Afenyo-Markin and John Dramani Mahama
There is a saying that to every rumour, there is an iota of truth behind it. This saying seems to have materialized in Ghana’s politics as a prediction by Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for a ministerial position within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration led by President John Dramani Mahama has come to pass.
On January 9, 2025, Afenyo-Markin leaked a ministerial list, claiming it was the appointment list of President Mahama’s ministers.
During proceedings in Parliament on Thursday, January 9, 2025, he listed a number of ministerial and deputy ministerial appointment nominations supposedly made by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the current Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, would be appointed as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources by President Mahama.
He also claimed that the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, is set for a ministerial appointment at the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
Additionally, he said that the Deputy Majority Chief Whip and MP for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, has been nominated for a ministerial position at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, adding that Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the MP for Builsa South, would be appointed as a Deputy Minister of Education.
“I can see the incoming Majority Leader and his deputy conferring… Those of us in opposition, we know more things than those of you in government. So, if you ask me, I can tell you all of you where you are going. But you don’t know. That is how it is.
“I know Armah Kofi Buah is going to Lands… Kwame Agbodza is going to Roads and Highways. We know Ahmed Ibrahim is going to Local Government. And a lot of you ewill remain at the backbench. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Acheampong has done so well, I will be surprised if he’s not sent to the Ministry of Finance as Deputy. I will be surprised. And Dr. Apaak is definitely going to Education as Deputy Education Minister,” Afenyo-Markin, the MP for Effutu, said.
Afenyo-Markin also asserted that Mahama Ayariga will be appointed as the Majority Leader of Parliament.
He added, “Mr. Speaker, we know. That’s why I know Hon. Ayariga is going to assume the black chair (Majority Leader) and his deputy is my good friend, Kweku Ricketts. Yes, Kweku is going to be the Deputy Majority Leader.”
However, on January 16, 2025, President John Mahama released the second list of ministers, confirming some of the names that Afenyo-Markin mentioned.
In the list released by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, it was stated that the new set of appointments includes nine cabinet positions and three regional ministers.
Leading the list of high-profile nominees is the distinguished Tamale South lawmaker, Haruna Iddrisu, who is to head the Ministry of Education.
Another prominent figure is Kwame Governs Agbodza, a veteran parliamentarian representing the Adaklu constituency, who, according to the document, is set to lead the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
Additionally, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the MP for Ketu South, is headed back to the Ministry of Tourism as its substantive minister this time around.
George Opare-Addo, who has risen through the ranks from being a party executive and playing a crucial role in the party's decisive victory, has also been named in the list. He is now being considered for the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment.
Below is the breakdown of the nominees:
1.Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP – Ministry of Roads and Highways
2.Eric Opoku, MP – Ministry of Food and Agriculture
3.Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, MP – Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
4.Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP – Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
5.Emelia Arthur, MP – Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
6.George Opare-Addo – Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
7.Haruna Iddrisu, MP – Ministry of Education
8.Ahmed Ibrahim, MP – Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
9. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, MP – Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
On the other hand, Mahama Ayariga, has also reportedly been appointed as the Majority Leader of the 9th Parliament of Ghana.
This is according to Accra-based Joy FM, which reported the appointment in a post shared on social media on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The Bawku Central legislator will replace the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as Majority Leader.
His appointment follows the nomination of Dr. Ato Forson as Minister of Finance-designate by President John Dramani Mahama.
President Mahama is also expected to appoint more ministers.
AM/KA
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