President John Dramani Mahama has submitted the names of his third batch of ministerial nominees to Parliament, seeking prior approval for them to serve as Ministers of State and Regional Ministers in his administration.
The announcement was made through an official communication from the Presidency, signed by the President’s Acting Spokesperson, Hon Felix Ofosu Kwakye, fulfilling the President’s promise to announce his cabinet ministers within the first fourteen days in office.
The list, which was delivered to the Speaker of Parliament for review, includes a mix of experienced lawmakers, technocrats, and party stalwarts, reflecting the President’s commitment to assembling a competent team to steer the affairs of the nation.
In this third batch, three individuals have been nominated to serve as Regional Ministers for key regions in the country. They include: Puozuing Charles Lwanga as Minister Designate for the Upper West Region, Joseph Addae Akwaboa as Minister Designate for the Bono Region and Francis Owusu Antwi as the Minister Designate for the Bono East Region.
These nominees when vetted and approved by Parliament are expected to oversee development initiatives in their respective regions, coordinate local government activities, and act as representatives of the President at the regional level.
Nominees for Ministers of State
President Mahama also announced nominees for some ministerial portfolios. The list featured high-profile Members of Parliament (MPs) and seasoned professionals who have demonstrated leadership in their various fields.
The nominees and their respective portfolios are as follows: Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah for the Ministry of Defence, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo Prampram Constituency for the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle Constituency and current Deputy Majority Leader is nominated for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituency for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, MP for Buem Constituency for the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Hon. Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central Constituency is the nominee for the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment while Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, MP for Juaboso Constituency is the nominee for the Ministry of Health.
Moreover, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP for Tamale Central is the nominee for the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, with Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, MP for Saboba Constituency going to the Ministry of Transport.
Others include Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, MP for Asawase Constituency for the Ministry of Interior, and finally Adjel Kenneth Gilbert for the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources.
Ministers of State in charge of Specialized Roles
In addition to the above nominees, President Mahama has introduced ministers to oversee specialized functions, reflecting his administration’s commitment to addressing emerging issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and government communication.
The nominees for these roles are: Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, MP for Nkoranza South Constituency as the Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP for Abura Asebu Kwamankese Constituency as the Minister of State, Government Communications and Hon. Issifu Seidu, MP for Nalerigu Constituency as the Minister of State, Climate Change and Sustainability.
The submitted list will undergo vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament before final approval. This process will ensure that nominees meet the requisite qualifications and possess the competence to effectively manage their assigned portfolios.
Once approved, these ministers would be sworn into office to support President Mahama’s vision of advancing Ghana’s socio-economic development, with a particular focus on economic revival, good governance, inclusivity, and sustainability.
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