The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has submitted the names of ten individuals to Parliament, through the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin for prior approval to serve as Regional Ministers.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson to President Mahama, in a statement noted that the nominations, submitted to Parliament through the Speaker, reflect a blend of experience, youthfulness, and commitment to the President’s vision of inclusive governance.
The nominees include the following individuals: Ali Adolf John for the Northern Region; John Kwadwo Gyapong for Oti Region; James Gunu for Volta; Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey for Eastern and Ibrahim Tia for the North-East.
Others include Dr Frank Amoakohene for Ashanti; Akamugri Donatus Atanga for Upper East; Charity Gardiner for Ahafo; Salisu Be-Awuribe for Savannah; and Hon. Linda Ocloo for the Greater Accra Region.
Profile of Nominees
The Ashanti regional Minister Designate, Dr. Frank Amoakohene is a medical professional and youth leader with expertise in healthcare, governance and public service.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ghana, a Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science degree from the University of Development Studies and an MBA from the Accra Business School. He is currently the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister Designate is a veteran media practitioner. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, a Master of Arts in Development Communication, and a Master of Arts in Local Government Administration and Organisation. Mr Gunu is the former MCE for Akatsi.
The Eastern Regional Minister Designate, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey is a distinguished leader with a wealth of experience in governance, education, and community development.
She holds an MPhil in Leadership from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and has an impressive track record as a local governance practitioner, having served as a Presiding Member of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and Deputy Eastern Regional Women Organiser of the NDC.
She is also a seasoned educator and advocate for women’s empowerment, with a commitment to advancing local development and inclusive governance. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Migration at the University of Ghana.
For the Oti Regional Minister Designate, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong is a Business Executive and former Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency.
He serves currently as the NDC Regional Chairman for the Oti Region. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Cape Coast.
Moreover, Mr Akamugri Donatus Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister Designate holds a Master in Human Rights and a Bachelor of Education Degree in Social Studies and Mathematics from the University of Education Winneba.
He has previously served as a Coordinator of the National School Feeding Programme and Presiding Member of the Bongo District Assembly.
The Northern Regional Minister nominee, Mr. Ali Adolf John is an education professional, having served as a Tutor, Circuit Supervisor and Desk Officer within the Ghana Education Service structure.
He holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Technology degrees from the University of Education, Winneba. He is currently the Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC.
Also, Madam Charity Gardiner, the nominee for Ahafo Region is a businesswoman and Human Resource Professional with close to a decade of experience.
She has strong credentials in non-profit, humanitarian work, with specific interest in girl child education and empowerment. She holds a Masters and Bachelors degrees in Human Resource Management.
The Savannah Regional Minister Designate, Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe, on the other hand, is a Law Lecturer, Lawyer, Valuation Professional and Development Expert. He has previously served as District Chief Executive of the Central Gonja District.
He holds a Professional Qualifying Certificate in Law from the Ghana School of Law, a Masters in Law degree from the University of Ghana and a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Science in Land Economy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Hon. Linda Ocloo, who is the Greater Accra nominee is the Member of Parliament for the Shai-Osudoku constituency. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration (Banking and Finance option) from the University of Ghana.
Finally, Mr. Ibrahim Tia, the North-East Regional Minister Designate is a public health finance and local government professional with expertise in systems management, public relations, and health financing.
He has extensive experience, including his work with the National Health Insurance Scheme, where he rose from the position of District Manager to Deputy Regional Manager for the Northern Regional Office of the NHIA.
He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Communication Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, and a Mini MBA in Project Management. Mr Ibrahim Tia has served as the Regional Secretary of the NDC in the North East Region since 2019.
The President’s nominations now await parliamentary vetting and approval. If confirmed, the nominees are expected to champion development in their respective regions, working closely with local governments, traditional authorities, and communities to ensure progress and stability.
READ ALSO: Decentralization Key to Solving Nigeria’s Power Grid Challenges
