In a significant step toward shaping his administration, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated a lineup of Deputy Ministers, reflecting a blend of seasoned politicians, technocrats, and fresh political faces.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson to the President, in a statement, indicated that the nominations have been submitted to Parliament through the Speaker in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the Constitution, and are subject to legislative approval.
The list features key figures with extensive legislative, academic, and professional backgrounds, signalling the President’s intent to strengthen his administration with a mix of experienced hands and dynamic newcomers.
The first deputy minister nominee is Hon Thomas Nyarko Ampem for the Ministry of Finance. As a stalwart in parliamentary finance oversight, Hon. Ampem has served as a Member of Parliament since 2017, representing the Asuogyaman Constituency.
As Chairman of the Budget Committee in the Eighth Parliament, he played a critical role in scrutinizing government expenditure, making him a strategic pick for the Finance Ministry.
Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has been nominated as the Deputy Minister of the Interior. As a seasoned politician, Terlabi has represented Lower Manya Krobo since 2012 and previously served as Deputy Eastern Regional Minister under the late President John Atta Mills.
His experience in regional administration positions him well for a crucial role in internal security and governance.
A fierce advocate within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Brogya Genfi who doubles as the party’s Deputy Director for Special Duties and a former National Youth Organizer aspirant is the Deputy Minister of Defence nominee.
His appointment suggests an effort to bring youthful energy and strategic direction to Ghana’s defence sector.
The Deputy Minister of Education nominee is Hon. Clement Abas Apaak, the MP for Builsa South. As a strong academic and legislative background and a former deputy ranking member of Parliament’s Education Committee and a member of the Public Accounts Committee, he has been vocal on education financing and policy, making him a fitting choice for this crucial sector.
Also, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, the MP for Gomoa West is nominated as the Deputy Minister of Energy & Green Transition. As a legislator for Gomoa West since 2017, Hon. Gyan-Mensah’s nomination signals the government’s focus on navigating Ghana’s energy sector transformation, particularly as the country embraces greener energy solutions.
The MP for Tamale North since 2017, Hon. Alhassan A. Suhuyini, who has been an influential voice on natural resources management is the deputy minister nominee for the Ministry of Roads & Highways.
His role as the Ranking Member of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee in the last Parliament gives him leverage in managing Ghana’s road infrastructure development.
The Oddest Deputy Minister Nominee
Again, the Deputy Minister of Justice & Attorney General – Justice Srem-Sai, a notable academic and legal practitioner, is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law with expertise in Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, and Administrative Law.
Until he joined the University of Ghana School of Law he was a Senior Lecturer at the GIMPA Faculty of Law. Outside the walls of the Faculty, Justice has, over the years, built a reputation of a passionate constitutional rights enforcement lawyer and civil right advocate.
He has worked with several human rights defender organisations – including the Institute of Law & Public Affairs (ILPA), the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), the DefendDefenders Project, and the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP) – to help secure justice for victims of police brutalities and other human rights abuses. Justice was called to law practice in Ghana in 2011.
Before that, he obtained his undergraduate degrees from the University of Ghana and the Qualifying Certificate in Law from the Ghana School of Law. He holds postgraduate law degrees from the Cardiff School of Law & Politics, Harvard Law School, and Leeds Law School.
Srem Sai’s academic awards include the Open Society Foundations Scholarship grant (2012), the Harvard Law School Scholarship award (2013), the Emory Law School Vulnerability and the Human Condition Initiative award (2018), and the Leeds Law PGR Overall Outstanding Thesis of the year award (2021).
With a strong academic and professional background, Srem Sai’s appointment brings intellectual depth and a strong civil rights background to the Justice Ministry.
Other Deputy Ministerial Nominees
The deputy minister nominee for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – Hon. Yusif Sulemana, MP for Bole since 2017 nomination highlights the administration’s continued focus on land and resource management, particularly at a time when illegal mining and deforestation remain pressing concerns.
Additionally, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah is the deputy minister nominee for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. As the first female MP for La Dade Kotopon, Sowah’s experience as a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) equips her with the grassroots administrative knowledge needed for this ministry.
The deputy minister nominee for the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources – Hon. Gizella Tettey-Agbotui is also the MP for Awutu Senya West since 2020. Hon. Tettey-Agbotui brings over 21 years of expertise in architecture and construction, making her a solid pick for a ministry tasked with infrastructural development and housing policy.
Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, MP for Ayawaso North, and the deputy minister nominee for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has experience in decentralization and consultancy, which will be essential for policy execution in Ghana’s growing creative economy.
Last but not least, the deputy minister nominee for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture – John Kofi Setor Dumelo, MP for Ayawaso West is a high-profile pick. As a renowned actor, and an active farmer, his practical experience in agribusiness aligns with the government’s vision for an agriculturally robust economy.
Finally, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry deputy nominee is Hon. Samson Ahi, MP for Bodi in the Western Region and a former Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Hon. Ahi brings prior executive experience, particularly in policy implementation within government structures.
In addition to the deputy minister nominee, President Mahama nominated Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba as the Minister of State, Public Sector Reforms. As MP for Tempane and a trained nurse with an LLB, her expertise in healthcare and legal frameworks could play a role in streamlining public sector efficiency.
The nominations reflect President Mahama’s calculated approach to governance, balancing political loyalty with competence. The selection process indicates a preference for individuals with deep institutional knowledge and political experience, particularly in parliamentary affairs.
The presence of young, dynamic nominees such as Brogya Genfi, Justice Srem-Sai, and John Dumelo suggests a strategic effort to inject fresh perspectives into key ministries.
At the same time, experienced lawmakers like Thomas Ampem, Clement Apaak, and Ebenezer Terlabi bring policy continuity and legislative depth.
With Parliament set to vet these nominees, their approval will mark a crucial phase in Mahama’s governance structure. If confirmed, they will be instrumental in shaping policies that align with the administration’s broader economic, social, and political objectives.
READ ALSO: Dr. Randolph Nsor-Ambala Appointed as New CEO of DBG
