Mahama Appointments: Amanda Clinton On Ministerial Nominees And Prospect Of A Legacy Presidency
- Lawyer and political analyst Amanda Akuokor Clinton has commented on President John Mahama's ministerial nominees within the context of a legacy presidency
- Clinton is concerned returning to old names may undermine Mahama's bid for a legacy presidency
- The lawyer added that there is a chance bolder choices are made for the remaining ministerial portfolios
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Lawyer and political analyst Amanda Akuokor Clinton has met the first batch of President John Mahama’s ministerial appointments with some concern.
Clinton, who noted that Mahama should be working to be a legacy president, explained that appointing some familiar names may undermine this trajectory.
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Mahama's first batch of nominees, Cassiel Ato Forson, John Jinapor and Dominic Ayine, are figures who served under the executive in his first term as president.
Forson was nominated as Finance Minister-designate, with Jinapor and Ayine as Ministers-designate for Energy and Attorney General, respectively as Mahama begins the reset he promised. Parliament's Appointments Committee will vet them on January 13, 2024. There is no indication when further nominations for other government portfolios will be named.
"Reappointing known figures could reinforce the belief that political loyalty or patronage trumps meritocracy," she noted in comments to YEN.com.gh.
"Recycling appointees may signal to the political elite that continuity is prioritized over disruptive or innovative change, which may stymie bold initiatives."
Clinton expects that legacy presidencies make a shift from short-term political gains to long-term national progress.
With at least 20 more ministerial appointments expected, she acknowledged that there is ample opportunity for bold new choices for the rest of the cabinet Mahama selects.
"To genuinely achieve a legacy presidency, Mahama would need to introduce and empower fresh, capable leaders with a track record of competence."
"If he continues to pick the same type of candidates that led to his tenure being heavily criticised, this may not get him the results he is after with a legacy presidency."
Mahama reduces Ministries from 30 to 23
Mahama recently announced a reduction in the number of government ministries from the current 30 to 23 via an Executive Instrument.
The announcement aligns with one of the key promises to not appoint more than 60 ministers.
The list features new mergers, such as the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
A new ministry, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, is also included.
The Civil Service Act empowers the President to adjust the structure of government ministries and agencies, as deemed necessary, to improve the efficiency of the civil service.
MMDCEs sacked by Mahama
YEN.com.gh reported that Mahama terminated the appointments of all Chief Executives for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
The directors of the various districts are expected to take over as the local government heads in their respective districts.
The president also revoked the appointments of Assembly Members appointed under the just-ended Akufo-Addo administration.
Proofread by Samuel Gitonga, Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
