The Bolgatanga Central Member of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has characterized President Akufo-Addo’s decision to replace Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister as a mere façade.
Window dressing, in this context, refers to the act of making something appear deceptively attractive or favorable, creating an impression that may not align with reality.
President Akufo-Addo executed a significant ministerial reshuffle on Wednesday, February 14, affecting a total of 13 current ministers of state, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers.
Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister, was replaced by Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.
However, reports suggest that Ofori-Atta has been appointed as the Presidential Advisor on the economy.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Adongo expressed skepticism, stating that although he acknowledged the competence of Mr. Adam, the rearrangement appeared superficial.
According to him, the President’s move essentially means that Amin Adam, in his new role, would have limited influence as Ofori-Atta still holds sway and could potentially veto any policy proposals.
Adongo characterized the situation as the President giving Amin Adam a role with one hand while simultaneously placing the ousted Ofori-Atta in a position to influence crucial decisions.
“This is clearly window dressing. If you follow events and watch critically what has happened, I do not doubt the competence and the abilities of Dr. Mohammed Amin. He was my former colleague on the Finance Committee, my senior at school. I have a very good respect for him, except to say that they have given him the job in one hand and taken it with the right.”
“Because now he is the Minister and they have appointed the very person they are removing as the Senior Presidential Advisor on the Economy what that simply means is that for Mohammed Amin to get any policy through in cabinet or through executive approval of the president, the president has to go and consult Ken Ofori Atta. And so technically it means that Mohammed Amin cannot do anything if Ofori-Atta is not in agreement because he would advise the president against it,” he stated.