We won’t beg for alms - Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that “Ghana will work again,” stressing that his administration would not rule a country that will beg for alms from well transformed countries.

He stated that the necessary programmes and policies that would lead to Ghana becoming a self-reliant country in the shortest time possible would be rolled out so as to prevent Ghana from relying on aids to survive.

The president indicated that the country has the human resource and all other requirements needed to become very competitive on the global market, adding that nothing would stop his administration from making the country competitive.

Mall opening

Nana Akufo-Addo made these remarks when he and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, were officially commissioning the ultra-modern Kumasi City Mall, the cost of its construction of which is estimated to be $95 million, yesterday.

Situated at Asokwa, the mall – which currently sits on an 18,500 square-meter land – which can be expanded to 28,000 square meters in the future – boasts of amenities such as escalator, spacious park for 1,250 vehicles, CCTV cameras, among others.

Over-taxation

President `Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated that his administration would implement the necessary measures to change Ghana’s economy from over-taxation to production, to help make wealth abundant.

He therefore admonished Ghanaian entrepreneurs to take advantage by venturing into production so that they would benefit immensely from the government’s outlined programmes.

Weeps over importation

He openly decried the current situation whereby items such as “dressed chicken and carrots, just to mention a few, are imported into the country,” complaining that over-importation is adversely affecting the economy.

According to him, the New Patriotic Party administration would create an enabling environment so that local companies could enter into production to help give strength to the country’s currency – the cedi.

Nana Akufo-Addo noted that it is unacceptable for Ghana to continue to export its farm products and natural resources in a raw state to the outside world in the 21st century, thereby denying the country the amount due it.

He said the government will make sure that value is added to items exported from the country so that Ghana can rake in the necessary foreign exchange to help cushion the economy.

Private sector support

The president stressed that the private sector, which ideally should be the engine of growth of the economy, would be given the necessary impetus and support in order to grow for the benefit of the citizenry.

Transformation of Kumasi

President Akufo-Addo stated that it is the plan of his government to properly develop Kumasi so that the Ashanti Regional capital would reclaim its past accolade as the ‘Garden City of West Africa.’

He therefore urged residents of the region and Ghanaians in general, to rally behind his government.

He commended Kofi Sekyere, Board Chairman of the Kumasi City Mall and his staff for constructing such a magnificent mall, which he noted has changed the face of Kumasi and the country at large.

Mr. Kofi Sekyere noted that the Kumasi City Mall, aside boosting the trading and social life of the people, would also help create jobs for most of the unemployed youth.

He stated that apart from the two main tenants of the mall – the Game and Shoprite – it also boasts of 66 shops, which deal in food items, pharmaceuticals, operate clinics, restaurants, jewelry shops, banking and financial services, among others.

Mr. Sekyere said the mall “serves as a ready market for locally produced and manufactured goods and therefore can contribute substantially towards our country’s import substitution strategy.”

Kantanka vehicles

He announced that three Kantanka branded vehicles that were showcased at the mall recently had been purchased and the company has been receiving enquiries from people who are interested in buying some of the cars.

He commended Otumfuo for his invaluable contributions towards the construction of the edifice, adding that personalities such as Ing Nana Poku Agyeman, Charles Osei Bonsu and Michael Gyang Owusu, also played vital roles.

Mr. Sekyere announced that the “food court” section at the mall had been named after the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who is Otumfuo’s mother, to honour her for her good works.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, stated that Kumasi’s central location in the country makes it a commercial hub, therefore the construction of the mall there was perfect.

Otumfuo’s wife, Lady Julia, Alan Kyeremanten, Osei Assibey Antwi, Francis Asenso, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, prominent chiefs in Asanteman, top businessmen and woman, the clergy and people from all walks of life attended the programme.