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Former Minister of Roads and Highways, Dr Richard Anane, has been praised by ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor, who described him as his “favourite” minister due to his outstanding work ethic, competence, and achievements in office.
Dr Anane served as Minister of Health and later as Minister of Roads and Highways between 2001 and 2006 under the Kufuor administration.
In an interview on TV3 on November 26, 2025, former President Kufuor said Dr Anane played a crucial role in the expansion of major road networks in Accra and across Ghana. He cited landmark projects such as the Accra–Kumasi Road, the Mallam–Yamoransa Highway, and the Tema–Aflao stretch.
Kufuor also noted that transformative health initiatives—including the creation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)—were introduced while Dr Anane served as Health Minister.
“He was instrumental in the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which benefited countless Ghanaians.
And when he moved to the Roads Ministry, the results were clear. From the Accra–Kumasi road network, through the George Bush Highway, Mallam to Yamoransa, and then Tema to Aflao—right up to Nkonya, Dambai, and even Tamale to Yendi—these developments were completed within four to five years,” Kufuor said.
Describing him as “second to none,” Kufuor praised Dr Anane as a dedicated medical doctor with a remarkable work ethic, adding that he performed exceptionally wherever he was assigned.
Dr Anane, however, faced corruption allegations in 2006 while serving as Minister of Road Transportation. A CHRAJ investigation accused him of using state resources to send around $100,000 to a woman in the United States. The allegations were tied to a personal relationship, and CHRAJ recommended his removal.
Dr Anane resigned and challenged the findings in court, insisting he had not committed any wrongdoing. The court later ruled in his favour, stating that CHRAJ had exceeded its authority by conducting an investigation without a formal complainant. Following this, President Kufuor reinstated him.
Reflecting on the case, Kufuor maintained that there was never any proof of corruption against Dr Anane.
“It wasn’t established anywhere that Dr Anane was corrupt. He had a personal issue with a lady in America and supported her and their child. People twisted it to suggest he sent $90,000, but no evidence existed. People simply wanted to tarnish him,” Kufuor stated.
Kufuor also said he managed the situation responsibly by advising Dr Anane to resign early, clear his name legally, and then return to continue his work.
“The court ruled that the case was not properly founded. That is why I asked him to return. Politics is tricky,” he added.
The former President concluded by reaffirming that Dr Anane was one of the most effective ministers in his administration.
“He was my favourite for a reason. I came into office to assemble ministers who would work for the people, and Anane was among the very best.”
