President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new set of ministerial nominees following the first list that had three nominees – Finance and Energy Ministers-designate and Attorney General and Minister for Justice.
Haruna Iddrisu, a former Minority Leader in Parliament and seasoned politician has been designated to lead the Education Ministry.
If approved after his appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the Tamale South Member of Parliament will lead a ministry that has the biggest chunk of Ghana’s budgetary allocations year-in, year-out.
He would also be tasked with overseeing the review of the Free Senior High School policy introduced by the erstwhile government. The policy was central in the 2024 election campaigns.
Whiles the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) vowed to review and improve the policy, the then governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) said NDC was going to scrap the policy.
This is not the first time Haruna will be leading a ministry, he has previously served as Minister for Communications, Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Employment and Labour Relations.
Other nominees:
Governs Kwame Agbodza has been nominated to head the Roads and Highways Ministry, a sector critical to infrastructure development and national connectivity.
In the agriculture sector, Eric Opoku has been tapped as the Minister for Food and Agriculture-designate. Known for his extensive experience in rural development, Opoku is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at boosting food security and supporting farmers.
For the newly created Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment, NDC Youth Organiser Opare Addo has been nominated as its inaugural head. The ministry aims to prioritize youth-focused policies and programs to address unemployment and foster innovation among Ghana’s young population.
Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare has been nominated to head the Ministry for Trade and Agribusiness. Her role will involve strengthening Ghana’s trade relations and promoting agribusiness as a key driver of economic growth.
Ahmed Ibrahim has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs while Emelia Arthur has been nominated to head the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture.