President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in the final four Deputy Ministers of State, officially completing his administration’s ministerial appointments and reinforcing his commitment to a lean, disciplined, and result-oriented government.
The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, saw the induction of Hon. Dorcas Toffey as Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu for Communications, and Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah for Health.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama emphasised that the completion of the ministerial team marks a “significant milestone” in the consolidation of the executive branch under his leadership.
“With this swearing-in of the final batch of deputy ministers, my administration completes its full team of 60 ministerial appointees. This is a clear expression of our resolve to establish a new paradigm of a lean, purposeful, and effective government”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Restoring Discipline and Trust
Reaffirming his earlier commitments made upon assuming office, President Mahama stressed that his administration is focused on restoring discipline and trust in public service by building a government that is “not bloated but balanced,” “not extravagant but efficient,” and “not excessive but effective.”
He noted that the appointments were made with strategic intent, following a clear principle: deputy ministers would only be appointed to ministries with heavy workloads and substantial oversight responsibilities.
The ministries of Transport, Foreign Affairs, Health, and Communications, he said, are vital pillars supporting Ghana’s social infrastructure, global engagement, and digital transformation agenda.
“These are critical ministries that are enablers of our national transformation agenda. They anchor Ghana’s social infrastructure, economic competitiveness, and diplomatic outreach. It is therefore essential that they are properly resourced and staffed with capable leadership”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The President clarified that this leaner government structure was not merely symbolic but structural, representing a shift in governance philosophy.
He further revealed that the Office of the President has also undergone staffing reforms, with notable reductions in personnel and operational costs compared to the previous administration.
“When the list is submitted to Parliament as required by legislation, it will be evident that this administration is committed to reducing the size of government. Compared to the 336 staff who were listed under the Office of the President in the previous administration, the current numbers are significantly lower”.
President John Dramani Mahama
These reductions, according to President Mahama, are already yielding tangible fiscal space through the elimination of fuel allocations, unnecessary travel budgets, and other perks of office. He said these funds are being redirected into critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and energy.
Call to Duty
In a message to the newly sworn-in deputies, President Mahama issued a clear call to humility and responsibility, describing their new positions as a covenant with the Ghanaian people.
“You are now custodians of the Ghanaian people’s trust and their expectations. This is not a ceremonial role; it is a solemn duty to our people”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama cautioned that Ghana does not need leaders who are “inflexible, arrogant, or aloof,” but rather those who are grounded, responsive, and committed to delivering results. He urged the appointees to be guided by integrity and accountability in all their public dealings.
In a stern reminder of the ethical expectations of public office, the President instructed the new deputies to comply fully with the asset declaration regime and adhere to the government’s essential travel policy.
He urged them to collect and study the Code of Conduct for Political Appointees before leaving the presidency, stating, “It should be your second Bible or your second Quran.”
Reiterating the constitutional role of deputy ministers, President Mahama stressed teamwork and respect for ministerial leadership. “The Constitution says that deputy ministers are appointed to assist their ministers, not undermine their ministers,” he reminded them, emphasising unity of purpose across government.
He concluded by underscoring that leadership is not a four-year ritual, but a daily responsibility measured by action and impact.
“The people who elected us are not interested in flowery speeches or bureaucratic excuses. They want jobs, affordable food, working hospitals, safe roads, and quality education. In short, they want results”.
President John Dramani Mahama
In a final charge, President Mahama urged the new deputies and the entire government machinery to match the urgency of the Ghanaian people with purposeful action.
“Let us serve with urgency. Let us serve with honour and with unshakable resolve. And if we do, I have no doubt that the people of Ghana will feel the difference. They will see the progress, and they’ll renew our mandate with even greater confidence,” he concluded.
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