Reshuffle not for misconduct - Prez Mills

Accra, Feb. 14, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday swore-in three new ministers for three already existing portfolios and indicated that ministerial reshuffles were in no way to chastise former ministers.

They were Mr Kwaku Agyemang Man, for the Ashanti Region; Mr Kwesi Appiah Kubi, for the Eastern Region ; and Mr Clement Kofi Humado, MP for Anlo for the Youth and Sports Ministry.

President Mills administered the Oaths of Minister of State, Allegiance and Secrecy to the new Ministers at the Osu Castle in Accra. He said the predecessors of the incoming ministers did not commit any crime nor misconduct themselves, but that the reshuffle was done to introduce fresh and new ideas, and tap into different kinds of expertise to add to the strength of Government as it worked to successfully achieve its programmes in the four-year mandate.

President Mills added that the previous Ministers did their work well. He urged the new Ministers to remain focused in the discharge of their duties, reminding them to use their diverse experiences to help Government realise the promised Better Ghana.

"You should endeavour to acquit yourself well within the remaining two years of our mandate," President Mills said, adding that performance would be a clear indication that bringing them in at such time was not a mistake. As he expressed confidence in their abilities, President Mills urged the new Ministers to live up to expectation to maintain public confidence in Government.

President Mills prayed for divine wisdom, knowledge and strength for the successful discharge of their duties.

Dr Appiah Kubi, on behalf of his colleagues thanked the President for their elevation.

He said it was no coincidence for their swearing in to have happened on February 14, Valentine Day, but rather to impress on them to discharge their duties with love and fellow feeling.

He said they would work hard to complement Government's efforts to actualise the year 2011 declared by the President as Action Year and realise the Better Ghana Agenda. 1