Alan John Kyerematen, founder and leader of the Movement for Change, has openly criticized Ghana’s Ministry of Information, labeling it as a "waste pipe" and questioning its necessity in the current governmental structure. Speaking at a recent media engagement, Kyerematen, who is also a former Minister of Trade and Industry, argued that the Ministry does not effectively contribute to national development and represents a misallocation of resources.
Kyerematen’s critique centered on the perceived redundancy of the Ministry of Information in a modern governmental framework. “What does the Ministry of Information do?” he asked pointedly, highlighting that many mature economies have moved away from having such ministries. “It’s a waste of time. That Ministry does not add anything.”
He further extended an apology to his friends and former colleagues within the Ministry, but maintained his stance that they would be better off pursuing careers in the private sector. “I’m sorry to all my friends in the Ministry of Information. Still, you would make more money and be more productive in business than sitting in that department.”
Drawing on his extensive experience, Kyerematen reflected on his contributions to the Ministry of Information in the early 1980s, where he played a significant role in restructuring the Ministry and establishing the Information Services Department (ISD). “When you do good work, the record is always there. My name is there, so I know what I’m talking about,” he remarked, underscoring his authority on the subject.
Kyerematen suggested that the resources allocated to the Ministry of Information could be better utilized to support other critical sectors of the economy. “You don’t need a Ministry of Information. You can save a lot of money and use it to support other important sectors,” he concluded.
His remarks have sparked a conversation about the efficiency and relevance of certain government ministries in Ghana, particularly in an era where information dissemination has become increasingly decentralized and digitized. As Ghana continues to navigate its development challenges, Kyerematen’s comments may prompt further debate on the best allocation of governmental resources.
