NPP Breaks It's Campaign Promise, As......

....Number Of Government Appointees Skyrockets

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of President John Agyekum Kufuor does not seem to be living up to its campaign promise to reduce the number of ministerial positions and government appointees. The NPP, then in opposition accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of having too many ministers and government appointees, which increased the expenditure of government unnecessarily. An analysis of the appointments so far made by President Kufuor indicates that the NPP is no different from the NDC.

The NPP promised a reduced number of appointees when it comes to power and went ahead to state in its “Agenda for Positive Change Manifesto 2000,” that it will reduce the number of Ministers and Presidential appointees and rather channel the resources to spur greater economic growth. The NPP is far from keeping this promise.

President Kufuor has in all 72 Ministers and their deputies including those nominated during last Thursday’s cabinet reshuffle. In addition to the seventy-two, there are at least ten presidential staffers and special advisors. Some Ministers also have special assistants in addition to two deputy Ministers. The NDC had 88 Ministers and Presidential staffers.

Analysts say the Kufuor government has failed to meet its campaign promise and fulfil one of the key objectives in its manisfesto since it has more than 80 Ministers and appointees. Whilst many were expecting a reduction in the number, Mr Kufuor added two more Ministries during the cabinet reshuffle on Thursday and created some ambigious positions including that of Senior Minister.

Political commentators have expressed surprise at the creation of a Senior Minister saying that the NDC is no different from NPP when it comes to government appointees. PNC Leader, Dr Edward Mahama says the taxpayer is clearly the loser because monies used to pay remuneration and other benefits of these appointees could be used to improve the lot of the people.