President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Sanitation and Water Resources Minister.
However, unlike previous conventions, he has not immediately named a replacement in an acting capacity. Instead, the Chief Director will temporarily lead the ministry until an official announcement is made.
Sources within the corridors of power, according to Ghanaweb suggest that the president is seeking a candidate who can seamlessly fit into the vacant position and avoid parliamentary vetting, which is possible by appointing a serving minister to the role.
Possible replacements for the position include:
- Francis Asenso-Boakye, the current Minister of Works and Housing, who might take on the role, potentially leading to the merger of the two portfolios or acting as a temporary replacement.
- Freda Prempeh, who previously served as a deputy minister when the ministry was under Works and Housing and is currently working at the Ministry of Works and Housing, is also highly tipped for consideration.
- Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, is seen as another potential replacement. He has previously acted in a ministerial role at the finance ministry. However, if he is moved, the NPP will have to make adjustments to its leadership in Parliament as he currently serves as the Majority Leader.
Other names circulating as potential acting ministers include Dan Botwe, Samuel Jinapor, and Henry Quartey, with the first two having recent experience in acting ministerial capacities. Only time will reveal the final decision made by President Akufo-Addo in appointing the new Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.