John Mahama’s appointment of John Dumelo will attract youth into agriculture – Martin Kpebu

Renowned private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed strong support for President John Dramani Mahama‘s nomination of actor and politician John Dumelo as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, stating that his appointment will inspire Ghanaian youth to pursue careers in agriculture.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show on Thursday, February 6, 2025, Mr. Kpebu noted that while Dumelo’s appointment may have come as a surprise to some, it has significant potential to influence young people positively.

“I was very surprised at the nomination of John Dumelo—I don’t mean it negatively. The Ministry of Agriculture has a lot of technocrats who will support him. I like it because Dumelo, being a very young person, his presence will motivate a lot of young people into agriculture,” he stated.

Mr. Kpebu emphasized that agriculture should be a major focus for national development but lamented that little has been done in the past. He highlighted that, unlike President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Mahama has consistently demonstrated his commitment to farming by spending his birthdays on his farm.

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“For eight years, you never see Akufo-Addo or Dr. Bawumia on a farm. John Mahama always spent his birthday on his farm,” he added.

Mahama submits deputy ministerial nominees to Parliament

President John Dramani Mahama officially submitted 13 names to Parliament on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for approval as Deputy Ministers in his government. The nominations were presented through the Speaker in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the Constitution.

The nominees and their respective ministries are:

1. Ministry of Finance – Thomas Nyarko Ampem
2. Ministry of the Interior – Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi
3. Ministry of Defence – Ernest Brogya Gyenfi
4. Ministry of Education – Clement Abas Apaak
5. Ministry of Energy & Green Transition – Richard Gyan-Mensah
6. Ministry of Roads & Highways – Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini
7. Ministry of Justice & Attorney General – Justice Srem-Sai
8. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – Yusif Sulemana
9. Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs – Rita Naa Odoley Sowah
10. Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources – Gizella Tettey-Agbotui
11. Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts – Yussif Issaka Jajah
12. Ministry of Food and Agriculture – John Kofi Setor Dumelo
13. Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry – Samson Ahi

Additionally, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba has been nominated as Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms.

These nominations are now awaiting parliamentary approval before the nominees officially assume their roles.