L – R: Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Dr. Peter Otokunor, Isaac Adongo and Nii Lante Vanderpuye
The window for major appointments by President John Dramani Mahama to form his appears to be gradually closing, with only about four spots remaining out of his promised 60 ministerial appointments.
Many Ghanaians, particularly those within political circles, had high expectations for certain key individuals, hoping they would be appointed to major ministerial roles as a reward for their loyalty.
However, the final outcome of the appointments has left many surprised, questioning what might have influenced the decision-making process behind the selection of certain individuals. While these individuals have received appointments, it wasn’t exactly what Ghanaians had hoped to see.
GhanaWeb takes a closer look at individuals who were initially expected to receive major ministerial appointments but ultimately ended up with ‘minor’ roles.
1. Isaac Adongo
The Bolgatanga Central Member of Parliament, a financial consultant, became a vocal critic of the then-governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the election campaign, frequently challenging the government’s economic policies.
Due to his prominent role and expertise, many expected him to be appointed to a significant position, particularly as Minister of Finance, given his deep knowledge in the field.
As one of the leading voices of the NDC on economic issues, he often granted media interviews lambasting the Akufo-Addo government for its alleged mismanagement of the economy. On February 28, 2024, he delivered a public lecture themed “Ghana’s Economic Mess: Victim of Poor Economic Governance?” at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where he exposed what he described as the Akufo-Addo administration’s abysmal handling of the economy.
He also served as a Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament while in opposition.
However, shockwaves rippled through many when Adongo was left out of the deputy ministerial of finance role, following his earlier miss for a substantive ministerial position. Instead, he was appointed to serve on a 12-member board for the Bank of Ghana.
Adongo on the other hand has accepted his new role and is expected to assist with his years of experience in the finance sector.
2. Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye
The former Member of Parliament for Odododiodio was widely tipped by many to be appointed Minister of Sports, given his previous tenure in the role in 2015. However, he was instead appointed as the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
His appointment has also come as a shock to many who had high expectations for him, particularly given his previous experience.
3. Joyce Bawah Mogtari
As a loyal aide to President Mahama, many hoped that her hard work and years of service might earn her a bigger role, possibly a ministerial or deputy ministerial position.
The legal luminary earned a role in the government as a Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama. With her expertise and accomplishments spanning various sectors, she is expected to bring fresh ideas to national issues, helping the president govern effectively.
4. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor
The former deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress was appointed by the president as Director at the Presidency in charge of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
His appointment has come as a shock to many, particularly experts who believe he would have been better suited for the role of Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.
One such person is governance expert Professor Enoch Antwi, who opined that Otokunor’s expertise and his involvement within the party should have been rewarded with the role.
“I thought Otokunor, who has been involved in party structures, would have taken the position, but instead it went to John Dumelo, which has raised some questions,” he said in a TV3 interview on February 14, 2025.
MAG/EK
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