We’re okay with Akufo-Addo’s appointments – A/R NPP

Members of the communication team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region have expressed satisfaction with the appointments so far made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Raphael Safo Patrick, a member of the team, has said party supporters and constituency executives in the region have given the president the thumbs up with the appointment, adding that the selection has been based on competence, hard work, and loyalty.

His comments come at a time some members of the party in the NPP’s stronghold have expressed worry over the apparent neglect of Ashantis in the handing of appointments by President Akufo-Addo. They point to the president’s decision to bypass former party General Secretary Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) for the role of Director of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as an example.

Sir John told a Ghanaian-owned foreign radio station that his chances of being appointed by the president were slim and did not believe Mr Akufo-Addo would give him any appointment anytime soon. He, however, called on party supporters not to stampede the president in his appointments.

Speaking on the matter in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom, on Accra100.5FM on Tuesday February 28, Mr Safo said: “For us in the Ashanti Region, we are really satisfied with the kind of appointments President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made so far. When you speak with the grassroots and constituency executives concerning the appointments that have been made so far, they will tell you that they are overwhelmed.

“Looking at the kind of selection he has made so far, I can sleep today or even if I die today I know there will be a better Ghana and better future for this country under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the kind of competent and hardworking people who have been selected from across the country.

“We know Sir John and others’ contribution to the NPP and so Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the appropriate time will give Sir John an appointment for him to also contribute his ideas to the government.”

Kwasi Kyei, the party’s regional communications director, also said on the show: “The appointment by the president is excellent. The president got the regional balance right.

“There should be no cause for agitation because the president has not even finished with his appointments. There are more appointments to be made and so there will be no basis for anybody to complain at the moment. We are very much happy with the president's appointment.”