Damongo member of Parliament Samuel Abu Jinapor has accused President John Mahama of appointing 100 ministers and deputy ministers.
According to Samuel Abu Jinapor, though the president claims to have appointed 60 ministers and deputies the number is higher if some appointments to the offices of the president and vice president with similar status as ministers are considered.
He cites the appointment of Dr. Valerie Sawyer as senior advisor to the president which he says is equated to the level of cabinet minister who is a parliamentarian.
‘The president has appointed Dr. Valerie Sawyer as senior presidential advisor in charge of government affairs. Her rank is that of a cabinet minister who doubles as a member of Parliament so her salary, her emoluments, everything to do with her office is at the level of a cabinet minister who doubles as a member of Parliament.’
Abu Jinapor during a contribution to the state of the nation address, explained that many of the appointments of advisors are ministers in disguise.
He argued that this will increase the burden on government coffers.
‘President Mahama has appointed one of the biggest or largest government in the history of Ghana as it relates to to the exchequer.’ Abu Jinapor submitted.
Abu listed other appointments that rise to level of ministerial appointments.
‘He has appointed a presidential advisor on economy, presidential advisor on 24-hour economy, presidential advisor and special aide to the president, presidential advisor on national anti corruption …’ the former deputy chief of staff stated.
For Abu Jinapor though the president has appointed a minister in-charge of agriculture he has also selected a director at the presidency in-charge of agribusiness.
He contends further that President John Mahama’s appointment of 16 presidential staffers in charge of the regions amounts to appointment of regional ministers.
Abu Jinapor states that drawing from his experience as a former deputy chief of staff, the president has appointed 100 ministers and deputies.
