Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo and former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has stepped forward to clarify his stance on the number of presidential staffers appointed by the Mahama administration.
The clarification comes after Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, denied allegations that President John Mahama had appointed over 100 presidential staffers.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the administration has only 27 presidential staffers, with an addendum of three individuals serving as directors for specific interventions, bringing the total to 30.
Abu Jinapor explained that his previous comments were misinterpreted and referred to the combined number of ministers and presidential staffers, which approaches 100 appointees.
“No, I did not, I said if you add the number of staffers—senior presidential advisors and the rest—to the ministers, you will be inching to 100. Yes, that is the point I was making,” Jinapor clarified during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle.
Abu Jinapor also expressed concerns about the financial implications of these appointments, highlighting that some presidential staffers enjoy salaries and benefits comparable to those of ministers. Despite this, he commended President John Mahama’s decision to appoint 56 ministers, stating:
“President Mahama’s appointments of 56 ministers is welcomed, commendable, there’s absolutely no two ways about that. Provided always that the 56 ministers are able to deliver,” said Jinapor.
This clarification aims to provide a clearer understanding of Jinapor’s stance on the matter amidst ongoing discussions about the administration’s appointments.
