Anger in Upper West over Dr Pelpuo reshuffle; residents demand cabinet slot

A reshuffle by President John Mahama has caused outrage in Ghana's Upper West Region. Dr. Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, formerly Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, has been reassigned to the Presidency as Minister of State for Special Initiatives. The change has left traders, tricycle riders, youth groups and supporters of the ruling NDC party expressing displeasure.

Many in Wa and throughout the region argue that Dr. Pelpuo's presence at the Labour Ministry was crucial to their job prospects. Tricycle operator Ahmed Jimba said, "Our livelihood and survival depend on Dr. Pelpuo." Trader Vida Dabagah echoed this sentiment, lamenting that moving him to a lesser-known portfolio will have little direct benefit for the region.

Beyond Dr. Pelpuo's transfer, residents are most concerned about the Upper West Region's lack of Cabinet-level representation. With a population exceeding 900,000, the region has no representative in the Cabinet. They are urging the President to either revert the reshuffle or appoint someone from the Upper West to the Cabinet. Political sentiment is already stirring, with opposition NPP supporters questioning the NDC government's allegiance to the region.

Despite giving the NDC all 11 parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections, the region did not receive a substantive Cabinet Minister or Deputy as it did during the NPP's tenure. On social media, many have criticized the government, questioning if the Upper West has "sold their dog for a monkey," a metaphor for trading their color television for a black-and-white one.