Still Searching

It is one of the many actions he has taken since assuming office. As a means of rejuvenating his team as the man on whose desk the buck stops, doubts are being expressed as to whether such actions would make any difference.

Although there is no limit to the number of times he can appoint or even fire at this stage of the nation's economic woes, any such move should be one which can record appreciable change in the fortunes of the nation.

In any case, we are elated that President John Mahama is now appreciating the importance of the aged in terms of experience. Otherwise why would he post pretty old fellows to such critical sections of the administration of this country?

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), which is now being entrusted into aged new hands to ostensibly turn the fortunes of the place and the country around, is a case in point.

We are not likely going to witness any change in the fortunes of the operations of this critical organisation as in the other places.

Our conclusion is informed by empirical evidence. Mr. President thinks Ghanaians are too pessimistic and do not have confidence in anything that government does. If only he could consider his ways and alter them accordingly, the lost confidence by most Ghanaians, which appears to worry him, could be restored.

Perhaps when Ghanaians see many positive things happening and the government exhibiting sincerity in its dealings with the people, the pessimism—as he sees it—would give way to optimism. Given the predisposition of his government to lying and   engaging in massive propaganda, the status quo we are afraid, would remain.

There is no doubt that the President's move or incessant changes are a reflection of his restlessness in the face of his government's failings.

Much as we understand his predicament, even if he would disagree with us in the open, it is a fact that most appointees are not delivering in a manner that would push the country forward.

It is too late in the day for such changes to make any positive impact because bad governance has left behind a septic sore which would take massive overhaul to heal.

Corruption is still a worrying factor militating against the progress of the nation. Government appointees who have been associated with the drawback—and they are many—have not suffered any disciplinary measure at the hands of the President, and are not likely to do so. Under the prevailing circumstances, movement of appointees would achieve nothing.