Ghana’s president-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is reportedly considering Cassiel Ato Forson for the critical role of finance minister in his incoming administration.
Sources close to the matter reveal that Forson, an experienced accountant and parliamentarian, is being tipped for the position as Mahama prepares to announce his cabinet after his January 7 inauguration.
Cassiel Ato Forson, a seasoned politician and financial expert, is no stranger to the corridors of Ghana’s finance ministry. He served as deputy finance minister under Mahama’s previous administration and has since been an active member of parliament’s finance committee.
Forson’s credentials are impressive. He holds a doctorate in finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a degree in taxation from the University of Oxford.
Forson’s potential appointment comes at a time when Ghana is navigating a delicate economic recovery. Inflation has remained above 20% for more than two years, and the country’s debt burden has been a major source of concern. President-elect Mahama has made bold promises to tackle these challenges, pledging to reduce Ghana’s crushing debt and curb runaway inflation.
Reporter: If appointed, Forson will face the daunting task of stabilising Ghana’s finances. Experts say he will need to implement stringent measures to cut government spending while finding innovative ways to boost revenue. The backdrop to these challenges is Ghana’s recent $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, secured in 2022 after the country struggled to meet debt obligations consuming more than half of government revenues.
Beyond his academic and professional qualifications, Forson has been an advocate for fiscal transparency and accountability. Over the past eight years, he has scrutinised state budgets and called for reforms in public spending. On December 10, Forson was named to Mahama’s transition team, a move seen as a signal of his growing influence in shaping the incoming administration’s economic agenda.
While there has been no official confirmation from Mahama’s team, political analysts believe Forson’s blend of experience and expertise makes him a strong candidate for the finance minister role. For now, all eyes are on January 7, when the president-elect is expected to unveil his cabinet and outline his plans to steer Ghana towards economic stability.
As the country waits for the official announcement, the potential appointment of Cassiel Ato Forson has already sparked discussions about the direction of Ghana’s financial policies under Mahama’s leadership. We will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as they unfold.