Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Lawyer Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer has expressed appreciation to President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing him to head the Ministry for Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
He was also appreciative of his constituents for giving him the mandate as a Member of Parliament – a role which enabled the President, consistent with the Constitution, to nominate him for the role.
Speaking in an interview with Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show, he indicated that his nomination re-affirms the President’s unbroken resolve to make Ghana the number one destination for tourism in Africa.
“I’m extremely grateful to the President for this new role and to my constituents because they voted for me to be in Parliament. It is because of them that I have been nominated to this position. I have worked with the President in various capacities, and he appointed me as a Deputy Minister at the Energy Ministry. He has seen my work and wants me to lead another Ministry and I’m very grateful for that”, he indicated.
According to him, he shares in the President’s vision of placing tourism at the forefront of national development. He adds that the tourism sector has a huge potential in the areas of job creation and revenue.
He believes his appointment to the Ministry is to further amplify Ghana’s unique tourism to the global stage through strategic campaigns.
“I’m going there to put up my best as I did in the Energy Ministry. We are all aware of the tremendous growth in the tourism industry under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. We also know the potentials of tourism and its traditional benefits to the country. I’m going there to see what is there and what we can also add. At all times, I try to put up my best wherever I find myself and I believe with the help of God, I will contribute my quota to the sector”, he added.
Andrew Egyapa Mercer has been elevated to a substantive Ministerial position from his current position as Deputy Energy Minister.
His appointment is subject to parliamentary approval which would be due in few weeks.
Story: Eric Nana Gyetuah/Connect FM