Parliament has approved President John Mahama’s first batch of ministerial appointments, with Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, John Abdulai Jinapor, and Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine set to assume their new roles.
Dr. Forson has been confirmed as the Minister for Finance, Jinapor as the Minister for Energy, and Dr. Ayine as the Minister for Justice and Attorney General.
The approval came after a parliamentary debate on Tuesday, January 21, where a motion to confirm the appointees was tabled by Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako. The motion passed unanimously, and the three will now be sworn in as substantive ministers by the President.
During the debate, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, alongside other members of Parliament, expressed strong support for the appointees. “They should not disappoint us. We wish them all the best,” lawmakers stated, encouraging the nominees to act with dedication and in the public’s best interest.
The three nominees had previously appeared before the Appointments Committee on January 13. Dr. Ato Forson, who brings extensive experience in economics and public finance, promised to enhance tax compliance and increase Ghana’s tax revenue to 16% of GDP without raising taxes.
Jinapor, a specialist in energy economics, outlined his goal to improve the efficiency and distribution of power, targeting the creation of a framework for private sector involvement in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) by the end of 2025.
Dr. Ayine, a seasoned lawyer with decades of experience, pledged to safeguard citizens’ rights, including the reestablishment of a revamped public tribunal system.
Profiles:
Dr. Forson, a chartered accountant and tax expert, has previously served as Deputy Finance Minister in the NDC administration. His background spans public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, and business management.
Jinapor holds a Master of Science in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London. His expertise in energy economics and finance is backed by significant experience in the sector.
Dr. Ayine, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience, has held roles as Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, bringing a wealth of legal and governmental knowledge to his new role.
