Founding President of IMANI Africa Franklin Cudjoe has said the failure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuo-Addo to give a reason for removing some directors of state institutions including the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is disturbing.
President Akufo-Addo has sacked the Director-General of SSNIT, Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang with effect from Monday, April 15, 2024.
He has consequently asked the SSNIT boss to hand over to one of his deputies, Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo.
This is contained in a letter dated April 8, 2024, signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante and addressed to Dr Ofori-Tenkorang.
“Reference is made to your appointment letter dated 1st July, 2019, issued by the Public Services Commission. In accordance with paragraph 8 of the said appointment letter, I regret to inform you that the President has terminated your appointment effective 15th April, 2024 with three (3) months’ salary in lieu of notice.
“You are directed to hand over your office to Mr. Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo and proceed to collect any terminal benefits you may be entitled to,” portions of the letter read.
It continued that, “To ensure a smooth transition, kindly hand over and cease to act as the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) no later than close of business on Monday, 15th April, 2024.”
“The President thanks you for your service to the nation and extends his best wishes,” the letter concluded.
The new Director-General of SSNIT is the son of President Akufo-Addo’s Senior Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Maafo.
In a statement reacting to this, Mr Cudjoe said “First, it was the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) board and its Commissioner that got axed crudely by an executive fiat – no reasons given. However, under the previous board, Ghana has, for the first time, attained 14% tax to GDP ( from 11-12% for many years), a critical milestone under Ghana’s IMF programme
“Now, SSNIT’s Director-General, who has 9 months left of his tenure, has been sacked by the President with immediate effect. There are no reasons given for terminating the DG.
“The DG’s foresight and a bit of luck prevented our pensions from the unforgiving jaws of the cantankerous debt restructuring programme (DDEP) by holding minimal government paper. The DG’ leadership has been unrepentant in chasing government arrears and expanding coverage to the self- employed.
“The leadership has managed to divest SSNIT’s ownership in hotels to prevent haemorrhaging pension funds. Crucially SSNIT has been scaling down on real estate investment, which has never been profitable but beloved by politicians with control over SSNIT.
“The replacements in these two institutions, GRA and SSNIT, are seen by many as very pliant political obedients. And that is dangerous. What exactly is the President’s grand plan? Consolidate his base or push through curious contracts this last hour? These whimsical acts without explanation actually hurt the country, his government, party and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”