People’s National Convention (PNC) Chairman Sampson Asaaki Awingobit says he is yet to receive an appointment from President John Dramani Mahama despite helping to rally support for him ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on The Verdict on Starr FM on Tuesday, October 27, Mr Awingobit said he personally persuaded some members of the PNC to declare their support for Mr Mahama, whom he believed was well-positioned to win the election.
He said his decision to mobilise support for the then presidential candidate was deliberate, as he was confident of his electoral prospects.
“I went and convinced them that they should declare support for John Mahama because John Mahama is winning,” he said.
Mr Awingobit explained that he had expected his experience in the maritime sector to be useful to the Mahama administration, particularly in addressing challenges confronting Ghana’s ports.
He recalled an engagement with the President during which his knowledge of the maritime industry was acknowledged.
According to Mr Awingobit, someone had suggested that he could be appointed an ambassador, but Mr Mahama reportedly indicated that he knew him and remembered his contributions during an engagement with maritime-sector stakeholders.
Despite this recognition, Mr Awingobit said he was yet to receive an appointment, although he remained willing to serve in an appropriate capacity.
“I’m still here. He hasn’t given me the appointment,” he said.
He identified the ports, the Ghana Shippers Authority and the Ghana Maritime Authority as institutions where his expertise could be put to use.
Mr Awingobit said he had obtained a master’s degree from the Regional Maritime University and had an understanding of the challenges confronting the maritime industry, including the difficulties importers face when clearing their containers.
He argued that his experience could help address operational challenges at the ports, particularly delays that result in importers incurring additional charges.
Mr Awingobit maintained that he remained available to contribute his knowledge and expertise to the sector despite not having received the appointment he had anticipated.
Story By Pamela Quayson
