Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has called on presidential hopefuls to publicly disclose their intended cabinet members before general elections. The aim is to prevent the months‑long delays that often plague new administrations as they appoint ministers and await parliamentary vetting.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, October 31, Amoah said that candidates who believe they have a realistic chance of winning should already have a clear idea of the people they intend to work with. “If you are going to be a flagbearer, you should already have an idea of the people you intend to work with. You should be firm about who your cabinet members will be and make those names known to the public before the elections,” he said.
He argued that naming prospective ministers would not only allow incoming presidents to start assembling their governments within the first two months of office but also give voters a chance to assess the individuals who will implement a candidate’s policies. Amoah noted that the current practice often results in three to four months of vetting, delaying the implementation of programmes. “By the first year, middle of the first year, policies should be clear, with the people knowing what you want them to help you achieve. You should be clear in taking the people along,” he added.
Amid renewed debate over presidential term limits, Amoah reaffirmed his support for the constitutionally mandated four‑year term, stating that the duration does not impede effective governance. His remarks come as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has filed a suit at the Supreme Court seeking clarification on whether the two‑term presidential limit applies to consecutive or non‑consecutive terms.
Observers say Amoah’s proposal could reshape campaign strategies, pushing candidates to disclose their inner circle early and potentially influencing voter choices. The move also aligns with calls for greater transparency in Ghana’s political process.
