Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, a prominent think tank in Ghana, has issued a public call for prudence and circumspection to the incoming President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, as he embarks on the crucial task of forming his government. Cudjoe’s message, delivered through a social media post, centers on the critical importance of appointing individuals with unimpeachable integrity and demonstrable competence to key positions within the government. He specifically cautioned against yielding to the influence of individuals with unexplained wealth, emphasizing the risk of such appointments perpetuating corrupt practices and undermining the public trust. This admonition, coming from a respected voice in policy circles, underscores the significant challenges facing the incoming administration and the imperative of establishing a government that prioritizes ethical conduct and public accountability.
Cudjoe’s advice carries weight due to his extensive experience working with previous administrations in Ghana. He recounted his involvement in a committee established under the previous Mahama administration, tasked with streamlining government operations by identifying and eliminating redundant agencies. This experience provided him with firsthand insight into the complexities of bureaucratic reform and the often-formidable resistance to change within the government machinery. He also highlighted his contribution to a foreign exchange committee formed under the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration, led by then-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Despite encountering difficulties, Cudjoe proudly noted the committee’s success in saving the government nearly GHS 200 million. This achievement, he argues, demonstrates the potential for significant cost savings through focused policy initiatives and underscores the importance of fiscal prudence in managing the nation’s finances.
However, Cudjoe expressed profound disappointment with the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration’s failure to capitalize on these initial successes and, more critically, its failure to address the pervasive problem of bureaucratic bloat. He characterized the current bureaucracy as the “largest wasteful and corrupt bureaucracy ever,” a damning indictment of the outgoing government’s management of public resources. This criticism highlights the deep-seated systemic issues that have plagued successive Ghanaian governments and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the public sector. Cudjoe’s pointed criticism serves as a stark reminder that fiscal responsibility and effective governance are paramount to ensuring the sustainable development and economic prosperity of Ghana.
The core of Cudjoe’s message to the incoming Mahama administration revolves around the crucial importance of judicious appointments. He urges Mahama to exercise extreme caution in selecting individuals for key government positions, particularly those with significant influence over resource allocation and policy implementation. He specifically warns against succumbing to the pressure exerted by wealthy individuals with questionable sources of income, who may seek to leverage their financial clout to secure positions that allow them to further their personal interests at the expense of the public good. This warning resonates with concerns about the potential for corruption and cronyism to undermine good governance and erode public trust. It highlights the need for a robust vetting process for appointees, ensuring that those entrusted with public office possess not only the requisite skills and experience but also demonstrable integrity and a commitment to serving the public interest.
Beyond the issue of appointments, Cudjoe also addressed the broader context of political stability and the rule of law. He unequivocally condemned acts of violence and destruction, particularly those targeting innocent individuals and public and private property. His call for an end to such acts reflects the importance of maintaining peace and order during the transition of power and ensuring that disputes are resolved through legal and peaceful channels, rather than through violence and intimidation. This message underscores the fundamental principles of democratic governance, which necessitate respect for the rule of law, the protection of individual rights, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
In closing, Cudjoe reaffirmed his commitment to offering advice and guidance to the incoming Mahama administration, despite his strong criticisms of the outgoing government. This commitment highlights the importance of constructive engagement between civil society organizations and government, even in the face of disagreement. Cudjoe’s willingness to continue providing counsel underscores his belief in the potential for positive change and his dedication to contributing to the betterment of Ghana. His public pronouncements serve as a timely reminder of the critical role of independent voices in holding government accountable and promoting good governance. They also underscore the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing the complex challenges facing the nation.
