You can make a difference in 7 months-President tells Ministers, Deputies

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says his newly appointed ministers have enough time to make a difference and contribute significantly to the advancement of his government’s agenda with barely seven months remaining in his tenure.

The President, who swore into office 24 ministers and deputy ministers at the Jubilee House yesterday, expressed confidence in the ability of his new appointees to add to what he described as an enviable record of his government.

“You have joined the government with only seven months to go, but I am confident that there is enough time for you to make a difference and significant contribution.

“Indeed, anyone who has something to do can make a point within a short period, and I am sure with your various competencies, experiences, and talents, this is distinctly possible.”

He charged the appointees to remain focused and adhere to the tenets of their oaths in the discharge of their duties.

“Your appointment has come at a critical moment in the history of our country, and your success in this endeavor would be a consequence of your respect for the oaths you have solemnly sworn to uphold the interest of the republic, defend its constitution, and promote the interest of the citizenry.”

The President urged them to work assiduously to promote the mandate that ensures citizens have equitable access to quality lives.

“In these remaining months, I urge you to work tirelessly for the realization of my mandate, which is to help ensure that every citizen has access to opportunities for growth and prosperity. The quality of your integrity, which will permeate your work in these last few months, is extremely important.”

The President thanked members of parliament, especially the majority caucus, for their approval of the ministers. He, however, expressed regret that the minority staged a walkout at the very end of the approval process.

“It was a pity that at the last moment, the minority, which participated in all the prior processes, found it necessary to walk out of parliament at the formal approval stage. We thank God that the walkout was not fatal to the vote of approval. We learn every time more and more about the vagaries of parliamentary life.”

In total, eight ministers of state, 14 deputy ministers, and two regional ministers were sworn into office by the President.

The eight ministers include Mrs. Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State for the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture; Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources; and Mr. Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralisation.

The rest are Madam Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation; Madam Darkoa Newman, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection; Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, Minister for Health; and Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister for Information.

The regional ministers are Mr. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister; and Mr. Daniel Machator, Minister for the Oti Region.

The 14 deputy ministers include Dr. Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah, Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection; Mr. Sylvester Tetteh, Deputy Minister for Information; Mr. Charles Acheampong, Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitisation; and Madam Adelaide Ntim, Deputy Minister for Health.

The rest are Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister for Health; Mr. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Deputy Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralisation; and Mr. John Kobina Abbam Aboah Sanie, Deputy Minister for Energy.

Others are Mr. Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy; Dr. Prince Hamidu Armah, Deputy Minister for Works and Housing; Professor Kingsley Nyarko, Deputy Minister for Education; and Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie, Deputy Minister for Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions.

Also included are Mr. Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Mr. Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba, Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development; and Dr. Alexander Ampaabeng, Deputy Minister for Finance.