First list of ministerial re-shuffle out

Accra, July 11, GNA - The long-awaited list of ministerial re-shuffle was on Wednesday made public, when the Speaker, Mr. Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, read out the names on the floor of the House, after informing members of a communication received from the Presidency.

The list, which has Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD and Miss Oboshie Sai Cofie, as Minister of Information and National Orientation, puts to rest weeks of media speculation of who gets what portfolio.

Dr. Ben Aggrey Ntim goes to the Ministry of Communication, Nana Akomea, heads the Manpower, Youth and Employment Ministry and Mr. Samuel Owusu-Agyei, becomes the Minister of State in-charge of Public Sector Reforms.

Others are: Mr Joe Baidoo Ansah, Minister of Trade, Industry and Presidential Initiatives; Mr Ambrose Dery, Minister of State, at Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General, Ms Cecilia Dapaah, Minister of State at the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing; Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Nana Obiri Yeboah, Minister of State at the Interior Ministry.

New Regional Ministers have also been appointed, with Mr. George Benson, now heading the Upper West; Mr. Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, Eastern Region and Mr Alhassan Samari, Upper East.

The Speaker has subsequently, referred the list to the Appointments Committee to begin the vetting process.

Conspicuously missing from the list, however, are some key portfolio, including those of Education, Science and Sports and Parliamentary Affairs, giving an indication that a second list should be out soon.

The re-shuffle has become necessary as a result of the resignation of a number of ministers, who are aspiring to become flag bearers of the NPP to lead the party in the 2008 general elections.