The hands-on approach adopted by Justin Frimpong Kodua, Secretary General of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), underlines his determination to ensure that the party does not lose power in the December 7 general elections.
The party’s First Secretary has firmly stated his position and is directing the party’s activities to break the eight-year cycle of power held by the two major parties, the NPP and the NDC.
He warned government political appointees to step up their actions or risk sanctions.
GhanaWeb examines two instances where Justin Frimpong Kodua has intimidated political appointees within a two-year period.
In December 2022, he issued a stern warning to underperforming government appointees that they risk being replaced if they fail to make an effort.
He warned that the party would not hesitate to recommend to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the restructuring of appointees who are performing abysmally.
Justin Frimpong Kodoa called on government appointees to work hard to avoid a cabinet reshuffle, adding that the party’s efforts to stay in power will not be squandered by a few unsuccessful appointees.
“The party worked hard in 2016 to make sure we won the elections, so we will work hard to win in 2024 too. But at this point, if any minister, CEO or assistant minister is not serious about the challenges ahead, the party can only reshuffle or be reshuffled. It is important that we remind ourselves that whatever post we hold, it is not because of titles but because the NPP is in power,” the NPP Secretary General made these comments while addressing the Tertiary Students’ Union (TESCON), the party’s student wing, in Kumasi.
The second threat
And in a Facebook post on Saturday, August 10, 2024, he again threatened underperforming political appointees with the boot if they don’t wake up.
Justin Phimpong Kodua said he is confident that the NPP will win the elections and therefore, any disappointing appointees whose actions undermine this plan will have their support withdrawn.
“The NPP is now not going to let go of power so all our efforts should be directed towards keeping the NPP in power and soon all underperforming ministers including the MMDCE will be subject to a presidential reshuffle,” he warned.
He suggested that party leaders were assessing and evaluating the performance of all government appointees, adding that poor performers who displease the party would be sacked.
“The party is evaluating and assessing all the appointees and once that is done, we will take immediate action in consultation with the president,” Kodua said.
Frimpong Kodua’s comments came following the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the Bono region, which noted the failure of certain appointees to maintain effective communication and engagement.
“The feedback from my tour of Bono area showed that some appointed councillors have lost touch with their support base. Please don’t pressure me to name names, just do what is necessary,” he said.
Qatari/Turkish
