The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph Ahwa Laryea, has been nominated as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This was announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Justice D.F. Annan, when the House reconvened after the Easter recess in Accra today.

The Speaker has referred the nomination to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for approval. Mr. Laryea joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1964 as Director of Administration.

For the past one year there has been no deputy foreign minister following the elevation of Mr. Victor Ghebo from Deputy Foreign Minister to Foreign Minister. His elevation followed concerns expressed by Parliament and other political observers who felt the Veteran Permanent Representative to the UN was the best choice for the post.