Parliament has unanimously approved four nominees put forward by President John Dramani Mahama for appointment as deputy ministers, completing the president’s ministerial appointments.
The Appointments Committee, chaired by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, recommended the nominees after evaluating their qualifications and readiness for ministerial service.
On 9th July 2025, President Mahama formally notified Parliament of his intention to appoint four more Members of Parliament (MP) as deputy ministers in line with Article 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The nominees were Hon. Dorcas Toffey, MP for Jomoro; Mr James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North; Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, MP for Sissala West; and Hon. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan.
“In accordance with Order 217 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament referred the nominations to the Appointments Committee for vetting and recommendations.
“The referral was made on 17th July 2025, mandating the Committee to assess the suitability of each nominee based on their credentials and parliamentary responses”
Appointments Committee
Hon. Dorcas Toffey was nominated as Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Transport. Hon. James Gyakye Quayson was nominated as Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu was designated for the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, and Hon. Prof Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah was selected for the Ministry of Health.
“After conducting a thorough evaluation process, the Committee found all four nominees to be competent, professionally experienced, and adequately prepared to assist in executing the policies of their respective ministries”
Appointments Committee
Their vetting involved the examination of their academic qualifications, professional backgrounds, and public responses during committee hearings, which was aired for the entire country.
Unanimous Approval by Parliament
The Committee stated in its conclusion that “each of the nominees has demonstrated competence, insight, and readiness to assume their respective roles.” Based on these findings, the Committee unanimously recommended the approval of all four nominees.
The Clerk to the Committee, Mrs Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, submitted the final report. It was signed by the Chairman of the Committee and First Deputy Speaker, Mr Bernard Ahiafor, and subsequently laid before Parliament for approval.
“Ms Dorcas Toffey – Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Transport; Mr James Gyakye Quayson – Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
“Mr Mohammed Adams Sukparu – Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations; and Prof Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah – Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Health”
Appointments Committee
Parliament adopted the Committee’s report and approved all four nominees by consensus, affirming the President’s selections.
The appointments are expected to support the Mahama administration in delivering on its developmental agenda, with emphasis on transport infrastructure, foreign policy engagement, digital innovation, and public health enhancement.
The new deputy ministers conclude President Mahama’s 60 ministers campaign promise and are to assume their roles immediately to complement the work of their sector ministers.
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