The Appointments Committee of Parliament is gearing up to vet three ministerial nominees put forward by President John Dramani Mahama. The nominees in question are Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who is slated to become the Minister of Finance, John Abdulai Jinapor, who is set to take on the role of Minister of Energy, and Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, who has been nominated for the position of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
According to a statement released by the Director of Media Affairs of Parliament, the public hearing is scheduled to kick off on Monday, 13th January 2025, at 9:00 am. The Appointments Committee, which was established during a meeting held by the Committee of Selection on Wednesday, 8th January, operates in accordance with Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and Orders 204 and 205 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Heading the Appointments Committee is 1st Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, with Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah serving as Vice Chairperson, Alexander K. Afenyo-Markin as Ranking Member, and Patricia Appiagyei as Deputy Ranking Member. Other members of the committee include Kwame Governs Agbodza, Mahama Ayariga, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Shaibu Mahama, Alhassan Umar, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and Patrick Yaw Boamah.
Let’s take a closer look at the profiles of the ministerial nominees:
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is an economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner with a wealth of experience in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, tax policy, and business management. With a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, as well as Master of Science degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology respectively, Dr Forson is a seasoned professional in his field.
John Abdulai Jinapor boasts impressive qualifications, holding a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management, an MBA in Marketing, a Master of Science in Development Finance from the University of Ghana, and a Master of Science degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA. Additionally, he has a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine is a senior lawyer with over thirty years of experience in practice. He has previously held the position of Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice and is the founding partner of Ayini & Partners Law Offices. With a PhD in law from Stanford University, a Master of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana, Dr Ayine brings a wealth of legal expertise to the table. He has also been a lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School for many years.
The upcoming vetting process promises to be a crucial step in the appointment of these ministerial nominees, as they seek to demonstrate their qualifications and readiness to take on their respective roles in the government. Stay tuned for updates on the outcome of the vetting process and the subsequent appointments of these nominees.
