Ghana's president announces first batch of 13 ministers

ACCRA - Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday announced his first batch of 13 nominees for ministerial positions for consideration by parliament.

The president, who was sworn in at a ceremony last Saturday, made the announcement at a news conference at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

The list includes both experienced and seasoned loyalists of the governing New Patriotic Party and relatively newcomers.

Former Finance Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, who is heading the incoming government's transition team, has been nominated Senior Minister-designate to supervise all ministers.

All the nominees are subject to parliamentary approval after vetting by the Appointments Committee.

President Akufo-Addo appealed to the parliament of Ghana to expedite the process on the approval of the nominees "so that we can get a government in place" to tackle the myriad problems facing the country and work to bring relief to Ghanaians.