Valentine’s Day Reshuffle: Lydia Alhassan takes over Sanitation Ministry

The Member of Parliament representing the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has been appointed as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources in the latest government reshuffle under the Akufo-Addo administration.

Pending vetting and approval by Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan is set to take over from Freda Prempeh in this ministerial role.

The decision is part of broader changes made by President Akufo-Addo, where ministers who lost their parliamentary seats or did not contest in their constituencies have been replaced, primarily by Members of Parliament.

Freda Prempeh assumed the position from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose resignation letter dated Saturday, 22nd July 2023, was accepted by the President on the same day.

However, President Akufo-Addo’s latest cabinet reshuffle is seen as a response to calls for a significant shake-up in his ministerial team.

Reported Key Appointments in the Reshuffle:

Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover – New Greater Accra Regional Minister:
Titus-Glover replaces Henry Quartey, bringing extensive experience to bolster regional development efforts in the capital.
Dr. Mohammed Adam Amin Anta – Minister of Finance Designate:
Dr. Adam Amin Anta, MP for Karaga, and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, takes over from Ken Ofori-Atta. His technocratic background signals the government’s commitment to economic stability amid ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussions.
Lydia Alhassan – New Sanitation and Water Resources Minister:
Lydia Alhassan, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, replaces Freda Prempeh. This move follows Frema Prempeh’s loss in the parliamentary primary to Dr. Gideon Buoko.
Andrew Agyepa Mercer – Minister of Tourism:
Mercer, currently the Deputy Minister of Energy and MP for Sekondi, is appointed as the Minister of Tourism. This strategic move aims to boost the tourism sector and attract more visitors to the country.
Henry Quartey – Interior Minister Designate:
Henry Quartey, a respected figure in the government, is appointed as the Interior Minister Designate. His previous role as deputy at the same ministry adds to his suitability for maintaining internal security and safeguarding the nation’s borders.
Ophelia Hayford Mensah – Minister for Environment Science, Technology, and Innovation:
Ophelia Hayford Mensah, MP for Mfantesman, replaces Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, bringing her expertise and passion for environmental conservation to address climate change and implement green initiatives.
Other Appointments:
Ms. Fatimatu Abubakar becomes the substantive Information Minister.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah moves to Works and Housing.
Francis Asenso Boakye takes over from Kwasi Amoako-Attah as Roads and Highways Minister.
Deputy Ministers:
Abdul-Aziz Musah Ayaba (Deputy Minister).
Prince Hamid Armah (Deputy Minister).
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Deputy Minister).
Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, among others.