Anyone who says ministers are 'enjoying' are thieves – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has rejected claims that government ministers “enjoy” their time in office, arguing that such assertions reflect a corrupt mindset.

Speaking on Good Evening Ghana on January 21, 2026, he emphasised that public office should never be regarded as an avenue for personal enrichment.

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“Anybody who says a minister enjoyed is a thief or a potential thief,” he stated.

Using his own tenure as an example, Professor Frimpong-Boateng said the financial rewards of ministerial work are often exaggerated.

“As Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, my salary was GH¢15,000. So, where is the enjoyment?” he questioned.

He stressed that he did not engage in any corrupt dealings or contract awards during his time in office.

“I don't do any deals; I don't do anything. I don't award any contracts to anybody. We didn't do that. Environment has no contracts,” he said.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng criticised the growing perception among young people that ministerial positions are paths to wealth, warning that such thinking encourages wrongdoing.

“So, for all you small boys in the country to say, ‘if you want to be a minister and you enjoy it,’ that person is a potential thief,” he emphasised.

He added that his motivation for accepting public office was driven by passion and national service rather than financial gain.

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“I was passionate. I wanted to use science, technology, and innovation to change this country. I don't work for money… Ask President Nana Akufo-Addo, I like him. I'm not a greedy person. I didn't steal anything. I did no deals. I didn't sign any contract,” he maintained.

MAG/MA

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