Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Abdulai Jinapor, has responded to his recent nomination as the Energy Minister-designate.
On January 9, 2025, the John Mahama administration officially announced the first group of ministers, including Mr. Jinapor.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Special Aide to President John Mahama, issued a statement highlighting Mr. Jinapor’s practical experience and expertise.
The statement said with his extensive background in energy economics and finance, he is expected to play a crucial role in transforming the energy sector.
“He brings a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise to the energy portfolio,” said the Presidency.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Jinapor expressed that he was not entirely surprised by the appointment.
“I’ve been in the field for a long time, and I am well-versed in energy issues. This is not a new space for me; I’ve presented a lot of energy-related matters in meetings and have been working in this area for quite a while,” he said.
He also mentioned that President Mahama had hinted at this opportunity, which motivated him.
“Mahama gave us snippets showing that if you work hard, you will be rewarded. So, it wasn’t completely unexpected,” he added, acknowledging that others could also excel in this role.
He recognized that the position of energy minister is challenging.
“This job is not easy. It comes with a lot of challenges, and it’s important to be open about these challenges so people can appreciate the issues. It requires circumspection and negotiations because I cannot do this job alone,” he added.
Mr. Jinapor stressed the importance of collaboration and feedback.
“If things are going wrong, I encourage the public and stakeholders to let us know. I can never be right in everything, and I believe in a collective effort to address the challenges in the energy sector,” he stated.
Psychologically, emotionally, and physically, he expressed readiness for the role.
“I am prepared for this responsibility, but I need the support of industry players because this is not a job I can do alone,” he concluded.