There is a need for all government appointees to uphold discipline, integrity, respect and established procedures in the discharge of their duties as representatives of the President.
Former Member of Parliament and Chairman of the National Council of Fertilizer, Amadu Bukari Sorogho, has stressed that the privilege of serving as a government minister or appointee must come with a strong commitment to cohesion, national development and effective service delivery for all citizens, in line with the principles of good governance.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Mr. Sorogho called on the President to act decisively to protect the interests of the state, particularly when the conduct or performance of government appointees does not meet the expected standards.
He reiterated that the President would not remove anyone who is performing effectively and contributing meaningfully to the work of government. He therefore reminded government appointees that, wherever they find themselves, people occupied those positions before their appointment, and they must always put the interests of the government, its vision and national development ahead of personal interests.
According to him, the President has the constitutional authority and discretion to appoint and remove individuals from public office. He expressed the hope that any explanations surrounding the dismissal of individuals from state boards would be based on clear reasons that are consistent with the interests and proper functioning of the institutions concerned.
Mr. Sorogho also highlighted infrastructure development as one of the key priorities of the government under the Big Push initiative. He believes the programme has the potential to open up the entire country through improved road infrastructure, which could serve as a catalyst for agricultural development, improve access to hospitals and other social amenities, and ultimately contribute to national development.
He further referred to a caution issued to government appointees by the government secretary, reminding them that, as stewards of state resources, board members are expected to provide strategic leadership, strengthen corporate governance and ensure that public funds and assets are managed responsibly.
He noted that the responsibilities of board members go beyond merely attending board meetings. Their roles require active oversight of financial performance, risk management, regulatory compliance and organisational accountability.
At the same time, Mr. Sorogho acknowledged that government board members operate within a political environment where public expectations and government priorities can significantly influence the direction of state-owned enterprises.
He believes this creates an important obligation for board members to remain accountable to both the government and the public, while exercising independent, responsible and sound judgement in the performance of their duties.