Accra, March 15, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday swore-in Mr. Mahama Ayariga, former Presidential Spokesperson, as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, and expressed appreciation for his loyal service to the Government.

He swore the Oaths of Allegiance, Secrecy and Deputy Minister of State which were administered by President Mills and presented with the Instrument of Office.

President Mills congratulated Mr. Ayariga on his appointment and said he had full and absolute confidence that he would acquit himself well in his new position.

He said the appointment of relatively young persons to positions of trust was from the fact that the youth formed the future of the ruling NDC and the nation.

President Mills thanked Mr. Ayariga for his loyal service, dedication and commitment to duty, and added that he would follow his performance in his new position.

He said: "You need this exposure to show the world what you are made of".

Mr. John Henry Martey Newman, Chief of Staff, reminded the Deputy Minister that his new duty related to economics and urged him to refresh himself on the subject.

Mr. Ayariga thanked President Mills for the confidence reposed in him and pledged that he could never pay the price of failing President Mills. "I shall never disappoint you," Mr. Ayariga said.

Mr. Ayariga, a Harvard trained lawyer in his mid-thirties, and Former Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, until his appointment worked for 14 months as the President's Spokesperson. He was on the Campaign Team of President Mills during Election 2008.