In a recent discussion, Nana Akomea, the Deputy Campaign Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the upcoming 2024 elections, openly criticized Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His remarks centered on the recent appointment of Nketiah’s son, Dr. Kwaku Asiedu Nketiah, as the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).
Akomea pointed out a seeming contradiction in Nketiah’s past statements. Previously, Nketiah has argued against the appointment of family members to government positions, regardless of their qualifications. Akomea highlighted this by stating that Nketiah had previously called such practices one of the biggest forms of corruption. Now, with his son appointed to a significant position, Akomea questioned what Nketiah would say about it.
During his appearance on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on January 23, 2025, Akomea made his points clear. He acknowledged that Dr. Kwaku Asiedu Nketiah is qualified for the role, being a doctor, but emphasized that the principle of family appointments should take precedence over qualifications in this case. He asked, “So today that his son has been taken to the Minerals Fund, what is he saying now?”
Dr. Kwaku Asiedu Nketiah’s appointment was officially announced by President John Dramani Mahama on January 18, 2025. As the Acting Deputy CEO of MIIF, he will play a crucial role in managing Ghana’s mineral royalties and investments, a task vital for maximizing the country’s mineral wealth and ensuring sustainable economic benefits.
This situation has sparked discussions about nepotism and the ethics of government appointments in Ghana. Akomea’s comments serve as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by political figures when their actions contradict their previous statements. As both parties gear up for the elections, issues of integrity and transparency are likely to remain at the forefront of the political discourse.
