I know you will make a difference with just 7 months to go – Akufo-Addo tells new ministers

Despite joining in the last lap of his administration, President Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence in his newly sworn in ministers’ ability to make a remarkable impact on the government’s achievements.

On Monday, May 20, President Akufo-Addo swore in 24 ministers and deputy ministers, urging them to make significant contributions as his administration enters its final seven months.

During a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House on Monday evening, he congratulated them on their appointments.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of upholding the interests of the Ghanaian people and dedicating themselves to their duties.

“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 competences, experiences, and talents, make this distinctly possible.“

The appointees, whose portfolios were approved by Parliament last Friday, took the oaths of allegiance, office, and secrecy administered by the President.

President Akufo-Addo charged them to uphold the principles of these oaths in carrying out their duties.

“Your appointment has come at a critical moment in the history of our country and your success in this endeavour would be a consequence of your respect to 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 reminded them of the solemn commitment that the governing New Patriotic Party had made to serve the Ghanaian people with honesty and competence.

He emphasized the importance of integrity in their work and urged them to remain above reproach in their public dealings.

“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 would permeate your work in these last few months is extremely important.” 

President Akufo-Addo urged them to work tirelessly to fulfill the mandate of providing access to quality life for citizens. He emphasized the need to focus on carrying out the mandate of their offices to improve the country’s fortunes.

The President expressed gratitude to members of Parliament, particularly the majority caucus, for approving the ministers. However, he expressed regret over the minority’s decision to walk out 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 and the formal approval stage.  

“We thank God that the walk out was not fatal to the vote of approval. We learn every time more and more about the vagaries of Parliamentary life,” he said.

The appointees comprised eight ministers, 14 deputy ministers, and two regional ministers.

The ministers included Mrs. Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State for the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Minister for Tourism, Art 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.

Others were Madam Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister for Environmental, 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 were Mr. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister; and Mr. Daniel Machator, Minister for Oti Region.

Among the Deputy Ministers were 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.

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

The remaining appointees were 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.

Speaking on behalf of the ministers, Mr. Glover expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would discharge their responsibilities to the best of their abilities.