President John Dramani Mahama has officially announced his initial slate of ministerial nominations, marking a significant step in the formation of his government.
The nominations, submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in compliance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, reflect his commitment to assembling a team of experienced and capable leaders to address the country’s priorities.
The nominees and their designated portfolios are as follows:
- Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
Dr. Ato Forson, a seasoned economist and financial expert, is poised to lead the Finance Ministry. His nomination underscores the President’s emphasis on fiscal prudence and economic revitalization. - Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
With extensive experience in the energy sector, Hon. Jinapor’s nomination signals a strategic focus on energy security, renewable energy development, and sustainable power solutions. - Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayini – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
A legal luminary, Hon. Ayini’s nomination to oversee the Justice Ministry highlights President Mahama’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, promoting justice, and ensuring transparency in governance.
The nominees will now await parliamentary vetting and approval after the Speaker Alban Bagbin referred the President’s nomination the Appointment Committee of the House.
This announcement is a pivotal move in President Mahama’s effort to establish a competent team to address pressing national issues, including economic recovery, energy sustainability, and judicial reform.
Below are the profiles of the nominees.
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is an Economist, Chartered Accountant, and Tax Practitioner with extensive experience in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, tax policy, and business management.
A five-term lawmaker, Dr Forson holds a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Master of Science degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, respectively. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from London South Bank University.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor brings a wealth of hands-on experience, competence, and know-how to the energy portfolio. With his extensive qualifications, particularly in energy economics and finance, he is expected to bring much-needed dynamism and capabilities to transform the energy sector.
Hon. Jinapor holds a Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Economic Policy Management, an MBA in Marketing and a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Finance from the University of Ghana. He also holds a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
Hon. Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine is a senior lawyer with three decades of experience in practice. He previously served as Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice and is the founding partner of Ayini & Partners Law Offices. He holds a Ph.D. in law from Stanford University, a Master of Laws (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.