President Mahama nominates 12 more regional and sector Ministers
President John Dramani Mahama has submitted the names of 12 nominees to Parliament for consideration and vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
The nominees include three Regional Ministers and nine Sector Ministers, reflecting a blend of experienced politicians, professionals and public servants committed to advancing the nation’s development agenda.
The appointments, spanning key regions and ministries, are expected to strengthen the government’s focus on governance, infrastructure, youth development and economic transformation.
Regional Minister Nominees:
Wilbert Petty Brentum – Western North Region
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 – Central Region
Mr Okyere is an educationist and management expert with over 20 years of leadership experience. He is 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 – Western Region
Mr Nelson, a public servant, has a finance and economic management background and has worked in Ghana and the UK. He is a former Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency and holds advanced degrees in International Finance, Economic Policy and Microfinance.
Sector Minister Nominees:
Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP) – Ministry of Roads and Highways
Hon. Agbodza has extensive experience managing projects in health care, education and housing in Ghana and abroad. He is an architect and the Majority Chief Whip in Parliament.
Eric Opoku (MP) – Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Hon. Opoku is an expert in agriculture, law and leadership with over 12 years of parliamentary experience. He currently serves as Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee.
Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (MP) – Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
A development expert and legislator, Hon. Lartey boasts over two decades of experience in governance, education and women’s rights.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP) – Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts
A creative arts advocate and two-term MP, Hon. Gomashie has a rich background in promoting Ghanaian culture and tourism.
Emelia Arthur (MP) – Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Hon. Arthur is 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
A lawyer and experienced party organiser, Mr Opare-Addo has served as Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North and National Youth Organiser of the NDC.
Haruna Iddrisu (MP) – Ministry of Education
Hon. Iddrisu is a seasoned politician and former Minister of Communications. He has held leadership roles in Parliament, including Majority and Minority Leader.
Ahmed Ibrahim (MP) – Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Hon. Ibrahim has been a legislator since 2009, with a background in finance and public administration.
Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare (MP) – Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
A lawyer and former Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Adjare has vast experience in legal practice and international relations.
Next Steps
The nominations have been formally submitted to Parliament through the Speaker, Alban Bagbin for approval. The Appointments Committee will conduct a thorough vetting process, assessing the nominees’ qualifications, track records and alignment with national priorities.
Previous high-profile nominations, including Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, John Jinapo, and Dr Ayine for key ministerial positions in Finance, Energy, and Justice, have already set the direction for the administration's priorities.