President Mahama Nominates Second Batch Of Regional And Sector Ministers

H.E John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated twelve distinguished individuals to serve as Regional and Sector Ministers, marking the second batch of ministerial appointments under his administration. The announcement, made through the Presidency Communications office on January 16, 2025, reflects a strategic blend of experienced politicians, technocrats, and subject matter experts.

The appointments include three Regional Ministers: Wilbert Petty Brentum for Western North, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere for Central, and Joseph Nelson for Western Region. Each brings substantial expertise to their respective roles, with backgrounds ranging from chartered accountancy and mining to education and financial management.

In the sector ministries, President Mahama has made several noteworthy appointments that signal a focus on infrastructure development, social protection, and economic growth. Kwame Governs Agbodza, a chartered architect with extensive experience in project management, will lead the Ministry of Roads and Highways. Eric Opoku, who brings over 12 years of parliamentary experience and expertise in agriculture, takes charge of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

The appointments notably emphasize gender diversity and specialized expertise. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, holding a Ph.D. in African Studies and bringing over two decades of experience in development work, will head the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, with her background in creative arts and tourism, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

Other significant appointments include Emelia Arthur, a development specialist with experience at USAID and IUCN, who will oversee the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The education sector will be led by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, a seasoned parliamentarian and former Minister for Employment and Labour Relations.

The nominations demonstrate a careful balance of political experience and technical expertise. Many appointees bring international exposure, with several holding advanced degrees from prestigious institutions in Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This combination of local knowledge and global perspective positions them well to address Ghana's current challenges and opportunities.

President Mahama Nominates Second Batch of Regional And Sector Ministers

These appointments await parliamentary approval, following which the ministers will be expected to implement the government's agenda across their respective portfolios. Their diverse backgrounds suggest a comprehensive approach to national development, combining infrastructure advancement, social welfare, economic growth, and cultural preservation.

The selection of these ministers represents a crucial step in shaping Ghana's governmental leadership for the coming years, with potential implications for policy direction and implementation across various sectors of the nation's economy and society.