Ghanaian President Mahama Warns Board Chairs Against Assuming Executive Roles
Ghanaian President John Mahama warned board chairs of state institutions against performing the functions of full-time executives. At a conference of board chairs and chief executive officers, he said that those appointed to lead such institutions should view their positions as a public trust and be guided by competence, integrity and effectiveness, MyJoyOnline reports.
Separation of functions
Mahama stressed that the role of a board is not ceremonial and that membership on it should not be seen as a personal privilege. According to him, boards must set the strategic direction of institutions, oversee policy and risks, ensure the reliability of financial reporting, and monitor overall performance.
At the same time, the president urged board chairs not to occupy offices at institutions or come to work every day as though they held full-time executive positions. He stressed the need for a clear division of powers: the board provides governance and oversight, while management runs day-to-day operations.
Accountability of executives
Mahama reminded chief executive officers that executive authority is not a personal privilege. He described it as measurable accountability for delivering results in line with legislation, public policy and the strategic direction approved by the board.
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The president said that boards' interference in day-to-day operational decisions weakens accountability. Likewise, he said, executives who reject proper oversight by boards undermine the institutions they lead.
Independence of board members
Mahama also urged board members to independently assess proposed decisions, critically analyze them and ask difficult questions when necessary. He warned that loyalty to the government should not mean silent support for decisions capable of harming an institution or the state.
According to the president, appointments to state institutions should be based on competence, integrity, diligence and work results, rather than political affiliation, personal connections or proximity to the center of power. He also noted that public funds spent on remuneration should contribute to productivity, stronger institutions and the creation of measurable public value.
