The remaining list of the ministerial reshuffle is expected to be announced by Thursday.

The Statesman sources at the Castle have, however, denied speculations that the Central Regional Minister will be moved. Isaac Edumadze is likely to be retained. Also the speculation that Owusu ?Sir John ?Afriyie? will be appointed Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister has been denied by our sources.

Also denied is the rumour that K T Hammond will give way to Ankamah as Deputy Energy Minister.

One of the most interesting appointments expected is that of Mustapha Idris as Northern Regional Minister. Though seemingly risky, the appointment of the mild-mannered Dagbani of the Abudu Gate, with some strong links to the Andani Gate, may serve as a big boost to the peace process. His brief, one Castle source told The Statesman, is simply to reach out to all sides and help the region develop.

A former Minister of Works & Housing under President?s Kufuor?s first term and current head of the GETFund, Alhaji Idris will be tasked to fight the chieftancy problems in Dagbon with a radical development plan that government looks to embark on with funds from the Millennium Challenge Account and other sources.

The choice of Tamale as a venue for CAN 2008 was also part of this development strategy. ?We need to build on the wonderful job done by the Eminent Chiefs and the chiefs and people of Dagbon,? a senior security source told this paper.