Mahama signals further shake-up after dissolving nine state boards
The president says ministers, chief executives and board members will face further action if their conduct weakens government cohesion or obstructs policy implementation. The warning follows the dissolution of nine state boards and a series of ministerial changes.
President John Dramani Mahama has warned ministers, chief executives, board members and other political appointees that indiscipline, poor performance and conduct that undermines government policy will not be tolerated.
The warning follows his decision to dissolve the boards of nine state institutions and signals that further changes could be made as the administration continues assessing appointees across government.
In a notice issued by Secretary to the President Dr Callistus Mahama, appointees were instructed to perform their duties with integrity, diligence and respect for established administrative procedures.
“The President expects all Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Executives, Board members and other political appointees to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, diligence, humility and respect for established administrative procedures,” the notice said.
It warned that “conduct that undermines governmental cohesion, institutional authority or the effective implementation of Government policy will not be tolerated”.
The Presidency did not identify any individual whose conduct prompted the warning or specify the performance standards against which appointees would be assessed.
However, the notice said evaluations would continue across all sectors and that the president would take additional measures where necessary.
“Performance across all sectors will continue to be assessed, and the President will take any further action necessary to safeguard the integrity, effectiveness and responsiveness of his Administration,” it said.
The warning came after President Mahama dissolved the boards of nine state institutions with immediate effect on Wednesday, September 2.
They are the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company, Volta Aluminium Company Limited, Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited and Ghana Post Company Limited.
The other affected institutions are the Road Maintenance Trust Fund, TDC Ghana Limited, Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited and the National Sports Authority.
The Presidency said new boards would be constituted in due course and directed the relevant sector ministers to implement the decision.
The board shake-up follows ministerial changes announced in August.
Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo was reassigned to Special Initiatives, while Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum moved to the Labour, Employment and Job Creation portfolio.
Ernest Brogya Genfi was also moved from his position as Deputy Defence Minister to become Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness.
Reports that a reshuffle of chief executives is expected were not confirmed in the presidential notice contained in the supplied material. The notice nevertheless leaves open the possibility of further action as performance assessments continue.
The Presidency said public office should be regarded as an opportunity to serve rather than a personal entitlement.
“All appointees are reminded that public office is a privilege and an opportunity to serve the Ghanaian people,” the statement said.
It urged government officials to cooperate with the president, implement the administration’s mandate and focus on improving the lives of Ghanaians.