In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the constituency’s Organizer, Mark Apetor, insisted that they have qualified individuals ready to serve.

“We have the men and are ready for the appointments. Off the top of my head, I can mention about 60 people,” he said.

According to him, they initially hoped for ministerial or deputy ministerial positions, but since most of those have been filled, they are now seeking Chief Executive Officer (CEO) roles in state institutions.

“The youth want appointments that will drive job creation in the constituency, not just positions for our MP. There are other appointments we can also benefit from—CEOs, directors of companies—so the people can have someone to turn to for support. We are ready for as many appointments as they want to give us,” he stated.

Apetor revealed that about 20 names have already been submitted to the appointing authority, and they expect their CVs to be assessed for available positions.

“We have Free Zones, BOST, TOR, GPHA, and other state institutions within the Ashaiman enclave, so any position they assign to us, we are ready to work,” he added.

His comments follow a protest by some NDC supporters on Thursday over what they describe as an appointment snub.

The disgruntled supporters say they feel marginalized despite their unwavering support for the party since 1992.

Apetor confirmed that the irate youth had initially planned a massive demonstration against President Mahama, including blocking traffic on the Accra-Tema Motorway.

However, constituency leaders intervened to calm tensions before the situation escalated, although the office of the constituency chairman was vandalized.

He expressed optimism that Mahama would heed their calls and act on his promises ahead of the 2024 elections.

ALSO READ:

• Irate NDC youth in Ashaiman vandalise chairman’s office over appointment discontent

• Effutu NDC supporters apologise after protest over appointment snub

The Acting Presidential Spokesperson explained that, in line with fulfilling this promise, not every ministry will have deputies.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Ofosu noted that some ministries will require two deputies, while others will not have any.

“There are places where they won’t get deputies, but a place like the Finance Ministry, it is huge and definitely will need help. So, if there are two, it won’t be a problem. But for some ministries, there are structures in place to augment efforts,” he explained.

Following his inauguration on January 7, 2025, President Mahama has so far nominated 42 ministers, including seven women and 24 members of Parliament (MPs), but has yet to nominate any deputies.

However, these appointments have been met with mixed reactions, with protests from some National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth, particularly in Bole-Bamboi and Ho Central, over the lack of nominees from those areas.

Earlier, President Mahama announced the reduction of ministries in his government from 30 to 23.

ALSO READ:

• Mahama on track to fulfil promise to appoint 60 ministers – Shamima Muslim

• Mahama’s commitment to 60 ministers shows he’s a promise keeper – Kwame Agbodza

ALSO READ:

• Ashanti Regional NDC commends Mahama for Ministerial appointments

• Volta Region to receive fair share of appointments in Mahama’s gov’t – NDC Chairman

• NDC supporters set Ho party office items ablaze over appointment snub

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Tuesday, January 21, he made it clear that any appointment decision rests solely with the President.

“Indeed, the point is for John Mahama to determine whether he wants to appoint somebody from the PNC, the NPP, or any other place. Failing to do that, it is his burden to carry.”

According to Mr Mornah, the PNC remains a resolute political party with a clear focus on its role in national development.

He stated that their duty is to critique and support government policies when necessary, regardless of whether they are included in the administration.

“The PNC remains a resolute political party. We have a duty to critique and to support government policies and programs where the need is, and so we will continue to play our role,” he stated.

Reflecting on past administrations, Mr Mornah pointed out that PNC members had previously served in various governments, including under President John Kufuor, President John Atta Mills, and even during Mahama’s first term.

However, he stressed that the decision to appoint PNC members this time around is entirely up to Mahama and his party.

“It is not the first time a PNC member has been in government. Under President John Kufuor, PNC members served in his government; under President John Atta Mills, PNC members served; in fact, in the first term of President John Mahama, PNC members served in his government,” he noted.

Despite the PNC’s active support in ensuring the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured victory in the 2024 elections, Mornah maintained that the PNC never sought appointments as a condition for their support.

“Obviously, the PNC took a solid decision to back the NDC to ensure that we were able to get change. But that is not to say that the NDC is under compulsion to appoint us,” he clarified.

Mr Mornah remained optimistic about the PNC’s future, stating that whether or not the party’s members are included in government, they have their strategy and plans for national development.

“If you appoint us, it is good; but if you don’t appoint us, probably, it’s even better,” he concluded, indicating that the PNC’s focus goes beyond ministerial appointments.

ALSO READ:

• Mahama appoints Dr Randy Abbey as Acting COCOBOD CEO

• Parliament approves Mahama’s three ministers