‘Master Stroke Decision’ — Franklin Cudjoe Welcomes Mahama’s Ministerial Changes

IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe has described the latest ministerial changes under the Mahama administration as a “master stroke decision,” particularly welcoming the appointment of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Defence Minister and the reassignment of Ahmed Ibrahim to the Ministry of Works and Housing.

According to Mr Cudjoe, the decision to move Ahmed Ibrahim from his previous portfolio could give him an opportunity to perform more effectively in a ministry where his experience and capabilities are limited.

“Master stroke decision! Especially Ayariga replacing Ahmed Ibrahim,” Mr Cudjoe stated, while assessing the recent changes within government.

He suggested that Ahmed Ibrahim had been overwhelmed by the demands surrounding the implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy and markets-related initiatives.

“Ahmed was struggling. He needed to formalise the procurement processes, but voracious party people and some traditional rulers made him give up the ghost,” he said.

Mr Cudjoe, however, expressed confidence that Ahmed Ibrahim could make a meaningful impact at the Works and Housing Ministry.

He also welcomed the appointment of Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, suggesting that her new position provides an opportunity for her abilities to receive greater attention.

“Finally Zanetor gets noticed. We will support her to do well,” he said. Ato Forson faces new challenge at Defence

Turning his attention to the Defence Ministry, Mr Cudjoe said the new minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, appears to be a practical person, while warning that his new assignment comes with significant responsibilities.

He noted that Dr Ato Forson had left an impression during his time at the Works and Housing Ministry, although he acknowledged that Ghana remains “light years away” from resolving the country’s affordable housing deficit on a large scale and within a short period.

“He is a very practical person and has left some memories at the Works and Housing Ministry, even though we are still light years away from fixing affordable housing on a large scale and on a short [term],” Mr Cudjoe said.

He stressed that the Defence Ministry would present an entirely different set of challenges, particularly as government prepares to retool the security services.

Mr Cudjoe said the planned acquisition of military aircraft, munitions and other equipment would require strong oversight to ensure that the country obtains value for money.

“Well, he has a more challenging ministry now. Now he must man up and ensure, as the government plans retooling the services, especially the purchase of aircraft and munitions,” he stated.

Mr Cudjoe further disclosed that IMANI Africa intends to closely examine the government’s procurement processes in the defence sector.

He said the organisation’s planned scrutiny is partly inspired by conversations he had with the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, before his death.

According to him, the late minister had been discussing the need for experts with specialised knowledge in military equipment and weapons procurement to help Ghana secure better value for money.

“IMANI will be thoroughly examining the procurement process. At least I owe that to my friend Hon. Omane Boamah. Until his untimely death, he had been discussing with me to ensure that I marshal experts who know how to purchase and value military equipment and weapons to help get better value for money for Ghana,” Mr Cudjoe said.

Meanwhile, Mr Cudjoe disclosed that IMANI Africa is beginning a structured engagement with ministers and their technical teams as the Mahama administration moves beyond the 18-month mark in office.

He said the initiative is intended to provide the policy think tank with a deeper and evidence-based understanding of the realities confronting various ministries and the direction of government policies.

“As we wait for a few more changes, we have now passed the eighteen-month mark of the current administration. IMANI is initiating a structured series of high-level engagements with key Ministers of State and their technical teams,” he said.

He explained that the engagements would focus on understanding the operational realities and strategic direction of the sectors being managed by the various ministers.

According to Mr Cudjoe, conventional public reporting does not always capture the complexities surrounding policy implementation, including administrative hurdles, institutional constraints and reforms taking place within government.

The proposed engagements will therefore serve as fact-finding and alignment discussions.

Four key areas of engagement

Mr Cudjoe said the engagements would focus on four major areas.

The first is a baseline assessment, which will examine the condition of each ministry, its agencies and ongoing projects at the time the minister assumed office.

The second is vision and performance tracking, involving an assessment of the strategic vision being pursued by the ministry and the indicators being used to measure progress towards its goals.

The third area is operational challenges, covering the systemic, financial, legislative and administrative difficulties confronting the ministry.

The fourth is milestones and successes, which will examine key achievements, policy gains and major initiatives recorded during the first year and a half of the administration.

Mr Cudjoe said the broader objective is to help improve public understanding of the work being undertaken across government.

“Public policy thrives on public consensus,” he said, stressing that IMANI’s engagements are intended to help provide a clearer account of the work being done by the ministries.

He explained that by gaining firsthand knowledge of how ministries operate, IMANI would be better positioned to place government programmes and challenges within the wider national conversation.

“This dialogue will be mutually beneficial and will contribute significantly to enhancing public transparency and systemic progress,” he said.

Mr Cudjoe disclosed that IMANI has already held an engagement with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Innovation.

He added that the Minister of Agriculture is expected to be next as the think tank continues its planned engagements with government ministers and their technical teams.

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