Former Chief of Staff in the erstwhile Kufuor Administration, Kwadwo Mpiani, has given the thumbs up to President John Dramani Mahama for firing Victoria Hammah, the former Deputy Minister of Communications.

Kwadwo Mpiani considers Ministers as appointees to help the President build the nation and not to enrich themselves at the expense of the citizenry and thus, believes the President took the right step dismissing the deputy minister.

“I heard the tape and said to myself that, this would be difficult because of the bit about the $1 million. The President invited her to do a job, and when all your salary and allowances are put together, it would not be up to that amount. But if it is your aim to have $1 million, then there are two ways you could come by that money”.

“Number one, either you start a private business whiles in government or steal from the coffers of state. If that is the case, then President is right in sacking her because she cannot be allowed to destroy his government,” Mr. Mpiani explained.

The former Chief of Staff made these remarks during the discussion of the content of a leaked tape which went viral in the media, as well as on social networking sites on Thursday.

On the over 30minute leaked tape, which was first aired by NEAT FM, a voiced purported to be that of the deputy minister was heard harshly criticising a colleague Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rachel Appoh, for attempting to fight the Minister, Nana Oye Lithur.

According to the voice, it was unreasonable for Ms Appoh, a neophyte in politics to take on Nana Oye Lithur, who has a huge reputation and whose husband, Tony Lithur, is a friend to President John Dramani Mahama.

“…I told Rachel that I really understand politics...I will not quit politics until I make one million dollars. If you have money then you can control people,” a part of the tape said.

Information Minister, Mahama Ayariga in a one paragraph statement said, "His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Ms. Victoria Hammah, Deputy Minister Communications of her post as Deputy Minister."

In Kwadwo Mpiani’s view, the contents of the tape, if true, bodes not well for government. He however warned public office holders to exercise discretion and sound judgement in the performance of their duties.