In what can be described as first part of his ‘election’ ministerial reshuffle, President John Dramani Mahama has announced a list involving 13 persons.
Mr. Prosper Douglas Bani – Minister of Interior
Mr. Kenneth Wujangi – Deputy Chief of Staff
Mr. Nii Lante Vanderpuye – Minister of Youth and Sports
Alhaji muniru Limuna – Minister for Agriculture
Mr. Fiifi Kwetey – Minister of Transport
Mr. Ricketts Hagan – Minister for Central Region
Mr. Alex Ackon – Minister for Ashanti Region
Ms. Ama Frimpong – Minister for Eastern Region
Mr. Albert Abongo – Minister for Upper East Region
Abdullah Abubakari – Minister for Northern Region
Mr. Mark Woyongo – Minister of State
Mr. Osei Okrah – Deputy Minister for Ashanti Region
Mr. Baba Kugaban Lem – Deputy Minister for Upper East Region
An analysis of the reshuffle indicates some of them, as incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) have been given full ministerial status to help in their campaigns. Nii Lante as MP for Odododiodoo moves from being a deputy at the Ministry of Local Government to head the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Mr. Hagan, the deputy Minister for Trade, is the MP for Cape Coast South. He has been made the Minister for Central Region.
The deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Ms Frimpong, has been elevated to head the region. This will no doubt improve her performance in the constituency she would be contesting in this year’s parliamentary elections.
Odododiodoo is one of the most unpredictable swing constituencies in Ghana’s electoral history. Its MP is Nii Lante and his promotion to being a full Minister will help him in his campaign to retain the seat.
The appointment of Mr. Wujangi is no coincidence. A well-known and respected Kokomba, his appointment will appease members of his group, who may appear to have been marginalized.
The former Chief of staff, Mr. Bani, bring to the Interior Ministry more than two decades of experience of working in various countries for the United Nations (U.N.).
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