President Akufo-Addo says though his administration has made gains in all sectors of the economy, the country still has challenges of illegal mining, corruption in public life and the need to enhance the efficiency of the state’s administrative machinery.
He has, therefore, called on members of the Council of State to be proactive partners in their common efforts to find solutions that will improve the lives of the people and safeguard the integrity of the nation.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of members of the Council of State in Accra yesterday, President Akufo-Addo also noted that the second wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is threatening the economic success chalked by the country, and besieged the newly-sworn in members of the Council to help salvage the situation.
The President reminded the members of the Council that they had been sworn into office at a time of difficulty brought on the nation, and by extension the world, by the pandemic.
He added that the country has been confronted with the ravages of COVID-19, which has affected lives and livelihoods of all Ghanaians.
On the other hand, through proactive measures put in place by government, the country has seen a rebuction in economic activities, the President observed.
“However, these gains are now being threatened by the rising number of active cases in the so-called second wave that is sweeping the world. Winning the fight against the pandemic remains a collective duty and responsibility, so I appeal to you to help in this endeavour.”
Referencing to Article 91(3) of the Constitution, which gives the Council unfettered remit to advise other bodies like Parliament or any other public authority, the President underscored that “this is not meant to be a busybody’s charter, but, on matters of significant national importance, the Council can let its views be known.”
The President was hopeful that the Council of State will continue to offer him honest advice, based on unvarnished truth.
He welcomed a vigorous exchange of ideas between the Presidency and the Council, adding that it is his fervent wish and hope that this Council will help enrich the second term of his presidency in the interest of Ghanaians.
In brief remarks on behalf of the other members of the Council, the former chairman, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, applauded President Akufo-Addo’s decision to retain some members of the 7th Council.
According to him, such a move will ensure continuity of the progress the 7th Council made, and also offer the 8th Council some ideas, following their experiences.
He assured President Akufo-Addo that the Council will give him fair and good advice at all times.
The 8th Council of State will have a larger number as a result of the new regions created. Membership of the Council has increased from 25 to 31.
In a related development, the members of the 8th Council, at its maiden meeting held yesterday, unanimously elected Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Omanhene of Asante Juaben, as its Chairman. This is the second time he has been elected Chairman of the Council, after that of the 7th which spanned 2017 to 2021.
However, he was a member between 2001 and 2009 during the presidency of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The new members of the 8th Council of State are; Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Omanhene of the Juaben Traditional Area; Mr. Sam Okudzeto; Justice Georgina Wood, former Chief Justice of the Republic; Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson; Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang; Lt. Gen. J.B. Danquah (Rtd CDS); Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II and Ambassador Nana Owusu-Nsiah (IGP Rtd).
It also includes Professor Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, Paa Kofi Ansong, Alhaji Sulemana Yirimea, Mrs. Georgina Adepa Konadu Kusi, Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton VI, Alhaji Aminu Amadu, Mrs Alberta Cudjoe, Professor Ato Essuman, Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, Francis Albert Seth Nyonyo, Kodwo Agyenim-Boateng, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asoman-Hinneh and E.T. Mensah.
The rest are Mahamoud Taniru Zunglana, Azumah Namoro Sanda, Yaw Basoa, Daniel Anlieu-Mwine Bagah, Adam Zakaria, Richard Kings Atikpo, Katakyei Kwasi Bumagama, Odeefuo Afankwa III (Emmanuel Baidoo) and Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV.
The post Help me Fight Corruption In public life appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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