Why isn't Dr. Zanetor a minister? — Justice Atuguba asks at the D.F. Annan Memorial Lecture | Discuss Ghana

 In a moment that caught both political camps by surprise, retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has openly questioned why the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has not yet been appointed to a ministerial position in the Mahama administration. Delivering his remarks during the annual commemorative memorial lecture in Parliament honoring the first Speaker of the Fourth Republic, the late Justice Daniel Francis Annan, the respected retired judge described the legislator as a rare breed of politician whose unwavering principle, dedication, and integrity should have earned her a substantive cabinet portfolio.

"She is not a politician; she is a woman of the people"

Justice Atuguba, who is famously known for keeping a strict distance from partisan politics, explained that his assessment of the daughter of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings is based purely on objective observation from afar:

“Somebody like Zanetor Rawlings, she’s not a politician; she’s a woman of the people. I’ve been following her activities. I don’t know, I’ve never spoken to her, never met her, but I’m convinced that that’s the kind of politician people should aspire to be. Until now, and that’s why I don’t get involved in politics, I don’t know why she’s not yet a minister. I hope by saying that, I’ve not destroyed her chances.”

The retired judge noted that while social media speculation has frequently tipped the medical doctor-turned-politician for deputy ministerial roles—particularly at the Ministry of Health—she possesses more than enough leadership capability to run a substantive ministry herself.