Since assuming office on January 7, 2025, President John Mahama has been assembling his government, making major appointments, including ministerial positions and chief executives for various public institutions.
He has appointed individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, leveraging their expertise to aid in governance over the next four years. Among these appointees are four notable party officials.
GhanaWeb takes a look at four experienced party executives serving in the government of President John Dramani Mahama.
George Opare Addo
President John Mahama has appointed George Opare Addo as Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment.
Prior to this new role, he served as the National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He led a formidable team of youth within the party to campaign vigorously, ensuring victory in the December 2024 general elections.
George Opare Addo, popularly known as “Pablo,” is also a trained lawyer.
His political career began with his appointment as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly from 2009 to 2017. In this role, he demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to the development of his municipality. His efforts in improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare services earned him recognition and respect.
In 2018, Opare Addo was elected as the National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Under his leadership, the NDC’s youth wing experienced significant growth and increased engagement. Opare Addo’s ability to mobilize and inspire the youth has been a cornerstone of his political career. His leadership style is marked by inclusivity, strategic thinking, and a passion for youth empowerment.
Throughout his political journey, Opare Addo has been a vocal advocate for policies that benefit the youth. His initiatives have focused on education, job creation, and entrepreneurship, which have positively impacted the lives of many young Ghanaians. His dedication to youth development has made him a respected figure in Ghanaian politics.
Sammy Gyamfi
Sammy Gyamfi has been appointed by President Mahama as the Chief Executive Officer of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company.
Prior to his appointment, he served as the National Communications Officer of the NDC. He played a critical role in communications during the 2024 electioneering campaign, often heavily criticizing the then-incumbent New Patriotic Party while defending the NDC’s record in power.
In 2018, he ran for the position of National Communications Officer during the NDC’s national executive elections and won, defeating his only contender, the then-Deputy Communication Director of the party, Fred Agbenyo, by 4,000 votes. Gyamfi secured 6,225 out of 9,000 votes cast, while Agbenyo received 2,225 votes.
He was re-elected in 2022 for another four-year term as National Communications Officer.
A lawyer by profession, Gyamfi was called to the Bar on October 5, 2018, after graduating from the Ghana Law School.
Malik Basintale
Malik Basintale has been appointed by President Mahama as Chief Executive of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
The young and popular politician previously served as the Deputy Communication Officer of the party.
Before becoming a National Executive member of the NDC, Malik held the same position at the regional level in the Northern Region.
At the age of 21, Malik Basintale surprised many by becoming the youngest Northern Regional Executive. Following the Congress, he emerged victorious as the Deputy Communication Officer.
With 270 votes—36.4% of the total valid votes cast—he defeated Issah Salifu, a close competitor, who received 252 votes, or 25% of the total.
After completing his secondary education at Prempeh College in Kumasi from 2011 to 2014, he was admitted to the University of Ghana, where he majored in Banking and Finance and pursued a Business Administration degree.
Malik Basintale has held several leadership roles, including positions at the University of Ghana (UG), TEIN, the UG Parliament House, and the SRC board of the university.
Mustapha Gbande
Mustapha Gbande has been appointed by President John Mahama as the Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency.
Prior to his new role, he served as the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Gbande, a seasoned politician and strategist, has been a key figure in the NDC, playing a significant role in shaping the party’s electoral strategies and grassroots mobilization efforts.
It is believed that his selection for this crucial role in the presidency was a strategic decision to leverage his operational and administrative experience.
John Mahama has made several calculated efforts to fortify and shape the governing structure, including this appointment.
KA
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