Renowned heart surgeon and former appointee of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo’s administration, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has stated that his motive for entering into politics was not to enrich himself at the expense of the ordinary citizen.
“I did not enter into politics for financial gain. However I aimed to utilize science, technology, and innovation to transform the nation.”
The astute politician noted that, in his capacity as minister, financial gain was typically associated with unethical practices. He asserted that he has not engaged in any questionable transactions or entered into dubious contracts for personal profit at the expense of the state.
He refuted the idea that holding a political office means living a life of comfort.
“Anyone who say when you become a minister, then it means you’re rich is either dishonest or ignorant because you can’t enjoy as a minister”, he boldly confirmed.
During an interview on Metro TV, Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng said that holding a political office has not changed his perspective on power, loyalty, and friendship emphasizing that serving as a minister does not inherently establish personal loyalty to presidents or political elites.
Prof Frimpong-Boateng explained that being close to the President in terms of political class does not mean you are a friend or an equal.
Also, he made it clear that his association with H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, the former president, was strictly professional and not personal. He emphasized that he was his boss and not a buddy.
According to him, he knew the president could sack him at any time and he was prepared for it.
“It is essential to prepare your mindset from the moment you take on the role, acknowledging the possibility that your tenure may not last”, he said.
Further, Frimpong-Boateng rebuffed descriptions that positioned him inside Ghana’s political “establishment,” maintaining that his public persona has always been characterized by his independence.
“Some individuals suggest that I am integrated within the framework.” That is not entirely accurate,” he remarked. “I maintain my independence from political protection.”
