By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com|
The Deputy Volta Regional Minister-designate, Mr. Johnson Avuletey has justified his nomination by President Akufo-Addo to serve in the second top most political position in the region despite his limited academic qualifications.
The nominee, who is a former timber merchant and reverend minister, during his appearance before the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Wednesday downplayed the relevance of academic qualifications in the political administration of a region, stating that, regardless of his limited academic credentials, he was the right person at the moment to assist the regional minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa to drive the president’s transformation agenda in the region.
‘I am more than the right person [for this job] and my going into that office is a relief to the people of the region,’ the outgoing Regional Premix Fuel Coordinator said in response to a question from a member of the committee and MP for Hohoe, Dr. Bernice Adiku-Heloo who sort to know his suitability for the office.
The 3-time Regional Organizer of the governing new patriotic Party (NPP), in a further response to a follow up question from the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhiyini, regarding his highest academic qualification being a Diploma in Adult Education, stated that, academic certificate was not the only consideration for his appointment but also his leadership skills and experience of the political terrain in the region.
According to him, ‘If you’re appointed as a regional minister or deputy to the best of my knowledge, it is not only certificate they watch. You are a leader and you must be accountable to the people, you have to bring a lot of people on board and prosecute government agenda.’
Adding that, members of the appointment committee would be marveled with his performance in office, when given the nod and later invite him back to the august house for recognition.
Seen as a grassroot man, the nominee said he was well abreast with the challenges of the people in the region, which, when given the nod, he will assist his minister to address.
Other issues that featured on Mr. Avuletey’s almost an hour long vetting, include, his previous timber business, which he did between 1988 and 1998; and his role as premix fuel coordinator in curbing the diversion and smuggling of the highly subsidized product.
He nonetheless pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Regional Minister and all other stakeholders to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents, promote the region’s tourism potentials and spearhead the implementation of government’s flagship policies and programmes, which would provide sustainable jobs for the teeming youth.
The deputy minister-designate was accompanied by Regional minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, and former deputy, Mr. Maxwell Blagodzi, MP for Krachi East, Mr. Michael Gyato, Energy Minister, Mr. John Peter Amewu, Volta Regional Director of NADMO, Mr. Divine Bosson and a host NPP party supporters.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com