Martey Newman is Mills' Chief of Staff

President John Evans Atta-Mills has appointed Mr John Henry Martey Newman, former COCOBOD Chief Executive, as his Chief of Staff.

The latest appointments bring to three the number of permanent appointments made by the President since he assumed office on January 7, 2009.

Prof. Mills earlier made two permanent appointments - Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah as National Security Advisor and Mahama Ayariga is the Presidential Spokesperson.

The President has also appointed Mr Akwasi Oppong-Ofosu as Minister for Local Government Rural Development and Environment. James Bebako Mensah has also been appointed as Secretary to the President.

Presidential Press Secretary Mahama Ayariga has however indicated the Mr Oppong-Ofosu's appointment is only temporary.

Mr Oppong-Ofosu was a Deputy Minister in the Rawlings administration.

Prof. Mills is reportedly holding marathon meetings with his aides and is likely to announce more appointments later in the day.

Story by Fiifi Koomson