“I Am Expecting Detailed Proposals For Fast-tracking Decentralization”

 Hereunder is an address by the Head of State at March 15 Council of Ministers Meeting following the Cabinet Reshuffle of 2 March 2018.

“Mr. Prime Minister,
Honourable Members of Government,

You are welcome to Unity Palace on the occasion of this Council of Ministers Meeting which is taking place following the cabinet reshuffle of 2 March 2018.
I would like to warmly congratulate those who have been newly promoted, as well as those who have been maintained. Do strive to be worthy of the trust bestowed upon you!
I urge you to work diligently so that, together, we meet the multiple challenges confronting our country. Our people expect nothing less from us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite an unfavourable global economic context, the consolidation of our economic performance, the improvement of our people’s living conditions and the fight against unemployment must remain the Government’s core priorities.
In this light, it is necessary to pursue the smooth implementation of the Programme concluded with the IMF. There is also an urgent need to finalize the implementation of major structuring projects, the Emergency Growth Acceleration Plan and the Special Youth Plan. The operationalization of the Kribi Deep Sea Port and the second bridge over the Wouri augur well in that regard. 
These and many other projects that have been or are soon to be completed may be commissioned this year.
However, despite these excellent performances, we must not forget that much remains to be done. As I underscored recently in my message to the Nation, the Government should continue to put a special focus on outreach services, such as water and electricity supply, health, and road infrastructure.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I strongly reiterate my instructions on the need for judicious use of public resources, reduction of public spending and the fight against corruption.
Each of you, in your respective spheres of competence, should rise to the performance challenge. The pursuit of the general interest and efficiency, solidarity, team spirit and respect for hierarchy, should guide your action at all times and in all circumstances; they constitute the standards by which you will be judged.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thanks to the firm action of our defence and security forces, we have been able to drastically curb the atrocities perpetrated by criminal groups in the Far North, North-West and South-West Regions. Efforts in that regard need to be continued, especially to ensure that economic and social activities return to normalcy.
Our populations countrywide have continued to express their desire to be closely involved in running the affairs that directly impact their daily lives. The creation of the Ministry of Dece...