-In the unlikely event he wins 2016


Barely six months to the next presidential and parliamentary elections, the 2016 flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has dropped hints of names of persons likely to constitute the cabinet of his government in the unlikely event he succeeds at his third and possibly last attempt at the presidency.

Perhaps, following the footsteps of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the twice defeated presidential candidate has paraded NPP bigwigs most of who played key roles in the Kufuor government or what some have described as his “kitchen cabinet”.

Nana Akufo-Addo dropped the hint last week at the inauguration of “Campaign Sector Committees of the Party”, tasked with the formulation of policies and programs the party will be presenting in the campaign to the Ghanaian electorate ahead of this year’s polls.

The 18 sector committees, comprising a total of some 150 members, are also to articulate the party’s messages in their respective areas; defend the party’s messages and contribute to the making of the party’s manifesto.

Shockingly, the list of the anticipated cabinet minister included only three northerners (that is minus Bawumia) and three women in an era where gender activists are pushing for greater say and inclusion in governance. By virtue of his position as vice president and head of the economic management team in case Akufo Addo wins the elections, Dr. Bawumia will not fall under cabinet minister.

The newly inaugurated campaign sector committees include: Economy; Trade and Industry; Agriculture; Employment; Energy; Roads and Highways. Others are Infrastructure; Natural Resources; Education; Health; Science, Technology, Innovation and Environment; and Local Government. The rest are Foreign Affairs; Governance; Public Accountability; Security; Gender, Disabilities and Children; and Youth and Sports.

Addressing members of the committees, Nana Akufo-Addo noted the committee will help formulate policies that, “God-willing from January 2017, will be implemented by a competent team so that the Ghanaian people will gain relief from the hardships and suffering they are currently facing under the incompetent Mahama government.”
While Vice presidential candidate of the party, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, will head the Economic management committee MP for Old Tafo, Dr Anthony Osei Akoto has been earmark to head the Finance ministry and will be aided by Kwaku Kwarteng, MP for Obuasi West as his deputy.

Three-time failed flag bearer aspirant, Alan Kyerematen, has been penciled to head his former ministry, Trade and Industry while former Minister of Information in the Kufuor administration, Stephen Asamoah Boateng takes charge of the Employment ministry.
Nana Akufo-Addo’s 2012 campaign manager, Boakye Agyarko will take charge of Energy just as MP for Ejisu-Juaben; Kwabena Owusu Aduomi heads the Roads and Highways Ministry.

Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joe Ghartey, and Christine Churcher will head the Communications, Maritime and Railways; and Works & Housing and Natural Resources ministries respectively.

Relatively unknown Dr. Daniel Anleu-Mwine Bagah, a northerner in the party, will head the Education Ministry while MP for Manhyia South, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh becomes the Minister of Health.

Science, Technology, Innovation and Environment Ministry, is expected to have the former head of the National Cardiothoracic Center and Ghana Red Cross Society, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng as substantive Minister.

Former Minister of Women and Children Affairs who doubles as former MP for Nalerigu, Hajia Alima Mahama heads the Local Government Ministry where she once served as a deputy.

Hon. Isaac Osei, one time Ghana High Commissioner to the UK and MP for Subin has been penciled for the Foreign Affairs, and former Attorney General; Ayikoi Otoo will now head newly created Governance Ministry.

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of parliament and MP for Dormaa Central Constituency in the Brong Ahafo region, Kwaku Agyemang Manu will serve on the party's committee on Public Accountability.
Deputy Minority leader and MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul will be the new Interior minister while MP for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu Ekuful will be minister in charge of Gender, Disabilities and Children committee. The MP for Atwima Mponua, Isaac Asiamah will head the Sports ministry.