By Benard Worlali Awumee
Anloga, (V/R), Jan 24, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama is sticking to the commitment of constituting a lean but efficient government and ensuring swift appointments.
His promise, as outlined in his 120-day social contract document, included nominating the complete list of cabinet ministers within the first 14 days of taking office and constituting the leanest government under the Fourth Republic within 90 days.
“As I have said many times already, I will drastically reduce the size of government to reduce expenditure, by appointing not more than 60 ministers of state.
“Indeed, we started working on this by realigning and merging ministries, departments, and agencies. And we will appoint highly efficient, effective, and smart appointees to eliminate duplication and waste,” Mahama had reiterated during the Governance Forum on October 31, 2024.
In the quest to achieve this vision, President Mahama has, in three batches of announcements nominated 26 individuals for ministerial positions.
However, this raises questions from political actors including the minority leaders in Parliament questioning whether his administration could balance regional, ethnic, and social considerations while adhering to his outlined constraints.
The Regional Representation in Ministerial Nominations, excluding Regional Ministers were as follows: Mr Eric Opoku for Ahafo Region, the Ashanti Region had two representatives Mr Muntaka Mubarak and Gilbert Adjei, while Ahmed Ibrahim would represent the Bono Region.
The two representatives for the Bono East Region were Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare and Emmanuel Agyekum, with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Felix Kwakye Ofosu representing Central Region, while Dr Omane Boamah and George Opare Addo (Pablo) had been nominated for the Eastern Region.
Again, Mr Sam George would represent the Greater Accra Region to reflect the region’s critical role in national governance; North East Region: being represented by Issifu Seidu to underserved area, however promoting inclusivity; Northern Region: has three reps including Haruna Iddrisu, Murtala Mohammed, and Joseph Nikpe demonstrated the region’s strong political presence.
Oti Region: has Kofi Adams, signaling attention to this emerging region; Savannah Region: with
John Jinapor to ensure representation from this newly created region; Upper East Region: came with Dominic Ayine highlighting the focus on northern development and Upper West Region: Rashid Pelpuo emphasising equitable regional representation.
The NDC’s ‘world bank,’ the Volta Region: has three representatives, Dzifa Gomashie, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Kwame Governs Agbodza underscoring the region’s strong NDC ties; and followed by the Western Region: with two nominees, Kofi Buah and Emelia Arthur reflecting the strategic importance of this resource-rich region; Western North Region: came with Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to complete the representations.
Every region received representation, demonstrating Mahama’s commitment to national unity.
Emerging regions such as Oti, Savannah, and Western North received strategic appointments, reflecting their growing prominence.
Volta Region and the Northern Region have received the highest nominations of three each
The blend of seasoned politicians and younger leaders aims to balance stability with innovation.
President Mahama’s nominations underscored his efforts to balance regional and national interests while delivering on his pledge.
On the sideline of gender inclusivity, including the regional minister, Mr John Mahama has nominated 42 ministers made up of 35 men representing more than 85 per cent, with only seven women representing about 15 per cent.
As the President is about to announce his deputy ministers to complete the promised 60 number, it is envisaged that there shall be more women nominations as well as youthful representations.
Meanwhile, some residents interviewed by the Ghana News Agency expressed diverse opinions on the issue of regional balance.
Some said it was a positive initiative by the President to prioritise the Volta Region, citing it as a stronghold of the political party.
However, others believed the President could do more to promote equity by appointing an equal number of nominees from each region.
GNA