Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Jerry  Ahmed Shalb, has voiced his disappointment over the absence of Klottey Korle MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, from President John Dramani Mahama’s newly formed administration.

Speaking in an interview on Starr FM on Thursday, May 15, Mr. Ahmed said Dr. Rawlings possesses the competence and political pedigree necessary to contribute meaningfully to the government.

He expressed surprise that someone of her calibre—and daughter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) founder, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings—was not given a ministerial role.

“I think that the reduction in the number of ministers… I think it's not even up to 60.

It's short by four, but those four are becoming a problem because I was expecting Zanetor Rawlings,” he said. “I am very disappointed. She is the founding father's daughter—the founder of the NDC party.

I think she is quite a sharp lady.

For me, Zanetor's exclusion is surprising; I never expected that President Mahama would not give her an appointment.”

President Mahama, in an address to the nation marking his first 120 days in office, defended his decision to run what he described as the “leanest and most efficient government” under the Fourth Republic.

He revealed that only 56 ministers and deputy ministers have been appointed so far—well below the numbers seen in previous administrations.

“I promised to constitute the leanest and most efficient government under the Fourth Republic within the first 90 days,” the President said.

“As promised, I announced the complete list of my Cabinet Ministers for parliamentary approval within the first 14 days of being sworn in.

They were all successfully vetted and approved, and they have hit the ground running.”

Despite widespread praise for the reduced size of the administration, Mr. Ahmed’s comments highlight internal party concerns over the exclusion of certain key figures from the new government.

Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, a respected MP and trained medical doctor, has played an active role in parliamentary work and advocacy on health, environment, and social protection.

It remains unclear whether further appointments may be made in the coming months to address such concerns within the NDC, he concluded.