President John Dramani Mahama has formally requested Parliament’s approval for the appointment of 10 regional ministers.
A communication from the presidency has been sent to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, seeking the vetting and confirmation of the nominees.
This marks a significant step in the President’s efforts to strengthen governance and ensure effective administration across the regions.
The Regional Ministers include:
Northern – Ali Adolf John
Oti – John Kwadwo Gyapong
Volta – James Gunu
Eastern – Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
North-East – Ibrahim Tia
Ashanti – Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Upper East – Akamugri Donatus Atanga
Ahafo – Charity Gardiner
Savannah – Salisu Bi-Awuribe
Greater Accra – Linda Ocloo, MP
The six outstanding regions are Bono, Bono East and Central. The rest are Western, Western North and Upper West.
Profiles of the 10 nominated regional ministers:
Dr. Frank Amoakohene is a medical professional and youth leader with expertise in healthcare, governance and public service. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ghana, a Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science degree from the University of Development Studies and an MBA from the Accra Business School. He is currently the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC.
Mr. James Gunu is a veteran media practitioner. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, a Master of Arts in Development Communication, and a Master of Arts in Local Government Administration and Organisation. Mr Gunu is the former MCE for Akatsi.
Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey is a distinguished leader with a wealth of experience in governance, education, and community development. She holds an MPhil in Leadership from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. And has an impressive track record as a local governance practitioner, having served as a Presiding Member of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and Deputy Eastern Regional Women Organiser of the NDC. She is also a seasoned educator and advocate for women’s empowerment, with a commitment to advancing local development and inclusive governance. She is currently pursing a PhD in Migration at the University of Ghana.
Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong is a Business Executive and former Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency. He serves currently as the NDC Regional Chairman for the Oti Region. He Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Cape Coast.
Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga holds a Masters in Human Rights and a Bachelor of Education Degree in Social Studies and Mathematics from the University of Education Winneba. He has previously served as a Coordinator of the National School Feeding Programme and Presiding Member of the Bongo District Assembly.
Mr. Ali Adolf John is an education professional, having served as a Tutor, Circuit Supervisor and Desk Officer within the Ghana Education Service structure. He holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Technology degrees from the University of Education, Winneba. He is currently the Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC.
Madam Charity Gardiner is a businesswoman and Human Resource Professional with close to a decade of experience. She has strong credentials in non-profit, humanitarian work, with a specific interest in girl child education and empowerment. She holds a Masters and Bachelors degrees in Human Resource Management.
Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe is a Law Lecturer, Lawyer, Valuation Professional and Development Expert. He has previously served as District Chief Executive of the Central Gonja District.
He holds a Professional Qualifying Certificate in Law from the Ghana School of Law, a Masters in Law degree from the University of Ghana and Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Science in Land Economy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Hon. Linda Ocloo is the Member of Parliament for the Shai-Osudoku constituency. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration (Banking and Finance option) from the University of Ghana.
Mr. Ibrahim Tia is a public health finance and local government professional with expertise in systems management, public relations, and health financing. He has extensive experience, including his work with the National Health Insurance Scheme, where he rose from the position of District Manager to Deputy Regional Manager for the Northern Regional Office of the NHIA. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Communication Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, and a Mini MBA in Project Management.
Mr. Ibrahim Tia has served as the Regional Secretary of the NDC in the North East Region since 2019.
Major security appointments coming
The President is also expected to announce key security appointments by the end of the week as part of efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
This development follows the recent nomination of ministers-designate for Finance, Energy and Green Transition, and the Office of the Attorney General and Justice.
Speaking at the Bawku Naba Palace during an address to the chiefs and people of the Kusaug Traditional Area, President Mahama emphasized that the security appointments are a crucial first step in his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to the conflict-ridden region.
“And so within this week, we’ll do the appointments of the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Interior, the National Security co-ordinator, the national security advisor, the BNI director; and when these appointments are made I am going to charge them to make Bawku one of their major priorities.”
