Ghanaian President John Mahama has sparked fresh debates on governance effectiveness, political loyalty, and administrative experience with his latest cabinet appointments. As he embarks on his second tenure, Mahama appears to be balancing experienced political figures with youthful professionals, signaling an attempt at reform while maintaining continuity.
A Blend of Experience and Fresh Faces
Mahama’s new 19-member cabinet includes seasoned politicians from his 2012-2017 administration, such as Cassiel Ato Forson (Finance), Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka (Interior), and Edward Kofi Omane Boamah (Defence). However, he has also introduced younger figures, including Samuel Nartey George (Communications and Digital Technology) and Joseph Bukari Nikpe (Transport), to inject fresh energy into governance.
According to Jervin Naidoo, a political analyst with Oxford Economics Africa, the mix of old and new is a strategic move. “By introducing fresh talent, he [Mahama] hopes to rekindle public interest in governance,” Naidoo said. He praised the appointment of technocrats to key ministries such as Energy, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Finance, and Roads, noting that their expertise could enhance policy implementation.
Continuity or Stagnation?
The seven most critical ministries — Finance, Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Energy, and Trade — are led by officials with prior experience in either Mahama’s first administration or past National Democratic Congress (NDC) governments. Notably, many of these ministers previously served as deputies under Mahama, bringing institutional knowledge but also raising concerns about entrenched political networks.
Full List of Mahama’s Cabinet
- Minister of Finance: Cassiel Ato Baah Forson
- Minister of Interior: Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak
- Minister of Health: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
- Minister of Defence: Edward Omane Boamah
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
- Minister of Justice: Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
- Minister of Energy and Green Transition: John Abdulai Jinapor
- Minister of Education: Haruna Iddrisu
- Minister of Trade: Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare
- Minister of Land and Natural Resources: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
What Lies Ahead?
Mahama’s administration has made gender inclusivity a priority, with more women appointed as CEOs of state-owned enterprises than in previous administrations. However, questions remain about whether his leadership will bring about meaningful reforms or repeat past governance shortcomings.
With the nation closely watching, Mahama’s ability to balance innovation with stability will determine whether his second term delivers lasting progress or merely echoes past administrations.