President Nana Akufo-Addo has outlined the importance of having a ministry with direct oversight of National Security, emphasizing that there is a need to have an official to be accountable to parliament.

Critics and analysts have raised concerns about the creation of a National Security Ministry, indicating that the existence of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, the National Security Coordinator, and the National Security Advisor makes it irrelevant.

But President Akufo-Addo holds a different view. Explaining the rationale behind the new ministry at a press conference on Tuesday January 10, Mr Akufo underscored: “It is important that we should [have the National Security Minister] because the accountability of the people who work in National Security and the whole apparatus to the Ghanaian people through parliament is a very important step towards building a society which is secure and at the same time respectfully rides on the rule of law and civil liberties.

“Balance of security and freedom is best protected when there are accountable officials who are responsible for the apparatus before the parliament.”

Mr. Akufo-Addo further named the following as ministers-designate for the various ministries:

Albert Kan-Dapaah – National Security Minister-designate

Alan Kyerematen – Trade and Industry Minister-designate

Ken Ofori-Atta – Finance Minister-designate

Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto – Agriculture Minister-designate

Boakye Agyarko – Energy Minister-designate

Dominic Nitiwul – Defence Minister-designate

Ambrose Dery – Minister-designate for the Interior

Ayorkor Botchway – Foreign Affairs Minister-designate

Gloria Akuffo – Attorney General-designate

Alima Mahama – Local Government and Rural Development Minister-designate

Dr. Mathew Opoku-Prempeh – Education Minister-designate

Kwaku Agyemang Manu – Health Minister-designate