Dr Richard Anane, a former Minister of Roads and Highways under former President John Agyekum Kufuor's administration, has been described by the ex-President as his “favourite” minister for his hard work and competence.

Dr Anane served as Minister of Health and later as Minister of Roads and Highways between 2001 and 2006.

In an interview on TV3 on November 26, 2025, the former President said Dr Anane played a central role in the development of major road networks in Accra and beyond during his tenure as Roads Minister.

He pointed to major road projects such as the Accra–Kumasi stretch, the Mallam–Yamoransa highway, and the road from Tema to Aflao.

He also noted that significant policy initiatives, including the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, happened while Dr Anane was Health Minister.

Anane wins at Supreme Court

“He was instrumental in the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which benefited many Ghanaians. And when he moved to the Roads Ministry, the impact was clear. If you look at the Accra–Kumasi Road, from Nkrumah Circle through the George Bush Highway, from Mallam all the way to Yamoransa, and then Tema to Aflao, up to areas in the Volta Region like Nkonya and Dambai, even from Tamale to Yendi—these developments happened within just four to five years. He was very hardworking,” Kufuor said.

He added that, in his view, Dr Anane was “second to none” as a minister.

Kufuor described him as a capable medical doctor with a strong work ethic, adding that although some people were overly critical of him, Dr Anane consistently delivered wherever he was placed.

In 2006, while serving as Minister of Road Transportation, Dr Anane faced corruption allegations that led him to resign.

A CHRAJ investigation claimed he had used state funds to send about $100,000 to a woman in the United States, a matter linked to a personal relationship. CHRAJ recommended his dismissal.

Dr Anane stepped down and challenged the findings in court, insisting he had done no wrong. The court later cleared him, ruling that CHRAJ had overstepped its authority by conducting an investigation without any formal petitioner. Following the ruling, President Kufuor asked him to return to his post.

Speaking about the matter, the former President maintained that no evidence of corruption was ever established against Dr Anane, noting that some people chose to attack his reputation without proof.

“It wasn’t established anywhere that Dr Anane was corrupt. He had a personal issue involving a lady in America and was supporting her and their child. Somehow people twisted it to suggest he had sent $90,000, but there was no evidence. People just chose to malign him,” Kufuor stated.

Kufuor said he believed he managed the situation appropriately by advising Dr Anane to resign early and clear his name through legal processes, which eventually vindicated him.

“When the issue came up and CHRAJ got involved, I advised him to resign and go through the legal process. The court later ruled that the case had not been properly established. That is why I asked him to return to continue his work. Politics is tricky, I can tell you,” he noted.

He concluded by reiterating that Dr Anane remained one of the most effective ministers in his government, “He was my favourite for good reason. I came into government to assemble ministers who would work for the people, and Anane was one of the very best.”

Watch the video below:

@augustus.boahen #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #fyppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp #nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #fyp ♬ original sound - Boga