Minister for Communication & Digitalisation Under Fire Over NCA Director Dismissal

The newly appointed Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has come under intense criticism following the dismissal of Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo as a Director at the National Communications Authority (NCA).

In a social media post, political commentator P.K Sarpong questioned the rationale behind the removal of Osafo-Maafo, who is the son of Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He argued that if Osafo-Maafo was dismissed due to his familial ties, then Rahmata Issahaq-Pelpuo, wife of Wa Central MP Rashid Pelpuo, who has served as a Director at the NCA for the past eight years under the NPP government, should have also been removed.

Sarpong warned that dismissing public servants based on their family connections sets a dangerous precedent, adding that such actions undermine professionalism in governance.

He further argued that Samuel George, as a minister, does not have the authority to unilaterally dismiss officials at the NCA, as that responsibility lies with the Board of Directors. However, since there is currently no board in place, he questioned the legality of the dismissal.

“You cannot do this as a minister. In fact, it is not your responsibility to sack anybody at the NCA since that’s the duty of the board of directors. There is no board in place at the moment, but that doesn’t give you the right to be sacking people,” he wrote.

Sarpong also warned that should political power change hands, individuals like Rahmata Issahaq-Pelpuo could face similar dismissals, emphasizing the need for fair and impartial governance.

The controversy has sparked debates about political interference in public service appointments and dismissals, with many calling for transparency and adherence to due process. The government is yet to officially respond to the allegations.