Host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has urged political leaders to prioritise technical competence when appointing individuals to sensitive public offices, warning that not every position can be handled with “common sense.”
Speaking on Channel One TV , he argued that the ongoing challenges at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) demonstrate the dangers of assigning politically connected individuals to highly technical roles without the necessary background and experience.
According to Adom-Otchere, while it is normal for incoming governments to distribute political appointments, certain institutions demand specialised knowledge and professional expertise to function effectively. He stressed that leaders may appoint trusted individuals, but such persons must possess the technical competence required for the role.
Drawing comparisons, he noted that similar standards are expected when appointing key officials such as the Attorney General or the Governor of the Bank of Ghana. In his view, COCOBOD’s leadership should equally reflect strong technical grounding, whether in treasury management, law, or other relevant professional fields.
He further explained that although many public sector roles can be managed with general administrative skills, others are inherently technical and require seasoned professionals to navigate complex financial, regulatory, and operational challenges.
Adom-Otchere also referenced institutions like the National Communications Authority (NCA), where expertise in engineering, marketing, or law is critical for effective leadership. He concluded by urging politicians to match competence with responsibility, especially in technical agencies where the stakes are high for Ghana’s economy.
