Category: Politics
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a fresh round of ministerial nominations and portfolio reassignments, naming Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Mahama Ayariga for ministerial positions while reassigning Kenneth Gilbert Adjei and Ahmed Ibrahim to new ministries.
The announcement, issued by the Presidency Communications Office on Friday, said the nominations have been submitted to Parliament through the Speaker in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution for prior approval before the nominees assume office.
According to the statement, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, has been nominated as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has been nominated as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The President also reassigned Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei to head the Ministry of Defence, while Ahmed Ibrahim, MP, was moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.The latest appointments form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across key sectors of the economy.
Political analysts say the nomination of Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings places a medical doctor and experienced legislator at the helm of a ministry that plays a critical role in environmental protection, climate change response, scientific innovation and technological development.
Mahama Ayariga’s nomination is also expected to bring extensive parliamentary and ministerial experience to the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry, an institution responsible for decentralisation, traditional governance and local development.
The reassignment of Kenneth Gilbert Adjei to the Defence Ministry comes at a time when Ghana continues to strengthen national security and regional cooperation against cross-border security threats within West Africa.Similarly, Ahmed Ibrahim’s appointment to oversee the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry is expected to support ongoing government initiatives aimed at addressing Ghana’s housing deficit, expanding access to potable water and improving infrastructure.The nominations will now be referred to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting before recommendations are made to the House for approval.
If approved, the nominees are expected to be sworn into office by the President before officially taking over their new responsibilities.
Government officials have expressed confidence that the appointments will inject renewed energy into the ministries and accelerate the implementation of government policies.The statement announcing the changes was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
The appointments are expected to generate considerable debate among political observers and civil society organisations as Parliament prepares to scrutinise the nominees’ qualifications, competence and plans for their respective ministries.
By: Oppong Frimpong Richard