Akufo-Addo’s ministerial reshuffle: Ghanaians react

The Ministerial Reshuffle announced by President Akufo-Addo yesterday (February 14), has generated mixed reaction.

In a decision which some say has come too late, some ministers were sacked while others were re-assigned with new appointments also made.

In response to the wishes and expectations of numerous Ghanaians, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been relieved of his responsibilities.

Roads Minister Kwesi Amoako-Attah, Sanitation Minister; Dr Freda Prempeh, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Kwaku Afriyie and Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu among others have all lost their portfolios.

Also, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has been reassigned to the Works and Housing Ministry, while his deputy Fatimatu Abubakar takes over as the substantive Minister.

Interior Minister Ambrose Dery has also been reassigned as Minister of State at the Office of the President with Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey appointed as his successor.

The recent reshuffle has affected about 13 ministers of state, comprising 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers.

RGG News’ Andrews Adunkwah engaged some Ghanaians on their take on the changes made by President Akufo-Addo.

The movements in the ministerial lineup and the dismissal of Ken Ofori-Atta elicited varied responses from certain Ghanaians.

A section of Ghanaians that spoke to RGG News questioned the motive behind the reshuffle and why it done in an election year.

“The President has the prerogative to appoint and disappoint but I think he should have done this reshuffling two years ago. I don’t think this reshuffling will have any positive impact on the economy”, a student of the University of Ghana said.

“Why must he wait for this long period to do this reshuffling? He should have done this long ago. We are 10 months away from elections and at this point I don’t know if the new finance minister will perform some magic to turn the economy around”, a lecturer said.

“Well, I think the changes is okay but it has been late. Ken Ofori-Atta should have been removed from office two years ago but all the same the President has done very well by removing him”, a staff member of the University of Ghana said.