We're not out of the woods yet - Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama on Sunday urged Ghanaians to continue to work harder to achieve the desired political and economic stability to accelerate development.

He said:"Although we have achieved some economic stability over the weeks, we are not yet out of the woods, and we need to continue to work harder to achieve our development goals."


President Mahama said this when he arrived at Kotoka International Airport after two weeks of official duty to the United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE).


President Mahama addressed United Nations General Assembly in New York, held discussions with development partners and investors among other engagements.


The President also delivered two lectures at Harvard University in Boston Massachusetts and the Brandeis University in the same state and held meetings with Boston Chamber of Commerce.


President Mahama proceeded to UAE where he attended the African Business Global Forum.


He was welcomed by Mr Prosper Douglas Bani, Chief of Staff and Ministers of State and supporters of National Democratic Congress members at the VVIP Lounge of the Airport amidst drumming and shouting of slogans.

The President said he is convinced that the economy would regain its status with a number of measures put in place adding:" I believe the economy will become much stronger and resilient, but we need the cooperation of everybody in the country to achieve that."


President Mahama commended Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur and the economic team for playing a crucial role to stabilise the economy.


He said government would not go back to the International Monetary Fund for any assistance after the expiration of the three-year engagement with the Breton-woods institution.


Speaking to Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr Ben Dotsei Malor, Head of Communications and Presidential Spokesperson said President Mahama's presence at the African Business Global Forum in the UAE rekindled the interest of the international community to make Ghana their economic hub for the African continent.


He said as a result a number of businesses have expressed their interest to invest in Ghana especially in government's desire to expand ports and harbours and to invest in oil and gas to become self-sufficient.


On energy challenges of the country, Mr Malor said although there are no quick-fix measures, government is working around the perimeters to ensure energy sufficiency for both domestic consumption and for export.