Device measures to protect oil wealth - Minister of Defense

Accra, Aug. 28, GNA- Lt Gen. Henry Smith (Rtd) Minister of Defence on Friday charged members of the newly constituted Ministry of Defense Advisory to Board initiate strategies to solve problems associated with oil wealth and demobilization in war zones.

The eight member board is to assist the Defence Minister in adjustments in policy direction, planning objectives and operational strategies.

The board also has the mandate to promote and enhance interaction between the ministry and users of its services.

The members of the board were Lt. Gen. Henry Smith (Rtd) Minister of Defence Chairman, Mr. E.F Ofosu- Appeah, Chief Director Ministry of Defense, Mr. Joseph Allotey, Mr. W.E.O Apatu,representative, Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana, Alhaji Asuma Banda, Businessman and Nana Ekua Botokua, representative, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Others were representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and Ministry of Interior.

Lt Gen. Smith said the ministry was in the process of implementing reform programme aimed at allowing the defense ministry to make decisions in the area of defense and enhancing accountability, raising the prospect of greater efficiency and transparency leading to greater defense capability.

"You will be expected to bring your experiences and expertise in both private and public sector to bear on the transformational process of the ministry," he said.

He cautioned members of the board not to project the parochial interest of their organizations but see their nomination as an opportunity to serve the people of Ghana.

Alhaji Asuma Banda, on behalf of members pledged that they would never over step their boundaries as advisors to the ministry. "We are not military men and will not behave as such, our job is to advise, we will do it in the interest of the nation." Civil Service Law 199 and the PNDC Law 327 mandate the establishment of ministerial advisory board for every ministry.