Chief Of Staff Meets Castle Staff
John Henry Martey Newman CHIEF OF STAFF, John Henry Martey Newman, has called on members of the Castle staff to use their knowledge acquired from the service at the Castle to support President Mills' administration to succeed.
Addressing the workers at the Castle on Friday as his first interaction with those he would be working with, Mr. Newman noted that acquisition of chain of degrees was not enough but the ability to use such knowledge to help develop the country.
He therefore reminded the staff of some measures being taken to constantly assess them on the basis of their performance.
“I'll not spare the rod if there is the need for it. I don't believe in that! I believe in getting the best of every human being,” Mr. Newman indicated.
According to the Chief of Staff, many of the workers have served under different political leaders including the last government and that irrespective of their political persuasions they should put their shoulders on the wheel to move President Mills' development agenda in the right direction.
“I come with open arms and I expect reciprocity so that we can serve the people of this country and also serve President Mills,” he reminded them.
Adding, Mr. Newman said, “I will lead from the front. I believe in leading, in fact and as I once captained the Ghana Cricket, I know how to lead.”
“As I lead I hope that I'll be able to lead the path of development for all of us,” Mr. Newman assured.
In his introductory remarks, Cdr. Steve Obimpeh (rtd), Chairman of the Assets Declaration Committee, described Mr. Newman as a seasoned administrator and manager and that will therefore use that experience to direct the programme and plans of the presidency.
Mr. Newman's appointment as Chief of Staff by President Mills fell outside the book makers expectations as was announced last during the week.
Mr. Newman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree. He is also a Barrister of law (LB).
He worked at the Ministry of Finance between 1969 and 1973 and was a staff of the Ghana Cocoa Board from 1975 to 1992.
He later became the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) from 1996 to early 2001, under former president Rawlings.
By Wisdom Peter Awuku