President Kufuor swears 10 more ministers

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday swore the second batch of 10 ministers into office and tasked them to be transparent and work as a team to meet the high aspirations of the people.

"We should not allow petty squabbles and struggle for wealth to affect our work," he told the new ministers after he presented them with instruments of appointment.

The ministers included Mr Charles Omar Nyannor, Minister of State at the Office of the President (Private Sector Development), Dr. Richard Anane, Minister of Health, Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Roads and Highways, Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Energy and Mr Kwamena Bartels, Works and Housing.

Others are Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State (media relations), Madam Hawa Yakubu, Tourism, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Presidential Affairs, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Education and Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Lands, Mines and Forestry.

The list adds up to 20 the number of ministers sworn in by President Kufuor. The first batch comprising 10 ministers was sworn-in last week.

They swore the oaths of Allegiance, Secrecy and that of Minister of State, pledging to conduct themselves without fear or favour and to uphold the Constitution in the discharge of their duties.

President Kufuor said as ministers, they will bear responsibility for their actions and must, therefore, ensure that their decisions are based on good advice.

They should be guided by the principles of transparency, probity and accountability in whatever they do. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr Nyanor, a veteran politician and MP for Upper Denkyira, thanked the President for giving them the opportunity to serve the nation. He assured him that they would do their best to meet the high expectations of the people.

Those present at the ceremony were leading members of the ruling New Patriotic Party, including Mr Samuel Odoi-Sykes, Chairman, Dan Botwe, National Secretary and Charles Kofi Wayo, as well as friends and relatives of the new ministers.