President of policy think tank IMANI Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, believes government’s realignment of some ministries which has led to the introduction of a Ministry for Railways Development is misplaced.
Mr. Cudjoe argued that, the engagement of prospective private sector beneficiaries of enhanced railway services would be a more prudent move towards developing infrastructure for railway development. His comments came as he criticized the high number of ministries under the Nana Akufo-Addo government which currently stands at 25 with more expected to be added.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, the IMANI President opined: “It seems to me that the mantra of trying to be a leaner in government business seems to be faltering away. If we don’t take care we might hit probably 30 ministries.”
The latest list of ministerial nominees revealed that, there will be two new ministries introduced under the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration, namely the Ministry of Monitoring and Evaluation, and the Ministry of Re-organisation and Special Projects, in addition to the new National Security Ministry which is backed by law.
Out of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, a new Ministry to be known as the Ministry for Sanitation and Water Resources has also been created leaving the Works and Housing Ministry on its own.
Some ministries have however been merged with the Power Ministry coming back under the Energy Ministry.
Mr. Cudjoe lauded the condensation of the energy ministry as “great” but noted that the consolidation had not been “compensated properly” in other areas.
The MP for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey (L) will head the Ministry of Railways Development
Mr. Cudjoe singled out Ministry of Transport, Ministry for Railways Development and Ministry for Roads and Highways and described them as “a festival of Ministries for a single monolithic entity.”
“The Ministry of Railway Development is entirely needless because what you do need for railway development is money. You need $2 billion in order to fix the railway,” he said.
Mr. Cudjoe further suggested that, what was needed was the proper influence of the private sector and the most practical approach, in his view, is to ensure that beneficiaries of the railway put together that funding.
“How you go about it is to speak to the heavy users of railways. So miners; let them get involved and help you raise money. Cocoa producers; let them get involved and help you raise money and then you are gone. You don’t need a ministry to integrate railway development,” he explained.
Source: citifmonline.com
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Franklin I am not sure you know better than everyone in Ghana. If you assume that posture then we will all vote for you to test all the postulations you proffer. I believe strongly unless the railway sector is sectoralized as a priority we can't get the job done. The transport ministry is too huge but as a matter of fact the rail sector needs massive attention that would reduce the cash drain on these roads that hardly lead into the hinterland. The Rail Ministry will ensure direct supervision and massive input instead of the mere board who meet to discuss nothing where we still are after 40 or so years. So Franklin you are rushing in your views and will advice you young man that yes your views matter but wait a while and see the whole drama unfold. As a much older person than you, I reckon if this is the way the incoming president wants to get his job done let it be as long as after cutting the waste there will be resources for this outfit to work effectively. Secondly, tarry, take a second look at some of the statements you make they seem sometimes absurd much as you are recognised as an emerging opinion leader.