President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated the need for Ministers of State to eschew corrupt practices and be transparent and accountable in all their official duties.
That, he said, was crucial to give Ghanaians value for money and avoid the suspicion that the public had about public service office holders.
President Mahama made the call Thursday when he swore in 17 Ministers of State at the Flagstaff House, Kanda in Accra.
They are Ms Hanny-Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Health; Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Minister of Youth and Sports; Dr Henry Seidu Daannaa, Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs; Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of the Interior; Mr Mark Owen Woyongo, Minister of Defence; Mr Eric Opoku, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, and Nii Armah Ashietey, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.
Others are Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Mr Nayon Bilijo, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development; Mr Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister; Dr Benjamin Bewa-Nyog Kunbuor, Minister in-charge of Government Business, and Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Trade and Industry.
The rest are Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Energy and Petroleum; Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister; Mrs Dzifa Aku Ativor, Minister of Transport, and Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Communications.
President Mahama administered the oaths of allegiance, Minister of State and oath of secrecy to the ministers.
Thereafter, the ministers signed the oath book.
The president then presented the scrolls of office to the Ministers of State, who were accompanied by their family members and friends.
The swearing in of the 17 ministers of state brought to 28 the total number of ministers of state sworn in so far.
President Mahama reminded the Ministers that they were enjoined by the Constitution to be held liable for their actions and inactions.
He, therefore, said it was crucial for them to think outside the box and whip their subordinates in line to achieve the objectives set up for their respective ministries.
Touching on the objectives of some of the Ministries, President Mahama said the realignment of the tourism, culture and creative arts into one ministry was to give that ministry a new focus.
For instance, he said, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts was to optimise the growth of the tourism sector, enhance the marketing of the country's culture and create more jobs for the youth in the creative industry.
The President said the creation of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs was to give focus to the protection and enhancement of the chieftaincy institution and other traditions.
Dr Kunbuor, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, thanked President Mahama for the trust reposed in them.
He said the appointment had imposed a high responsibility on them (Ministers of State), and gave the assurance that they would do their best, saying that "we will not fail you."
Story by Musah Yahaya Jafaru
