On Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama, represented by his acting spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, officially submitted a list of ten regional minister nominees to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.
This update represents President Mahama’s second round of ministerial nominations, keeping to his campaign commitment to announce his key appointments within the first two weeks of assuming office.
A day earlier, on Monday, January 13th, 2025, the Parliamentary Appointments Committee conducted vetting sessions for nominees for Minister for Finance (Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson), Energy and Green Transition (John Jinapor), and Attorney-General (Dr. Dominic Ayine).
Regional Ministers Nominated – Full List by Region
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Ali Adolf John – Northern Region
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John Kwadwo Gyapong – Oti Region
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James Gunu – Volta Region
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Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey – Eastern Region
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Ibrahim Tia – North-East Region
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Dr. Frank Amoakohene – Ashanti Region
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Akamugri Donatus Atanga – Upper East Region
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Charity Gardiner – Ahafo Region
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Salisu Be-Awuribe – Savannah Region
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Hon. Linda Ocloo, MP – Greater Accra Region
This leaves the Bono, Bono East, Central, Western, Western North, and Upper West regions awaiting nominations, expected to be announced soon.
Meet the Nominees: Backgrounds & Expertise
Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Dr. Amoakohene is an accomplished medical practitioner and youth advocate. He holds degrees in Medicine and Medical Laboratory Science (University of Ghana and the University for Development Studies), as well as an MBA from Accra Business School. His leadership in healthcare and public service, along with his current role as Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, mark him as a dynamic and experienced nominee.
James Gunu
With a solid background in journalism and communications, Mr. Gunu holds a BA in Journalism, an MA in Development Communication, and another MA in Local Government Administration and Organisation. He is a former Municipal Chief Executive for Akatsi and brings valuable governance experience to the Volta region nomination.
Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
Mrs. Awatey is a respected leader in local governance and education with an MPhil from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and ongoing PhD studies in Migration at the University of Ghana. She served as Presiding Member of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and was Deputy Eastern Regional Women’s Organiser for the NDC, making her a strong voice for her region.
Ali Adolf John
Mr. John has a rich background in education, having worked as a tutor, supervisor, and desk officer within the Ghana Education Service. He earned a Master’s in Technology from the University of Education, Winneba, and currently serves as the NDC’s Northern Regional Chairman.
Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong
Mr. Gyapong, a business executive and experienced politician, is the current NDC Regional Chairman for Oti Region and a former Member of Parliament for Akan Constituency. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Cape Coast.
Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga
Mr. Atanga is an authority in human rights and education, with a Master’s in Human Rights and a B.Ed. in Social Studies & Mathematics from the University of Education, Winneba. His experience includes coordinating the National School Feeding Programme and serving as the Presiding Member of Bongo District Assembly.
Madam Charity Gardiner
Ms. Gardiner is a businesswoman and HR professional, boasting nearly a decade of experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. She has focused much of her humanitarian work on empowering young girls through education, and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Human Resource Management.
Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe
As a legal and valuation expert, Mr. Be-Awuribe has vast experience as a law lecturer, development specialist, and former District Chief Executive for Central Gonja. He graduated from the Ghana School of Law with a professional certificate, earned his Masters in Law from the University of Ghana, and holds degrees in Land Economy and Law from KNUST.
Linda Ocloo
Hon. Linda Ocloo, representing the Shai-Osudoku constituency in Parliament, is nominated for Greater Accra Region. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration (Banking and Finance) from the University of Ghana and brings parliamentary and constituency advocacy experience to the role.
Mr. Ibrahim Tia
Mr. Tia is a specialist in public health finance and local government systems. He previously climbed the ranks within the National Health Insurance Authority in the Northern Region and serves as Regional Secretary for the NDC in North East. His academic background includes ICT, Management Studies, and a Mini MBA in Project Management.
All nominees will proceed to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for mandatory vetting and final approval.
