In a significant government shake-up, President Akufo-Addo has relieved Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta of his duties, alongside Road Minister Kwame Amoako-Atta and Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu. The reshuffle, impacting around 13 ministers of state, marks a pivotal moment in Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has been reassigned to the Housing Ministry, with his deputy, Fatimatu Abubakar, taking over the role. Interior Minister Ambrose Dery has also been reassigned as Minister of State at the office of the President.
The decision to remove Ofori-Atta comes after mounting pressure from both within the Majority MPs and the public. Calls for his dismissal intensified following revelations regarding the country’s economic woes and dissatisfaction with his performance.
President Akufo-Addo had previously defended Ofori-Atta, citing his excellent service and dismissing allegations of responsibility for Ghana’s economic challenges. However, pressure from within his party and public outcry necessitated action.
The Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, faced similar scrutiny following revelations from a parliamentary committee probing the Sputnik V vaccine contract. Despite calls for his resignation, Akufo-Addo acknowledged Manu’s contributions to stabilizing the health sector.
During a meeting with aggrieved MPs, President Akufo-Addo appealed for calm, emphasizing the need to conclude negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before taking further action.
The reshuffle signifies Akufo-Addo’s commitment to addressing concerns within his government and responding to public demands for accountability and performance.
