Experts Analyze Ministerial Reshuffle: Calls for Transparency and Collaboration
In a noteworthy assessment of the recent ministerial reshuffle under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, four senior governance experts and political scientists have offered insights into the significance and implications of the changes.
Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Mary Addah, Professor Seidu Alidu, and Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante highlighted the novelty of the reshuffle, noting it as the first substantial change under President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. However, they also raised questions regarding the timing and potential impact of the move.
Dr. Osae-Kwapong, a Democracy and Governance Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), emphasized the importance of periodic assessment in governance but questioned the rationale behind the timing of the reshuffle with only 11 months left in office. He expressed skepticism regarding any significant policy shifts in the remaining tenure, suggesting that the reshuffle may not substantially alter governance outcomes.
Similarly, Mrs. Mary Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), viewed the reshuffle as belated, particularly considering previous calls for changes in key ministries during the COVID-19 period. While she welcomed the reshuffle as a step in the right direction, she urged the new appointees to prioritize collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and uphold transparency to advance the fight against corruption.
Mrs. Addah emphasized the importance of receptiveness to input from stakeholders and adherence to sector-specific laws, highlighting the role of collective effort in fostering good governance and combating corruption.
Overall, the experts underscored the need for transparency, collaboration, and adherence to legal frameworks in the government’s operations. They called for renewed efforts to address systemic challenges and promote accountability, urging the new appointees to prioritize the collective interests of Ghana.
