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The Appointments Committee of Parliament will on Monday, January 13, 2025, begin vetting President John Dramani Mahama’s first set of ministerial nominees, as he takes steps to form his cabinet following his inauguration on January 7, 2025.
The nominations, submitted by the President on January 9, 2025, were in line with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires prior Parliamentary approval for ministerial appointments.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, confirmed receipt of the nominees and referred them to the Appointments Committee for vetting.
“I have received on your behalf a message from the Office of the President, dated January 9, 2025. Hon. members, I will accordingly refer the nominees to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report to the House, it’s so referred,” Speaker Bagbin announced.
The Appointments Committee of Parliament includes members from both the Majority and Minority caucuses. It is chaired by Bernard Ahiafor, with Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah serving as Vice Chairman. Other members include Kwame Governs Agbodza, Mahama Ayariga, Alhasan Umar, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin as the Ranking Member, Patricia Appiagyei as the Deputy Ranking Member, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Shaibu Mahama, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and Patrick Yaw Boamah.
The Committee reviews ministerial nominations and ensures that ministers nominated by the President are capable and suitable for their respective positions. It also recommends persons vetted to the House for approval or otherwise either by consensus or vote.
The nominees include:
1. Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
2. Mr John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
3. Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
Dr Forson is an economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner with deep expertise in public finance, macroeconomics, and fiscal policy. A five-term Member of Parliament, he holds a PhD in Finance from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Master’s degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and KNUST, respectively. His appointment is expected to drive fiscal reforms and strengthen Ghana’s financial management.
Mr John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
Mr Jinapor brings a wealth of experience in energy economics and finance. Holding a Master’s degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and qualifications in Economic Policy Management and Marketing from the University of Ghana, he is poised to provide leadership in resolving Ghana’s energy challenges.
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
Dr Ayine is a seasoned legal expert with over 30 years of experience. A former Deputy Attorney-General, he holds a PhD in Law from Stanford University, an LLM from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ghana. His return to the justice portfolio is expected to advance legal and judicial reforms.
