President John Mahama has appointed Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, as the acting Director-General of State Interests and Governance Authority, (SIGA).
His appointment takes effect from January 23, 2025.
As D-G of SIGA, Prof Kpessa-White will be in charge of the centralized oversight body established in 2019 by ACT 990 to oversee and administer the State’s interests in State-owned Enterprises (SOEs), Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) and Other State Entities (OSEs).
Among its objectives, SIGA is expected to carry out its mandate to promote within the framework of government policy, the efficient or where applicable profitable operations of specified entities.
SIGA currently oversees a portfolio of 175 specified entities comprising 53 SOEs, 47 JVCs and 75 OSEs across the Energy, Mining, Financial, Agriculture, Regulatory, Health, Education as well as Transportation and Logistics sectors.
These entities together control significant assets of the country, playing critical roles in various sectors of the economy.
Prof Kpessa-White is a distinguished academic and policy expert known for his extensive experience in governance, public policy analysis, and social democracy.
His career encompasses substantial teaching and research roles, establishing him as a prolific scholar, conference speaker, and consultant who has made meaningful contributions to both national and international policymaking.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte specialist in governance, public policy analysis, public sector management, constitutional politics, and social democracy.
His strong professional background is reflected in his accomplishments as an academic and policy expert, which include being a widely published scholar, an active participant in conferences, and a sought-after consultant.
His work has significantly influenced policymaking on both national and international stages.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte earned his PhD in Political Science with a focus on Comparative Public Policy from McMaster University, where he studied from 2005 to 2009.
Before that, he obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science, specializing in International Relations, from Brock University between 2003 and 2005.
He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Ghana from 1998 to 2001. Additionally, he was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan from 2009 to 2010.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Shai-Osudoku has sent a congratulatory message to Prof. Kpessa-Whyte on his appointment as the Acting Director of SIGA.
“This appointment is a testament to your exceptional leadership skills, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to public service. As a renowned political scientist and researcher, you bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this critical role.
We are confident that under your leadership, SIGA will continue to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in the management of state assets,” a statement issued at the weekend stated.
According to the statement signed by Jones N. Ayertey, Constituency Secretary of Shai-Osudoku NDC, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte’s appointment was a significant milestone in SIGA’s journey towards ensuring that state-owned enterprises operated efficiently, effectively, and in the best interest of the Ghanaian people.
“We are optimistic that his vision for SIGA will drive growth, development, and prosperity for all Ghanaians,” he said.
