Meet the longest-serving MP from the Central Region

July 28, 2025

The Central Region has emerged as a major political battleground following the 2024 general elections, which saw a decisive victory for the New Democratic Congress (NDC). With the party securing 18 out of the 23 parliamentary seats in the region, the NDC’s dominance played a crucial role in forming the new government.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) managed to win only four constituencies, while outspoken political activist-turned-politician, Kwame Obeng Asare—popularly known as A-Plus—won the Gomoa Central seat as an independent candidate.

Amid these sweeping changes, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, has become the longest-serving Member of Parliament in the Central Region. His political journey began in 2009 when he joined the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic. Since then, he has retained his seat through six successive terms, currently serving in the Ninth Parliament.

Born on August 5, 1978, in Ajumako Bisease, Dr. Forson is a seasoned economist, chartered accountant, tax professional, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. In 2023, he was appointed Minority Leader in Parliament and subsequently became Finance Minister in 2025 under the new NDC-led administration.

Dr. Forson’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a Master of Science in Taxation from the University of Oxford (UK), a Master’s in Economics from KNUST, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from London South Bank University. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana.

Throughout his career, Dr. Forson has held several influential positions, including Deputy Minister for Finance (2013–2017), member of Ghana’s Economic Management Team, board member of the Bank of Ghana and Ghana Cocoa Board, and Ghana’s Alternate Governor at both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He also chaired the implementation of the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), a landmark financial reform initiative.

Dr. Forson is widely respected for his unwavering advocacy on fiscal responsibility. As Ranking Member of the Finance Committee in Parliament, he led efforts to reject the controversial electronic transactions levy (E-Levy) and the much-criticized Agyapa Royalties deal.

His impact in the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency is equally notable. He has championed numerous development initiatives focused on quality education, healthcare delivery, job creation, and poverty reduction, earning him enduring loyalty among constituents.