Affo-Toffey, Gyakye Quayson, two others sworn in as deputy ministers

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in four Deputy Ministers to strengthen his administration’s delivery of key policy initiatives across various sectors.

The ceremony followed the Parliamentary approval of their nominations, after vetting on Friday, July 18.

The new Deputy Ministers include:

Dorcas Affo-Toffey (MP for Jomoro), Deputy Minister for Transport

James Gyakye Quayson (MP for Assin North), now serving as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mohammed Adam Sukparu (MP for Sissala West), Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation

Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah (MP for Essikado-Ketan), sworn in as Deputy Minister for Health

Addressing the appointees, President Mahama urged them to approach their duties with integrity, dedication, and a focus on results.

He emphasised the need for strong collaboration between ministers and their deputies in advancing the administration’s development goals.

The new Deputy Ministers are expected to assist in policy formulation and implementation while supporting the delivery of public services across their respective sectors.

Their appointments come at a time when the government is advancing its agenda on infrastructure expansion, digital innovation, healthcare reforms, and enhanced foreign relations.

In a separate statement during the event, President Mahama condemned the recent assault on JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony by armed military personnel during a demolition operation at Spintex on Wednesday, July 30.

He expressed strong disapproval of the incident and reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for press freedom.

“Allow me to condemn in the strongest terms the assault in the recent incident involving the manhandling of some journalists by our security personnel. Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he said.

“I have instructed that the incident be investigated and the officers involved be sanctioned accordingly. As a card-bearing member of the GJA, I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duties.”
President Mahama further indicated plans to engage security service heads and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to enhance understanding and cooperation between the media and security agencies.

These newly sworn-in deputy ministers form the final batch of appointments announced earlier on July 10 by Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. Their swearing in completes the President’s streamlined 60-member ministerial team, in line with his commitment to building a lean and effective government.