NPP and Fiifi Kwetey's nomination a disaster

The appointment of Fiifi Kwety as Deputy Finance Minister of Republic of Ghana by Prof. Mills shocked and annoyed a lot of NPP members in Parliament. Their shock and annoyance was not about his qualification but rather his alleged false statements he made against NPP during the 2008 campaign. As far as I am aware, no NPP MP came out to reject his nomination based on his qualification but that was rather unfortunate.

I am 32 year old Ghanaian who holds BBA in Financial Economics and BS in Accounting from two prestigious universities in America. I will be completing my graduate program in Finance by the end of this year. I have worked for major companies in America as a Senior Accountant and Financial Analyst. I have written to major publications in Ghana on major economic issues like the Re-denomination and high import duties. My future interest is in public sector so I have taken many courses in public finance during my graduate education.

Based on my qualifications I have listed above, I do not believe that I have the necessary qualification to become a Deputy Finance Minister from emerging economy like Ghana's. Finance ministry is the controller of every country. Every country can rise and fall by policies of her finance ministry or treasury secretary. We all are witnessing their importance now during this global financial crisis.

The nomination of Fiifi Kwetey to Deputy Finance Ministry undervalues the importance of this august ministry. The president disrespected Dr. Duffour, the Finance Minister. In fact, this nomination along with others, makes me question the judgment of the president.

As far I am aware, Fiifi Kwetey, has a very thin resume. He does not have the necessary experience to become Deputy Finance Minister. According to the public record, Mr. Kwetey has only first degree in economist and staffing positions in the financial industry in Ghana. He was elevated to this position because of outspokenness during the 2008 election. But being outspoken does not equate understanding of complex economic issues that is requiring of every Finance Minister. That is where NPP members should have channeled their opposition to Fiifi Kwetey as opposed to his false statements against NPP during the 2008 election campaign. He did exactly what every propaganda secretary would do, so that should not disqualify him for ministerial position if he qualifies.

Their questions during his confirmation should have all been directed toward his understanding of complex economics issues that confront the nation and the world at large. The minority misdirected questioning during his vetting made him a victim of political witch-hunting and that allowed him to gain public sympathy. The most important questions became secondary.

The same problem is happening over the Deputy Information Minister Nominee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. I do not know Mr. Ablakwa personally but according to my younger brother, he was his course mate at the University of Ghana, Legon. My brother is a class of 2006, so Mr. Ablakwa may also be class of 2006 if not after. This means he has less than two years work experience if one discounts national service. As Mr. Ablakwa himself admitted last week, his certificate is not yet ready so I wonder when he actually graduated from Legon. Yet the president has nominated him for deputy information minister. I suggest NPP should reject him based on his lack of experience. We all recollect the deputy trade and industry minister nominee who did not know what EPA stands for.

I am all in support of grooming our generation to take over the affairs of the country in the future but Prof. Mills is doing it the wrong way. Elevating recent university graduate with little experience to one of the most important positions in the country is not grooming. These guys should be working in the various ministries not as ministers or deputies, unless they qualify, but research fellows, junior advisors where they can learn from their leaders.

I do not agree with Mr. Rawlings but he is right when he says some of Prof. Mills' ministerial appointees are less than mediocre.
Thanks

Credit: Kwaku Poku [kgpoku@gmail.com] Virginia, USA

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