President Mahama names Minister-designates for Finance, Energy and Attorney-General

President John Dramani Mahama has announced his first set of ministerial nominees to serve in his administration. This move is in line with his campaign promise to name all his 60 ministerial appointments within his first 14 days in office.

A statement dated Thursday, 9 January, and signed by the acting spokesperson of the presidency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, noted that the names have been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution.

The nominees include: Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson as Minister-designate for Finance, John Abdulai Jinapor as Minister-designate for Energy, and Dominic Akuritinga Ayini as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate.

The nominees will be vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, chaired by the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, for final approval.

Below are the profiles of the nominees.

Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson

An economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner with extensive experience in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, tax policy, and business management. A five-term lawmaker, Dr Forson holds a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Master of Science degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, respectively. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from London South Bank University.

John Abdulai Jinapor

He brings a wealth of hands-on experience, competence, and expertise to the energy portfolio. With his extensive qualifications, particularly in energy economics and finance, he is expected to bring much-needed dynamism and capability to transform the energy sector. Jinapor holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Economic Policy Management, an MBA in Marketing, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Finance from the University of Ghana. He also holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.

Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine

A senior lawyer with three decades of experience in practice. He previously served as Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice and is the founding partner of Ayini & Partners Law Offices. He holds a PhD in law from Stanford University, a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana. He has also lectured at the University of Ghana Law School for many years.

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