Peduase Lodge, Dec 8, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills, has asked members of the Council of State to be candid with Government on its performance to enable Government address national issues thoroughly. He reminded them that they had all sworn to the Oath of Secrecy, and did not expect praises from them, but objectivity and fair assessment. President Mills made the call in introductory remarks prior to a close-door meeting at the Peduase Presidential Lodge, near Aburi in the Eastern Region.

The meeting, attended by some Ministers of State, is seen as review meeting of the first half of the Mills Government and to suggest ways for=

better performance in the second half.

President Mills expressed his appreciation to the Council for such interactions, to which he said he often benefited due to the wealth of experience and expertise of the members. "I appreciate the opportunity of interacting with you once more", President Mills said and urged the council members to be forthright to enable Government address issues thoroughly.

Professor Kofi Awoonor, the Chairman of the Council, said the meetin= g was to exchange ideas on issues affecting governance, and project the possibilities for the next two years. He called on the Ministers present to be frank with the meeting and the extent at which Government policies and projects were being executed, add= ing that the meeting was in fulfilment of a constitutional duty for an active=

engagement of the President and his ministers.