President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is anticipated to announce the largest government reshuffle since taking office in 2017 over the weekend.
According to numerous media reports, several prominent cabinet ministers will likely receive new portfolios, while others are expected to depart from the government entirely.
Although calls for a reshuffle have been ongoing for years, the most notable recent advocacy came from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
At a party event in December 2023, he stated: “We will appeal to the president, that despite extensive discussions, it is time for changes in government for others to participate. If new names and faces come into government, we stand a better chance of retaining power.”
The impending reshuffle follows the NPP’s parliamentary primaries, where several ministers and deputies either lost their bids to return to parliament or opted not to seek reelection.
Accra-based radio station, Accra 100.5 FM, has hinted at changes in five key ministries once the official list is unveiled.
According to the station’s senior producer, Sammy Gyasi, alterations are expected in the finance, information, foreign affairs, roads, and youth and sports ministries.
Below are some alleged details on some appointees:
a. Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu will move to foreign affairs, which suggests Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey will be moved or removed.
It also means the changes will affect the NPP leadership in parliament because a new Majority Leader will be named.
b. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah will move to the sports ministry from information ministry. It is not known if current sports minister Mustapha Ussif will be axed or moved.
c. Roads minister Amoako Atta will most likely exit the government
d. While changes are expected at the finance ministry, it is not known whether Ofori-Atta will be given another portfolio or he will exit the government.
e. There is also expected to be a change at the housing ministry currently headed by Bantama MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye.
Regarding the foreign affairs ministry, it’s noteworthy that the current minister has recently announced her candidacy for Commonwealth Secretary-General. Exiting the government would provide her with ample time to focus on her campaign.
Analysts speculate that individuals considered loyal to the party’s flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, may be appointed to key roles as the party prepares for the 2024 general elections.
The last significant change in the government occurred a month ago when former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto resigned to concentrate on their presidential campaigns.
If implemented, this reshuffle would mark the second major overhaul by Akufo-Addo in two weeks. Just last week, 24 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) were dismissed, with 26 others taking their place as part of efforts to rejuvenate the system.