unyani (B/A), May 21, GNA – Mr. Kwadwo Apraku Lartey, the President’s nominee as District Chief Executive for Tano-North District in Brong-Ahafo, was on Friday sworn-in to assume duty with immediate effect.

The swearing-in ceremony performed on behalf of President John Evans Atta Mills by Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Regional Minister in Sunyani has put to rest speculation that was rife in the area and the region at large that his nomination had been withdrawn by the President.

Mr. Apraku, 32, a tutor in Quantitative Methods and Experimental Design at Sunyani Polytechnic, was appointed by President Mills recently when in January this year he revoked the appointments of some DCEs including that of Tano North. He swore to the three oaths of official, allegiance and secrecy.

Mr. Nyamekye Marfo gave the new DCE his instrument of office from the President and charged him to be alive to his responsibilities by being committed and devoted to duty for the accelerated development of the district.

He advised him to cherish and value his appointment, saying “you must not betray the confidence reposed in you by the President since that will be the basis and bench-mark to measure your success in office”.

The Regional Minister asked Mr. Apraku to ensure the establishment of good and cordial working relationship with all bodies and institutions in the district as well as the traditional authorities.

Mr. Nyamekye Marfo reminded the DCE that he had attained the position on the mandate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party and as such must work to unite the rank and file of the party and hand-in-hand with them sustain their interest for the stability of the party.

He entreated Mr. Apraku not to be an “arm-chair” DCE but to go to the field by visiting communities to explain government policies to them and listen to their concerns and grievances.

The Regional Minister cautioned him on contract management, stressing that contracts should be awarded based on the provisions of the procurement laws of the country as any deviation from the law on procurement could create administrative problems.

Mr. Apraku expressed appreciation to the President for the appointment and pledged to work hard towards the “actualization of the Better Ghana Agenda” in the district.

He promised to tap the wide experience of the Regional Minister as a former DCE as and when necessary in the course of his duties within the spirit of open door administration.

The DCE indicated his preparedness to bring all stakeholders in the area on board irrespective of political, social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds of the people.