President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo swore Mr Ken Ofori-Atta in as Finance Minister on Tuesday,30th March,2021 assigning him the task of advancing the economy and enhancing the standard of life for all Ghanaians.
“The Ghanaian people have given us four more years to do more for them…
so as you assume your position in government, I urge you to provide leadership that would ensure that the work, which we have embarked on, benefits the progress of our nation and help raise the income levels of our people, “ he said at a short ceremony at the Jubilee House, Accra.
“Ultimately, what the people of Ghana are expecting, is a visible improvement in their standard of living, that is increase in real wages for working people, the enhancement of incomes of farmers and fisher folks , and the rise in profits for businesses,” the President said.
The case concludes President Akufo- Addo’s swearing in of 30 substantive ministers and 16 federal ministers for his second term in office.
Last week, the renominated Finance Minister met the Appointments Committee of Parliament for two days in a comprehensive screening procedure, after which the House overwhelmingly accepted his nomination on Monday, March 29, 2021.
Since recovering from COVID-19, he had to return to the United States for a special medical examination due to problems. His vetting procedure was rescheduled as a result.
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“I am looking forward to working with you over the next four years, as we aim to safeguard our success and transform Ghana for all,” President Akufo-Addo said, expressing his delight that Mr Ofori-Atta had completely recovered from his medical condition.
“I am sure you are aware that the Ghanaian citizens expect you to bring the economy back on track and assist the country in overcoming the pandemic’s ravages.
“You have your job cut out for you, since our economy was one of the last in the world to report positive GDP growth in 2020, considering the pandemic.
President Akufo-Addo thanked the legislature for working with the executive to foster good governance in the nation by “conducting the legislative procedure of authorizing his candidates for ministerial office in an expeditious and comprehensive manner.”
“I applaud Parliament for the bipartisan consensus in which it carried out its task,” he said, assuring lawmakers of his willingness to work with them “to ensure that the wellbeing of the Ghanaian citizens remains the primary concern of public policy.”
“I’m thankful to the House for offering me a pleasant birthday gift on my birthday yesterday with the approval of the minister-designate for finance,” he added.
Mr Ofori-Atta, for his part, expressed gratitude to the president for his confidence in him and promised to continue to serve with dignity, preserve the public treasury, and strive toward a stable Ghana independent of aid.
“Mr President, the task ahead will be monumental, and we are not oblivious to the commitment involved, but we will execute your vision to modernize and develop the economy and create a powerful Ghanaian enterprise and companies through the Ghana Cares Obaatanpaa Program,” he assured.
When Mr Ofori- Atta’s term ends, he will be the longest-serving finance minister in the history of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
SOURCE: ATLFMONLINE
