The President, John Mahama has acknowledged the widespread frustrations among Ghanaians regarding the nation’s economic challenges.
He noted that the situation “at times creates the impression that we are adversaries. We are not.”
The President mentioned that Ghanaians and government “will remain allies working together for a common cause” and promised to improve the channels of communications “so that we may strengthen our collaboration.”
President Mahama was addressing workers at the Black Star Square in Accra on Thursday in commemoration of May Day celebrations which is being celebrated by workers across the world.
He however denied the assertion by the TUC that views expressed by organizations and individuals on the economy are treated with contempt stating that “they are treated with careful consideration.”
According to him, the varied views shared on the state of the nation helps government to shape policies “and to determine which points of concern are the most urgent.”
The President admitted that the country attained the lower middle income status 10 years ahead of the scheduled time “without all of the institutional prerequisites in place” but he revealed that government has embarked on an agenda “to economic and social transformation that will bring our institutions of policy making and development management in line with those of a middle income country.”
He attributed the many challenges being faced to the “apparent disconnect between our new found middle income consumption habits and our low productive capacity” and promised to work towards addressing the disconnection.
“Change does not happen overnight. It is true that we have a long way to go but it is also equally true that we have travelled a great distance and that in the last few years alone, we have made significant strides,” he said.
Responding to the plea of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) over the signing onto the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU), the President gave his word that all concerns will be considered before government takes a decision.
“Government is taking all views and concerns of stakeholders including, labour, consumers, and exporters into consideration. Those views and considerations will absolutely inform any decision that we eventually take,” the President assured.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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