Ghana’s Energy Minister, John Jinapor (MP), has sought Yagbonwura’s wisdon and guidance during a courtesy visit to the Overlord of the Gonja kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I), at the Jakpa Palace on Friday, 24th January, 2025. In his speech, Jinapor recalled the king’s blessings and prayers for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by the Savannah Regional Chairman, Alhaji Moro, ahead of the December 2024 election.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Overlord for charging the entire Gonjaland to vote massively for John Dramani Mahama and the NDC, attributing their landslide victory to the Overlord’s blessings, highlighting that he and President Mahama received more votes than they had ever gotten in their previous elections.
According to him, after winning the election, he informed the Overlord of his victory, and when the Overlord attended the presidential inauguration, he visited him again and during this visit, the Overlord assured him that he would be appointed a Minister, which came to pass. “I was indeed appointed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition” he said.
The Minister expreesed gratitude to the Overlord for sending a delegation to witness his vetting as the Minister-designate. He sought the Yagbonwura’s wisdom and guidance to serve the Ministry diligently, acknowledging the challenges faced by the energy sector in Ghana.
In response, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) expressed his happiness at seeing Jinapor visit his roots. The Yagbonwura’s linguist acknowledged the support of the entire Gonjaland for President John Mahama, their prayers, support, and massive vote. The Overlord assured John Jinapor that he would provide the necessary wisdom and guidance, confident that Jinapor would excel as Energy Minister, given his previous experience in the role.
John Jinapor was born to Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor (I), Chief of Buipe in the Savannah Region, and the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs. He is the brother of Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, former Deputy Chief of Staff, and the immediate past Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Jinapor’s nomination as Energy Minister was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Thursday, January 9, 2025. His appointment was submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. He was appointed alongside Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson as Minister for Finance and Hon. Dominic Aturitinga Ayine for Attorney General and Minister for Justice Designate. He was sworn in by President Mahama on 22nd January, 2025, following parliamentary approval on 21st January, 2025 .
