The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to conduct a thorough review of persons appointed under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration who continue to occupy sensitive positions within the public service.
Mr Koomson expressed concern that some individuals retained from the previous administration may be working against the interests of the current government, particularly in strategic institutions responsible for national security, intelligence, law enforcement and other critical operations.
Speaking on the issue of cocaine trafficking, the labour leader suggested that the persistence of certain security and governance challenges could not be separated from the presence of individuals he believes may be pursuing agendas inconsistent with the policies and priorities of the NDC administration.
Concerns Over Retained Appointees
According to Mr Koomson, governments often inherit public servants and appointees from previous administrations. However, he argued that the NDC government must be more vigilant in assessing whether those occupying sensitive offices are fully committed to supporting the current administration’s agenda.
He said it was worrying that persons appointed by the previous NPP government continued to hold influential positions despite concerns that their loyalties, interests or actions could undermine the work of the current administration.
Mr Koomson stressed that the issue was not merely about political affiliation, but about whether officials in strategic institutions were acting in a manner that protected national interest and supported the government’s efforts to deliver on its mandate.
He warned that failure to identify and address potential saboteurs within the system could weaken the government’s ability to consolidate its achievements and implement its policies effectively.
‘Black Cats’ Within Institutions
The GFL Secretary-General described some of the individuals he referred to as dangerous characters within government and public institutions.
He alleged that there were what he called “black cats” operating within government institutions—elements he believes may be using their positions to obstruct government policies, compromise security operations or advance interests that conflict with those of the current administration.
Mr Koomson said the NDC government must identify such individuals and take the necessary steps to deal with them, particularly where their conduct poses a risk to national security, public safety or the credibility of state institutions.
He did not provide specific names or institutions in the remarks reported, but insisted that the government should pay closer attention to appointments and continued service in sensitive offices.
Call for Vigilance in Security Institutions
Mr Koomson urged the government to focus particular attention on institutions involved in national security, intelligence gathering, law enforcement, border control, customs, immigration and other strategic areas of public administration.
He argued that these institutions play a critical role in protecting the country and supporting government policy, and therefore cannot be left vulnerable to individuals who may undermine their operations from within.
According to him, the government must ensure that persons occupying such positions are competent, loyal to the Constitution, committed to national interest and willing to support the administration’s efforts to address crime, corruption and other threats to public safety.
Mr Koomson warned that any weakness within these institutions could be exploited by criminal networks and other interests seeking to frustrate the government’s work.
Link to Cocaine Trafficking Concerns
His comments came in the context of ongoing public discussion about cocaine trafficking and the effectiveness of state institutions in combating drug-related crime.
Mr Koomson suggested that the fight against narcotics required more than public statements and policy declarations. He argued that it demanded strong, trustworthy institutions and officials who could be relied upon to act decisively against criminal activity.
He expressed concern that if individuals with questionable motives remained in strategic positions, they could frustrate investigations, compromise operations or create conditions that allow criminal networks to operate with relative ease.
The labour leader maintained that the government must demonstrate seriousness in dealing with such risks if it hopes to protect its reputation and deliver tangible results in the fight against drug trafficking.
Appeal to NDC Government
Mr Koomson appealed to the NDC government to act decisively rather than assume that all inherited appointees would automatically support the current administration.
He said the government should review appointments in sensitive areas, strengthen internal oversight mechanisms and ensure that disciplinary action is taken where there is credible evidence of misconduct, sabotage or disloyalty.
According to him, such measures would help protect the administration’s policies, safeguard public confidence and prevent individuals within the system from undermining the gains made by the government.
Mr Koomson warned that the NDC could not afford to be complacent, particularly at a time when the opposition and other critical voices were closely monitoring the government’s performance and seeking opportunities to challenge its credibility.
He insisted that protecting the integrity of public institutions was essential not only for the success of the current administration, but also for the stability and security of the country.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
