President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday admonished ministers of state to eschew arrogance and other negative tendencies that could undermine the progress of the country.

"You must always remember that your duty is to render service to the people diligently irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnicity and geographical location...for arrogance won't take you anywhere."

President Mahama gave the admonishment when he swore-in Mr Emmanuel Habuka Bombande and Joseph Tetteh Angmor as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Deputy Eastern Regional Minister respectively.

The two deputy ministers, who were nominated by President Mahama, vetted by Parliament and approved on July 11 this year, took the Oaths of Office, Secrecy and Allegiance.

President Mahama advised them to exhibit a high level of circumspection by listening to the plight of the people with tolerance and objectivity to enable them to contribute their quota to nation-building.

President Mahama urged them to lead modest lives by taking counsel from more experienced politicians and the people they were serving.

Addressing the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, President Mahama appealed to him to use his experience and expertise in peace-building to help the ministry in its engagements with other neighbouring countries that were experiencing some crisis.

He advised Mr Angmor, the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, to leverage his experience as District Chief Executive to the benefit of people in the region and beyond by carrying out activities that would deepen grassroot democracy.

He cautioned the duo that pressure would be placed on them as their substantive ministers are parliamentary candidates who would be campaigning for their seats in the December polls.

"The two of you will be compelled to carry more responsibilities because your two ministers will be campaigning for parliamentary seats in the forthcoming general election in December this year," he said.

Mr Bombande, on behalf of his colleague, commended President Mahama for giving them the opportunity to serve Ghana in their capacity as deputy ministers of state.

"We promise to serve the people with dedication, integrity and commitment in appreciation of the honour done us."

Mr Bombande said humility and integrity would also be their guiding principles to serve Ghanaians diligently.