President John Dramani Mahama has sounded the caution that Ghana’s economy remains work in progress despite leaving the IMF programme with the expectation of a final tranche of the funds to be released by the board.
Speaking at the Resetting Ghana tour in the Savannah Region on May 23, he intimated that significant stabilisation has been achieved under the programme with more needed to strengthen the economy.
President Mahama on day two of his tour, went to Damongo, the regional capital of the Savannah Region.
He commissioned the Yamoransa Model ICT Lab, a facility whose construction he sponsored with support from Helping Africa Foundation.
Addressing a gathering, the President said. “It fits perfectly into government’s programme of B-STEM. As you are aware, yesterday we launched the B-STEM school in Sawla, where we’re teaching our children science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And so, these labs allow them to come and continue to hone their skills, especially in information and communications technology.”
The President then visited the Palace of the overlord of the Gonja State, the Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale I. The Yagbonwura praised the government’s efforts at bringing development to the region, mentioning in particular the Roads Minister whose efforts are showcasing the opening up of the region and its road infrastructure.
The President assured him of the region’s fair share of the national cake. Then there was a highlight, the community engagement. Several ministers took turn to address the region on their stewardship.
“The senior high school students here, you know that under President Mahama, there is no food shortage. And no school will be closed down because the GES is struggling to supply food, the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu stated.
“I can assure the parents and guardians that next week, the results of the medicals that have been conducted will be released. And graciously, his excellency intervened with the Minister of Finance to double the intake that we are going to take,” the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak assured prospective recruits into the security agencies.
“Trunk roads that must be addressed. Let me be specific to the Savannah Region. Currently, we have over 100 road projects that are on our record as projects that are going on. But truth be told, some of them have been abandoned. I want to take the opportunity to encourage all those contractors who got project before President Mahama came, that he’s encouraging you not to be scared that when you work, you will not be paid. Please go back to site and do your work,” the Roads and Highways Minister assured.
The President then gave major updates to the gathering.
“The country has been under the IMF until last week when Ghana concluded its program, awaiting a final release of over 300 million dollars. We’re not going to have a kenkey party because we believe that it is still a work in progress.
Unlike others who left the IMF and held waakye and kenkey parties, happy to be free from the IMF. We are not doing that because we know that economy still needs a lot of work to be done. And it is my hope that this is the last time that Ghana will go to the IMF for a bailout.
“We must be able to manage our affairs in such a way that we don’t go cap in hand begging anybody to come and bail us out,” he said.
The President then moved to the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Hospital.
On day two of the president’s tour, he has once again opened up discussions for more equitable distribution of resources and a constant reminder that government remains a continuum.
