STEPHEN ASAMOAH Boateng, popularly known as Asabeee exactly midday on Tuesday was announced as Chieftaincy Minister designate.

When approved after vetting by Parliament, Asabee, the veteran politician, former Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, former Minister for Information, Local Government, Tourism and recently Director General at the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) would take over from Ebenezer Kojo Kum who resigned a week ago as Chieftaincy Minister.

Making the formal announcement in Parliament, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin also named six others as Minister designates.

These were Kwabena Tahiru Hammond , Minister designate for Trade and Industry, Bryan Acheampong, Minister designate for Food and Agriculture, Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State Designate for Finance, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Minister of State designate for Local Government, Herbert Krapah, Deputy Minister designate for Energy and Dr Stephen Amoah, Deputy Minister designate for Trade.

Background:

Asabeee comes into the new position with a vast experience having dealt with almost all paramount chiefs and queen mothers in the country in the positions he previously held.

With a strong relationship with the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asabeee comes into the Chieftaincy arena with great human relations and background having stayed, schooled and worked in almost all the 16 regions of the country.

The Former Information Minister, having toured all the country early last year as he pursued an ambition to become the NPP national chairman, Asabee has the issues bothering the party people and the ordinary people at finger tips.

He is therefore expected to seek audiences with Chiefs and traditional leaders across the country and foster unity amongst the citizenry.

A Methodist by birth and training, a chorister and friend of religious leaders across the divide, Asabeee is expected to be at home as he works with the clergy and other faith based organisations.

Details:

The current changes in government is seen by many as a major reshuffle where persons have been moved from their previous positions and portfolios while new and fresh faces like KT Hammond and Stephen Asamoah Boateng are entering as minister designates.

This latest attempt, since the announcement, has aroused many arguments across the media space with some indicating that it is a good attempt.

Others believe more could be done since some of the ministers have become lethargic in their positions and delivering below par.

Many discussants are wondering if the eccentric KT Hammond would be able to work with the temperamental Stephen Amoah at the Trade Ministry.

BY Michael Ofosu-Afriyie 

Kumasi