Government will rebuild economy - Minister

The New NPP government is to stand up to the challenges facing the shattered economy left in shambles by the immediate past administration of the NDC, the country's longest serving regime.

Harsh economic measures experienced by developing countries during the latter part of last year will not deter the determination of JAK's administration to rebuild the socio-economic structures of the nation.

This was said by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. S.K. Boafo at a ceremony to launch Barclays Prestige Banking Service in Kumasi.

He said government would deliver accordingly on its campaign promises of managing the economy of the country endowed with natural resources. He noted that productivity would be increased to improve the living condition of the masses.

Hon. Boafo pointed out that no alibi would be given for any irresponsibility and inability to deliver as was the case of their predecessors who incessantly blamed external factors for the woes of the country, although the so called "external shocks" lasted for a few months whilst they had been in power for two decades.

The Minister believed that a vibrant financial sector is needed to put the economy in its right perspectives and echoed the plans of his government to restructure and modernize the sector.

Policies would be pursued to create a healthy and reliable financial sector which would be a key factor in drawing foreign and local investors all in an effort to bring into fruition the much talked about golden age of business slogan of President Kufuor.

He called on banks to support the government in its drive of ensuring a peaceful and trusted business environment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Mr. Kobina Quansah said the launch of a Prestige centre in Kumasi is the first outside Accra due to the city's strategic position and the tremendous patronage the bank has been receiving from traders in the metropolis and other parts of the region.