Retired Supreme Court Justice, William Atuguba, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for retaining certain public officials appointed under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on April 28, 2026, Justice Atuguba described the move as one that places national interest above partisan considerations, offering a departure from Ghana’s long-standing “winner-takes-all” political culture.

In an interview with JoyNews he cited the decision as one of the key positives of President Mahama’s early days back in office.

“The fact that they are not NDC shouldn’t matter, provided they are delivering well,” he stated.

His remarks come amid heightened debate over public sector appointments following the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power after the 2024 general elections.

Transitions between the NDC and NPP have historically been accompanied by widespread changes in government appointments, often resulting in the removal of officials associated with outgoing administrations.

Justice Atuguba acknowledged that some supporters of the governing party may be dissatisfied with the retention of NPP-linked appointees.

However, he argued that repeating past practices of political exclusion would not address systemic governance challenges.

“It takes someone to correct the wrong,” he said, stressing the need for a more inclusive and merit-based approach to governance.

He further emphasised the importance of long-term reforms, adding, “The important thing is to correct things permanently.”

Beyond the issue of appointments, Justice Atuguba also praised the Mahama administration’s efforts to reduce the size of government.

He noted that the number of ministers has been cut from nearly 100 under the previous administration to fewer than 60.

He described the reduction as a meaningful step toward improving efficiency and cutting public expenditure, key promises made by President Mahama during his campaign.

Despite his praise, Justice Atuguba offered a measured assessment of the administration’s performance so far, noting that governance inevitably comes with challenges.

He identified the cost of living as a major concern for many Ghanaians and urged citizens to assess economic conditions objectively, without partisan bias.

He concluded by calling for a collective focus on national development, emphasising that sustainable progress depends on prioritising the broader interests of the country over political divisions.

NAD/VPO

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