Green lights and white letters: Inside President Mahama’s early appointments
hen a new government administration assumes office, it is common to witness the appointment of new officials and the revocation of certain key positions. True to form, President John Dramani Mahama, just 11 days into his tenure, has begun announcing appointments and revoking others.
Interestingly, the letters for these appointments and revocations are issued on distinct letterheads—white for appointments and green for revocations—and are signed either by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, or the Acting Spokesperson for the Presidency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. This unique practice has caught the attention of many, particularly on social media.
As of last week, three ministerial nominees had been announced. They are:
• Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
• Mr John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
• Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
The Appointments Committee of Parliament vetted these nominees on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Profiles of the Ministerial Nominees
John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
John Jinapor brings vast experience in energy economics and finance. He holds a Master’s degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and additional qualifications in Economic Policy Management and Marketing from the University of Ghana. His expertise positions him well to tackle Ghana's energy challenges.
His younger brother is the outgone Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who is a member of the New Patriotic Party and the Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency in the Savannah Region.
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
Dr Ayine is a distinguished legal expert with over three decades of experience. A former Deputy Attorney-General, he holds a PhD in Law from Stanford University, an LLM from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana. His return to the justice portfolio is expected to drive legal and judicial reforms.
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
Dr Forson is an accomplished economist, chartered accountant and tax practitioner with extensive expertise in public finance, macroeconomics and fiscal policy. A five-term Member of Parliament, he holds a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Master's degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and KNUST, respectively.
On Thursday, nine more ministerial nominations were made by the President. They are as follows:
• Haruna Iddrisu, MP – Ministry of Education
• Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP – Ministry of Roads and Highways
• Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, MP – Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
• Emelia Arthur, MP – Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• George Opare-Addo – Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
• Ahmed Ibrahim, MP – Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
His appointment is anticipated to spearhead fiscal reforms and enhance Ghana’s financial management systems.
Profiles of sector Ministers Nominees
Kwame Governs Agbodza - Ministry of Roads and Highways
He is an architect and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament.
He is the Member of Parliament for and brings extensive expertise in architectural design, project management, and governance to this critical role.
With professional qualifications from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Westminster University, and East London University, Agbodza is a chartered architect and a Principal Consultant at Kay + Partners Limited.
In his career, he has spearheaded major projects in healthcare, education, and residential development both in Ghana and the UK.
Eric Opoku (MP) – Ministry of Food and Agriculture
With over 12 years of parliamentary experience, he is an expert in agriculture, law, and leadership.
He currently serves as Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament.
He was born on June 5, 1970 and hails from Sankore in the Ahafo region. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2004. He is married with four children.
Agnes Naa Momo Lartey - Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
She is a development expert and legislator who brings over two decades of experience in governance, education and women’s rights.
Naa Momo began her political career in 2000. Since then, she has served as an assembly woman and a presiding member of the Krowor Municipal Assembly.
She completed her Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates at Nungua Secondary School and West Africa Secondary School respectively. Naa Momo pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management at Central University and obtained her Masters in Human Resource Development at the University of Cape Coast. She enrolled into the University of Professional Studies, Accra, where she completed a second Master’s Degree Programme (MPhil) in Leadership.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie - Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts
Abla Dzifa Gomashie is a renowned actress, film producer, scriptwriter and a revered politician. She served as the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in the National Democratic Congress during their tenure between 2013 and 2017 when President John Mahama first created the ministry.
Currently, she is the Member of Parliament for the NDC in the Ketu South Constituency and also a Queen Mother in the Aflao Traditional Area.
Dzifa Gomashie holds a Master of Philosophy (2005-2008) in African Studies from the University of Ghana, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (2000-2003) with a First-Class Honours from the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, and a Diploma in Theatre Arts (1994-1998) from the same University.
While she was the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, she played a huge role in laying the foundation for the review and drafting of documents such as the Ghana Culture Policy, Creative Arts Industry Bill, among other initiatives that are gradually taking shape in the sector.
She brought her wealth of experience in the industry to the appointment both within Ghana and internationally. She serves on the committee in FEPACI, the Film Federation of the African Union. She is also a member and rapporteur of the ECOWAS committee for the Reparation of Stolen Artefacts of Africa.
Emelia Arthur - Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
She was the Deputy Western Regional Minister during the era of President John Evan Atta Mills and served till January 2013.
As a development specialist with expertise in local governance and natural resource management, she has worked with leading international organisations on policy and capacity-building initiatives.
George Opare-Addo – Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
He is a lawyer and an experienced party organiser. Opare-Addo has served as Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North and National Youth Organiser of the NDC.
He holds a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Ghana. He also holds an Executive Masters in Governance & Leadership from GIMPA.
Haruna Iddrisu – Ministry of Education
He is a seasoned politician and former Minister for Communications. He has held leadership roles in Parliament, including Majority and Minority Leader.
Haruna Iddrisu’s nomination reflects his extensive political experience and proven leadership capabilities.
As a longstanding MP and former Leader in Parliament, Iddrisu has garnered a reputation for his strong advocacy for social equity and economic reform.
He was active in student politics and was the President of the National Union of Ghana Students during his final year. Iddrisu is also a barrister and has been a member of the Ghana Bar Association since 2002.
After being a student leader for years in his tertiary education period, Iddrisu transitioned into mainstream national politics and rose to become the National Youth Organizer for the National Democratic Congress in 2002.
He stood for MP in the 2004 parliamentary election in the then newly formed Tamale South constituency.
He is a football enthusiast and loves to play the game on weekends and on holidays whenever he is in Tamale. He is a Muslim and married with three children.
Ahmed Ibrahim – Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs
A legislator since 2009, Hon. Ibrahim has a background in finance and public administration.
He was born on May 6, 1974, in Banda Ahenkro in the Bono Region and studied at the University of Ghana where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Philosophy in 2001.He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree, with specialisation in Finance from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 2019.
Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare - Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry
She is a lawyer and former Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts. She was appointed to this position by President John Mahama in 2013 when he formed his first substantive government.
Started her legal practice with the Holy Trinity Chambers in Kumasi, Ashanti Region in 2004 and rose to become a partner of the Firm. She also became a lawyer for the Legal Aid Scheme in the Ashanti Region.
She has vast experience in legal practice and international relations.
Regional Ministerial Nominees
In addition to the ministerial appointments, a list of 10 Regional Ministers has been released. A formal communication from the Presidency has been sent to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for the vetting and confirmation of these nominees.
The nominees are as follows:
• Northern Region – Ali Adolf John
• Oti Region – John Kwadwo Gyapong
• Volta Region – James Gunu
• Eastern Region – Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
• North-East Region – Ibrahim Tia
• Ashanti Region – Dr Frank Amoakohene
• Upper East Region – Akamugri Donatus Atanga
• Ahafo Region – Charity Gardiner
• Savannah Region – Salisu Be-Awuribe
• Greater Accra Region – Linda Ocloo, MP
• Western North- Wilbert Petty Brentum
• Central - Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere
• Western Region - Joseph Nelson -
The remaining six regions—Bono, Bono East, and Upper West—are yet to have nominees announced.
Profiles of Key Regional Ministerial nominees
Dr Frank Amoakohene
Dr Amoakohene is a medical professional and youth leader with expertise in health care, governance and public service.
He was born and raised in Ghana. His passion for serving others led him to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ghana. He furthered his studies with a Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science degree from the University for Development Studies (UDS) and an MBA from Accra Business School, equipping him with the skills necessary for leadership and governance.
He currently serves as the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC. Despite his busy schedule, he maintains a balanced life, dedicating time to his family and personal interests.
Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
Mrs Awatey is a seasoned educator and governance expert with a focus on women’s empowerment and local development. She holds an MPhil in Leadership from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and is pursuing a PhD in Migration at the University of Ghana. She has served as a Presiding Member of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and Deputy Eastern Regional Women Organiser of the NDC.
John Kwadwo Gyapong
Mr Gyapong, business executive and former Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency, is currently the NDC Regional Chairman for the Oti Region. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Cape Coast.
Ibrahim Tia
Mr Tia is a seasoned public health and finance professional with expertise in systems management, public relations and health financing. A former Deputy Regional Manager for the NHIA, he holds a Bachelor of Science in ICT, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies and a Mini MBA in Project Management.
Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo
Born on February 21, 1979 at Anyaa-Abasa, Madam Ocloo is the MP for the Shai-Osudoku Constituency.
She is an economist, banker and an insurer by profession and holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration (Banking and Finance) from the University of Ghana.
Madam Ocloo is widowed and has five children. Her husband, Desmond William Ocloo, was the original NDC parliamentary candidate for the Shai-Osudoku Constituency but passed away prior to the election following a traffic collision in May 2016. The party then chose her to stand in place of her husband and she won with a majority of 13,596 votes.
She was re-elected as the MP for the Shai- Osudoku Constituency during the 2020 General Election. She was elected with 32,516 votes, representing 67.2 per cent, over the parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party Benjamin Nargeh, who had 15,900 votes, representing 32.8 per cent of the total votes.
Akamugri Donatus Atanga
He is a human rights advocate and educationist. Mr Atanga holds a Master’s in Human Rights and a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Education, Winneba.
Charity Gardiner
She is a businesswoman and human resource professional. Madam Gardiner has a strong background in humanitarian work, particularly in girl-child education. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management.
Salisu Be-Awuribe
He is a lawyer, valuation professional and development expert. Be-Awuribe holds a Professional Qualifying Certificate from the Ghana School of Law, Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Ghana, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Land Economy from KNUST.
Wilbert Petty Brentum
He is a politician and chartered accountant with expertise in mining and local governance. Mr Brentum has held technical and regulatory roles in the mining sector and previously served as an Assembly Member in the Juaboso District.
Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere
He is an educationist and management expert. Mr Okyere has over 20 years of leadership experience. He was a two-term MP for Gomoa East and currently leads the Centre for Artisan and Apprentice Development, where his initiatives have empowered thousands of artisans.
Joseph Nelson
He is a public servant with a background in finance and economic management. Mr Nelson has held various roles in both Ghana and the United Kingdom.
He is a former Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency and holds advanced degrees in International Finance, Economic Policy, and Microfinance.
Writer’semail: hadiza.quansah@gmail.com