5 controversial appointments by President Mahama so far

Some appointments by President John Dramani Mahama have sparked significant discussions and debates.

These appointments, in particular, have faced negative reactions, making the appointees controversial. In contrast, many other appointments have been widely praised by the public.

Their appointments have become controversial due to criticisms directed at some appointees for their previous associations with the former NPP government or their perceived criticism and supposed neutral posture in the country.

These appointments have been widely criticised for varied reasons and below are the five controversial appointments made by Mahama so far.

1. Prof. Ransford Gyampo

The appointment of Prof. Ransford Gyampo as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority was met with widespread negative reactions.

While some members of the public viewed his appointment as well-deserved, others voiced their discontent. Critics suggested that his appointment might have been a reward for his frequent criticism of the Akufo-Addo government.

2. Prof. Kobby Mensah

Another appointee whose appointment has sparked controversy and drawn harsh criticism is Prof. Kobby Mensah, an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), who was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited.

Known for his outspoken and frequent criticisms of the Akufo-Addo government, his appointment has been perceived by some critics as a reward for his political stance.

One notable critic, Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, described Prof. Mensah’s appointment as driven by personal interest. He also shared a screenshot of an old post by Prof. Mensah, in which the academic sought to refute claims that he had criticised the former government merely to secure a political appointment.

3. Dr. Randy Abbey

The appointment of the former host of Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program and veteran journalist as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board also faced significant negative reactions.

Some members of the National Democratic Congress, particularly those at the grassroots level, along with the general public, expressed their dissatisfaction with the appointment.

Critics raised questions about the criteria and qualifications considered for the role, arguing that given the challenges currently facing the institution—such as declining production, smuggling, and pricing requires bold and decisive solutions— a leader with specific expertise and experience should have been appointed.

4. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong

The newly appointed Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has encountered significant challenges, with his appointment facing negative reactions, including a lawsuit filed against the government.

The lawsuit challenges the validity of President Mahama’s decision to appoint Sarpong as Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, citing a potential conflict of interest.

The plaintiff, Emmanuella Sarfowaah, a private citizen, argues that Sarpong maintains an interest in KPMG, where he is listed as a senior partner. She contends that his appointment to lead the GRA raises significant ethical and legal concerns.

Additionally, some individuals, believed to be members of the NDC, stormed the premises of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to protest Sarpong’s appointment, calling for the immediate revocation of his appointment on January 27, 2025.

They cited Sarpong's perceived closeness to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a reason for their opposition to his appointment.

5. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko

Another appointee facing significant negative reactions is Yirenkyi Fianko, who was appointed Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Like the GRA boss, Fianko has been met with widespread protests, particularly from individuals believed to be grassroots members of the NDC.

On January 27, 2025, a large group of protesters gathered at the NCA headquarters to voice their opposition to his appointment. The angry supporters argue that Fianko worked against the interests of the NDC, citing reports that he led a group of NCA officials to shut down several pro-NDC radio stations.

Meanwhile, all these appointees have accepted their roles and assumed office unperturbed by the protests and negativity.

MAG/EK

Meanwhile, watch as chaos erupts at Parliament over vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa and Mintah Akandoh