President John Dramani Mahama has touted the qualities of Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah and expressed the confidence that his coming on board as a minister would be an added fillip to the government's efforts at transforming the nation.
"Having worked together [with you] before, I know the level of experience and expertise you bring to our team," the President said at a ceremony to swear in Dr Spio-Garbrah as the Minister of Trade and Industry, at the Flagstaff House Thursday.
Economic transformation
President Mahama touched on the fact that Ghana had reached an important phase of her economic transformation, transitioning from a lower middle income to a full middle income country.
“This demanded that the economy rested on several pillars rather than just being a producer of primary products.
"We are looking to add more value to our products and create innovative means of generating revenue, expand industry and manufacturing," he said.
The President said economic relations with the world were also changing with countries like China turning to more value-added products.
With regard to the developments, the President emphasised that Ghana could not afford to be left behind.
"I am sure you are acquainted with all these developments, looking at the rich background and experience you have in terms of the work you've done in the past," he told the new minister.
Response
In his response, Dr Spio-Garbrah said the invitation by the President to serve in his government, which comprises many distinguished and capable people, was an honour to him and his family, promising that he would not disappoint the nation and the President.
"You should expect the highest level of commitment and dedication from me," he said.
He stated that he was coming to the new office with a sense of humility because not everyone got the opportunity to serve the nation in such capacity.
With a good insight into the kind of challenges the nation faced, especially in the economy, and the role trade and investment could play in overcoming them, the minister said, he and his team at the ministry would cut a path that would contribute to rapid recovery from challenges.
His ministry would also collaborate with other ministries to advance the cause of the nation by ensuring efficiency of the clearance system and to ensure Ghana cuts down on imports while improving exports.
"In the short term that we will be working in the ministry while awaiting your second term, we shall do what we can to advance fully the agenda that you set so that the people of Ghana would see that they are indeed living under a better Ghana," he promised the President.
Those present at the ceremony included the Chief of Staff, Mr Prosper Bani.
