Professor Albert Puni, a managemnt scholar, has called for merit-based processes to guide appointments to boards and CEO positions of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to enhance efficiency.
Delivering an inaugural lecture at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, he said the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) should develop a vetted pool of directors and CEOs based on character, commitment, and competence.
“The successful applicants would then be shortlisted and recommended to the President for appointment,” he stated.
Prof. Puni described the current appointment regime as “hurriedly done” and “flawed,” arguing that selections were often based on party loyalty rather than merit.
“Oftentimes, it appears commitment to party takes centre to the neglect of character and competency. Now, because of the issue of recent corruption and then all the things that we are hearing, we should also go in for character,” he said.
“Your character will determine how you use your competency,” he added.
Referencing Sections 14 and 15 of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), Prof. Puni noted that the President was empowered to appoint CEOs and board members of SOEs and other public institutions upon assuming office.
He cited a 2019 Supreme Court ruling which held that while boards may be dissolved during a transition, CEOs cannot be removed solely due to a change in administration and may only be dismissed for just cause or under the terms of their contracts.
Prof. Puni said successive governments had violated this ruling by terminating appointments immediately after assuming office.
He argued that the ineffective implementation of the law had led to weak board structures, conflicts of interest between CEOs and boards, lack of accountability, and poor financial performance.
Prof. Puni recommended that boards be involved in the appointment of CEOs to strengthen oversight and accountability.
“We must depoliticise the selection and appointment process and adopt a process that is based on merit and take into the consideration the character and competence of the individual,” Prof. Puni said.
GNA
