Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Ransford Gyampo, has expressed his disapproval of President Akufo-Addo’s decision to reshuffle Ken Ofori-Atta as the Finance Minister.
He strongly believes that Mr. Ofori-Atta should have continued in his position to take full responsibility for the economic challenges that the country is facing under his leadership.
During an interview with TV3, Prof Gyampo suggested that the reshuffle was not solely based on competence but also had partisan motivations. This has raised doubts about its transparency and fairness in a democratic society.
He stated, “If you do this last-minute change, it becomes difficult. Now who do we apportion the blame and who do we praise? Even though I also called for the removal of Ofori-Atta, I think he should have been allowed to stay because he has spoilt things already. This reshuffle is more partisan in direction than nation building.”
On February 14, President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as the new Finance Minister, replacing Ken Ofori-Atta, who had served in the position for seven years. This announcement was part of the latest ministerial reshuffle by President Akufo-Addo.
Despite facing significant challenges and calls for his dismissal from some members of Ghana’s Parliament, Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s longest-serving finance minister. He had faced calls for resignation from around 80 NPP MPs on October 25, 2022, due to the country’s struggling economy. Similar calls were echoed by the NDC parliamentary caucus in February 2023.
However, President Akufo-Addo rejected these calls for resignation, urging Parliament to wait until discussions with the IMF concluded.
