President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in 17 new ministers, assigning them key roles in his administration to drive national development and implement government policies. The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, followed Parliament’s approval of all ministerial nominees after a rigorous vetting process and debate.
In his address, President Mahama emphasized the importance of effective leadership, urging the new ministers to remain focused on their responsibilities and deliver on policies and programs that will improve the lives of Ghanaians. He reminded them that their positions are not for personal gain but a call to serve the people with dedication, integrity, and accountability.
“As ministers of this government, you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Ghanaians. The trust that has been placed in you must be justified through hard work, transparency, and a commitment to excellence. Our goal is to build a country where every Ghanaian can thrive, and your role is to ensure that the policies we implement lead to real and tangible benefits for our people,” President Mahama stated.
He cautioned them against complacency and urged them to prioritize policies that promote job creation, economic growth, and social welfare. Stressing the need for teamwork, he encouraged them to collaborate with other government agencies and stakeholders to achieve national objectives. He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, reminding the ministers that they would be held to the highest standards of performance.
The ministers sworn in include Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo as Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, and Samuel Nartey George as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations. Kofi Iddie Adams has been appointed as Minister for Sports and Recreation, while Joseph Bukari Nikpe takes over as Minister for Transport.
Other key appointments include Kwabena Mintah Akandoh as Minister for Health, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Felix Kwakye Ofosu as Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications. Seidu Issifu has been named Minister of State in Charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
In addition to these appointments, Charity Gardiner has been appointed Regional Minister for Ahafo, Salisu Be-Awuribe Issifu as Regional Minister for Savannah, Wilbert Petty Brentum as Regional Minister for Western North, and Joseph Nelson as Regional Minister for Western. Joseph Addae Akwaboa will serve as Regional Minister for Bono, while Francis Owusu Antwi takes up the role of Regional Minister for Bono East. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere has been named Regional Minister for Central, and Puozuing Charles Lwanga will serve as Regional Minister for Upper West.
President Mahama expressed confidence in the capabilities of his newly appointed ministers, urging them to work diligently to meet the expectations of Ghanaians. He reminded them that public service is a privilege and that their performance will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver results.
“You have been given this opportunity to serve, not to rule. The people of Ghana have entrusted us with the responsibility to make their lives better, and we must not fail them. I expect every one of you to lead with humility, to listen to the concerns of the people, and to ensure that the policies you implement address the pressing needs of our citizens,” he added.
He also warned against unnecessary bureaucracy and inefficiency, encouraging ministers to adopt innovative and pragmatic approaches to solving problems. He urged them to be proactive in addressing national challenges and to focus on implementing policies that will have a direct and positive impact on the economy and the well-being of citizens.
The swearing-in of these ministers marks a critical step in the Mahama administration’s efforts to strengthen governance and deliver on its promises to the people. The appointments reflect a balance of experience, youth, and regional representation, ensuring that all parts of the country have a voice in government decision-making.
With Ghana facing economic and social challenges, the expectation is that these ministers will bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to their respective sectors. Many Ghanaians are looking forward to policy initiatives that will address unemployment, healthcare challenges, infrastructure development, and economic stability.
President Mahama’s administration has placed significant emphasis on economic transformation, digital innovation, climate change action, and social welfare improvements. The new ministers will be expected to align their strategies with these national priorities and ensure that their policies contribute to the overall development agenda.
As they assume office, the ministers are expected to engage with key stakeholders, including industry leaders, civil society organizations, and local communities, to ensure inclusive and effective governance. The President also urged them to maintain open communication channels with the public, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
The ceremony ended with the newly sworn-in ministers pledging their commitment to serve with diligence and uphold the principles of good governance. Many of them expressed gratitude for the opportunity and assured the President and the people of Ghana that they would work tirelessly to fulfill their mandates.
As Ghanaians anticipate the impact of these appointments, all eyes will be on the performance of the new ministers in delivering policies that drive progress and improve the quality of life for citizens. The Mahama administration has set a clear agenda, and the challenge now lies in effective implementation and execution.
