Economist Dr. Daniel Amateye Anim emphasizes the need for energetic leadership for Ghana’s 24-hour economy, questioning Goosie Tannoh’s suitability.
Economist, Dr. Daniel Amateye Anim has said the flagship initiative of the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government – the 24-hour economy requires a more active, vibrant, and energetic figurehead to steer the affairs.
His views come on the heels of the latest appointments by incoming President, John Dramani Mahama to the Office of the President naming Augustus Goosie Tannoh as the Presidential Advisor Responsible for 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development.
Commenting on the role of the NDC stalwart in the next government in an interview with The Ghana Times, Dr. Daniel Amateye admitted that there is no iota of doubt about the experience of Goosie Tannoh over the years.
However, to the best of his knowledge, the founding member of the NDC has not been active in governance and hence may not be fully abreast with the dynamics of the ever-changing business environment.
The economist further maintained that given the high demands of the flagship initiative, the age factor of Mr Tannoh may not be too favourable. Given this, he said, a more vibrant person who has been active in industry and academia would have been the best fit for the role.
“In terms of him having experience as a politician and as a business person, the experience is there,” Dr. Anim acknowledged while speaking to The Ghana Times.
However, he continued that the appointment should have gone to “somebody who is more active in recent times because of the dynamics. Governance is evolving and things are ever-changing in the global environment as well as in the domestic economy.”
He said he had hoped that “such as flagship programme with its challenges that are about to be addressed should have appointed a more vibrant person, vibrant in terms of somebody with a lot of energy. And so, yeah, I’m taking into consideration the age factor, and I’m also considering somebody who is active in practise, both from either industry and academia, and who has a better appreciation of the dynamics.
Despite the reservations of the economist, the fear could be mitigated if Mr. Goosie Tannoh just heads a team of vibrant people who are energetic and well-versed with the current trends of the world of business.
“Probably he would be the figurehead if a team that he’ll be working with are so vibrant, he’ll provide leadership and direction that would be better,” he added.
Mr. Tannoh, The Ghana Times is aware was an integral part of the NDC manifesto team and was one of the key persons speaking to the issues contained in the manifesto.
Other appointments made by the President-elect to the office of the president include the following;
1. Julius Debrah -Chief of Staff
2. Prosper Douglas Bani – Head of Interim Security Taskforce
3. Dr. Valerie Sawyer – Senior Presidential Advisor, Governmental Affairs
4. Marrietta Agyeiwaa Brew – Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana
5. Dr. Callistus Mahama – Executive Secretary to the President
6. Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu – Ag. Spokesperson to the President.
These appointments will take effect from Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.
