Recent updates from the Jubilee House regarding President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s cabinet reshuffle reveal that two nominated Members of Parliament (MPs) declined offers to join the government in key ministerial positions.
According to sources within the Jubilee House, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye of the Effiduase Asokore constituency and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng from the Obuasi West Constituency in the Ashanti Region both turned down the opportunity to serve in ministerial roles.
They directly informed the president that they were not interested in serving in his government, citing personal reasons.
In an unexpected turn of events, Dr. Ayew Afriye, representing the Effiduase Asokore constituency in the Ashanti Region, was nominated for a position in the Ministry of Health. However, he chose to decline the offer due to his firm stance against the expansion of the government under the president’s leadership.
Close associates of Dr. Afriye reveal that he has consistently voiced concerns about the size of the Akufo-Addo administration, advocating for a reduction in order to mitigate excessive spending.
Reports suggest that the presidency was taken aback by the refusal of Dr. Afriye, who serves as the Chairman of the Health Committee in Parliament, to accept the ministerial appointment.
Similarly, Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, the MP representing Obuasi West Constituency, expressed his dissatisfaction with the president’s handling of his situation and decided against accepting another ministerial role.
“He’s not interested in another opportunity, especially after being sidelined for so long,” an insider revealed to The Herald.
According to The Herald, Mr. Kwarteng, who previously served as a Deputy Minister at the Finance Ministry during President Akufo-Addo’s first term, expressed satisfaction with his current role as the Chairman of Parliament’s finance committee and declined any new appointments.
On February 14, 2024, President Akufo-Addo implemented his first significant reshuffle in nearly eight years.
The reshuffle affected key figures such as the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
Moreover, Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, were also among those who lost their positions.
In total, 13 ministers and 10 deputies were relieved of their duties, with some being reassigned to different roles within the government.
