Parliament has approved the nomination of seven new ministers, paving the way for their swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama.
Among those approved on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, are Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources; Tia Ibrahim, Minister-designate for the North East Region; Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister-designate; and Akamugri Atanga Donatus, Upper East Regional Minister-designate.
The four were vetted on Monday, January 27, and approved after the 7th report of the Appointments Committee was debated in Parliament.
Earlier, the House had also approved the appointments of Emmanuel Kwadwo-Agyekum as Minister of State Designate, Special Initiatives; Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo as Minister-designate for Greater Accra Region; and Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as Minister-designate for Works, Housing, and Water Resources.
All three nominees were vetted on Tuesday, January 28, and their approval followed the debate on the 8th report of the Appointments Committee.
This latest approval brings the total number of ministers cleared by Parliament on Wednesday to seven, adding to the 17 ministers already sworn in by President Mahama. In total, 24 out of the 42 nominees have now received parliamentary approval.
Minority raises concerns over Lands Minister nominee
Despite the wave of approvals, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah’s appointment as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has yet to be finalised.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns over remarks made by the nominee in the past about former President Nana Akufo-Addo, prompting further discussions before a final decision is made.
More vettings scheduled for January 30
Meanwhile, vetting continues as Communications Minister-designate, Sam Nartey George, and Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, are set to appear before the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Parliament is expected to approve more ministerial nominees in the coming days as President Mahama works to complete the formation of his government.