despite internet services disruptions
15 mins -
Championing change: The importance of diversity in shaping Africa’s future (By Laila Bastati)
16 mins -
African Games 2023: ‘Event didn’t look possible a few months ago’ – Former Nigeria Sports Minister marvelled at Ghana’s efforts
21 mins -
African states must respect constitutional rule – Akufo-Addo
25 mins -
Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Speculation mounts again over next James Bond
43 mins -
Trina Solar, SOLA and Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon (WBHO) Signed Partnership to Launch 195MW Springbok Utility Project Using Vertex N Modules
45 mins -
Unemployment emerges as the biggest threat to Ghana’s GDP – World Economic Forum
1 hour -
Kofi Adjorlolo calls out TV stations showing Nigerian movies without authorisation
1 hour -
African Games 2023: Ghana defeat Nigeria in women’s hockey to book final
1 hour -
I hope to raise money to buy Chelsea at the blind side of the public – Cheddar
1 hour -
Nketiah Foundation Cup 2024: Joma Smart FC win inaugural edition of football tournament
2 hours -
African Games 2023: Ghana to compete in four medal events on day two
2 hours -
Commercial Bank glitch lets customers withdraw millions
2 hours -
Six universities now offer AICPA & CIMA’s CGMA Finance Leadership Program in Ghana
2 hours -
On Visit to Dhobley, African Union (AU) Special Representative Emphasizes Collaboration for Peace in Somalia
2 hours