
Parliament has approved the first batch of ministerial nominees appointed by President John Dramani Mahama after a thorough vetting and debate process.
The nominees approved include Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as Minister of Finance, John Jinapor, Minister of Energy, and Dr Dominic Ayine as Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

Mr John Jinapor at the vetting

Dr Dominic Akurintinga Ayine

They come to the table with the experiences of having previously served as deputy ministers in the first John Mahama-led government from January 2013 to January 2017, in the same ministries they have been appointed to.
The Appointments Committee vetted the nominees on January 13, to assess their qualifications, experience, and vision for their respective portfolios.
The committee later submitted its report to the House for debate.
During plenary, Members of Parliament engaged in extensive discussions on the nominees’ competence and their strategies for tackling national issues.
Following the debate, Parliament voted to confirm their appointments, enabling them to officially take up their ministerial positions and responsibilities.
Dr Forson, an economist, chartered accountant and tax practitioner, has extensive experience in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, tax policy, and business management.
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 the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology respectively.
The 46-year old also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the London South Bank University.
Mr Jinapor brings a wealth of hands-on experience, competence, and know-how to the energy portfolio.
With his extensive qualifications, particularly in energy economics and finance, he is expected to bring much-needed dynamism and capabilities to transform the energy sector.
He is also a third term MP, holds a Master of Arts Degree in Economic Policy Management, a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and a Master of Science in Development Finance from the University of Ghana.
He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
Dr Ayine, who is the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, has three decades of experience at the Bar.
He is the founding partner of Ayine & Partners Law Offices.
He holds a PhD in law from Stanford University, a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Ghana.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU