Have faith in the Government - President Mills

Kumasi, Nov. 5, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has asked Ghanaians to continue to have confidence in his 10-month old administration, saying it is on course to deliver on the "Better Ghana" promise but needed some time.

President Mills, who was addressing a colourful durbar of Chiefs and people of Asanteman held in his honour at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi at the start of his three-day official working visit to Ashanti, said the Government remained focused and, therefore, there was no need for people to grumble.

President Mills is in the Region to thank the people for voting for him and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Election 2008. He said good governance and the provision of the basic needs of the people to help them to live in some comfort were high on the Government's agenda.

Unemployment among the youth, he noted, was a major challenge that needed to be tackled and pledged to re-activate the Jute and Shoes Factories in Kumasi to open up job avenues.

He advised the people to put the nation before their individual interest and to avoid all negative tendencies that could hold back the socio-economic progress of the country.

President Mills thanked Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene for releasing a vast tract of land at Sokoban for the construction of an ultra-modern Wood Village. The Asantehene reminded the Government of the expectations of Ghanaians and said everything should be done to ensure that the economic situation of the people improved.

He said priority should be given to the construction of roads; schools; health facilities; housing; the provision of potable water and other basic necessities.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called on President Mills to have the courage to carry through with his change agenda to raise the quality of life of the people. He pledged that the Chiefs and people of Asanteman would stand solidly behind the Government to help to deepen the country's democracy and accelerate the pace of development.