President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly appointed Deputy Ministers to uphold high standards of accountability, diligence, and commitment in their service to the nation.

Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, March 12, he stated that although their roles demand both professional subordination and personal responsibility for Ghana’s collective success, much is expected from them.

“And from each of you who have been appointed as Deputy Ministers, much is expected from you. While your role as deputy ministers requires professional subordination in supporting your substantive ministers, I shall hold you to the same standards of accountability, diligence, hard work, and sacrifice,” he said.

The President reiterated the same cautions he had given to ministers, warning against arrogance, opulence, and neglect of duty.

He reminded the appointees of their obligation to promptly fulfill their assets declaration requirements and submit the necessary documentation to the Auditor General.

President Mahama further stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility, urging that any travel outside Ghana must pass the “essential travel test” and receive approval from the Office of the Chief of Staff. This measure, he noted, aligns with the government’s commitment to prudent resource management and efficiency.

Mahama likened the urgency of their mandate to a ticking clock, reminding them that, unlike public service officers who work towards a retirement age of 60, their time in office is limited to a four-year electoral term.

He urged the deputy ministers to work collaboratively with public service officials, encouraging and incentivising them to match the urgency of the government’s mandate.

“There are two clocks we hear for those of us elected by the good people of Ghana to lead them. The clock we hear is the ticking of the four-year time frame given to us by the people of Ghana. The officers you'll be working with in the public service have security of tenure, and they hear a more relaxed clock ticking towards their retirement. They may, therefore, not be in as much of a hurry as you,” he explained.