The Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, Dr. Alidu Seidu, has denounced recent calls for President Akufo-Addo to undertake a government reshuffle.
Dr. Seidu, speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News, acknowledged the importance of reshuffling to keep ministers accountable but argued that the suggested move is belated.
He stated, “I think this call is too late because even if the President does reshuffle now, they will not be able to make time next year to bring anything meaningful that may translate to electoral victory.”
The call for a reshuffle came from Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who advised President Akufo-Addo to consider the move to reinvigorate the government and enhance its chances of retaining political power in the 2024 elections.
Kodua expressed concerns about a perceived decline in enthusiasm and commitment among government appointees, suggesting that a reshuffle might positively impact productivity.
Dr. Seidu, however, emphasized the limited timeframe available for meaningful impact if a reshuffle were to occur at this juncture.
He underscored the upcoming election year, stating, “Seven out of eight years? Next year is an election year, a very busy year. It’s going to be about the 2024 election. How to win the election, retain government in power, move around campaigning for the flagbearer, and all those things, so they won’t even get time.”
The political scientist further explained the strategic timing in a leader’s tenure, stating, “That is why it is very important that once you are elected, the first year is always a honeymoon – you have to form your government by appointing people.”
“Second, third, fourth, and fifth years, you have to do a lot. The seventh and eighth year is also an election year.”
