President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte as the Acting Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).
His appointment takes effect from January 23, 2025.
As the D-G of SIGA, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte will oversee the centralized body established in 2019 by Act 990 to manage the state’s interests in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Joint Venture Companies (JVCs), and Other State Entities (OSEs).
Among its objectives, SIGA is tasked with promoting, 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 various sectors including energy, mining, finance, agriculture, regulation, health, education, transportation, and logistics. These entities control significant assets and play crucial roles in the country’s economy.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte is a distinguished academic and policy expert with extensive experience in governance, public policy analysis, and social democracy.
His career spans substantial teaching and research roles, establishing him as a prolific scholar, conference speaker, and consultant, with meaningful contributions to both national and international policymaking.
He is an expert 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 at both national and international levels.
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.
Prior to that, he obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science, specializing in International Relations, from Brock University (2003-2005). He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Ghana (1998-2001).
Additionally, he was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan (2009-2010).
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 read.
According to the statement, signed by Jones N. Ayertey, Constituency Secretary of Shai-Osudoku NDC, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte’s appointment marks a significant milestone in SIGA’s journey toward ensuring that state-owned enterprises operate efficiently, effectively, and in the best interests of the Ghanaian people.
“We are optimistic that his vision for SIGA will drive growth, development, and prosperity for all Ghanaians,” it concluded.
