Joyce Bawah’s husband appointed Chairman of Ghana Standards Authority

In what many are calling a textbook case of political irony, Hudu Mogtari, husband of Presidential Aide and President John Maham’s cousin, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

The announcement has reignited a national debate about nepotism and political hypocrisy within Ghana’s political elite, especially the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The appointment, confirmed on Wednesday, July 9, by Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, places Mogtari at the helm of the GSA, an institution responsible for setting and maintaining national standards for goods and services, safeguarding consumer interests, and supporting industrial development.

Politically Exposed 

Alhaji Mogtari, a respected legal practitioner and former Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, comes to the role with a strong background in public service.

However, his appointment has sparked political backlash not because of his competence, but due to his familial connections at the highest levels of government.

His wife, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, is not only a senior aide to President John Dramani Mahama, but also his cousin.

That familial connection, paired with the fact that Joyce herself is part of the President’s inner advisory circle, has drawn accusations that the Mahama administration is mimicking the very “family and friends” governance it once sharply criticized under former President Akufo-Addo. Several party leaders have the wives, children, brothers, sisters, friends and husbands holding juicy appointments.

NDC’s Double Standards

Political opponents and civil society actors wasted no time in highlighting the apparent contradiction.

In the lead-up to the 2020 and 2024 general elections, NDC spokespersons, including Joyce Bawah herself, were vocal in condemning the Akufo-Addo-led government for appointing relatives and close associates into sensitive state positions.

Yet, under the current Mahama administration, several appointments appear to mirror the same structure. Aside from Hudu Mogtari’s elevation, other relatives of Joyce Bawah and President Mahama have found themselves in state roles:

John Sheriff Bawah, brother to Joyce, is currently serving as Managing Director of State House Company.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, in addition to her advisory role, remains a visible public figure within government decision-making.

A social media post that went viral sarcastically described the situation as: “Family and Friends Pro Max – the sequel.”

Government Defends Appointment

In her address, Minister Ofosu-Adjare defended the 12-member board, citing its “rich diversity of expertise and leadership.”

She called on the new board to focus on harmonizing national product standards with other African countries to advance Ghana’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Alongside Mogtari, the board includes other high-profile professionals such as:

Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse – CEO, Environmental Protection Agency

Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke – President, Association of Ghana Industries

Prof. Ransford Van Gyamfo – Acting CEO, Ghana Shippers Authority

Jane Dede Senam Tachie-Menson and Rodaline Zumale Adama, among others

In his inaugural remarks, Mogtari pledged to work collaboratively with management and staff to protect consumers and support Ghana’s industrial ecosystem.

“This is not about politics; it is about ensuring safety, quality, and progress for all Ghanaians. We will work to fulfill the mission of the GSA with integrity,” he assured.

Public Confidence at Stake

While supporters of the government argue that Mogtari is more than qualified for the job, detractors say the issue is not about merit alone but optics and trust.

For a government that made transparency and anti-nepotism a central pillar of its electoral platform, these appointments may erode public confidence—especially among younger voters seeking genuine reform.