President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte as the Acting Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), effective Wednesday, January 23, 2025. This strategic appointment is part of President Mahama’s ongoing efforts to assemble a team of experienced professionals to advance national development.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte’s new role underscores the President’s commitment to enhancing governance and operational efficiency within Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including prominent entities like COCOBOD, GNPC, BOST, Ghana Gas, ECG, and VRA.
As a seasoned policy and governance expert, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He is tasked with overseeing and ensuring the efficient and profitable management of Specified Entities under SIGA’s jurisdiction. His appointment aligns with SIGA’s mission to administer the State’s interests in these entities while promoting financial sustainability, good corporate governance, and shareholder value.
“With Prof. Kpessa-Whyte at the helm, SIGA is poised to transform Specified Entities into models of operational excellence,” a government statement read. His leadership is expected to bolster adherence to corporate governance practices and enhance the socio-economic contributions of SOEs and Joint Venture Companies.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte has a distinguished track record in public service and governance. As the former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), he implemented transformative initiatives that strengthened grassroots engagement and inspired youth participation. These achievements not only elevated the NSS’s relevance but also contributed significantly to the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s grassroots mobilization efforts.
Beyond his administrative roles, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte has been a strong advocate for education and political activism. As a lecturer at the University of Ghana, he championed the ideals of the NDC, inspiring student movements and galvanizing youth support nationwide, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
His unwavering loyalty to the NDC has earned him admiration within the party. Notably, he demonstrated exceptional resilience during legal battles linked to his defense of the party, solidifying his reputation as a steadfast and incorruptible leader.
SIGA plays a critical role in Ghana’s socio-economic progress by promoting efficient and profitable operations among Specified Entities. The authority’s mandate includes ensuring adherence to good corporate governance practices and fostering socio-economic growth across agriculture, industry, and services.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte’s appointment is expected to reinvigorate SIGA’s operations, with a focus on driving financial sustainability and enhancing the performance of SOEs. His leadership is anticipated to align with President Mahama’s broader vision for national development, ensuring that Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises serve as engines of economic growth.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics with a specialization in Public Policy from McMaster University, Canada (2009). He also earned a Master of Arts in Political Science (2005) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (2001) from the University of Ghana.
His professional development includes certifications in Social Policies for Development (Brazil), Multi-Research Methods (Kenya), Competence-Based Learning (West Africa), and Teaching and Educational Technologies (Canada).
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte has served as a policy advisor to the President of Ghana (2013–2016) and as Executive Director of the NSS. He has also consulted for international organizations, including the African Progress Group under former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Canada), Most Promising Researcher (University of Ghana), and the Postcolonialisms Today research grant (Regions Refocus, USA).
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for SIGA. With his visionary leadership and extensive experience in governance and policy, he is well-positioned to drive excellence and ensure that Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic growth.