A senior lecturer at Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere Ankrah, has expressed deep concern over the persistent incompetence displayed by some government appointees over the years.
Dr. Ankrah was taken aback by the fact that President Akufo-Addo has still not taken action to address the subpar performances of these officials.
During an interview with the media, the lecturer specializing in Corporate Governance specifically highlighted the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Road Minister, Kwesi Amoako Atta as appointees whose reshuffles have been unduly delayed.
“He [Ken Ofori-Atta] should have been replaced long ago by the President. The Roads Minister (Kwesi Amoako Atta) shouldn’t be at post by now,” Dr. Benjamin Otchere Ankrah lamented .
He voiced his apprehension regarding the trajectory of Ghana’s development under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo.
Scores of Ghanaians have urged the President to dismiss the Minister from his role, citing the challenging state of the Ghanaian economy.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has emphasized that calls for the dismissal of the Finance Minister are unwarranted.
“I came to office in 2017 under a stringent IMF programme. This same man was able to manage the affairs of our economy in such a way that in my first term, we were one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
“An average growth rate of 7% which allowed us to initiate programmes such as Planting for Food and Jobs. So somebody who has been able to do that. The current difficulties are not his fault. So how do I do it (sack him)? What will be the basis? What will be the rationale,” he added.
Addressing the media, President Akufo-Addo, expressed unwavering confidence in the Minister, who also happens to be his cousin.
He firmly asserted that Ofori-Atta should not be held accountable for the current economic challenges confronting the nation.
“If we were to say he didn’t do well in the first term, then why did I renominate him for my second term? So for me, their performance in my first time was excellent. Let me use that word. Excellent,” he added.