The President, John Mahama has acknowledged the widespread frustrations among Ghanaians regarding the nation\u2019s economic challenges.<\/p>\n
He noted that the situation \u201cat times creates the impression that we are adversaries. We are not.\u201d<\/p>\n
The President mentioned that Ghanaians and government \u201cwill remain allies working together for a common cause\u201d and promised to improve the channels of communications \u201cso that we may strengthen our collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He however denied the assertion by the TUC that views expressed by organizations and individuals on the economy are treated with contempt stating that \u201cthey are treated with careful consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to him, the varied views shared on the state of the nation helps government to shape policies \u201cand to determine which points of concern are the most urgent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The President admitted that the country attained the lower middle income status 10 years ahead of the scheduled time \u201cwithout all of the institutional prerequisites in place” but he revealed that government has embarked on an agenda \u201cto economic and social transformation that will bring our institutions of policy making and development management in line with those of a middle income country.\u201d<\/p>\n
He attributed the many challenges being faced to the \u201capparent disconnect between our new found middle income consumption habits and our low productive capacity\u201d and promised to work towards addressing the disconnection.<\/p>\n
\u201cChange 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment 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,\u201d the President assured.<\/p>\n
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By: Efua Idan Osam\/citifmonline.com\/Ghana
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