The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has urged critics to spare President Akufo-Addo of any backlash concerning the number of ministerial appointments he has made.

According to NUGS, “it is very premature in lambasting the government since it is still under formation and the Union wishes to call on stakeholders to remain calm and reserve all ammunitions for the appropriate time”.

The union said what was important was for students “to have better living standards by way of government delivering on its campaign promises”.

This was contained in a statement released by the leadership of the union on March 16.

Mr Akufo-Addo has appointed a record 110 ministers to help him govern the country for the next four years. His critics, mainly from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have said the size of the government is too huge and will affect the country’s finances, but NUGS thinks otherwise.

Below is the full statement:

Thurs, 16th March, 2017

NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS)

BETTERMENT OF STUDENTS' WELFARE IS MORE IMPORTANT TO US THAN THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT -- NUGS OPINES

The debate as to the size of government is rather inappropriate and too early for Ghanaians and stakeholders. We believe strongly that what really matters' to Ghanaian students is to have a better living standards by way of government delivering on its campaign promises.

It is very premature in lambasting the government since its still under formation and the Union wish to call on stakeholders to remain calm and reserve all ammunitions for the appropriate time.

HUGE GOVERNMENTAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES

We can agree Nana Addo's administration has come up with so many projects and programmes aimed at bringing about radical transformation that would be felt at every corner of the nation. This naturally calls for the deployment of a lot of resources including human resources with respect to skills, experience and Numbers*.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DIVISION OF LABOUR

Strategically identifying key skills needed to execute the future success of government business. That is why some companies poach employees from other organizations at a huge cost. There are people with some specialities whose skills and experience are urgently needed for specific and Strategic tasks towards speeding up the Ghana project.

Division of labour is highly required for effectiveness and specific tasking. People can be held accountable and responsible for their performance.

OUR MAJOR CONCERNS

As a Union, we have several concerns and what really matter to us are as follows;

1) The unemployed graduate, teachers, nurses and midwifery trainee being employed

2) Reduction of taxes that will ease the tax burden and encourage us into entrepreneurship hence not relying on government for employment.

3) The needy but brilliant student benefiting from free SHS to be able to further his or her education at the second cycle.

4)The poor patient being able to access quality health care at an affordable cost courtesy NHIS reducing child mortality amongst others

FALL OUTS
We however, charge the government to check corruption likewise misuse of state funds since that will go a long way to affect the vision of the government.

We wish to state emphatically that we shall never relent on lambasting the government if impacts are not felt by the ordinary Ghanaian.

CONCLUSION
There is a clear cut difference between a LEADER and a MANAGER.

Managers maintain the status quo but Leaders adjust to suit the situation at hand. Managers act to the rules and lines set but Leaders take bold decisions and always ready to take responsibility.

Nana Addo has shown leadership by not being afraid to take radical decisions that are necessary to achieve results though appear unpopular and we recommend him as we seek for great results that impacts lives.

ALUTA CONTINUA!!! VICTORIA ASCERTA!!

.............signed……...
KWASI FRIMPONG
Press and Information Secretary

YIADOM BOAKYE EMMANUEL
Coordinating Secretary

LUQMAN ABUBAKARI
(PRESIDENT)