Former Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has questioned why any minister would publicly announce a government policy or programme without first obtaining approval from the President or Cabinet.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stressed that ministers do not operate independently, as their mandates come directly from the President.
“Ministers do not have sole authority. The president is responsible for appointments, and there is no way a minister should announce a policy without the approval of the president or the cabinet. A minister can express an opinion that may differ from the government’s official stance, but that is very different from announcing a policy or program without permission.
“Why would a minister do that? If this is happening, it raises serious questions about the kind of government we are running, where ministers can announce policies or programs independently. If this is the case, then the government has some serious issues to address,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of a government directive reminding all Ministers of State not to announce any major policy, programme, or initiative without prior Cabinet approval.
The directive, signed by Prof. Kwaku Danso-Boafo, Secretary to Cabinet, on October 27, cited instances of some ministers announcing initiatives “purportedly on behalf of government” before they were discussed or approved.
The government emphasized that such actions breach constitutional protocols and undermine the principle of collective responsibility, which ensures that all major decisions reflect Cabinet consensus.