Ogio resumes work as Governor General

H.E. Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has resumed official duties as of today.

Grand Chief Sir Michael was away on sick leave since late last year during which time he underwent a bypass heart surgery in Singapore in October of 2015.

Grand Chief Sir Michael had sought medical attention in Port Moresby, however, due to his condition recommendations were made to seek further medical treatment overseas.

The Governor General was kept under close observation for weeks after surgery in Singapore and returned to the country in mid November of 2015.

Grand Chief Sir Michael has been recovering well since the surgery and following his medical review last month, was given the all clear by doctors to resume duty.

Grand Chief Sir Michael said, he is glad to be able to resume work and thanked everyone involved for their care and support.

“I am glad that I am able to return to work and I’m looking forward to performing my duties as Head of State. I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and support. I thank also the doctors both here in Port Moresby and Singapore, staff of Government House, friends and well wishers for their care and encouragement. I want to thank also the Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill and the Government, Speaker of National Parliament Hon. Theo Zurenuoc and Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia for their unwavering support. As difficult as it was, this experience has made me realize and appreciate the precious gift of life that we have been blessed with, and that we should do all we can to safeguard our health and avoid activities and practices that may bring harm to our lives and those of others. My simple message to my fellow Papua New Guineans would be, live healthy and live longer,” Grand Chief Sir Michael said.

The Governor General performed his first official duty this morning at the swearing in ceremony of a new judge of the National and Supreme courts, Mr. Robert Lee Lindsay