In a significant ceremony yesterday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sworn into office what is likely to be the final batch of ministers under his administration. Emphasizing the critical nature of their roles despite the limited time remaining in his term, the President charged the newly appointed officials to make a meaningful impact.

During the ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo administered the oaths of Allegiance, Office, and Secrecy to the 10 ministers of state and 14 deputy ministers, presenting them with instruments of office adorned in the national colors of red, gold, and green.

He stressed that their success would significantly contribute to the overall success of his government, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the prospects for Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the party’s candidates in the upcoming 2024 elections.

“I am confident there is enough time for you to make a difference and significant contribution. Indeed, anyone who has something to prove can make a point within a short period and I am sure that your various competencies, experiences, and talents make this distinctly possible.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Highlighting the importance of integrity, President Akufo-Addo reminded the ministers of their constitutional duty to declare their assets promptly and maintain high ethical standards. He urged them to remain above reproach, noting that their conduct would largely determine the party’s fortunes.

“The political atmosphere is fraught with unhealthy comments, and even your most innocent actions will be scrutinized and misinterpreted,” President Akufo-Addo warned. “Ignore the fabricators and remain focused on our collective goal to serve Ghanaians with honesty and competence.”

Support and Caution for Deputy Ministers

Addressing the deputy ministers, President Akufo-Addo emphasized their role in supporting their respective ministers. He cautioned them against attempting to undermine their superiors, stating that such actions would be counterproductive.

The President also commented on the recent parliamentary walkout by the Minority Caucus, which had participated in vetting the appointees but boycotted the final approval vote. He expressed relief that the walkout did not impede the approval process, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of parliamentary proceedings.

Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressing gratitude to the President and vowing to work diligently and with integrity to ensure the administration’s success.

New Appointees

The new ministers include Andrew Egyapa Mercer (Tourism, Arts, and Culture), Lydia Seyram Alhassan (Sanitation and Water Resources), Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah (Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development), and Ophelia Mensah Hayford (Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation).

Others are Darkoa Newman (Gender, Children and Social Protection), Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye (Health), Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover (Greater Accra Region), Fatimatu Abubakar (Information), Daniel Machator (Oti Region), and Abena Osei-Asare (Minister of State, Finance).

The deputy ministers include Dr. Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah (Gender, Children, and Social Protection), Sylvester Tetteh (Information), Charles Acheampong (Communication and Digitalisation), Adelaide Ntim (Health), and Vincent Ekow Assafuah (Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development).

Additionally, John Kobina Abbam Aboah Sanie and Collins Adomako Mensah (Energy), Professor Kingsley Nyarko (Education), Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie (Employment and Labour Relations), Akwasi Konadu (Lands and Natural Resources), Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba (Fisheries and Aquaculture Development), and Dr. Alexander Ampaabeng (Finance) were also sworn in.

In his closing remarks, President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about the potential of this team to make a positive impact on Ghana’s development trajectory. He thanked the appointees for their willingness to serve and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of public service.

As these appointees take up their roles, the nation watches closely, hoping their efforts will bolster the administration’s legacy and the NPP’s chances in the forthcoming elections.