Ato Forson appointment rumors refuted by Mahama's office
The office of President-elect John Dramani Mahama has refuted claims circulating on social media regarding appointments in his incoming government, including one that names Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as the prospective Finance Minister.
In a statement issued by Mahama's Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the list was described as "false and unauthorized." The statement emphasised that no official announcements regarding ministerial appointments have been made, urging the public to rely only on credible information from Mahama's office. It further clarified that while a 10-member Transition Team has been named to oversee the transfer of power, no appointments beyond this team have been announced.
Last Sunday, reports widely circulated in the media speculated that Dr. Forson had been selected as Finance Minister in the incoming administration.
However, Mahama’s office dismissed the claims, stressing that only statements issued by the President-elect’s team should be trusted.
Meanwhile, sections of the public have raised concerns about Dr Forson’s suitability for a ministerial position, particularly one as sensitive as the Finance Ministry. These concerns stem from his alleged involvement in the €2.37 million ambulance procurement case.
Although Dr Forson was acquitted and discharged by the courts, some critics argue that the case has tarnished his reputation.
Kojo Ansah, a financial analyst, stated that appointing Dr. Forson to the Finance Ministry could deter potential investors.
He suggested that Dr Forson should avoid public office for now, given the controversy surrounding his name.
"What the country needs now are Ministers whose competence is matched by unquestionable integrity," he stressed.
Citing a precedent, Mr Ansah referred to the Mabey and Johnson bribery case in 2009, which led to the resignation of two ministers in the late John Atta Mills' government.
Dr Sipa Yankey, then Minister for Health, and Alhaji Seidu Amadu, Minister of State at the Presidency, stepped down after being implicated in allegations of accepting bribes in the 1990s for the award of road contracts.
Concerns about Dr Forson’s past also extend to his role as a director of Forson Contracts (UK) Limited, a company declared bankrupt in 2010.
UK-based businessman Razak Mumuni highlighted the firm’s dissolution following a petition by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in the High Court of Justice Chancery Division Companies Court.
He questioned Dr Forson’s management skills, saying, “The UK’s business climate offers access to financing, transparency, and regulatory support. If Dr. Forson was unable to keep his company afloat there, how can he be entrusted with managing Ghana’s challenging economic situation?”
According to Mr Mumuni, the bankruptcy and eventual dissolution of Forson Contracts (UK) Limited revealed that the company was insolvent, unable to meet its financial obligations. This, he argued, raises doubts about Dr Forson’s ability to manage Ghana’s economic affairs effectively.
With these concerns circulating, stakeholders and analysts continue to call for government appointments that inspire confidence and uphold the highest standards of competence and integrity.