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President Ernest Bai Koroma today administered the oath of office on the new Minister of Presidential and Public Affairs, Joseph Monor Koroma, and the new Minister of Transport and Aviation, Aliue Mohamed Pat-Sowe, followed by Saidata Sesay as Deputy Minister of Information and Communications. Congratulating the two ministers at State House, President Koroma said they are coming in at a time when the talking is over and action should speak, while reminding them of how vital their ministries are to the running of the State. “Much is expected from you,” he said. The President urged the Transport Minister to ensure the availability of adequate transport facilities in the country, with special reference to ensuring the safety and frequency of movement of people from Lungi to Freetown, as well as to embark on income generation and the creation of employment opportunities in the ministry. To the Minister of Presidential and Public Affairs, the Head of State said there’s need to be thoroughly au faith and work in accordance with the ‘Agenda for Change’, and to layout policy programmes to the effect. “I have no doubt you will be able to deliver what is expected from you,” the President declared to both ministers. Responding, Presidential Affairs Minister Joseph Koroma, speaking on behalf of his colleague, said, despite coming in at a critical time, they are prepared to take the President’s ‘Agenda for Change’ to higher heights in ensuring that government delivers in serving the nation. At a similar but separate ceremony, President Koroma, in congratulating the new Deputy Minister of Information & Communications Saidata Sesay, said that he had assigned her to the ministry “with the full belief that you will go out there and work hard by giving support to the Minister in order to achieve the goals of the ministry.” He said the Deputy Minister has come at a time when the issue of re-branding Sierra Leone is at the forefront of the ministry. “Where there’s no communication, there’ll always be a lot of rumour- mongering,” the President said. In her remarks, the new Deputy Minister thanked the President for giving her the honour to serve her country in that capacity. She said despite the challenges, she would work hand-in-hand with the Minister to the best of her ability. The first batch of new Ministers in President Koroma’s government was sworn in last Friday. Vice President Sam Sumana witnessed the ceremonies, while the new Minister of Presidential Affairs started work immediately by witnessing the swearing in of the Deputy Minister of Information & Communications. Meanwhile, yesterday 24th March 2009, President Koroma had in audience at State House a cross-section of the Executive and staff of the go-between organization ENCISS (Enhancing the Interaction and Interface between Civil Society and the State) who informed him about their work, especially about a memorandum of understanding they have signed with various civil society organizations in the interest of the progress of the nation. The President urged them to work harder in trying to improve the lives of people in deserving communities.
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