By Kizito CUDJOE
President John Dramani Mahama has announced his initial ministerial appointments, naming Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson as Minister of Finance designate and John Abdulai Jinapor as Minister of Energy designate.
Both appointments, which come a day after a crucial meeting on the country’s power situation, signal President Mahama’s commitment to addressing energy and economic challenges.
Jinapor is expected to spearhead energy sector reforms while Dr. Forson will be tasked with steering fiscal policy amid global economic uncertainties.
The initial ministerial list also includes Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice designate.
According to a statement signed by acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, these appointments have been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in line with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution.
Brief profiles of the nominees
Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson
Dr. Forson is an economist, chartered accountant and tax practitioner with extensive experience in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy and business management.
A five-term lawmaker, he holds a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Master of Science degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and KNUST respectively.
He also has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from London South Bank University.
Minister of Energy designate, John Abdulai Jinapor
Jinapor brings substantial expertise to the energy portfolio, particularly in energy economics and finance.
He holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Economic Policy Management, an MBA in Marketing and a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Finance from the University of Ghana.
Additionally, he has an MSc in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice designate, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
A senior lawyer with three decades of experience, Dr. Ayine previously served as Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
He is the founding partner of Ayini & Partners Law Offices. Dr. Ayine holds a PhD in Law from Stanford University, an LLM from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana. He has also lectured at the University of Ghana Law School for several years.
This carefully selected team is expected to address critical challenges and implement key reforms in their respective sectors.
