A leaked ministerial list for John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2024 general election, has surfaced before the crucial December 7 polls.
Dr. Randy Abbey, host of “Good Morning Ghana” on Metro TV, Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, and Kevin Ekow Taylor, host of “With All Due Respect” on Loud Silence TV, have been suggested for the roles of Youth and Sports Minister, Information Minister, and Attorney General and Minister for Justice, respectively.
In a leaked letter addressed to the Secretary of the NDC’s Appointments Committee and signed by Mahama, the proposals are based on optimistic forecasts from credible agencies such as Fitch Solutions, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and Global Info Analytics, predicting a favorable outcome for the NDC.
Additional names on the list include Stan Xoese Dogbe as Chief of Staff; Joyce Bawa Mogtari as Executive Secretary to the President; Kofi Totobi Quakyi as National Security Advisor; Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Rtd) as National Security Coordinator; James Agalga for Defense; and Peter Lanchene Toobu for Interior.
The list, formulated during a campaign meeting attended by Mahama, also features Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the embattled Minority leader, slated for the Ministry of Finance; Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for Foreign Affairs; Peter Boamah Otokunor for Agriculture; John Abdulai Jinapor for Energy; Julius Debrah for Trade and Industry; and Dr. Edward Omane Boamah as the proposed Health Minister.
Other proposed appointees are Dominic Akuritinga Ayine for Education; Kwame Awuah-Darko for Lands and Natural Resources; Samuel Nartey George for Communications; Felix Kwakye Ofosu for Roads and Transport; and Dorcas Affo-Toffey for Gender.
Mahama stated that positions for Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Candidates on the list would be secured upon their victory in the Parliamentary elections.
The NDC plans to officially announce the list on January 8, 2025, a day after Mahama’s anticipated swearing-in as President. The main objective of presenting this list ahead of time, according to the leaked letter, is to ensure the NDC government is ready to start promptly and meet the high expectations of Ghanaians.
Mahama emphasized that the individuals on this list have shown exceptional dedication and service to the party, greatly contributing to its electoral success through their unwavering efforts and loyalty.
The letter directed the Appointments Committee to conduct the necessary background checks and vetting processes to verify the competence and suitability of the proposed individuals for their respective roles.
It is worth noting that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the party’s national chairman, during the presentation of Prof. Opoku Agyemang as running mate on April 24, 2024, advised party members to avoid infighting over positions in the next Mahama administration. He also cautioned against complacency from polls favoring the NDC, warning that internal disputes could dampen supporters’ enthusiasm.
Subsequently, allegations surfaced that Mahama was selling positions within the party, with reports suggesting that, in some cases, the same position had been sold to multiple individuals, favoring those with the most financial influence.
Aawww NPP, when will grow and get out of this stupid childish propaganda. This is not 2016 when you came with weird stories and people believed you. Today the tables have turned, the electorates are more sophisticated and discerning and will not fall for any stupid childish stories. So, stop this ananse stories and be serious. In any case each of those people mentioned in the list is 10 x better than any of the ministers in government today.