President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has designated the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Samuel A. Jinapor, to have Cabinet oversight responsibility over the Energy Ministry.

This follows the resignation of the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, who has been named running mate to the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Several names came up for the running mate position after the election of Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s flagbearer. However, the flagbearer has settled on the Manhyia South Legislator, who previously served as Minister for Education before moving to the Ministry of Energy.

On Tuesday, 9th July, 2024, Dr. Opoku-Prempeh was outdoored as the running mate to the NPP’s Flagbearer at a durbar in Kumasi.

Following his unveiling, Dr. Opoku Prempeh resigned from his position as Minister for Energy to focus on working with the flagbearer to win the upcoming elections.

A Statement issued by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr. Eugene Arhin, on Thursday 11th July, 2024, said the President has accepted the resignation of Dr. Opoku-Prempeh as Energy Minister with effect from 18th July, 2024.

The Statement, also, said the President has asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinpor, MP, to have Cabinet oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Energy, while the Minister of State designate for the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krampah will be responsible for the day to day administration of the Ministry.

Mr. Jinapor’s oversight responsibility over the Ministry will be in addition to his substantive role as the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources.

This is the third time the President has given Mr. Jinapor additional responsibilities.