Dr Muntaka Abdul Rahman, an economist and lecturer at the Accra Technical University, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s recent ministerial reshuffle as a step in the right direction, saying the new appointments could help advance the government’s development agenda.
Speaking on Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Solomon Asiedu, Dr Muntaka said the reshuffle followed the pressure on President Mahama to fill ministerial vacancies created after the tragic incident last year that resulted in the deaths of two ministers.
He said although some Ghanaians expected certain individuals to be assigned different portfolios, the President’s choices appeared to have been based on the experience and competencies of the appointees.
According to him, the appointment of Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology is particularly appropriate, contrary to earlier expectations that she could be appointed Defence Minister.
Dr Muntaka explained that Dr Zanetor’s work and advocacy have largely focused on environmental protection, sustainability and related issues, making the Environment portfolio a suitable fit for her.
He pointed to her involvement in environmental initiatives during her time at the Pan-African Parliament, arguing that her experience makes her well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Ayariga’s Appointment Strategic
Dr Muntaka also welcomed the appointment of Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, describing it as a strategic decision, particularly in relation to the conflict in Bawku.
He noted that Mr Ayariga has family ties to both the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities and could therefore play an important role in efforts to promote dialogue and peace between the two groups.
“I believe Mahama Ayariga is a perfect person to handle the situation because he has connections to both sides,” he said.
He further praised the appointment of Ahmed Ibrahim as Minister for Works and Housing, citing his previous performance at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Dr Muntaka recalled that Ahmed Ibrahim had toured constituencies and engaged assemblies on how public funds were being utilised, saying such experience could prove valuable in supervising housing and other infrastructure projects.
He expressed hope that the new Minister would help address Ghana’s housing deficit and improve supervision of housing projects across the country.
Defence Portfolio
On the appointment of Kenneth Gilbert, formerly Minister for Works and Housing, as Defence Minister, Dr Muntaka said the decision should not be viewed negatively.
He explained that Mr Gilbert had previously served as a Deputy Minister of Defence and therefore already had experience with the ministry and the defence sector.
“Most people may not understand the appointment, but he has served as Deputy Defence Minister before. He knows the Defence Ministry already,” Dr Muntaka stated.
He said the experience could make the transition easier and enable Mr Gilbert to work effectively with the military and other security agencies.
Agalga Will Strengthen Government Business in Parliament
Dr Muntaka also welcomed the changes in Parliament, particularly the selection of James Agalga for a leadership role.
He described Agalga as an experienced parliamentarian who cannot easily be intimidated or pushed aside, having spent considerable time in Parliament.
He believes Agalga, with the support of Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, will be capable of effectively driving government business through Parliament.
“Mr Agalga is not somebody you can just override. He has been in Parliament for a long time, so I believe he will push the government business properly,” he said.
According to him, the changes have largely met expectations, although he admitted that some Ghanaians had anticipated a more extensive reshuffle.
Greater Accra Regional Minister Should Have Been Changed
Despite his support for the reshuffle, Dr Muntaka expressed disappointment that some ministers, particularly the Greater Accra Regional Minister, were not changed.
He criticised the state of sanitation and indiscipline in Accra, saying more needs to be done to address street trading, poor sanitation and other challenges confronting the capital.
“Accra is very dirty. There is too much indiscipline on our highways. People sell in the middle of our roads, and the minister has not put in enough effort,” he said.
He acknowledged that some responsibilities, such as street lighting, fall under the metropolitan and municipal assemblies, but argued that the Regional Minister should provide stronger leadership and ensure that the relevant institutions perform their duties.
Dr Muntaka cited the work of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, as an example of the kind of visible leadership he expects from the Greater Accra Regional Minister.
He also criticised what he described as some inappropriate public utterances by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, urging her to manage her emotions and public communication more carefully.
“I understand that she is human and sometimes emotions can take over, but you have to see how best you can ease your ego,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that President Mahama may have reasons for retaining her in office that are not known to the public.
“Maybe the President sees things that we don’t see. Maybe he uses different criteria to assess them. The President may know better than us, and that is why he is keeping her there,” he added.
Transport Minister Also Needs Attention
Dr Muntaka further called for a review of the performance of the Transport Minister, arguing that transportation remains a major challenge for workers and businesses in the country.
He said despite being in office for about one and a half years, the ministry had yet to introduce sufficiently visible interventions to address the persistent transportation difficulties faced by commuters.
According to him, transportation is critical to economic growth because businesses depend heavily on efficient distribution systems.
“Distribution thrives on transportation. If transportation is not working, businesses cannot thrive,” he explained.
He therefore suggested that the President should consider changing the Transport Minister if the ministry is unable to introduce effective measures to address the challenges.
Call for Faster Implementation of 24-Hour Economy
Dr Muntaka also urged the government to accelerate the implementation of its major campaign promises, particularly the 24-hour economy.
He said the government must move beyond discussions about building markets and focus on establishing processing factories that can create jobs for young people.
He specifically mentioned cocoa, cassava and other agricultural processing facilities as areas that could support the 24-hour economy.
“If by the end of this year they can build some of these factories to boost the 24-hour economy, the youth will get jobs to do,” he said.
He urged the government to work harder to deliver on its promises, arguing that the success of the administration would ultimately be judged by tangible improvements in the lives of Ghanaians.
Dr Muntaka said the President’s decision ultimately remains the most important factor in determining who stays in office, noting that political lobbying and individual interests may influence discussions around reshuffles, but the final decision rests with the President.
He urged the newly appointed ministers and parliamentary leaders to work diligently to deliver the government’s Resetting Ghana Agenda.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah/Ahotoronline/Accra