President John Mahama has nominated Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Finance Minister-designate, with John Abdulai Jinapor and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine nominated as Ministers-designate for Energy and Attorney General cum Minister of Justice, respectively.
Dr. Forson, who served as Deputy Finance Minister in the previous NDC administration, is an Economist, Chartered Accountant, and Tax Practitioner with extensive expertise in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal and tax policy, and business management.
He holds a PhD in Finance from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, along with Master’s degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from London South Bank University.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, a seasoned leader in the energy sector, brings significant experience in energy economics and finance. His qualifications include a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management, an MBA in Marketing, a Master of Science in Development Finance from the University of Ghana, and a Master of Science in Energy Economics from GIMPA. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, who previously served as Deputy Attorney General, is nominated for the position of Attorney General and Minister of Justice. His experience and expertise in legal matters will contribute to the effective execution of the country’s justice system.
These appointments come at a critical time as Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has warned of the urgent need for US$89.90 million to prevent a looming power crisis and meet the country’s power generation demands. This funding is essential for the procurement of liquid fuels needed to sustain thermal power plants during the upcoming West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) pigging exercise, scheduled from January 20 to February 16, 2025.
The exercise, which was initially planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy’s request, will temporarily suspend gas offtake from WAPCo’s pipeline, which serves thermal plants in Tema. Without a reliable gas supply, these plants that cannot switch to liquid fuels will have to shut down, leading to reduced power generation capacity.
The three ministerial roles will be crucial in engaging stakeholders in the energy sector, securing the necessary funds, and ensuring that required agreements are signed in accordance with Ghana’s laws.
Additionally, Parliament has approved the composition of its Appointments Committee, which will vet and recommend nominees for key government positions in President Mahama’s administration. The Committee will be chaired by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, with Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah serving as Vice Chairperson. Other notable appointments include Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, as the Ranking Member, and Patricia Appiagyei as the Deputy Ranking Member.
With this approval, Parliament has paved the way for a thorough vetting process, ensuring transparency and accountability in the appointment of key government officials to support President Mahama’s vision in his new term.
