Dumelo grabs deputy Minister in Mahama’s new list of 13

President John Dramani Mahama has announced his first batch of 13 Deputy Minister nominees, pending vetting and approval by Parliament.

The list, submitted on February 5, 2025, and signed by the spokesperson to the president, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, included notable individuals from various sectors, including finance, education, energy, and agriculture.

The President’s nominees are in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79 (1) of the Constitution, which require the submission of such nominations for parliamentary approval.

These appointments come after the earlier approval of several ministers and aim to further strengthen Mahama’s administration. Once approved, the Deputy Ministers will support sector Ministers in delivering on key policies and governance goals.

The nominees include Thomas Nyarko Ampem as Deputy Minister-designate for Finance, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi for the Ministry of the Interior, and Ernest Brogya Gyenfi for Defence. Also on the list are Clement Abas Apaak for Education, Richard Gyan-Mensah for Energy and Green Transition, and Alhassan Suhuyini for Roads and Highways. Justice Srem-Sai has been nominated for Justice and Attorney General.

The list also features Yusif Sulemana for Lands and Natural Resources, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Gizella Tettey-Agbotui for Works, Housing, and Water Resources. Additionally, Yussif Issaka Jajah is nominated for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, while actor-turned-politician John Dumelo is set to serve as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture. Samson Ahi completes the nominations as the nominee for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry.

Also in the letter, it indicated that the President has also nominated Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba as Minister of State Public Sector Reforms.

This marks the fourth round of ministerial nominations by President Mahama, bringing the total number of ministerial nominees to 55. The President is steadily assembling a team he believes will drive his administration’s development agenda and deliver on national goals.

The nominees’ confirmation depends on their approval by Parliament, after which they will officially assume office and work alongside their respective Ministers to implement policies and contribute to effective governance.