President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in six new ministers at the Jubilee House, emphasising the urgent need to address Ghana’s critical challenges across various sectors. The newly sworn-in ministers will oversee key areas, including the economy, energy, agriculture, roads, education, and justice.
At the ceremony, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to delivering on campaign promises, including maintaining a lean government with a total of 60 ministers, deputy ministers, and regional ministers.
“A Pact with Ghanaians Fulfilled”
Addressing the audience, President Mahama said:
“During the campaign, I made a pact with the people of Ghana to nominate ministers within 14 days of being sworn in. That promise stood fulfilled yesterday when I presented names to Parliament for approval.”
The president emphasised the need for swift action to tackle Ghana’s economic and social crises. He outlined clear mandates for the ministers, particularly in stabilising the economy, improving energy supply, and ensuring food security.
Critical Tasks for New Ministers
The newly sworn-in ministers include:
- Dr. Ato Forson (Finance): Tasked with reducing inflation, stabilising the currency, and managing the national debt.
- John Abdulai Jinapor (Energy): Expected to ensure stable power supply, address energy sector debts, and accelerate petroleum sector growth.
- Eric Opoku (Agriculture): Charged with achieving food security and lowering food costs.
- Governs Agbodza (Roads): Mandated to address the country’s deteriorating road infrastructure.
- Haruna Iddrisu (Education): Responsible for improving educational outcomes and organising a national review conference on education.
- Dominic Ayine (Attorney General): Entrusted with reforming the justice system and spearheading constitutional amendments.
Economic and Social Realities
President Mahama acknowledged the challenging economic conditions inherited from the previous administration, highlighting issues such as high inflation, energy crises, and arrears in school feeding programs. He assured Ghanaians that his administration had already begun implementing short-term measures to address these issues, including ensuring consistent power supply and tackling food shortages in schools.
“Ghanaians elected us to confront and resolve such challenges,” he said, urging the ministers to work transparently and humbly in service to the people.
Commitment to Accountability
The president emphasised the need for integrity in governance, instructing all appointees to declare their assets by a specified deadline to promote transparency. Anti-corruption institutions, he assured, would be empowered to hold officials accountable.
“This government will not tolerate arrogance or disrespect. The people of Ghana will hold us accountable for the trust they have placed in us,” he stated.
Ministers Pledge Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the ministers, Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson expressed gratitude to the president and pledged to serve diligently. “We will begin the process to reset the country together with you and your team. We will not let you down,” Dr. Forson said.
Path to Recovery
The president concluded by reaffirming his dedication to the people of Ghana, promising decisive action to reset the country and deliver the highest standards of governance. “Ghanaians have declared their intention to demand better governance, and we cannot afford to fail them,” he said.
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