Mahama should revoke the appointment of the acting Petroleum Boss, Emeafa Hardcastle, She’s very disrespectful – Kessben FM Journalist, Akua Piesie appeals to President Mahama
Kessben FM journalist Akua Piesie has called President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the recent appointment of Emeafa Hardcastle as the new head of the Petroleum Commission.
The newly appointed acting Petroleum boss, Emeafa Hardcastle apparently used some unprintable words for Annor Dompreh as she verbally clashed with him at parliament.
Piesie, who is known for her outspoken views on governance, voiced his concerns about Hardcastle’s appointment on Kessben FM’s Maakye. He stated that while Hardcastle may be qualified for the position in terms of experience, her personal conduct had raised significant red flags. “John Mahama should seriously reconsider this and revoke the appointment. It is not just about qualifications and experience; leadership demands respect, humility, and the ability to work well with others. Unfortunately, from what I know about her behavior, Emeafa Hardcastle has shown none of those qualities,” Piesie remarked.
Piesie went on to describe Hardcastle as being “disrespectful” in her dealings with colleagues and subordinates, something that, according to the journalist, would be detrimental to the culture of collaboration and professionalism that is crucial in such an important position. “She has a history of being dismissive and unapproachable, and that’s not the kind of leader we need in a key role like the head of the Petroleum Commission,” Piesie continued.
The Petroleum Commission, Ghana’s regulatory body overseeing the exploration, development, and management of petroleum resources, is a position of immense responsibility. With Ghana’s oil and gas industry continuing to grow, the Commission plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy policy, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with national and international standards. Given the significance of this role, Piesie believes it is vital that the leader of such an institution embodies qualities that inspire trust and teamwork, not just technical expertise.
Piesie’s appeal to Mahama is a wider reflection of a growing conversation about leadership in Ghana. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the values that leaders must demonstrate to effectively serve their people and institutions. While technical expertise remains critical in many high-level appointments, the importance of soft skills such as respect, humility, and emotional intelligence cannot be overstated.
Piesie’s concerns about Hardcastle’s leadership style reflect a sentiment held by many Ghanaians who are calling for leaders who can build consensus, maintain positive working relationships, and inspire loyalty and productivity in their teams. For Piesie, Hardcastle’s past behavior raises doubts about her ability to meet these expectations, especially in a role that involves overseeing a multi-faceted and complex industry like petroleum.
Akua Piesie’s call to John Mahama to revoke the appointment of Emeafa Hardcastle has put the spotlight on how leadership appointments are made in Ghana. As the former President, Mahama holds significant influence over such decisions, and his response to Piesie’s appeal will likely shape public perception of the appointment.
It remains to be seen whether Mahama will heed Piesie’s call or stand by his decision to appoint Hardcastle. Regardless of the outcome, this issue has highlighted the need for careful consideration of both professional qualifications and personal integrity when appointing leaders in critical roles. As Ghana’s political and economic landscape continues to evolve, ensuring that leaders respect their colleagues and constituents will be crucial for long-term progress.
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