The Minister of Health designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye has clarified his role as the representative of the President at the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Okoe-Boye emphasized that his appointment as the President’s representative was aimed at ensuring that key sectors like health are not lacking in direction.
He clarified, “Some of us, let me be specific to myself, we’ve received letters from the Chief of Staff making us reps. I am the representative of His Excellency, the President at the Ministry of Health.”
Dr. Okoe-Boye stressed that the Constitution allows the President to appoint representatives, and he sees his role as crucial for providing direction in public institutions. He stated, “The executive head is the president, and he has reps at all public places. And so that is a mandate with which I am here.”
Dr Oko-Boye and other ministers designate are yet to be approved by Parliament after being nominated by President Akufo-Addo.
While acknowledging that he prefers not to draw attention to his designation, Dr. Okoe-Boye highlighted the importance of focusing on the job at hand. He explained, “Just that I don’t like to make noise about something, so I’ve not given the data to the media and told them I’m not a rep and all that. Our passion is the job to be done.”
However, due to recent discussions surrounding his role, Dr. Okoe-Boye felt the need to clarify his position. He emphasized, “Dr. Oko Boye is the representative of His Excellency, the President at the Ministry of Health, and constitutionally, you are allowed to do work on behalf of the President with that designation. It is backed by the 1992 Constitution.”
This clarification comes amidst public debates about the roles and responsibilities of government officials and their relationship with the President’s office.
Dr. Okoe-Boye’s statement aims to provide clarity on his mandate and reassure the public of his commitment to ensuring effective governance in the health sector.
