The CEO of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to relieve Finance Minister Ato Forson of his additional role as Defence Minister to allow him to focus on fiscal discipline and the execution of major government projects.
In a statement shared on social media, Cudjoe commended President Mahama for a strong start in office but cautioned that 2026 will be a critical year for the rollout of high-budget projects.
“Now though the honeymoon is truly over. 2026 is a crucial year for the rollout of some of your Big Push projects with significant budgets. Please free Finance Minister Ato Forson from the additional duty as Defence Minister so he can focus and continue being fiscally disciplined,” he urged.
He recommended creating an Administrator or Assessor-General within the civil service to oversee government projects, conduct risk analyses, and ensure timely delivery while reducing opportunities for corruption.
Cudjoe also suggested strengthening the Cabinet Office to coordinate accountability across ministries, departments, and agencies.
“We do not want to spend time and money setting up another ORAL after your tenure. We are already suffocating from the organised loot and heist under the last guy. We may not survive the next one. We can reduce or eliminate theft and looting before they occur even though, on balance, most of your appointees are fairly responsible and smarter,” he said.
He praised Executive Secretary Dr. Callistus Mahama for his efficiency, urging that this standard be maintained across the Presidency.
The IMANI CEO emphasized that the public will continue to monitor and report on the execution of these projects to prevent losses and inefficiencies similar to those witnessed under the previous administration.
