Francis Poku’s Replacement Demanded

NDC MP Calls for Delay Explanation

Since the dramatic removal of the National Security minister, Francis Poku, from office in January this year, there has been no indication that the President will soon nominate a new Minister to fill that vacant position. This has been a source of concern to many, especially Parliament’s Minority Spokesman on Security and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhaji Abubakar Sumani.

According to the Tamale North MP, the National Security coordinator, Dr. Sam Amo Ghartey, is acting the absence of Mr. Francis Poku, but being in just an acting position, Ghartey would feel insecure and unsure about his limits and who to report to. Mr. Sumani explained that when Mr. Poku was the Minister, Dr. Ghartey was supposed to report to him and so Dr. Ghartey knew his limit and where that of the national security minister’s begin. “I believe that, maybe because Francis Poku became that powerful, they have decided to share some of those powers among some of those who overthrew him and maybe the National security coordinator who, more or less, acted as Francis Poku’s deputy even though they haven’t said so; but I am surprised they are keeping quiet over such a sensitive ministry,” Alhaji Sumani told The Heritage newspaper in an interview.

He said if the National Security coordinator is now acting as minister in the absence of Mr. Poku, or there will be no substantive minister till the current administration leaves power, Government must be clear on this matter. Asked whether the appointment of ministers is not the sole discretion of the President, Alhaji Sumani agreed in principle but insisted that Government’s openness and clear explanations on the future of the ministry could have put to rest raging speculations.

On his part, the MP for Ahafo Ano South, Stephen Kwaku Balado Manu, said, though the position of National Security minister needs to be filled, there are competent people on the ground working. He stated: “I believe the President is feverishly combing to get a suitable person for the position and, very soon, the fears of Ghanaians that the National Security Minister’s absence is a security threat to nation will be put to rest.