I feel sad when I look at the list of Mahama’s appointees – Deputy Minority

Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader of Parliament, feels sad about President John Dramani Mahama’s appointees. She believes most of them are Northerners, which she sees as a dangerous trend.

In an interview on Angel FM on May 15, 2025, she expressed her concerns. She said, “When I look at the names of appointees, I feel sad. Most of them are from the North.”

She noted that it is surprising for Asanteman to see this trend. Appiagyei questioned if President Mahama could not find Northern women for appointments. She stated that if he wants all Ghanaians involved in local governance, there are many qualified individuals available.

Appiagyei pointed out that social media shows a list dominated by Northerners among recent district assembly appointees. She warned that this imbalance is very dangerous.

She referenced Ghana's 1992 constitution, which calls for regional balance in appointments. “The whole of Ghana voted,” she said. “Why is there such an imbalance?”

She argued that the population size of Akans and other tribes exceeds that of Northerners. Therefore, she questioned why appointments favor one group over others.

Some Ghanaians responded critically to her comments online. One user asked if people made similar tribal comments when Akans dominated Nana Addo’s government. Another stated they dislike tribal politics and believe everyone deserves equal opportunity.

Others defended President Mahama's choices, arguing that if he believes Northerners can help him achieve his goals, it should be accepted. They emphasized that all appointed individuals are human and Ghanaians.

One comment criticized Appiagyei for her remarks and suggested she should think before speaking as a deputy minority leader projecting a northerner to be president.

Overall, opinions on this issue remain divided among Ghanaians regarding tribal representation in government appointments.