Private legal practitioner Alfred Paapa Darkwah has weighed in on the legal dispute surrounding the appointment of a new Managing Director for SIC Insurance Company Limited, urging the government to follow due process by nominating James Agyenim-Boateng through the company’s Board of Directors.
According to him, while an employer has the right to terminate an employee’s contract at any time, SIC’s status as a Public Limited Company (PLC) means that the Board holds the authority to appoint or remove a Managing Director.
The controversy follows the government’s attempt to replace SIC Managing Director, Hollistar Duah-Yentumi with James Agyenim-Boateng.
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Duah-Yentumi, who was removed from her position after President John Dramani Mahama appointed Agyenim-Boateng on January 27, refused to step aside, arguing that she had an active contract valid until January 1, 2028.
In a suit filed on February 4 challenging her removal, she contended that her appointment could only be revoked by the Board of Directors or through a resolution by shareholders at an Annual General Meeting (AGM). She has since withdrawn the suit for an out-of-court settlement.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, February 6, Mr Paapa Darkwah said that the government should have first nominated Agyenim-Boateng for an appointment, allowing the Board to deliberate and decide on the nomination. Instead, directly appointing him without Board approval has created legal complications.
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“Government can nominate, and the Board would assess the nomination before making a decision. But when the government appoints him directly without Board approval, it becomes problematic,” he said.
He suggested that the issue could still be rectified despite the court case, urging both parties to meet and resolve it procedurally.
“Government can still do the right thing. It is not too late. They can withdraw the appointment letter, nominate him properly, and allow the Board to take a decision,” he added.
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