Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour
The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has alleged growing disappointment among religious leaders in Ghana with the John Dramani Mahama administration.
According to the MP, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Education, this discontent arises from President Mahama’s decision not to nominate a clergy member as a representative to the newly constituted Council of State.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen program, Reverend Ntim Fordjour described the President’s decision as a departure from the precedent set by his predecessors, including Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Senior members of the clergy who were instrumental in President Mahama’s election are deeply pained. Some might say it’s early in his term and too soon to judge him on promises made to the clergy; however, they are genuinely disappointed. During President Mills’ era, he nominated a Christian leader from the Christian Council, Reverend Dr Nii Amo Darko, to serve on the Council of State. Similarly, President Akufo-Addo nominated Reverend Justice Akrofi during his tenure. With all the support the clergy provided—holding meetings and interceding on his behalf—this was a promise Mahama made to them. It’s not as if the clergy are actively pushing for it, but they had hoped he would honor his word by nominating at least one representative from the Christian Council to the Council of State, giving them a voice on the highest constitutional body tasked with advising the President on critical national matters,” he stated.
Ghana’s Council of State, established under Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution, serves as a constitutional advisory body to counsel the President on national issues. On February 18, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama swore in the 31 members of the 9th Council of State. The Council comprises 16 elected representatives from Ghana’s 16 regions, four ex-officio members, and 11 representatives nominated by the President.
Some members of the clergy who have previously served on the Council of State include Rev Prof Asante Antwi, who was nominated by President Kufuor, Rev Dr Nii Amo Darko, who was nominated by President Mills, and Bishop Justice Akrofi, who was nominated by President Akufo-Addo.
The Christian Council of Ghana and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference recently criticized the Mahama government for excluding them from the National Education Forum held in Ho.
The President subsequently acknowledged this as an oversight, apologized to the religious leaders, and assured them of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity in national discussions on education.
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