Ghanaians have taken to social media to share mixed reactions following the appointment of Professor Kobby Mensah as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited by President John Dramani Mahama. While some citizens believe the appointment is based purely on merit, others feel it is unfair to some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who have worked tirelessly for the party but are yet to receive any positions in government.
Professor Kobby Mensah, a renowned academic and expert in political marketing, has been widely recognized for his contributions to Ghana’s tourism industry. His experience and knowledge have sparked discussions, with some Ghanaians commending the decision, while others express skepticism about his neutrality in politics.
One social media user shared their optimism about the new appointment: “I think my instincts kicked in three days ago when I heard him speak on one of the platforms. After hearing his job role, I decided to check his profile, and seeing tourism listed as one of his areas of expertise made me realize he could be a great asset in that field. The past CEO really set a high standard, introducing many excellent initiatives that significantly boosted tourism. We’re hopeful to see even more progress under his leadership. Wishing him all the best!”
This perspective aligns with those who believe that appointments should be based on qualification and experience rather than party loyalty. They argue that President Mahama’s selection of Professor Mensah indicates his commitment to competence over political affiliation.
However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Some individuals question the professor’s perceived neutrality and point out his past criticisms of the previous government. One critic expressed their discontent, saying: “This professor presented himself as a neutral and an expert galloping from one TV/radio station to another attacking every move of the erstwhile gov’t, now here we are… It all comes down to personal interest.”
For some NDC supporters, the concern is not about Professor Mensah’s capabilities but rather the perceived neglect of loyal party members who contributed to the NDC’s victory. They believe that party faithful who campaigned and worked for the government to return to power should be considered for such appointments.
Despite the differing opinions, many agree that the tourism industry is a crucial sector in Ghana’s economy, and they hope that under Professor Mensah’s leadership, the country will witness significant improvements. His appointment presents an opportunity to build on the successes of his predecessor and implement policies that will further promote Ghana as a top tourist destination in Africa.
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