Ghana's development hindered by prioritizing political loyalty over professional competence, says former MP
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, former Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom constituency, asserts that Ghana's progress is impeded by the practice of appointing individuals to key public positions based on political loyalty rather than professional competence. He advocates for successive governments to appoint individuals with the necessary technical knowledge, experience, and expertise, regardless of their political affiliation. Dr. Kissi highlighted that both the NPP and NDC possess professionals capable of filling critical roles, and competence should be the primary selection criterion. He emphasized that even if a qualified person is not a member of the governing party, they should be considered if they are the best fit for the job. The former MP noted that this issue extends beyond national-level political appointments, affecting employee morale and the performance of state institutions. He cited VALCO as an example, where appointing a leader without relevant knowledge can demotivate employees. Dr. Kissi called for a system that prioritizes competence and institutional experience in public appointments, stating that Ghana has sufficient professionals across the political spectrum to ensure continuity and expertise during government transitions.
