The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has sworn Mr. Herbert Krapa into office as the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy and Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.
The two were sworn into office at Jubilee House on Monday, July 15, 2024 at a brief ceremony that saw them take three oaths – of allegiance, of office, and of secrecy – all administered by President Akufo-Addo.
They were then presented with their instruments of office and later signed an oath book to seal the deal.
The swearing-in of the two followed the vetting and subsequent prior approval by Parliament last week.
Until his appointment as minister of state at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, was a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
Vacating that post, the Member of Parliament for Achiase constituency, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, has replaced him.
In a brief remark to the appointees, President Akufo-Addo asserted that their respective appointments were not particularly difficult to make.
COMMITMENT
According to the President, Mr. Krapa, over the last few years, has demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment to the service of our great nation.
“It is thus my distinct honour to preside over his elevation from Deputy Minister to Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy,” he added.
He explained that the vacuum created by the resignation as Minister for Energy of Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, now Vice-Presidential Candidate, created a vacancy that demanded a leader of strong calibre, leading him to appoint Krapa.
He remarked that: “this elevation is a testament to his proven track record, unwavering dedication and the trust that I have in his ability to steer the ministry towards greater heights.”
RESPONSIBILITY
However, he told the minister that his responsibility was to consolidate the gains the government had achieved in the Ministry of Energy.
He has been tasked with the day-to-day running of the ministry, ensuring that the energy policies are effectively implemented and that the goals of sustainable energy and universal access to electricity are realised.
He will have the support and guidance of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who will exercise the Cabinet oversight function over the Ministry of Energy.
MOMENTUM
The new Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, a renowned NPP activist in the Eastern Region and in Parliament, is supposed to maintain “the momentum we have built in the trade and industrial sectors,” the President said.
President Akufo-Addo, however, urged him to be loyal to the substantive minister, Alhaji Kobina Tahir Hammond.
He was advised to work collaboratively with his colleagues and bring his unique perspectives and expertise, especially in port operations, to bear on his responsibilities.
Acknowledging that the nation’s economic growth depended on a robust trade and industrial sector, President Akufo-Addo said he was confident that he would contribute significantly to the realisation of the shared vision of prosperity.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo told the two that, in these remaining months, their contributions will not only be to the success of his government but also, equally importantly, to the success of the NPP, its presidential and vice presidential candidates, and parliamentary candidates for the 2024 December general elections.
He called upon each one of the members of his government and their respective ministries to support the new appointees, collaborate with them, and work together towards achieving the national goals.
HUMBLED
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, in a response on behalf of the two, said it was an honour for them to accept their appointments to the respective offices.
“We’re indeed humbled by the trust that you have kept in us, Mr. President, and the confidence that you have in us in our ability to contribute what we must to your government,” he said.
He remarked that the President, in the last seven and a half years, had led a government that prioritised the economic and social well-being of the people “in such a sterling and remarkable way.”
He opined that posterity and history will both “forever have you (the President) on the right side,” adding that President Akufo-Addo had bequeathed Ghana with the intellectual infrastructure that will forever be the cornerstone of the nation’s forward march.
He said they know the immense responsibility that comes with their positions and made a “solemn” pledge to discharge their duties with loyalty, integrity, transparency, and dedication.
