President Akufo-Addo has appointed the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, to take on oversight responsibilities for the Energy Ministry.
This move follows the resignation of the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, who is now the running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The appointment comes after several names were considered for the running mate position, ultimately leading to Dr. Bawumia selecting the Manhyia South Legislator. Dr. Opoku-Prempeh, previously the Minister for Education before transitioning to the Energy Ministry, was officially introduced as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate during a durbar in Kumasi on July 9, 2024.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr. Eugene Arhin, on July 11, 2024, it was confirmed that President Akufo-Addo has accepted Dr. Opoku-Prempeh’s resignation effective July 18, 2024. The President has directed Samuel A. Jinapor to oversee the Energy Ministry while Herbert Krapa, the Minister of State designate for the Ministry of Energy, will handle the day-to-day administration.
This new responsibility adds to Jinapor’s substantive role as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. It marks the third time President Akufo-Addo has entrusted Jinapor with additional ministerial duties. Previously, following the resignation of Trade and Industry Minister John Allan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Jinapor served as the caretaker minister for three months until K.T. Hammond was appointed in April 2023. Additionally, in February 2024, Jinapor was designated as the caretaker Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) pending the approval of Ophelia Mensah Hayford.
Jinapor’s short tenure at the Ministry of Trade and Industry was marked by significant policy advancements, including a push for consumer protection laws. His new role overseeing the Energy Ministry will require him to address pressing issues such as the country’s power situation, intermittent power outages, and declining crude oil production, as highlighted by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee’s (PIAC’s) 2023 Report.
With elections looming in six months, Jinapor’s designation is seen as a crucial move, as the energy sector remains a pivotal issue in every election cycle. Analysts are keenly observing the innovations and strategies Jinapor will bring to the Energy Ministry.
Source:Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
