Ministerial reshuffle soon

President Atta Mills, however, says he would not rush into reshuffling his ministers

Some ministers in the Mills administration will have to be looking for new jobs pretty soon.

This is because the agitation for the removal of non-performing ministers can no longer be ignored and the President has no option but to axe those who are believed to be impeding his administration.

One name which pops up all the time when a possible reshuffle is discussed is Mrs. Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Information.

It appears that the verdict is unanimous both within and outside the corridors of power in the National Democratic Congress – Zita must go.

The main complaint is that the information system of government appears to have collapsed even before the government started functioning.

Various spokespersons of government had been contradicting themselves on all issues and give the impression that there is no centre of coordination.

Party faithfuls also believe that the achievements of government have not been propagated sufficiently and effectively.

It is suggested that Ms. Hannah Tetteh, now Minister of Trade, or Mr. Alex Segbefia, Deputy Chief of Staff could have done much better at the Ministry of Information.

Insiders however say that Mr. Fritz Baffour, a Member of Parliament and a media figure may replace Zita at the Ministry of Information.

Party loyalists are also deeply worried about the fact that no member of the previous administration has been convicted for corruption or mismanagement of national resources.

The blame for this state of affairs is placed squarely at the doorstep of Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu, who some accuse of unwillingness to prosecute NPP types while others claims that she is not particularly gifted as a criminal lawyer.

There have been strong suggestions for her to be moved either to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Health.

Names which have been put forward as possible replacement include Mr. Martin Amidu, a former vice presidential candidate and the current minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni.

There are also indications that some deputy ministers may be moved around or shown the exit purely on account of the fact that they don't seem to get along well with their Ministers.

It is also known that in the Energy Ministry, there have been what some call personality clashes between Dr. Oteng Adjei, the Minister and his deputy, Dr. Kwabena Donkor.

The situation at the Ministries of Women and Children's Affairs, Works and Housing and Roads and Highways may not be too different.

In the reshuffle which is expected early January 2010, the President is said to be considering the removal of “arrogant and unpopular ministers”.

An insider told the Insight newspaper that “some changes are inevitable”.


Source: The Insight/Ghana