The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has raised concerns about the continued presence of certain appointees from the previous government in key positions under President John Mahama’s administration.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mensah Thompson, Executive Director of ASEPA, questioned the rationale behind the appointments, expressing concern that it may indicate the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lacks the necessary human resources to replace these individuals.
Thompson cited several key appointees, including Martin Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, and Yvonne Opare, the Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), as examples of individuals still holding their posts despite the change in government.
“On Monday, an NDC person, Madam Obuobia, was appointed as Deputy MD of GACL, but Yvonne Opare, appointed by Akufo-Addo, is still at post three months after the swearing-in,” Thompson said.
He further questioned the integrity of the new government, stating, “The government campaigned on weak governance structures, corrupt practices, and incompetence, but while they are resetting, these people are still there. Or do their vision align with the current president?”
Thompson also noted other former appointees still in power, including the CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and directors at the Tema and Takoradi Ports.
“We have left these CEOs at post, and now party people who share the same political ideologies and were instrumental in incubating the new government’s policies are now deputies. I don’t understand,” he lamented.
He cautioned that the continued presence of these former government appointees in critical national institutions could have negative implications for the effectiveness of the new administration. “It does not augur well for the nation or the new government,” Thompson warned.