President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Kweku Asiedu Nketia, the son of John Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).

The announcement was made in a press statement issued by the Presidency on Friday, 17th January. MIIF is a government agency responsible for maximising the value derived from Ghana’s mineral wealth to benefit the nation.

This follows similar trends in Ghana’s political history, where appointments of individuals closely related to political leaders have drawn significant attention.

During the Akufo-Addo administration, for instance, Dr Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, the son of former Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, was appointed Deputy Director-General of SSNIT and later promoted to Director-General.

However, this pattern of appointments has not been without controversy. It will be recalled that the NDC, then in opposition, criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for appointing relatives of key political figures to high-profile roles.

These past critiques have resurfaced in public discourse, with some questioning whether the same standards are being upheld under President Mahama’s government.

Despite the mixed reactions, many believe Dr Kweku Asiedu Nketia’s qualifications and expertise will bring value to MIIF.