The Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, Dr. Alidu Seidu, has dismissed calls for President Akufo-Addo to undertake a government reshuffle.
During an appearance on Joy FM’s Midday News on Friday, December 22, Dr. Seidu expressed the view that while reshuffling is indeed crucial to keep ministers accountable, the timing may not be optimal at the moment.
“I think this call is too late because even if the President does reshuffle now, they will not be able to make time next year to bring anything meaningful that may translate to electoral victory,” the political scientist told Emefa Apawu.
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua, recently urged President Akufo-Addo to contemplate a reshuffle of government appointees as a strategic move to enhance the party’s chances of retaining political power in 2024.
Mr Kodua expressed his concerns during the party’s thanksgiving service on a Friday, emphasizing that the government’s vigor and dedication seem to have waned, affecting productivity levels. He suggested that a reshuffle could potentially revitalize the administration.
Contrarily, Dr. Alidu Seidu, the Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, offered a different perspective. According to him, implementing a reshuffle at this juncture may not yield substantial results, as the limited time remaining in office would hinder the appointed ministers from making a meaningful impact.
“Seven out of eight years? Next year is an election year, a very busy year. It’s going to be about the 2024 election. How to win the election, retain government in power, move around campaigning for the flagbearer and all those things so they won’t even get time.
“That is why it is very important that once you are elected, the first year is always a honeymoon – you have to form your government by appointing people. Second, third, fourth, and fifth years, you have to do a lot. The seventh and eighth year is also an election year,” he explained.