Why President Akufo-Addo Doesn’t Reshuffle – Gabby Otchere Darko Explains

A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a close associate of President Nana Akufo-Addo, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, has said that Akufo-Addo was prepared for the presidency.

He says Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo went through all the phases of struggles that prepared him for the leadership role in the country.

Gabby says that as a result of this preparation, the president does not panic in situations.

“You know the presidency is a lonely place. You are alone because the buck stops with you and then you have all manner of people giving you all manner of opinions on how things must be done.

You have to make the decision. Akufo-Addo believes more in the American system than in the other systems. When they choose a cabinet minister, he or she is likely to be there for four years. Instinctively, he is not one that will reshuffle. He prefers stability. That is him distinctively,” he said.

He continued “There is also a matter of where the NPP is. When there was agitation in Parliament…You have the majority of one and whenever you take a person out of government is even aggrieved. There are so many issues that he has to deal with because, at the end of the day he’s given them assignments, he knows what he wants from them.

I believe that he is not completely against reshuffling, but he is slow to reshuffle. He is stubborn to a fault. Yes, the public calls may be legitimate, and it’s not every call that you listen to. You know what you want from a particular individual.”

“When you’re a man of conviction, sometimes you shouldn’t be quick to react to events. Politically, it may cost you but posterity will judge you and be on your side There are so many times people will push him to do things but he will weigh it. He is a Lawyer and every good Lawyer eventually will have a superior argument. Every good lawyer, and they will find their corner and you have to also convince them about the merit but I’m sure if he feels the need for a reshuffle he will do it,” he said.

 

 Gabby justifies ‘friends and family’ govt

Gabby Otchere-Darko, also offered a unique perspective on the much-debated issue of “friends and family” in government appointments.

Otchere-Darko defended the Akufo-Addo-led administration, citing his grandfather’s extensive family network while shedding light on the family’s significant presence in public service.

Gabby Otchere-Darko acknowledged that his grandfather has a remarkable legacy, having fathered over 100 children, many of whom have found themselves in various roles within the public service.

Additionally, he said his grandpa made sure to educate all his children, hence, their heavy presence in the public sector.

“My grandfather had over 100 children and we have his diaries. In his diaries, he made sure he educated all his children…and most of us [members of his family] have dedicated our lives to public service,” he said.

While some critics argue that this situation perpetuates a system of nepotism and cronyism, Otchere-Darko emphasized the importance of recognizing the talents and capabilities of individuals within the family.

He argued that the sheer size of his grandfather’s family naturally leads to a broader representation in different sectors, including public service.

Otchere-Darko maintained that family connections should not automatically be viewed as a negative influence on governance, highlighting that competence and expertise should be the primary considerations in appointments.

“Let me take my family, for instance. My own grandfather was a member of the legislative council, one of the first Africans in the council. I am talking about the history of the public service, my uncles and grandfather, including J.B. Danquah, Paa Willy, and all of them, they ended up being called the Big Six not because they contributed to independence, but because they were the front liners. Three of my family members are part of the six,” he added.

 

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