I won't compete for appointment under Akufo-Addo – Pianim

Celebrated Ghanaian Economist and Investment consultant, Kwame Pianim has said he’s not interested in pushing frantically for or lobbying for an appointment under the Akufo-Addo administration.

A founding member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), not much has been heard from Mr Pianim who has served in several public institutions and on governing saboards, since President Akufo-Addo assumed power almost a year ago.

His last employment was with the erstwhile Kufuor administration where he served as the Chairman of the Public Utility Regulation Council (PURC), but he resigned in December 2007 as a result of differences with the government.

Some were looking forward to see Mr Pianim with his vast experience heading at least a governing board of a state institution but that has not been the case.

Speaking to Akwasi Nsiah on Si mi so on Kasapa FM, Mr Pianim who though advanced in age believes he still has a lot to offer the country, however is of the view that the younger generation should rather be given opportunity to serve in public office to help build the country.

“It is now time for the younger ones to be given positions to serve, they are more stronger and can execute the demanding task that comes with heading public office. Some of us are old now and will want to take the back seat and monitor proceeding and be giving advises when necessary. If our services are needed we’ll be called upon. President Akufo Addo knows that whenever he calls upon some of us, we’ll always answer him and give the needed assistance. There’s no point in competing for appointment with the younger ones. From where I sit, if I see something going wrong I’ll prompt the President about it. If there are issues concerning the economy that I want to bring to the attention of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, I’ll do so. “

Andrew Kwame Pianim serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New World Investment Limited (NWIL), a consultancy firm. Mr. Kwame Pianim is a renowned Economist and Financial Consultant with diversified work experience in the international arena and in public and private sectors of the Ghanaian Economy. Prior to the incorporation of New World Investments Limited, he was a private economic and investment consultant, specializing in packaging investments for private placement.

He served as Deputy Managing Director of Ghana Aluminum Products Limited, Tema and as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board from 1978 to 1979. He served as a Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning from 1970 to 1972.

He served as an Economic Research Officer at the United Nations, New York from 1964 to 1970. Mr. Pianim serves as Chairman of United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Limited. He also serves on the boards of a number of Ghanaian companies, which include, Unique Insurance Company Limited, Taysec Construction Limited, amongst others. Mr. Pianim holds a B.A.(Hons ) in Economics and Political Science from the University of New Brunswick, Canada (1963) and an M.A. in Economics from Yale University, U.S.A. (1964).