Saturday, President John Mahama formally administered his oath of office to two new Ministers of State at the Jubilee House in Accra, marking a significant shift in the government’s priorities. The ceremony, attended by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah, and a host of ministers of state and government officials, underscored a commitment to transparency and accountability within the administration. Former Majority Leader in Parliament, John Ayariga, was sworn in as Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Member of Parliament for Korle-Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, took the oath as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. The brief ceremony was a solemn occasion, with President Mahama emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution and prioritizing the public interest above personal gain. He noted that the oaths were not merely symbolic but represent solemn commitments to serve the people of Ghana with integrity, humility, fairness, and fidelity to the law. Turning to Mr. Ayariga, the President stated that he assumes responsibility for his portfolio at a critical juncture in Ghana’s development, highlighting the need for decentralization and increased accountability within local governance. He criticized spatial planning issues, uncontrolled development, and sanitation challenges, emphasizing the need for a renewed focus on community well-being. Concerning Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, President Mahama urged the Minister to engage with traditional authorities and religious institutions, stressing the importance of maintaining Ghana’s religious and cultural diversity as a source of strength, not division. Addressing Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, the President underscored her medical training, parliamentary experience, and long-standing commitment to public health, emphasizing her role in addressing environmental concerns. He further stressed the need to bolster science, technology, and innovation, strengthening research and supporting local inventors. The ceremony concluded with a call for close collaboration between the two ministries, emphasizing the necessity of environmental protection being inextricably linked to human health. Mr. Ayariga thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, reassuring that he would work to realize the commitments made to Ghanaians in his promise to reset the country. He affirmed that the government would strive for results, integrity, accessibility, and accountability. He pledged that the ordinary Ghanaian would be at the forefront of everything they do, assuring that ‘our cities, our Municipalities, our Metropolises, our Districts, our Zones, and our Units will be better governed under your leadership.’ Mr. Ayariga also highlighted the experience of his colleague, Mr. Debrah, in understanding the relationship between the two ministries, and he expressed the expectation that they would work cooperatively. He emphasized that government success hinges on institutions collaborating, not operating as isolated entities. The President reiterated that the people of Ghana expect results, integrity, accessibility, and accountability. He concluded by urging the President to firmly address the need to ensure the environment is protected, and that the country’s institutions will be strengthened with a focus on science, technology, and innovation, creating opportunities for Ghana to thrive.” , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: Graphic Online
