Margaret Ndung’u Declines Ghana High Commissioner Nomination Over Reasons

Former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Margaret Ndung’u has turned down her nomination by President William Ruto for the High Commissioner role in Ghana. In a letter addressed to the Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Relations on Thursday, January 9, Ndung’u cited personal reasons for her decision.

“Pursuant to Section 16 of the Public Appointment, Parliamentary Approval Act 3 of 2011, I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing,” Ndung’u wrote.

Ndung’u had served as ICT CS for only three months before being replaced by William Kabogo on December 19, 2024. Her nomination for the ambassadorial position came shortly after her demotion, alongside other appointments for former government officials.

Among the nominees were former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, designated as Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Dorothy Angote for High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, and Andrew Karanja as ambassador to Brazil.

Ndung’u’s decision mirrors that of former West Mugirango MP Vincent Mogaka, who declined his nomination as High Commissioner to Ghana in April last year. Mogaka cited family matters as the primary reason for his withdrawal, while also expressing gratitude to President Ruto for the opportunity.

Ndung’u’s move adds to the list of high-profile officials who have declined such appointments, raising questions about the considerations influencing these decisions. Despite the setbacks, the vetting process for the remaining nominees is expected to proceed as scheduled.