News Guide Africa

Tag: President John Dramani Mahama

  • Gov’t to maintain military presence in forest reserves to deter illegal miners – Mahama declares

    Gov’t to maintain military presence in forest reserves to deter illegal miners – Mahama declares

    President John Dramani Mahama has declared that his administration will continue deploying and maintaining military detachments in cleared forest reserves to prevent illegal gold miners from returning.

    Speaking during his “Resetting Ghana Tour” of the Upper East Region, President Mahama acknowledged that maintaining an active military presence inside protected zones carries significant operational costs.

    However, he emphasized that sustaining military personnel on-site is necessary to break the persistent cycle of re-entry by galamsey operators after initial security clearance sweeps.

    A Shift in Strategy

    The President highlighted that previous enforcement efforts faced setbacks when reclaimed lands were handed over directly to civilian authorities.

    “NAIMOS is working very hard. We have seized excavators, we have seized Changfang machines, and we have driven illegal miners out of this area, and we are making progress,” President Mahama stated. “Out of the almost 49 forest reserves that were invaded [by illegal miners], we have been able to clear as many of them as possible of illegal miners.”

    He explained the tactical shift required to retain control over the reclaimed reserves: “What we initially did was that we handed the places to the Forestry Commission after clearing them, but the illegal miners don’t fear the forest guards, and so we now put a military detachment after we clear a forest reserve.”

    Budgetary Commitments and Anti-Galamsey Operations

    The enforcement campaign relies heavily on the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the multi-agency unit coordinates intelligence-led operations targeting illegal mining hubs near major water bodies and ecological sanctuaries.

    President Mahama acknowledged that long-term military stationing requires a continuous flow of public funds, but maintained that the expenditure is justified to safeguard Ghana’s forest cover and water systems.

    “That means we will have to spend more money to feed the soldiers and provide logistics for them to continue to stay in the forest, but we will not give up the fight,” the President added.

    Despite persistent environmental degradation across gold-bearing regions, the government maintains that stationed military units working alongside NAIMOS enforcement teams will remain deployed indefinitely to keep illegal miners out of protected forest reserves.

     

  • Education Boost in Upper East: President Mahama Opens Paga SHS E-Block, Vows to Finish Stalled National Infrastructure

    Education Boost in Upper East: President Mahama Opens Paga SHS E-Block, Vows to Finish Stalled National Infrastructure

    PAGA, UPPER EAST REGION — President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated the newly completed Community Day Senior High School (E-Block) in Paga, located in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.

    The commissioning marks the delivery of one of the flagship educational projects initiated during his previous administration and serves as a major milestone in addressing classroom deficits and expanding access to secondary education in the border town.

    Speaking at a colorful ceremony attended by traditional leaders, community members, educationists, and government officials, President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing uncompleted and abandoned developmental projects across the country.

    “The completion of this E-Block in Paga is proof of our belief in continuity in governance and our unwavering dedication to the youth of Ghana,” President Mahama declared during his keynote address. “Educational infrastructure should never be left to deteriorate on the altars of political partisanship. Every pesewa spent on these projects belongs to the Ghanaian taxpayer, and we are determined to complete all stalled projects be it in education, health, or roads to serve the people as intended.”

    The newly inaugurated state-of-the-art facility features modern classrooms, fully equipped science laboratories, a computer library, administrative offices, staff accommodation, and sanitation facilities designed to accommodate hundreds of students from Paga and surrounding communities.

    President Mahama emphasized that expanding educational access remains vital for national development and reducing regional inequities.

    “Our goal is to ensure that no child in Ghana is denied access to quality secondary education simply because of where they were born,” Mahama said. “By bringing modern infrastructure closer to rural and border communities like Paga, we are opening doors of opportunity, easing the burden on parents, and building a stronger foundation for our country’s future.”

    Expressing gratitude on behalf of the local community, the Paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area, Pe Charles Awiah Awampaga II, commended the President for prioritizing the completion of the school, describing it as a game-changer for youth development in the district.

    “For years, our children faced significant challenges traveling long distances to access secondary education, with many dropping out along the way,” the Chief stated. “The inauguration of this E-Block today brings immense relief to parents and gives our young boys and girls a fair chance to achieve their academic dreams right here at home.”

    Education sector representatives at the event also welcomed the commissioning, noting that the new classrooms will help decongest existing Senior High Schools in the region and improve teaching and learning environments.

    President Mahama assured the chiefs and residents that additional complementary facilities, including boarding amenities and expanded road networks leading to the school, would be progressively developed to maximize the impact of the institution.

     

  • Gov’t unlocks Upper East trade corridor with GH¢1bn Bawku investment and infrastructure guarantees

    Gov’t unlocks Upper East trade corridor with GH¢1bn Bawku investment and infrastructure guarantees

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Signaling a strong pivot toward commercial stabilization in the Upper East Region, President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a comprehensive development package designed to de-risk the local economy and stimulate cross-border trade.

    The government’s blueprint centers on a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, backed by guaranteed domestic financing for stalled transport and healthcare infrastructure.

    The newly announced revitalization fund serves as seed capital to revive local enterprises and upgrade municipal infrastructure, presenting a renewed opportunity for private sector engagement.

    “The Bawku Revitalisation Fund will focus on driving economic recovery, promoting peace, and empowering communities,” President Mahama stated during his regional tour. “We are committed to addressing the underlying socio-economic challenges in the area and ensuring that Bawku regains its status as a thriving commercial hub.”

    Supply chain logistics and contractor guarantees

    For logistics and construction investors, the immediate resumption of work on the 118-kilometer Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom highway marks a critical milestone. The route is a vital artery connecting Ghana’s markets to neighboring Burkina Faso and Togo.

    To restore contractor confidence, the government has shifted financing for the highway away from vulnerable external loans, committing direct domestic budgetary resources to ensure uninterrupted progress.

    “Although this project does not fall directly under the Big Push Programme, it is an associated Big Push project, and any certificates raised will be honoured promptly,” President Mahama assured Queiroz Galvão Construction (QGMI). “I assure you that your payments will be made on time so you can complete this project on schedule.”

    Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, confirmed that initial arrears have already been cleared, enabling the rapid remobilization of heavy equipment to the Zuarungu bridge site. “We have moved away from loan dependency and secured direct funding commitments,” Agbodza noted, emphasizing that the contractor will not abandon the site again.

    Healthcare procurement opportunities

    The region’s infrastructure overhaul also extends to the health sector. President Mahama announced the resumption of the stalled Agenda 111 hospital project, alongside plans to construct an entirely new health facility in Bawku. This dual commitment signals upcoming procurement opportunities for medical equipment suppliers, civil sub-contractors, and facility management firms aiming to operate in the growing northern corridor.

     

  • Ghana’s $10bn agri-bet is de-risking the market for global capital

    Ghana’s $10bn agri-bet is de-risking the market for global capital

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Global venture capital firms, private equity managers, and institutional investors are turning their attention to West Africa following President John Dramani Mahama’s unveiling of a US$10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.

    Positioned to de-risk the agriculture and agro-processing sectors, the state-backed master plan offers private sector stakeholders an unprecedented entry point into Ghana’s rapidly modernizing agribusiness ecosystem.

    The capital deployment blueprint commits US$2 billion annually over five years, allocating public resources to critical foundational infrastructure, such as irrigation schemes, cold-chain logistics, and processing zones, specifically designed to yield high risk-adjusted returns for commercial investors.

    Speaking to international business executives and domestic industry leaders at the National Agribusiness Dialogue at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, President Mahama emphasized that the government is laying down capital infrastructure to catalyze commercial co-investment.

    “We will not concentrate on agriculture only, but also focus on agro-processing to process the raw materials into finished products,” President Mahama announced. “These investments will be financially structured to ensure that there will be no additional burden on the public debt.”

     

    Capital-Efficient Model: De-Risking the Supply Chain

    To reassure risk-conscious investors, the Ministry of Finance approved the procurement of over 600 heavy agricultural machines to launch 50 Farmers’ Service Centres in high-yield agricultural corridors. Rather than distributing asset-heavy equipment to individual producers, the government is introducing an asset-light “Equipment-as-a-Service” model.

    “These tractors and equipment will not be sold to farmers as was the practice in the past,” President Mahama highlighted. “Instead, they will be stationed at strategically located farmers’ service centres to provide essential mechanisation support. Farmers will have the opportunity to register with their local centre and request services as needed.”

    By solving the primary operational bottleneck for smallholders, capital expenditure on machinery, the policy creates consistent, reliable outgrower networks for private processors.

    “What farmers need is not to own tractors and combine harvesters. What they need is the service of tractors and combine harvesters,” Mahama noted, emphasizing that the reduction in operational overheads will lead to higher crop yields and stable supply chains required by industrial buyers.

     

    Fiscal Discipline and Transparency Standards

    A key highlight for foreign direct investment (FDI) partners is the fiscal transparency surrounding the project’s capitalization. Primary funding will be derived from structured petroleum revenues and mineral royalties rather than high-yield commercial borrowing.

    In a consultative meeting with the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), President Mahama underscored the administration’s focus on governance and fiscal accountability.

    “Oil revenues earmarked for the ‘Big Push’ infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed,” the President assured the oversight body, pointing to strong oversight mechanisms as a safeguard against capital misallocation.

    For impact investors and venture funds looking at environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, the initiative’s focus on expanding irrigation schemes, storage warehousing, and rural road networks presents bankable infrastructure assets that guarantee long-term value creation.

     

    Market Opportunities for Commercial Agribusiness

    Focusing on human capital development and value addition, Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku underscored the commercial synergy between public infrastructure investment and private enterprise growth.

    “Sustainable agricultural transformation depends on skilled engineers, extension officers, researchers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness professionals,” Minister Opoku declared. “By integrating modern machinery, research, and agro-processing facilities, we are building a foundation that directly links local production to industrial growth.”

    With local processing capabilities ramping up, institutional investors are eyeing export-driven markets across the ECOWAS sub-region. By bridging the gap between farm-gate productivity and factory processing, Ghana’s US$10 billion “Big Push” presents an attractive, de-risked destination for global agribusiness capital.

     

  • More time in class, better results: Mahama pushes single-track SHS to boost WASSCE performance

    More time in class, better results: Mahama pushes single-track SHS to boost WASSCE performance

    President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a strong defense of his educational reform agenda, arguing that dismantling the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHS) is the single most critical key to reversing declining student performance in national examinations.

    Unveiling key aspects of his administration’s policy trajectory during his inaugural tour of the Upper East Region on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the President linked the academic struggles of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates directly to the truncated instructional time caused by the double-track calendar.

    The President argued that the staggered scheduling model introduced under the Free SHS policy has compromised educational standards by keeping students out of the classroom for extended periods, severely disrupting the learning process.

    “We realised that one of the things affecting Free Senior High School was the reduced contact hours between the students and the teachers,” President Mahama observed.

     

    Reclaiming Lost Instructional Hours

    To fix the structural flaw, the President explained that restoring a unified, traditional academic calendar will give educators the uninterrupted class time needed to cover syllabus content thoroughly and prepare candidates adequately for West African Examinations Council (WAEC) assessments.

    “So, we believe that if we end the double-track, it will increase the student-teacher contact hours and we believe that will improve their performance in the WAEC exams,” he emphasized.

     

    Aggressive Infrastructure Drive Toward 2027 Target

    The administration has earmarked the close of 2027 as the definitive cutoff point for the complete eradication of the double-track model across public secondary schools nationwide.

    To meet the deadline without creating logistical bottlenecks or classroom congestion, the government is initiating a targeted infrastructure drive to complete abandoned school projects and construct new facilities, ensuring all Senior High Schools can transition smoothly to a single-track schedule.

     

  • “What treasonable offence has Akatsi South committed?” Assembly Member petitions Mahama over ambulance crisis

    “What treasonable offence has Akatsi South committed?” Assembly Member petitions Mahama over ambulance crisis

    Assembly Member for the Wuxor, Have and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality and NDC Communications Team Member, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama over the prolonged absence of a functional ambulance in Akatsi South, demanding immediate government intervention to save lives in the municipality.

     

    In a strongly worded petition addressed directly to President Mahama, Hon. Gbede said Akatsi South has been without a functional ambulance since 2019, describing the situation as an unacceptable public health emergency that can no longer be allowed to continue.

     

    The Assembly Member’s petition comes against the backdrop of repeated appeals and interventions by stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South and the Municipal Chief Executive, towards securing an ambulance for the municipality.

     

    Despite these efforts, Hon. Gbede said Akatsi South remains without the essential emergency medical resource, while other constituencies across the country continue to receive ambulances.

     

    He therefore posed a pointed question to the government and relevant authorities: “What exactly has Akatsi South done to deserve such prolonged neglect? What treasonable offence has this Municipality committed to justify the continued denial of an essential emergency medical resource?”

     

    He further questioned why residents of Akatsi South should be exposed to the possibility of losing their loved ones simply because the State has failed to provide an ambulance for timely emergency transportation.

     

    “This is not about NDC or NPP”

     

    Hon. Gbede, who is also a member of the NDC Communications Team, stressed that his demand should not be interpreted through a partisan lens, arguing that the provision of emergency healthcare transcends political affiliation.

     

    According to him, it is not only appropriate but necessary for members of the governing party to speak firmly when essential services required by their constituents are lacking.

     

    “The provision of an ambulance must never be reduced to a matter of political affiliation. An ambulance does not belong to the NDC, the NPP or any other political organisation. It belongs to the people and exists to preserve human life,” he stated.

     

    He said the fact that he is a member of the NDC Communications Team does not prevent him from demanding action from an NDC government when the welfare of his constituents is at stake.

     

    Akatsi South’s support for Mahama and NDC

     

    Hon. Gbede further drew attention to the electoral support Akatsi South gave President Mahama and the NDC in the 2024 general election, arguing that the municipality’s overwhelming support should reinforce the urgency with which the President must respond to the situation.

     

    He said Akatsi South has historically demonstrated strong electoral support for the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama, including recording one of the highest percentage votes for the President and the NDC in the constituency’s electoral history.

     

    According to him, that support is not being raised as a political entitlement but as evidence of the strong relationship between the people of Akatsi South and the government they elected.

     

    “The people of Akatsi South have demonstrated their confidence in President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. It is therefore only appropriate that the President personally intervenes to ensure that this long standing challenge is resolved,” he argued.

     

    He stressed that government must not wait for another avoidable tragedy before acting.

     

    “Our people are dying every day”

     

    The Assembly Member warned that the absence of an ambulance has placed residents at unnecessary risk, particularly patients requiring urgent transfer to higher medical institutions.

     

    He noted that emergency cases involving severe trauma, stroke, complications arising from childbirth, respiratory distress, serious injuries and cardiac complications require immediate transportation, warning that delays can have fatal consequences.

     

    “Our people are dying every day,” Hon. Gbede said, insisting that the matter must no longer be treated as an ordinary administrative issue.

     

    He said families are sometimes forced to scramble for taxis, motorbikes, private vehicles and other alternatives during emergencies, when every passing minute can determine whether a patient survives.

     

    According to him, the situation has persisted for nearly seven years despite repeated appeals, making it difficult to justify continued inaction.

     

     

     

    The outspoken communicator has therefore called on President Mahama to personally intervene and direct the immediate provision of a fully functional ambulance to Akatsi South Municipality.

     

    He said the government has a responsibility to ensure equitable access to essential emergency healthcare services across the country and must not allow Akatsi South to remain disadvantaged.

     

    “The people of Akatsi South are citizens of Ghana, and their lives must carry the same value, dignity and urgency as every other Ghanaian life,” he stated.

     

    He added that the patience of the people must not be mistaken for acceptance, stressing that several petitions, appeals and interventions have already been made without resolving the problem.

     

    The petition concluded with a direct message to government: “I respectfully demand action, not another promise.”

    Hon. Gbede’s petition to President Mahama was copied to several key state officials and institutions, including the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, the Council of State, the Minister for Health and the Volta Regional Minister.

  • Julius Debrah’s behind-the-scenes leadership powering the executive machinery

    Julius Debrah’s behind-the-scenes leadership powering the executive machinery

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In the high-stakes arena of national politics, effective governance often relies less on public grandstanding and far more on the silent, deliberate mechanics of executive strategy.

    At the center of this administrative engine stands former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, whose quiet approach to political coordination continues to serve as a cornerstone of President John Dramani Mahama’s operational success.

    From managing key political relationships to aligning policy execution across ministries, Debrah has carved out a reputation as the ultimate stabilizer a strategist who operates out of the spotlight to guarantee that presidential directives move seamlessly from policy design to practical implementation.

    Observers of the administration note that his calm demeanor and focus on structural discipline have provided much-needed cohesion within the executive branch, shielding long-term government priorities from daily political distractions.

    “Julius Debrah’s greatest asset is his ability to project power without noise,” observed a senior political scientist in Accra. “In an political environment often dominated by media theatrics, his focus remains entirely on operational efficiency, political harmony, and delivering on executive promises.”

     

    The Diplomat of the Inner Circle

    Having previously served as Eastern Regional Minister, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, and Chief of Staff, Debrah brings years of hands-on administrative experience to the table.

    Colleagues and party insiders routinely point to his open-door policy and conflict-resolution skills as instrumental in bridging gaps between party grassroots, civil servants, and political appointees.

    “He understands the human side of governance,” noted a senior party strategist. “Debrah listens carefully, resolves friction quietly, and ensures that everyone—from grassroots organizers to sector ministers—remains focused on a singular objective: supporting the President’s vision for the country.”

     

    A Model for Modern Political Strategy

    As the administration navigates complex economic and social reforms, political analysts suggest that the presence of seasoned, low-profile strategists like Debrah is essential for long-term institutional stability.

    Rather than seeking personal accolades, his method centers on building sustainable governance frameworks that enhance state capacity and public trust.

    “True strategic success is measured by output, stability, and public confidence,” a governance fellow added. “Julius Debrah demonstrates that quiet planning and steady coordination are the real drivers behind a successful presidency.”

     

  • Race Against Time: Majority urges Mahama to sign cocoa bill ahead of new season

    Race Against Time: Majority urges Mahama to sign cocoa bill ahead of new season

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Parliament’s Majority Caucus is making a final push to secure presidential approval for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Amendment Bill, urging President John Dramani Mahama to sign the reform into law despite mounting resistance from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The legislative battle centers on a critical economic baseline for Ghana’s agricultural backbone: a legally binding guarantee that COCOBOD must pay cocoa farmers no less than 70% of the world market price obtained by the Board.

    With the new cocoa season fast approaching, the Majority argues that any pause in enacting the law directly harms farmer livelihoods.

    Clashing Visions Over Agriculture Reform

    While the legislation passed under a certificate of urgency, the Minority Caucus has petitioned the President to refuse assent and remit the bill back to the House. Opposition members argue that rushing the law through bypassed essential consultations with key industry actors and broader agricultural stakeholders.

    However, key parliamentary leaders involved in drafting the bill have rejected those concerns as mere political delay tactics.

    In an interview with Citi News, Kwami Dzudzorli Gakpey, Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee and MP for Keta, fired back at the opposition’s claims.

    “Even in other jurisdictions, if you plant a tree and want to cut it, you seek permission or authorisation from the environmental agencies before you uproot or cut the tree. Is that not so? They are just doing cheap propaganda,” Gakpey stated.

     

    A Critical Window for Farmers

    With global cocoa markets fluctuating and harvest preparations underway, the Majority insists that time is of the essence. Supporters argue that the 70% threshold provides a crucial safety net that shields rural communities from global economic turbulence.

    Highlighting the tight deadline facing lawmakers and the executive branch, Mr. Gakpey pressed the President to prioritize the bill’s final sign-off.

    “I will urge the President, as a matter of urgency, to sign the Bill into law, and then we move on because the season is just coming. That is why we took the Bill under a certificate of urgency to satisfy the need,” he noted.

     

    A Waiting Game at the Presidency

    The presidential decision now represents a pivotal juncture for Ghana’s cocoa sector. On one side, the Majority frames the bill as an immediate imperative for economic justice and income stability. On the other, the Minority demands a step back for further consensus-building.

    As both political factions hold their ground, the final decision sits firmly in the hands of President Mahama, whose signature or lack thereof will set the financial rules for the country’s most vital cash crop heading into the new season.

     

  • BIG PUSH: Mahama Pleased with Pace of Works on Navrongo-Tumu-Sandema Roads …Applauds female MD of MyTurn Ltd

    BIG PUSH: Mahama Pleased with Pace of Works on Navrongo-Tumu-Sandema Roads …Applauds female MD of MyTurn Ltd

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    President John Dramani Mahama today conducted an inspection tour of ongoing construction on the vital Navrongo-Tumu and Navrongo-Sandema highways.

    He expressed strong satisfaction with the pace and quality of work under the government’s flagship BIG PUSH infrastructure programme.

    The tour forms part of the administration’s broader push to transform the northern transport corridor, boosting regional trade, cutting travel times, and spurring local economic growth.

    Praises for Female-Led Construction Firm

    A major highlight of the inspection was the President’s warm commendation for contractor MyTurn Ltd, an indigenous firm headed by Managing Director Hannah Brenda Aneweneh-Boateng, one of the country’s prominent female leaders in the civil engineering sector.

    Impressed by the execution on-site, President Mahama praised the firm for setting an exceptional benchmark for local capacity.

    “What we are witnessing here today is proof of what Ghanaian ingenuity can achieve when given the opportunity,” President Mahama remarked while addressing workers and local authorities. “I am particularly proud of Hannah Brenda Aneweneh-Boateng and MyTurn Ltd. To see a female-led company delivering work of this caliber, with such impressive efficiency, is truly inspiring. She is demonstrating that our women are fully capable of executing major civil engineering projects.”

     

    Responding to the President’s applause, Ms. Aneweneh-Boateng reaffirmed her company’s dedication to meeting tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.

    “We are deeply honored by the President’s words and the confidence placed in MyTurn Ltd,” she stated. “Our team is working tirelessly to ensure this corridor is completed on schedule and built to last. We want to prove that local, female-led enterprises can deliver world-class infrastructure for Ghana.”

     

    Exceeding Targets and Ministry Expectations

    Reinforcing the President’s assessment, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, lauded the construction firm for beating its projected project timeline.

    “The ministry is thoroughly impressed with the speed and professionalism on this stretch,” Hon. Agbodza noted. “MyTurn Ltd has already completed approximately 30% of the overall works, effectively placing them ahead of our projected schedule of 28% for this phase. This level of efficiency is exactly what the BIG PUSH programme stands for.”

     

    Transforming the Northern Belt

    Addressing the gathered chiefs and community members, President Mahama assured the people of the Upper East Region that the current roadworks are only the beginning of a broader developmental wave under the project’s next phase.

    He emphasized that establishing seamless transit across the northern territory remains a top priority for his administration.

    “Our commitment to the people of the Upper East Region is total,” the President declared. “We are determined to ensure that traveling from Bawku through Bolgatanga all the way to Wa is as safe, easy, and fast as it should be. To realize that vision, key connecting routes, particularly from Chuchuliga through Tumu to Wa, will receive the dedicated funding attention they deserve in the second phase of the BIG PUSH.”

     

    Local residents and traders welcomed the news, noting that the completed highways will drastically relieve the transport challenges long faced by farmers, commuters, and businesses in the region.

     

     

     

  • Cabinet Reshuffle: Zanetor Rawlings and Mahama Ayariga in, Ahmed Ibrahim and Ken Gilbert reassigned

    Cabinet Reshuffle: Zanetor Rawlings and Mahama Ayariga in, Ahmed Ibrahim and Ken Gilbert reassigned

    President John Dramani Mahama has submitted new ministerial nominations to Parliament for prior approval and announced key ministerial reassignments in a strategic cabinet shake-up.

    According to an official statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026, by the Presidency Communications, the appointments were made in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution through the Speaker of Parliament.

    Among the new nominees submitted to Parliament for approval, Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, MP, has been named for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, while Mahama Ayariga, MP, has been nominated to head the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

    In addition to the new appointments, President Mahama reassigned two serving ministers:

    ● Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei takes over as the Minister for Defense.

    ● Ahmed Ibrahim, MP has been reassigned to lead the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

    The official release was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

    “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 78(1), submitted the names of the following to Parliament, through the Speaker, for prior approval as Ministers of State,” stated Felix Kwakye Ofosu in the official presidential release.

    The communication further highlighted the executive reassignment of current portfolio holders, stating, “The President has also reassigned the following Ministers to the corresponding portfolios,” confirming the strategic re-alignment of key ministries including Defense and Works, Housing and Water Resources.

    The proposed appointments will now go through the Vetting Committee of Parliament for consideration and confirmation prior to full sworn-in duties.