‘Why not? I wouldn’t have minded’ – Fifi Kwetey on accepting a government role

NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey says he would have accepted a government appointment, provided it was not a full-time role that would limit his work for the party. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Kwetey said he had not actively sought an appointment. But he was open to taking one. “Why not? I wouldn’t have minded,” he said when asked whether he would have accepted an offer.

He qualified that willingness: “as long as it’s not a full-time position”. Kwetey currently holds no government position. He said general secretaries of both major political parties had typically received appointments, particularly as board chairs. “Generally, every General Secretary, as far as I remember, have always had a position, especially as a board chair.” His experience has been different.

“It’s not been my case, but somehow it’s been liberating.” Pressed on whether he had been offered a role or turned one down, Kwetey stressed that he had not gone looking for an appointment. “I’ve not gone asking for it and stuff like that.” For him, the party’s return to power and the demands of his current office mattered more. He pointed out that many others had no position, while he already served as General Secretary.

“It gives me liberty to be able to fully concentrate also on the party.” Kwetey also outlined a potential conflict between leading the party’s administration and serving as a board chair. As General Secretary, he said, he manages the relationship between the party and government. A board appointment would also place him under a minister, complicating that relationship.

Without a government role, he said, he could address issues freely, without worrying about reactions from government or the presidency. “It’s not my consideration. I do what I believe to be right for the party, and it’s fine”.