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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is a distinguished Ghanaian politician, economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner, renowned for his contributions to Ghana’s fiscal and economic landscape. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam since 2009, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC). On January 9, 2025, he was appointed as Ghana’s next Finance Minister by President John Dramani Mahama, a position that underscores his expertise and commitment to stabilizing the country’s economy and implementing key fiscal reforms.
Born on August 5, 1978, in Ajumako Bisease, Central Region, Ghana, Forson has built an impressive academic background. He earned a PhD in Business and Management (finance option) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2020. Before his doctorate, Forson obtained two master’s degrees—Master of Science in Taxation from the University of Oxford, UK, and Master of Science in Economics from KNUST. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from South Bank University in London.
Forson’s career spans over two decades in both the private and public sectors. He was the Managing Director of Forson Contracts Limited in the UK and the Chief Executive Officer of Omega Africa Holding Limited. His professional experience includes significant roles in financial management, where he worked as a Deputy Minister for Finance from 2013 to 2017 under President Mahama’s administration. During this period, he played a critical role in Ghana’s Economic Management Team, overseeing fiscal policies and financial agreements, as well as reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s economy.
A strong advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability, Forson has dedicated much of his career to public service. As the Minority Leader in the Eighth Parliament of Ghana, he has been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s legislative agenda, particularly regarding fiscal management. He is also a Ranking Member of the Finance Committee and serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Committee of Selection.
Forson first entered politics in 2008 when he contested and won the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam parliamentary seat. He has been re-elected four times, most recently in 2020, securing 58.1% of the votes. Throughout his tenure, Forson has built a reputation for his strong leadership and commitment to his constituents.
In addition to his professional and political work, Forson has served on numerous boards, including the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Cocoa Board, and has represented Ghana as an Alternate Governor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.
In his personal life, Forson is a Christian, married, and a father of two. His story also includes a notable controversy, where he was implicated in a case involving the procurement of 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016. However, in 2024, he was acquitted and discharged of all charges by the Court of Appeal.
