Parliament to Start Vetting Ministerial Nominees on Monday

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Appointments Committee of Parliament will begin the vetting process for the first batch of ministerial nominees submitted by President John Dramani Mahama. This follows his swearing-in as President on January 7, 2025. The list of nominees was presented to Parliament on January 9, 2025, in line with the provisions of Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires the approval of Parliament for ministerial appointments.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, confirmed the receipt of the nominees and formally referred them to the Appointments Committee for consideration. In his announcement, Speaker Bagbin stated, “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.” The Appointments Committee will now conduct the vetting process to determine whether the nominees meet the required standards and qualifications for their respective positions.

The Appointments Committee, which is composed of both Majority and Minority members of Parliament, is responsible for scrutinizing ministerial nominees. It is chaired by Bernard Ahiafor, with Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah serving as Vice Chairman. The committee includes several other members: Kwame Governs Agbodza, Mahama Ayariga, Alhasan Umar, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (Ranking Member), Patricia Appiagyei (Deputy Ranking Member), Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Shaibu Mahama, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and Patrick Yaw Boamah. These members will review the qualifications, expertise, and experience of the nominees to ensure that they are suitable for the roles to which they have been nominated.

The committee will assess the nominees based on their individual capabilities and fitness for their proposed portfolios. If a nominee meets the required criteria, the committee will recommend approval to Parliament, either by consensus or through a vote. If there are concerns or disagreements, the committee may request further clarification or reconsideration before making a final recommendation to the House. Ultimately, Parliament will decide whether to approve or reject the nominees.

The first group of nominees include the following individuals, each bringing a wealth of expertise to their respective portfolios:

Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
Dr. Forson is a distinguished economist and chartered accountant with deep expertise in public finance, macroeconomics, and fiscal policy. 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. Dr. Forson’s extensive background in fiscal management and his experience as a five-term Member of Parliament make him well-positioned to oversee Ghana’s financial policies and drive fiscal reforms. His appointment is expected to strengthen the country’s financial management systems, improve public sector revenue collection, and ensure sustainable fiscal policies.
Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
Mr. Jinapor brings significant experience in energy economics and finance to his nomination as Minister for Energy. He holds a Master’s degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA, along with qualifications in Economic Policy Management and Marketing from the University of Ghana. With his extensive experience in energy policy and economic planning, Mr. Jinapor is expected to address Ghana’s ongoing energy challenges, including power supply issues, energy sector reforms, and the development of renewable energy sources. His leadership is expected to focus on achieving a reliable and sustainable energy sector for the country.
Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
Dr. Ayine is a seasoned legal practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in law. A former Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Ayine 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 deep legal expertise, coupled with his experience in public service, positions him to advance legal and judicial reforms in the country. His return to the justice portfolio is expected to contribute to improving the legal system, ensuring access to justice, and upholding the rule of law in Ghana.

As the vetting process unfolds, the Appointments Committee will carefully evaluate the qualifications and suitability of these nominees for the positions they have been nominated for. After the committee’s deliberations and recommendations, Parliament will have the final say in approving or rejecting the nominees. If approved, the nominees will be sworn in to take on their respective roles within the new cabinet.