Accra: Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has dismissed claims that government ministers 'enjoy' their time in office, arguing that such assertions reflect a corrupt mindset. Speaking on Good Evening Ghana on January 21, 2026, he emphasized that public office should never be regarded as an avenue for personal enrichment.
According to Ghana Web, Professor Frimpong-Boateng stated, "Anybody who says a minister enjoyed is a thief or a potential thief." Using his own tenure as an example, he explained that the financial rewards of ministerial work are often exaggerated. "As Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, my salary was GHS15,000. So, where is the enjoyment?" he questioned.
He further stressed that he did not engage in any corrupt dealings or contract awards during his time in office. "I don't do any deals; I don't do anything. I don't award any contracts to anybody. We didn't do that. Environment has no contracts," he said.
Professor Frimpong-Boateng criticized the growing perception among young people that ministerial positions are paths to wealth, warning that such thinking encourages wrongdoing. "So, for all you small boys in the country to say, 'if you want to be a minister and you enjoy it,' that person is a potential thief," he emphasized.
He added that his motivation for accepting public office was driven by passion and national service rather than financial gain. "I was passionate. I wanted to use science, technology, and innovation to change this country. I don't work for money. Ask President Nana Akufo-Addo, I like him. I'm not a greedy person. I didn't steal anything. I did no deals. I didn't sign any contract," he maintained.