By Franice Tandoh
Parliament will on Monday, January 13, 2025, commence the vetting of the first batch of ministerial nominees submitted by President John Dramani Mahama.
The process, a constitutional mandate, will be overseen by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, which was constituted on January 9, 2025.
The vetting will begin with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam and current Majority Leader. Dr. Ato Forson, who has been nominated as Minister-designate for Finance, is set to address the committee amid Ghana’s ongoing economic challenges.
His nomination comes at a time when the nation is grappling with high inflation, rising public debt, and increasing calls for sustainable economic reforms. If approved, he is expected to spearhead efforts to stabilise the economy and implement critical reforms to restore fiscal discipline.
Following Dr. Forson, the committee will turn its attention to John Abdulai Jinapor, the nominee for Minister-designate for Energy. Jinapor, a seasoned politician and former Deputy Minister of Energy, brings a wealth of experience to the role. As Ghana faces persistent energy challenges, including unreliable power supply and mounting energy sector debts, his vetting is anticipated to shed light on his strategy to transform the sector. Jinapor is expected to present plans for stabilising energy supply, advancing renewable energy initiatives, and addressing the financial crises within the energy industry.
The final nominee scheduled for vetting in this batch is Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice-designate. The Bolgatanga East lawmaker, a respected legal expert and academic, previously served as Deputy Attorney-General and is known for his deep understanding of constitutional law. Should he be approved, Dr. Ayine will assume the pivotal role of principal legal advisor to the government. His responsibilities will include leading legal reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring equitable access to justice across the nation.
The vetting process is expected to provide the public with critical insights into the nominees’ vision and plans for their respective ministries. With Ghana at a crossroads in several key sectors, the outcomes of today’s vetting sessions will play a significant role in shaping the country’s immediate future.
