President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accepted responsibility for the current economic challenges, emphasizing that executive powers are ultimately vested in the hands of the president.
In his address to Parliament on the State of the Nation on Tuesday, February 27, the president acknowledged that the accountability for challenges rests squarely with the president.
He underscored that, as the leader, he or she assumes the blame for the difficulties faced by the nation.
“Under the Constitution, the executive power of the state is vested in the President of the Republic. He or she is the Executive. There is no ambiguity about where the buck stops when it comes to responsibility for what happens in the government. It stops with the President, he or she has ultimate responsibility. It would be an unwise President that would pretend to have all the answers and refuse the advice of his officials, but the fact remains that the President holds the executive power.
“The Cabinet, and the Ministers of State all act in an advisory manner. Of course, a member of the government might take an idea, be it generated by the President or the official or a committee, and turn it into a huge success, and the honours would be claimed or shared where public perception falls. But, ultimately, the President is responsible, and, therefore, takes the credit or the blame for whatever happens in his or her government.”
This assertion comes amid recent remarks by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who clarified that the Economic Management Team (EMT), under his leadership, lacks decision-making powers and serves solely in an advisory capacity to the cabinet.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the EMT provides counsel but doesn’t wield decision-making authority. As the head of the EMT, he had previously faced criticism for the economic challenges confronting Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo also emphasized the government’s intentional efforts in strategic planning to ensure the safety and security of Ghana.
He highlighted that Ghana has remained unaffected by the extremism witnessed in neighbouring countries due to meticulous planning.
Akufo-Addo underscored the commitment to the well-being of the armed forces and all security agencies, emphasizing the allocation of resources to ensure their readiness.