By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Tema, Aug. 31, GNA — The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC) has urged the government to use ministerial reshuffles as an opportunity to enhance governance and improve government performance.
Mr Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, the Leader of ACUC, said reshuffles should not merely involve moving ministers from one ministry or institution to another but should be guided by the need to achieve measurable improvements in governance.
Mr Aziginaateeg made the call in an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama, copied to the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, the President of the National House of Chiefs and religious leaders.
He said where a minister was moved because of proven success in one ministry, the rationale for the new assignment should be clearly communicated to the public.
He stated that the electorate deserved to understand why such decisions were made and what improvements were expected from the changes.
The ACUC leader, however, questioned the practice of transferring ministers whose performance had been unsatisfactory to other ministries.
He said such transfers could undermine accountability and create the perception that political appointments were being recycled among a select group of individuals.
According to him, political appointments should be regarded as a call to national service rather than a reward for political longevity or loyalty.
He said the fundamental consideration after every ministerial appointment should be whether the individual had delivered measurable improvements.
“Underperformance should have consequences, and excellence should have meaning,” he said.
Mr Aziginaateeg said Ghana had many competent citizens with the experience and integrity to serve the country who were often not given the opportunity.
He cautioned that continually recycling the same personalities, approaches and expectations while expecting different results would not necessarily produce improved outcomes.
The ACUC Leadersaid ministers collectively contributed to the performance of a government, adding that their successes and failures formed part of the record on which the electorate ultimately judged a political administration.
He therefore urged the presidency to make competence, integrity, performance and the capacity to deliver measurable results key considerations in ministerial appointments.
Mr Aziginaateeg further urged the presidency to ensure that the retention, movement or removal of ministers was based on national interest rather than political convenience.
He said ministerial reshuffles should ultimately be about improving government and delivering better outcomes for citizens.
“Ghana needs fewer political arrangements and more measurable results. The citizens are watching. The electorate is ultimately the judge,” he stressed.
GNA
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]