2nd Batch Of Ministers Sworn In

The president in a pose with the Ministers President John Evans Atta Mills has reminded Ministers of State of the need to uphold honesty, modesty and not be oblivious to the plight of Ghanaians.

He as well urged Ministers of state and other government officials to open their doors to all Ghanaians irrespective of one's political leaning.

President Mills gave the admonition when he swore into office the 2nd batch of Ministers at the Osu Castle.

The Ministers were Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communication; Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, Minister of Youth and Sports; Ms. Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry; and Lt. Gen. Joseph Henry Smith (Rtd), Minister of Defence.

Others were Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister; Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister; Kwadwo Marfo Nyamekye, Brong Ahafo; Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister.

The rest were Khalid Mahmood, Upper West Regional Minister; Samuel Ofosu-Ampofu, Eastern Regional Minister; Steven Sumani Nayina, Northern Regional Minister; Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister; and Ms. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister.

The President reiterated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was coming into power at a time when the world was in economic crisis, a situation he said would not make it possible for Third World countries to continue enjoying the largess they used to get from the developed countries.

He therefore urged the Ministers to brace themselves for the challenges ahead so they would be able to meet the demands of the people.

President Mills assured them of his support, saying with determination, Ghanaians would come to appreciate their efforts if they lived up to expectation.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama, for his part, told the Ministers that they would be held responsible for any action taken while in office.

He urged them to disabuse their minds of any idea of going to use their office to better their lots.

He charged the regional ministers to take strong stands against those who foment trouble in their areas, and tasked the Northern Regional Minister in particular to deal drastically with those who are causing trouble in the region.

He asked him to separate criminality from any other actions.

Vice President Mahama indicated that the ministers are those who would help the President achieve his objectives of making life comfortable for all Ghanaians.

Alhaji Idrissu Mahama, who spoke on behalf of the party, urged the Ministers to be the mouthpiece of the party and government and live and work responsibly.

Ms. Hannah Tetteh, on behalf of her colleagues, promised to live up to expectation, assuring the President that they would respect the confidence he had reposed in them.

The President administered the Oaths of Allegiance, Minister of State and Secrecy to the Ministers, and later presented them with their instruments of work.

The Ministers in turns signed the oath books amidst applause from their family members and spouses.

By Wisdom Peter Awuku