The final batch of President John Dramani Mahama’s deputy ministerial nominees will be vetted by the Parliament’s Appointments Committee today, Friday, July 25.

The nominees include Dorcas Affo-Toffey as Deputy Minister for Transport, James Gyakye Quayson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Adam Sukparu for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, and Grace Ayensu-Danquah as Deputy Minister of Health.

Dorcas Toffey has been nominated to serve at the Ministry of Transport; James G. Quayson will work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mohammed Adams Sukparu will work at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations; and Grace Ayensu-Danquah will serve at the Ministry of Health.

Their appointment is in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empower him to appoint ministers and deputy ministers with the prior approval of Parliament. Their appointment was made known in a statement issued by the Presidency dated Wednesday, July 9.

“The nominees have distinguished themselves in public service and possess the requisite publications, experience, and integrity to support the respective sector ministers in effectively discharging their duties. Their curriculum vitae and supporting documents are attached to facilitate the vetting process. I trust that Parliament will consider and approve the nominations expeditiously,” Speaker Bagbin stated in Parliament on Thursday, July 17.

If appointed, the 4 individuals will bring the total number of ministers and deputies in his administration to 60. This follows the earlier approval and swearing-in of over 50 ministers and deputies in March 2025, who underwent vetting by the same committee. President Mahama committed to appointing no more than 60 ministers during his 2024 campaign, a promise aimed at demonstrating fiscal discipline and improving governance efficiency.

“I am committed to operating an effective government with not more than sixty (60) ministers. These Ministers, together with other appointees of the government, will not be entitled to ex gratia payments after their tenure, as they will commit to that undertaking even before the necessary constitutional amendments, including a review of the controversial Article 71,” President Mahama stated.

As a result, President Mahama scrapped and merged certain ministries; the Ministry of Information has been merged under the Ministry of Communication. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has been merged with the Ministry of Works and Housing. The Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of National Security have both been scrapped. The Ministry of Sports and Youth now operates as the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

Additionally, the responsibilities of the Ministry of Chieftaincy have been added to the Ministry of Local Government. The Minority in Parliament argued that President Mahama’s decision to reduce his ministers will undermine the government’s ability to manage the country effectively.

The substantive ministers are Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (MP), who heads the Ministry of Finance, while John Abdulai Jinapor (MP) oversees Energy and Green Transition. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (MP), with Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP) in charge of Roads and Highways. Eric Opoku (MP) leads the Ministry of Food and Agriculture; Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (MP) serves as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection; and Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP) is responsible for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.

Emelia Arthur (MP) has been appointed Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and George Opare-Addo takes charge of Youth and Empowerment. Haruna Iddrisu (MP) oversees Education, Ahmed Ibrahim (MP) handles Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, and Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare (MP) manages Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry.

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah serves as Minister for Defence, with Samuel Nartey George (MP) at the helm of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations. Other key ministers include Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP) for Lands and Natural Resources, Kofi Iddie Adams (MP) for Sports and Recreation, and Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo (MP) for Labour, Jobs, and Employment. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP) handles the Health Ministry, while Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP) is responsible for Environment, Science, and Technology.

Joseph Bukari Nikpe (MP) serves as Transport Minister, and Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP) oversees Interior and National Security. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) leads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Gilbert Kenneth Adjei takes charge of Works, Housing, and Water Resources.

Additional ministerial appointments include Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum (MP) as Minister of State for Special Initiatives, Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP) as Minister for Government Communications, Issifu Seidu (MP) as Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, and Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba as Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms. Regional Ministers—Puozuing Charles Lwanga has been appointed as the Upper West Regional Minister, with Joseph Addae Akwaboa for the Bono Region and Francis Owusu Antwi for the Bono East Region.

Wilbert Petty Brentum leads the Western North Region, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah oversees the Central Region, and Joseph Nelson manages the Western Region. Ali Adolf John has been named Northern Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong serves as the Oti Regional Minister, and James Gunu leads the Volta Region. Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey has been appointed to the Eastern Region, while Ibrahim Tia takes charge of the North East Region.

Dr. Frank Amoakohene serves as the Ashanti Regional Minister, and Donatus Akamugri Atanga is in charge of the Upper East Region. Charity Gardiner serves as the Ahafo Regional Minister, Salisu Bi-Awuribe is responsible for the Savannah Region, and Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (MP) leads the Greater Accra Region. Supporting the work of the substantive ministers are 14 deputy ministers. Dr. Clement Apaak serves as Deputy Minister of Education, Richard Gyan Mensah as Deputy Minister of Energy, and John Dumelo as Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture. Alhassan Suhuyini takes up the role of Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, while Justice Sai serves as Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Yusif Sulemana supports the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and Yusif Isaka Jajah handles Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts as deputy.

Rita Naa Odorley Sowah serves in the Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs portfolio, while Gizella Tetteh is Deputy Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources. Other appointees include Ernest Brogya Genfi as Deputy Minister of Defence, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi as Deputy Minister of Interior, and Thomas Ampem Nyarko as Deputy Minister of Finance.