President Mahama explains why some ministries won’t have deputies

President John Dramani Mahama has explained his decision not to appoint deputy ministers for some particular ministries.

He says that the ministries that will not have deputies can function effectively without deputies.

“Ministries that can function effectively without deputy ministers have not been assigned any deputy ministers, reaffirming our commitment to a lean and efficient government. The swearing of this batch of 13 ministers and one minister of state brings us closer to achieving the full complement of the ministers.

“This week I will submit the final list of four deputy ministers to achieve the full complement of 60  Minsters that we promised,” he said after swearing newly approved 13 Deputy Ministers and Minister of State, Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, March 12.

The deputy ministers sworn-in include; Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jaja, Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

The others are; Deputy Minister for Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Deputy Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi.

The rest are; Deputy Ministry of the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Minister of Education, Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Energy Minister, Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Justice & Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana and Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Samson Ahi.

Addressing the deputy ministers, the President reiterated his advice to his Ministers to avoid opulent lifestyles and commit to serve the people of Ghana.

He reminded the deputy ministers to also declare their assets upon assumption of office.

“You must also promptly fulfill your asset declaration requirements and submit same to the Auditor-General,” he urged the Deputy Ministers.

The President justified his appointment of a limited number of deputy ministers for only ministries with comparatively heavy workload, stressing that it aligns with his commitment to lean and efficient government.

The President disclosed that he will submit the final list of four deputy ministers this week in line with his promise of appointing only 60 ministers.