President Mahama announces first set of ministerial nominations
President John Dramani Mahama has submitted his first set of ministerial nominations to Parliament today (January 9, 2025), fulfilling a key constitutional requirement following his inauguration as President on January 7, 2025.
The nominations, submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution, include three individuals for critical portfolios in finance, energy, and justice.
The nominees are:
1. Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
2. Mr John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
3. Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has confirmed receipt of the names and referred the three ministerial nominees to the Appointments Committee for consideration.
He said: “I have received on your behalf a message from the Office of the President, dated January 9, 2025. Hon. members, I will accordingly refer the nominees to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report to the House, it’s so referred.”
The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, in response, urged the nominees to prepare adequately to appear before the Appointments Committee for vetting.
President Mahama has pledged to cut down the number of ministerial appointments to 60.
Profiles of the nominees;
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is an economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner with extensive expertise in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, tax policy, and business management. A five-term Member of Parliament, Dr Forson 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. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from London South Bank University. His appointment is expected to bolster Ghana’s financial management and drive fiscal reforms.
Mr John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
Mr John Abdulai Jinapor brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to the energy portfolio. With a background in energy economics and finance, he is poised to inject dynamism into Ghana’s energy sector. Hon. Jinapor holds a Master of Arts degree in Economic Policy Management and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Ghana. Additionally, he has a Master of Science degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London. His appointment signals President Mahama’s commitment to addressing the country’s energy challenges.
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine is a lawyer with over three decades of legal experience. He previously served as Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and is the founding partner of Ayine & Partners Law Offices. Dr Ayine 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. He has also lectured at the University of Ghana Law School for many years. His return to the justice portfolio is expected to bring expertise and leadership to Ghana’s legal and judicial reforms.
Next steps
The nominations have been referred to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting and approval. This marks a critical step in President Mahama’s efforts to assemble a competent team to drive his administration’s agenda for national development.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, confirmed the nominations in a statement, highlighting the nominees' credentials and readiness to serve the nation.