Health Minister-designate, Alex Segbefia has apologized and withdrawn a statement he reportedly made, advising indigenes of the Volta Region to take advantage of his appointment to develop the region.
[contextly_sidebar id=”pSJbXr0SoCgg8IQKVOEQ4Qdf1c3qxuxT”]He is reported to have made the comment at a gathering at the Dumenyo festival of the people of Tadzewu in the Ketu North District over the weekend.
He is quoted as saying, “…the region must understand that although I am minister of health for the whole country, I am also a minister of health who hails from the Volta region. Ministerial positions are like football coaches and so you do not know when you will be changed so if you do not use me while I am there, don’t blame anybody tomorrow.”
But the Health Minister-designate withdrew the statement when he appeared before the vetting committee of Parliament on Monday.
He said: “That was never, ever my intention and that is why I never mentioned any tribe or any group of people. I stuck to regional context and there was a basis for it and that is where it stands but for those who are offended, I withdraw the statement.”
Segberfia is also reported to have mentioned that although he has been appointed to serve every Ghanaian, main responsibility is towards the people from his home region.
But during his vetting, he clarified that his statement was not restricted to the people of the Volta Region.
“The aspect which I think is important is that I’ve been nominated for the whole of Ghana and I represent every Ghanaian if I am given the nod by this House. Any other part of the statement which creates some ambiguity or difficulty in this matter, I am happy to withdraw,” he explained.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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