The Illusion of Change – Akufo Addo’s Government Reshuffle

1. We are once again disappointed in this government. Even though disappointment in this government has become the norm, we were at least expecting some level of change amidst Dr. Bawumia’s promise to govern Ghana with only 50 ministers. But what do we see? A continuation of the status quo that has plagued our nation’s progress.

2. In an era where the clamor for efficient governance and fiscal prudence has never been louder, the recent reshuffle by President Akufo Addo starkly reflects a government in disarray, obstinately disconnected from the realities of its people.

3. ⁠Despite the vociferous appeals from Ghanaians, civil society, the clergy, academicians, and think tanks to trim the bloated size of government—a glaring drain on our nation’s scarce resources—this administration has once again turned a deaf ear.

4. The insistence on maintaining a government apparatus comprising so many ministers is not only a slap in the face to the Ghanaian taxpayer but a testament to an entrenched culture of profligacy, cronyism, and a disturbingly myopic view of governance. This unwieldy government size, under the guise of facilitating development, has instead catalyzed an era marked by inefficiency and unfulfilled promises.
Enter Dr. Bawumia, the Vice President and the freshly minted flagbearer for the NPP, who now promises a government of only 50 ministers.

5. This pledge starkly contrasts the current administration’s excesses and rings hollow in the face of his longstanding defense of this governmental bloat. Dr. Bawumia’s sudden pivot, amidst the economic turmoil our nation endures, is emblematic of a desperate ploy for votes—a deception that the Ghanaian people can see through with clarity.

6. Today’s reshuffle by President Akufo Addo, rather than offering a beacon of hope for a leaner, more efficient government, has instead upheld the status quo. It is a profound disappointment and a missed opportunity to heed the people’s calls for change. This action—or rather, inaction—underscores a blatant disregard for the nation’s plea for governance that puts the people’s welfare above political expediency.

7. It is particularly disheartening to witness the recycling of ministers who, over the past seven years, have demonstrated a stark inability to propel our nation forward. This reshuffle, far from being a strategic realignment, is merely a superficial rearrangement of pieces on a board, with no real intent to address the systemic failures that plague our governance.

8. Dr. Bawumia’s slogan, “It Is Possible,” now begs the question: If indeed it is possible, why not now? Why the wait, if not for political convenience at the expense of national welfare? This reshuffle could have been a moment of bold leadership, a signal of a genuine commitment to reform. Yet, it stands as a testament to a government marking time, lacking the vision or the will to implement the drastic changes Ghana so urgently requires.
As the NDC, under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Ghana—a commitment to deliver governance that is not only efficient and lean but also transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of every Ghanaian.

9. The December 7th elections present an opportunity for the people of Ghana to voice their verdict on this administration’s failures. It is a chance to embrace a future under a leader who not only understands the gravity of the challenges we face but possesses the proven track record, the integrity, and the vision to overcome them.

10. This belated reshuffle, much ado about nothing, underscores the urgent need for change—a change towards a government that respects its mandate to serve, not to squander. A government of action, not mere words. The NDC stands ready to usher in this new dawn for Ghana