Mahama Finalizes Cabinet with Gyakye Quayson, Three Others as Deputy Ministerial Nominees

Jul 10, 2025 - 00:52

Accra, Ghana - 10 July, 2025 - Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has completed his cabinet formation by submitting the final batch of deputy ministerial nominees to Parliament, fulfilling his pledge to streamline government operations with a lean team of 60 ministers and deputies.

The announcement, made on July 9, 2025, includes four Members of Parliament tasked with supporting key sectors such as transport, foreign affairs, health, and digital technology, marking a significant step in Mahama’s second term as president, which began on January 7, 2025, following his victory in the 2024 general election.

The nominees, as outlined in a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, are Dorcas Affo-Toffey for the Ministry of Transport, James Gyakye Quayson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Adam Sukparu for the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, and Grace Ayensu-Danquah for the Ministry of Health.

Their appointments, submitted in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, await vetting and approval by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, as part of the constitutional process to ensure suitability for office. The vetting is expected to take place in the coming weeks, following the precedent set by earlier ministerial approvals, which concluded for 42 ministers by February 27, 2025.

Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), returned to the presidency after defeating New Patriotic Party candidate and former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 2024 election. His campaign emphasized reducing government size, cutting the number of ministries from 29 to 23 through the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025, signed on January 9, 2025.

This restructuring, aimed at enhancing efficiency, included creating new portfolios like the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and merging others, such as Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with Local Government. The final batch of deputy ministers completes Mahama’s commitment to a lean government, a promise that resonated with voters amid economic challenges, including high inflation and public debt.

Dorcas Affo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro, brings entrepreneurial and political experience to the Transport Ministry. A prominent NDC member and mother of Ghanaian musician Fantana, she has advocated for infrastructure development in the Western Region.

James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North, is a seasoned politician whose nomination to Foreign Affairs is expected to strengthen Ghana’s regional diplomacy, particularly within ECOWAS, despite past legal challenges over dual citizenship claims during his 2020 election.

Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West, will support digital innovation efforts, aligning with Mahama’s focus on technology-driven economic growth.

Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan and a medical professional, is poised to address Ghana’s healthcare challenges, including recent mpox cases reported by the Ghana Health Service.

Read the statement from the Presidency below;