President Mahama’s Ministerial Appointments Raise Gender Representation Concerns
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled 42 ministerial and regional appointments since assuming office in January 2025, emphasizing a balance of professional expertise and parliamentary representation. However, the limited inclusion of women—just seven appointees—has reignited discussions about gender equity in leadership roles.
Summary of Appointments
The first set of appointees, announced on January 9, 2025, featured key figures such as Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Finance) and John Abdulai Jinapor (Energy and Green Transition). Notably, no women were included in this initial announcement, prompting early concerns about inclusivity.
On January 16, President Mahama announced his second batch of appointments, which included three women: Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (Gender, Children, and Social Protection), Abla Dzifa Gomashie (Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts), and Emelia Arthur (Fisheries and Aquaculture).
A third round of appointees, revealed on January 21, added 16 more individuals, including notable names such as Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Defence) and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Foreign Affairs). However, this list did not feature additional female nominees.
Regional Ministerial Appointments
Out of 16 regional ministerial appointments, only two were women: Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey (Eastern Region) and Linda Ocloo (Greater Accra Region).
Gender Inclusivity Concerns
Despite efforts to balance competence and experience in the appointments, the underrepresentation of women has drawn public attention. Many have called on President Mahama to address this disparity in future nominations to promote inclusivity and equality in governance.
Full List of Appointees
Ministers
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (MP) – Finance
- John Abdulai Jinapor (MP) – Energy and Green Transition
- Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (MP) – Attorney-General and Minister of Justice
- Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP) – Roads and Highways
- Eric Opoku (MP) – Food and Agriculture
- Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (MP) – Gender, Children, and Social Protection
- Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP) – Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts
- Emelia Arthur (MP) – Fisheries and Aquaculture
- George Opare-Addo – Youth and Empowerment
- Haruna Iddrisu (MP) – Education
- Ahmed Ibrahim (MP) – Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs
- Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare (MP) – Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Defence
- Samuel Nartey George (MP) – Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations
- Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP) – Lands and Natural Resources
- Kofi Iddie Adams (MP) – Sports and Recreation
- Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo (MP) – Labour, Jobs, and Employment
- Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP) – Health
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP) – Environment, Science, and Technology
- Joseph Bukari Nikpe (MP) – Transport
- Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP) – Interior
- Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) – Foreign Affairs
- Adjei Kenneth Gilbert – Works, Housing, and Water Resources
- Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum (MP) – Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives
- Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP) – Government Communications
- Issifu Seidu (MP) – Minister of State, Climate Change, and Sustainability
Regional Ministers
- Puozuing Charles Lwanga – Upper West
- Joseph Addae Akwaboa – Bono
- Francis Owusu Antwi – Bono East
- Wilbert Petty Brentum – Western North
- Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere – Central
- Joseph Nelson – Western
- Ali Adolf John – Northern
- John Kwadwo Gyapong – Oti
- James Gunu – Volta
- Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey – Eastern
- Ibrahim Tia – North East
- Dr. Frank Amoakohene – Ashanti
- Akamugri Donatus Atanga – Upper East
- Charity Gardiner – Ahafo
- Salisu Be-Awuribe – Savannah
- Linda Ocloo (MP) – Greater Accra
As President Mahama continues to shape his administration, it remains to be seen how the issue of gender balance will be addressed in subsequent appointments.
