Chief Economist with the Policy Initiative for Economic Development, Dr. Daniel Amateye Anim-Prempeh, has called on the government to reform the appointment process for CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to enhance efficiency and profitability.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH, he criticized the current practice where the President directly appoints executives, arguing that it fosters political patronage rather than merit-based leadership.
“We need to be more transparent and professional about appointments,” he stated, adding that the process should be handled by an independent management consulting firm to ensure that qualified professionals lead SOEs.
Dr. Anim-Prempeh also warned against political interference in SOEs, noting that many appointees lack the expertise and accountability needed to run state businesses effectively.
“People are appointed into office as a reward for their political effort or for assisting the party to ascend to power, and so they assume office with no accountability,” he explained.
His comments come amid concerns raised by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who recently disclosed that only three SOEs—State Housing Company, Ghana Reinsurance Company, and TDC Development Company—paid dividends in 2024, contributing just GH¢28.7 million to the national coffers.
The persistent financial struggles of SOEs, Dr. Anim-Prempeh stressed, can only be reversed through a transparent and merit-based appointment system.
