By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, March 27, GNA- Dr Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, a governance analyst with the AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC), has called for a more decisive approach to governance, urging political leaders to adopt regular reshuffles and performance-based contracts for appointees to improve efficiency and accountability.
Dr Aziginaateeg proposed that political appointees be placed on 10-month performance contracts, arguing that such a system would sharpen focus, demand measurable results, and ensure that officials remain responsive to national priorities.
“Strong governments do not cling to underperformers. They reshuffle boldly to root out inefficiency and corruption,” Dr Anyagre said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
He emphasised that appointments must prioritise competence, stressing that ministers and heads of agencies should possess a strong understanding of their sectors and respect institutional culture.
“Plucking untrained loyalists for specialised roles undermines expertise and weakens national progress,” he noted, adding that Ghana must build strong institutions by promoting individuals who have risen through proven professional ranks.
Dr Anyagre cautioned that prolonged tenure without accountability often breeds complacency, inertia, and resistance to reform, sometimes driven by fear of exposing inefficiencies or corrupt practices.
He called on Ghana’s presidency to establish an independent performance assessment unit to provide objective, real-time evaluations of appointees, separate from political influence and lobbying.
“Governing requires accurate, ground-level intelligence. Leaders must prioritise national interest over personal or political considerations,” he said.
Dr Anyagre also urged President John Dramani Mahama to adopt a firmer stance on governance, leveraging his experience to implement timely reshuffles before challenges escalate into scandals.
He warned that public dissatisfaction with underperformance, if unaddressed, could erode trust in leadership and trigger broader political discontent, particularly among the youth.
“Elections are won on results, not relationships. Proactive leadership is key to sustaining public confidence,” he added.
Dr Anyagre called for a renewed commitment to people-centred governance, stressing that timely reforms and accountability measures were essential to ensuring national development and stability.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba