By Josephine Kekeli
The CEO of Ghana’s Consumer Protection Agency, Kofi Kapito, has called on government to prioritise merit in appointing ministers and urged law enforcement to intensify efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
Speaking on GTV’s breakfast show, Mr. Kapito criticised the current appointment process, alleging that ministers are often selected based on party loyalty or campaign contributions rather than their expertise. He argued that this practice undermines government efficiency and hampers effective governance.
He added that parliamentary vetting committees should broaden their focus to include assessments of candidates’ character and integrity, alongside their technical expertise.
His comments come amidst public debate following the President’s announcement of ten new regional ministers, with some questioning the qualifications of those appointed.
For his part, an Insurance Marketer, Edgar Wiredu, called for a comprehensive vetting process for ministerial nominees in Ghana.
Speaking on the show, Mr. Wiredu suggested that vetting committees should broaden their scope to question nominees on a range of topics, including education, health, and other critical areas, rather than limiting the focus to their specific fields of expertise.
This, he believes, will better prepare them for potential reassignments to different portfolios.
He also criticised the current vetting process conducted by parliament, stating that it fails to bring out their best qualities.
Touching on the Bawku conflict, Mr. Kofi Kapito urged the police to take proactive measures to curb the smuggling of weapons into the area. He suggested employing persuasive tactics to encourage young people involved in such activities to disclose the identities of those orchestrating the violence.
Proposing a reward-based system, he said reduced sentences could be offered to individuals who cooperate with authorities. “If someone is facing a 20-year sentence, they could be given a reduced sentence of one year in exchange for crucial information,” he explained.
Mr. Kapito attributed the involvement of young people in the conflict to poverty and hunger, noting that many are easily influenced by small financial incentives. His remarks follow the President’s recent visit to the Bawku conflict zone, as the government seeks to implement solutions to address the escalating violence.
