List of University Lecturers Mahama Has Appointed Into Government in

President Mahama’s new administration has placed considerable importance on university scholars, with a number of lecturers being selected for influential positions across government and public institutions.

According to reports from GNA, Citi Newsroom and the Ghana News Agency, no fewer than nine academics from the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Cape Coast were appointed to leadership roles during 2025.

Among the leading figures is Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. She made history as Vice-President after taking the oath of office on January 7, 2025.

Mahama also nominated Dr Dominic Ayine, a University of Ghana law lecturer, as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Dr Clement Apaak, formerly an archaeology lecturer at the same university, was appointed Deputy Education Minister in February.

The administration later brought in Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, an experienced medical professor, as Deputy Minister of Health in July.

The government’s academic appointments have extended beyond ministries to major state institutions. Professor Lord Mensah of the UG Business School became Head of the Local Government Service, while Professor Seidu Alidu was appointed Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission.

At the Lands Commission, Professor Anthony Owusu-Ansah of KNUST assumed the role of Acting Executive Secretary. Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte was appointed Acting Director-General of SIGA, while Professor Ransford Gyampo became Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority.

The appointments point to an apparent effort by the Mahama administration to incorporate academic knowledge, research and expertise into public-sector management. While supporters see this as an opportunity for evidence-based policymaking, the strategy has also raised questions about whether academic experience can be effectively converted into practical leadership and concrete results for the Ghanaian population.