GHANA’S new president, John Dramani Mahama, has appointed Cassiel Ato Forson as finance minister in a bold move to stabilise the economy and create jobs. Mahama, who returned to power after winning the December election, is forming a government he hopes will quickly address public frustrations.
On Thursday, the presidency announced additional cabinet appointments, including John Abdulai Jinapor as energy minister and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as attorney general and justice minister. These appointments come at a critical time, as the new administration inherits an economy emerging from its worst crisis in decades.
Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, has promised swift action. On the campaign trail, he vowed to name all cabinet members within 14 days of taking office and pledged to keep the team lean and efficient.
Cassiel Ato Forson, a 46-year-old chartered accountant and MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, brings significant experience to the finance ministry. Having served as deputy finance minister during Mahama’s first term, Forson led the opposition’s economic team in Parliament after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost power in 2016. His academic credentials include a PhD in finance from Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master’s degree in taxation from the University of Oxford.
The appointments signal Mahama’s focus on economic recovery and tackling corruption. With the NDC holding a two-thirds parliamentary majority, his cabinet nominees are expected to secure swift approval.
Ghanaians are eager to see results, with expectations high for a government that can turn the tide on economic challenges and create opportunities for its people. As Mahama’s administration takes shape, the nation watches closely for action to match his promises.
