KABUL - President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Saturday reiterated the performance of ministers would be evaluated after every six months.

In his speech after the oath-taking ceremony by 34 newly-elected senators, the president warned he and the parliament would sack ministers who demonstrated weak performance.

In the past, mismanagement was a serious problem, the president acknowledged, warning in future each member of the executive branch would be held accountable to the head of state and representatives of the people.

Every minister would be bound to present his/her performance report about small and big projects executed in a particular constituency, he noted. Because of absence of accountability, he recalled corruption took roots in various institutions.

He reiterated the much-delayed cabinet would be named soon. Earlier, the parliament, civil society members, and people criticized delay in naming the cabinet.

The president congratulated the newly elected members. He urged them to serve the masses as they had reposed trust on the elected lawmakers.

Ghani thanked the upper house---or Mesharano Jirga--- for approving the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA). He said BSA was a sign of Afghanistan’s long-term partnership with international community.    

Chairman Senate Fazal Hadi Muslimyar thanked the president for presiding over the oath-taking ceremony despite his tight schedule. He said members of Mesharano Jirga would serve Afghans through thick and thin. (Pajhwok)