In spite of the current economic issues, which he claims have clearly jeopardized the state of the nation’s finances, President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo says he is steadfastly hopeful about the country’s economic recovery and its future.
President Akufo-Addo spoke to senior citizens at the Founders’ Day luncheon in their honor today, August 4, 2022, in the foyer of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). He expressed his continued confidence in the Ghanaian people’s ability to overcome their current economic challenges and his motivation to continue running the country’s affairs.
“Since the attainment of independence 65 years ago, we have bemoaned the fact that our nation has not leaved up to its vast potential and countries, especially those in south east Asia such as Korea and Malaysia which gained their independence at the same time as we did have outstripped us in terms of development”.
President Akufo-Addo stated, “In spite of the many obstacles we have had to overcome, such as extended periods of instability and military rule, fueled by several coup d’états, one thing I continue to be proud of is the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian people and our determination not to be backed down by events and allow the circumstances and challenges of today to shape our collective future.
The President reaffirmed the government’s claim that recent difficulties, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, had “compromise” the nation’s economy.
However, he pointed out that his government has laid out a number of steps, including asking the International Monetary Fund for support in the near future to help rebuild our finances.
“I am confident that we will revive and revitalize the economy and put our nation back on the path of rapid economic growth, a scenario we had become accustom to in the last three immediate years before the pandemic struck” President stated.
“I’m making a solemn commitment to you with this.
I’m steadfastly positive about Ghana’s future, which I still think is promising, he continued.
President Akufo-Addo said in his speech that his administration had decided to bestow national awards on a number of deserving Ghanaians who had distinguished themselves in a variety of endeavors, including those who had helped his government fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which had broken out globally and in Ghana in 2019 and March 2020.
“I have honored several persons who have distinguished themselves in service to mother Ghana, particularly in the roles they played in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped maintain our population and brought international acclaim to our country.”
President Akufo-Addo said, “The ceremonial ceremony where I present the honors will take place at a later date.
The “Order of the Volta Companion,” the first category of prizes, is given to the creator of the veronica bucket, 12 trustees of the Ghana COVID-19 private sector fund, and 16 members of the national COVID-19 task group.
“The order of the Volta and member award for strategic and individual leadership has been given to 13 Ghanaians.
President Akufo-Addo said that 57 Ghanaians, including chosen members of the health sector, staff members from the Ghana Education Service, Local Government Service, and Security Services, had received the grand medal for operational excellence.
“The second category of awards, that is the “Presidential Award of Honour for Meritorious Service” has been presented to a total of 19,752 individuals comprising frontline and allied health workers 32 religious bodies and institutions, 8 members of the COVID-19 National Trust Fund”.
The remaining recipients according to the President, are; “58 members of the technical support team of the COVID-19 private sector fund and 26 companies who changes their production lines to manufacture hand sanitizers to lesson our dependence on foreign imports”.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com