…Presidential staffers on thorns

As Ghanaians thought President John Dramani Mahama might have rescinded his decision to carry out what was contained in a recent letter he personally signed and addressed to functionaries at the seat of government, the Flag Staff House psyching them of possible changes and/or re-assignment, The aL-hAJJ has been reliably informed that the president is about breathing life into the “Green Letter.”

Sources at the Flag Staff House hinted The aL-hAJJ that barring another last minute hitch, President John Mahama by Friday, August 29, 2014, will commence the “house cleaning exercise” which will witness movement of presidential aides and staffers.

Short of mentioning names, a source disclosed that while some of the aides and staffers will be re-assigned, others may not be that lucky as they are asked to vacate their post to allow for some fresh brains to be recruited to help the president move his agenda of economic and social transformation forward.

“I wouldn’t want to mention names of those who will be asked to stay or those who will be asked to park baggage and leave the big house, but I can tell you on authority that though the Chief of Staff will not be occupying his current position after the restructuring, he will nevertheless remain at the Flag Staff House,” a source stated.

President Mahama few weeks ago, personally signed letters addressed to political occupiers at the seat of government with the exception of vice president Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah Attah, thanking them for their services.

The letter titled, “Portfolios of Presidential Staffers” reads, “May I use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the service you have rendered to the nation in your various positions as staffers in the Office of the President."

“I intend in the near future to make certain changes and/or re-assignment of portfolios in the Office of the President. Please stand by, as the changes will be communicated to you in due course,” the President informed his teeming staffers.

However, the president prayed that the affected people would have the strong will to stomach the repercussions of his action.

“It is my prayer that God will grant you the grace to apply yourself diligently and effectively to whatever position or situation you find yourself in,” he stated, apparently preparing the minds of those who may be relieved of their duties.

The letter, which has been christened “Green Letter,” follows the president’s decision to sack some ministers and reassigned others to breathe new life into his much-criticized government to help him deliver on his promises and lift the country from its present economic difficulties. Presidential aides and staffers at the seat of government include the Chief of Staff, Prosper Bani; Senior Policy Advisor, Dr Sulley Gariba; Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Raymond Atuguba; Secretary to Cabinet, Roger Kwesi Angsomwin and Presidential Policy Advisor on Economy, Dr Nii Moi Thompson.

Others are Dr Kpesah Whyte, Dr Clement Apaak, Alhaji Baba Kamara, Alhaji Baba Lamin and Mr. Baffoe Bonnie.

The rest include, Dr Batidam, Michael Obuobi, Vincent Kuagbenu, Stan Xoexe Dogbe and James Agyenin Boateng among others. Sources say not even supposed powerful presidential aides and staffers and even those who have personal relationship with President Mahama will escape the “Green Letter” effect.