After receiving clearance from parliament, President John Dramani Mahama swore in five additional ministers on Friday, increasing the number of ministers in office to 11. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Parliament approved six more nominees, including the Gender Minister-designate, Naa Momo Lartey. However, she was not one of those who took the oath of office on Friday.
The five ministers who took office were Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare for Trade and Industry, Ahmed Ibrahim for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Emelia Arthur for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, George Opare Addo for Youth Development and Empowerment, and Abla Dzifa Gomashie for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts. Their swearing-in signifies the start of their important government positions, reaffirming President Mahama's commitment to tackling pressing national concerns.
The following five ministers were appointed: Abla Dzifa Gomashie for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts; George Opare Addo for Youth Development and Empowerment; Emelia Arthur for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare for Trade and Industry; and Ahmed Ibrahim for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. President Mahama's dedication to addressing urgent national issues is reaffirmed by their swearing-in, which marks the beginning of their significant government roles.
"I have complete faith in your ability to complete the task and produce quantifiable outcomes that will improve the situation and release the people from the grip of poverty and suffering." According to the President, he considered the necessity for fairness and balance when forming his government, which is why each area is currently represented. As of this week's beginning, women now make up 27% of the government, with 20 of the 75% of those appointed to ministries, agencies, the presidency, and committees being female. "The 30 percent we pledged during the electioneering campaign and as specified in the Affirmative Action Act is just three percent short," he remarked.
The President assured them that future appointments will address the remaining three percent. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, thanked the President for their trust and promised to put in endless effort to fulfill their mandate. The appointees belonged to the second round of ministerial nominations that Parliament had authorized.
The 1992 Constitution's Article 78(1) permits the swearing-in.
