Questions have emerged over the appointment of Ms. Emefa Donkor to two high-profile public positions following concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku.
In a social media post, the former New Patriotic Party National Youth Organiser drew attention to Ms. Donkor’s simultaneous roles as Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod Jewellery and Chairperson of the Board of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), prompting debate about the propriety and legality of the arrangement.
Ms. Donkor currently heads GoldBod Jewellery, a state-owned enterprise responsible for advancing the government’s interests in the jewellery sector. At the same time, she serves as Board Chair of the Ghana Tourism Authority, the statutory body mandated to regulate and promote tourism development in the country.
Mr. Awuku questioned whether one individual could effectively discharge the responsibilities attached to both positions, given their strategic importance and the demands associated with each office.
Beyond concerns about workload and governance, the appointments have also sparked legal questions. Critics point to Section 4(1) of the Tourism Act, 2011 (Act 817), which provides that the chairperson of the GTA Board should be selected from the private sector.
Some observers argue that Ms. Donkor’s position as the head of a state-owned enterprise could raise questions about whether she satisfies that requirement. Others contend that a formal legal interpretation may be required to determine whether her appointment is consistent with the provisions of the law.
The development has generated wider discussions about public appointments, governance standards and the distribution of leadership opportunities within state institutions.
The concerns come against the backdrop of the government’s stated commitment to broadening participation in public service and creating opportunities for qualified professionals across various sectors of the economy.
As debate continues, attention is likely to focus on whether government officials or the relevant institutions will provide clarification on the legal and administrative basis for the dual appointments.
