Most appointees of former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, have been given the marching orders after the assumption of office of John Dramani Mahama on January 7.
This practice which ensures a complete overhaul of the government after change of power, is part of the democratic governance, as every president, wants to appoint people he or she has complete trust in and can vouch for their competence.
Some independent voices, feel a complete overhaul, as has been the case since 2000, when Ghana saw the first transfer of power under the Fourth republic from one political party to another, is not the best way to build a democratic society, where merit is considered above political affiliation.
Unfortunately, that has not been the case, simply, because more people are loyal to their political party, before the nation.
But, even if that should be considered, it cannot be a wholesale retention of appointees of the out gone president, but those who have proven their mettle and have distinguished themselves well.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Food and Drugs Authourity (FDA), Delese Mimi Darko, who is still at post, does not qualify to be at post, even a day after the results of the 2024 general election, was declared.
Having risen through the ranks to become its first female CEO, since 2017, she has supervised the near collapse of the institution.
The FDA, which exists to protect public health, has failed woefully in doing that, with the proliferation of illicit and fake drugs into the country, which has become a national crisis.
Fake drugs or substandard medical products, are counterfeit medications either produced at below standard quality or sold to people as authentic and effective pharmaceutical brands.
The lack of maintenance culture, that has been the bane of this country, can be seen at the FDA, as the magnificent building, which was once the pride of every Ghanaian, has deteriorated, with even some of the inscription on the building either faded or is wiped completely. The building if it was a tree, would be said not to have had water for more than a year.
The building’s exterior is faded and weathered, with peeling, cracked, or chipped paint exposing the underlying material. Streaks of discoloration and patches of exposed surface suggest years of exposure to the elements without maintenance.
Workers of FDA, were beside themselves when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the 2024 elections, because to them, it meant, they will no longer have to deal with Mimi Darko again.
Their joy was short-lived, when after three months, Mimi is still at post, doing what exactly, only the powers that be know.
As a newspaper, we are livid, as to why President John Dramani Mahama, is still keeping Mimi Darko at post. She has served, performed woefully for eight years.
It is time for her to go home.
