By Daniel Bampoe
A Facebook post by the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has sparked a fresh national debate over public appointments, conflict of interest concerns, and compliance with statutory requirements governing state institutions.
The controversy centres on the appointment of Gertrude Emefa Donkor, who currently serves as Managing Director of GoldBod Jewellery, a state-owned enterprise, while also occupying the position of Board Chairperson of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
In a strongly worded social media statement titled “Two Jobs, One Person,” Sammi Awuku questioned both the concentration of strategic public appointments in the hands of a single individual and the legality of the arrangement under Ghanaian law.
According to the former National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the issue is not about personalities but rather the integrity of public institutions and adherence to legal provisions established by Parliament.
The Akuapem North MP argued that the dual roles held by Ms. Donkor raise important governance questions. As Managing Director of GoldBod Jewellery, she is responsible for leading a state-owned enterprise, overseeing its operations, managing public resources, and providing strategic direction.
Simultaneously, she chairs the board of the Ghana Tourism Authority, an institution mandated to regulate, promote, and develop Ghana’s tourism industry.
Awuku contends that both positions carry substantial responsibilities and require significant attention, prompting questions about whether one individual can effectively discharge the demands of both offices simultaneously.
Beyond the issue of workload, however, the legislator raised concerns about compliance with the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817).
He pointed specifically to Section 4(1) of the Act, which stipulates that the Chairperson of the GTA Board must come from the private sector.
According to Sammi Awuku, the critical question is whether a person who heads a state-owned enterprise, exercises public authority, and manages public resources on behalf of the state can still be classified as a representative of the private sector under the law.
“Section 4(1) of the Tourism Act is unambiguous,” he stated. “The Chairperson of the Board of the Ghana Tourism Authority must come from the private sector.”
The MP noted that while the President has constitutional authority under Article 70 of the Constitution to make appointments, those appointments must be consistent with the laws governing specific institutions.
The issue has generated additional political interest because it comes against the backdrop of campaign promises by President John Dramani Mahama and the governing administration to broaden employment opportunities and distribute leadership roles more widely among qualified Ghanaians.
Sammi Awuku referenced the government’s much-publicised “1:3:3” employment concept and the broader 24-hour economy agenda, arguing that these policies were intended to create opportunities for more citizens rather than concentrating strategic appointments among a few individuals.
He questioned whether Ghana lacks qualified professionals within the tourism, hospitality, travel, events, and creative arts sectors who could serve as Board Chair of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
He also wondered whether capable members of the governing party remain available for public service appointments if government intends to appoint from within its political ranks.
Government supporters have suggested that Donkor’s appointment to the GTA Board may have preceded her subsequent appointment as Managing Director of GoldBod Jewellery. However, Awuku argues that even if that were the case, the legal implications of her current status as head of a state institution cannot be ignored.
The MP maintained that the matter deserves a clear explanation from both the Ministry of Tourism and the relevant authorities to assure the public that all appointments are being made in accordance with the law.
