The 14 Media Personalities Appointed By President Mahama In His Government So Far

The influence of media professionals in Ghana’s political governance has seen a notable rise under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. This trend continued on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, when veteran broadcaster Mugabe Salifu Maase was appointed as a board member of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). His inclusion marks the 14th high-profile media personality to be brought into Mahama’s administration, signaling a clear strategic direction to integrate communicators and public influencers into national leadership.

Mugabe Maase, who gained prominence through his controversial and fiery political commentary on Power FM, joins a growing list of journalists, broadcasters, and media creatives who have transitioned into government roles. A former General Manager at Power FM, Maase is widely known for his staunch support of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as his role in the infamous “Montie 3” saga of 2016. Despite previous controversies, his influence in the media space remains significant, particularly within the pro-NDC circles.

Speaking on the appointments, a political analyst remarked, “Mahama appears to be assembling a team that can directly influence public perception and policy communication. These are not just media faces; they are brand ambassadors of government thinking and social mobilization.”

Here are the other notable media figures currently serving in Mahama’s government:

1. Dr. Randy Abbey – A respected journalist and sports administrator, now Acting CEO of COCOBOD.
2. Stanislav Xoese Dogbe – Former Joy FM journalist, now Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations).
3. Shamima Muslim – Former Citi FM and Metro TV presenter, now Deputy Presidential Spokesperson.
4. Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD) – Radio personality turned Director of Diaspora Affairs.
5. Abeiku Santana – Popular radio host, now Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
6. John Dumelo – Actor and farmer, now Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.
7. Dzifa Gomashie – Veteran actress and media personality, now Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
8. Rex Omar – Renowned musician and cultural advocate, serving as a Presidential Staffer.
9. James Gardiner – Actor and media figure, now Deputy Executive Secretary at the National Film Authority.
10. Kwame Gyan – A media academic and writer, working as a Communications Consultant at the Presidency.
11. Paa Kwesi Asare – BBC Komla Dumor Award recipient and former TV3 anchor, now at the Bank of Ghana.
12. Prince Kwame Minkah – Ex-Power FM host, now Media Relations Officer at the Ghana Gold Board.
13. Bridget Otoo – Former TV3 anchor and prominent political commentator, now a Presidential Staffer overseeing government communications.

This rising wave of media inclusion suggests a broader effort to make governance more relatable and transparent to the public. With journalists skilled in public speaking, social media engagement, and investigative reporting, the Mahama administration appears to be leveraging communication experts to shape national discourse and governance narratives.

Source