World Bank and IMF renew commitment to Ghana -Kufuor

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have renewed their pledge to assist Ghana as a result of the sound economic and transparent fiscal policies of the government.

President John Agyekum Kufuor who announced this on Thursday said the people would within the next three months realise the effects of these policies in their lives.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of Asamankese in the Eastern Region to end his two-day tour which took him to various towns in the Akuapem North, Kwahu South, West and East Akim Districts, President Kufuor said in addition about 300 million dollars which the country could have used to service external debts this year has been written off by most of the donor countries as a result of the government's decision to opt for the HIPC initiative.

He asked the people to exercise patience for the government to turn the economy around in fulfilment of its campaign promises.

He said the cash and carry system of paying for medical care would soon be replaced by a national health insurance policy as the NPP promised.

President Kufuor said ministers of state and other high ranking government officials would not be allowed to operate foreign accounts or send their children to school overseas at the expense of the tax payer.

He said the people needed a change and that is why they voted the NPP into power, adding: "This change should reflect positively in their lives and we will pursue this objective in earnest."

Barima Kwaku Amoah III, Asamankesehene commended the government for its economic and fiscal policies that have made the cedi to stabilise against the major currencies since it assumed power and urged Ghanaians to work hard to sustain the pace of national development.

He called for intensification of moral education especially among the youth to minimise the spread of the HIV/AIDS infection.

President Kufuor's arrival at Akim Oda virtually turned into a carnival as scores of people lined up the main street to cheer him, forcing his convoy to move at a snail's pace. The security personnel had a hectic time controlling the crowd.