This is why Naa Momo Lartey was not sworn-in, according to the Presidency

The Acting Spokesperson for the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted claims that the Gender Minister-designate, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, missed her swearing-in ceremony due to tardiness or a failure to show up on time.

Naa Momo Lartey, one of six additional nominees approved by Parliament on Thursday, January 23, 2025, was notably absent from the swearing-in ceremony held on Friday, January 24.

Speaking on Keypoints, a current affairs programme on TV3 on Saturday, January 25, Mr Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the nominee had notified the Presidency of a family emergency that required her to travel outside Accra.

Related Article: President Mahama swears in new batch of approved ministers minus Gender Minister nominee Naa Momo Lartey

“Naa Momo truthfully indicated that a family emergency had taken her out of Accra, and therefore, it was going to be very close. We encouraged her to come nonetheless and that if she got there in time, she would be added, and if for some reason she could not make it, we would do it another time,” he explained.

Provisions for her absence

Mr Kwakye Ofosu further emphasised that the Presidency had anticipated the possibility of her absence and had made provisions to accommodate it.

“So, if you observe carefully, President Mahama was very specific in mentioning the names and giving them KPIs [Key Performance Indicators]. We did two alternative speeches—one that anticipated her presence and one that anticipated her absence. So immediately, we had to switch because we had prepared for that scenario,” he stated.

He praised Naa Momo Lartey for making the effort to attend despite the challenges.

“It is to her credit that she showed up anyway. Given the traffic she had to navigate, it was commendable. But we were prepared for either scenario, and next week, when the President conducts another swearing-in ceremony, she will be included,” he added.

Reassurance of dedication

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also defended Naa Momo Lartey’s character and work ethic, describing her as a serious and dedicated individual.

“I know her very well, and I can vouch for her. She is a very serious person. It is not that she was late. She had communicated her situation honestly, and we respect public sentiments on this matter,” he said.

Ministers sworn in

The swearing-in ceremony saw five other ministers officially take office:

Abla Dzifa Gomashie – Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts

George Opare Addo – Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment

Emelia Arthur – Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

Ahmed Ibrahim – Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare – Minister for Trade and Industry

The Presidency has assured that Naa Momo Lartey’s swearing-in will take place during a subsequent ceremony, putting to rest any speculation about the circumstances of her absence.

Read Mr Kwakye Ofosu's comments below:

We were liasing with parliament to see whether they would finish the approval so that we add all of them to the list and then swear them in. By 4 pm and at the time we were in Ho and we were just about to set off to Accra, it became apparent that Parliament could not meet the deadline of approving the others. 

A decision had to be taken so we reached out to the six who had initially been approved and indicated that if they were close they should indicate. Five of them said that they were within the premises of parliament so they would come to the Flagstaff House in about 10 minutes. 

Naa Momo truthfully indicated that family emergency had taken her out of Accra and, therefore, it was going to be very close. We encouraged her to come nonetheless and that id she got there in time she would be added and if for some reason she could not make it in time, we will do it another time.

So if you observe carefully, President Mahama was very specific in mentioning the names and giving them KPIs as you described it. So we did two alternative speeches - one that anticipated her presence and one that anticipated her absence. So immediately we had to switch because we had prepared for that scenario. 

It was to here credit that she showed up anyway because were she was there was no giving all the traffic that she will be getting into but we were pushing that if she was able to make if, fine if not too not a big deal. Next week when President does another one she will be added.

It is not that she was late. I know her very well and I can vouch for her. She is a very serious person. So that is the situation but as I said, we respect public sentiments