Deputy finance minister highlights government achievements at Eastern Region Townhall

Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, has stated that the government has delivered on its promises and is committed to doing even more for the people of Ghana.

Speaking at the Eastern Region Townhall Meeting in Koforidua on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Dr. Ampaabeng highlighted key economic achievements that underscore the government's commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians.

“We have delivered, and we will continue to do more for you,” Dr. Ampaabeng declared to the audience, emphasizing that the government’s economic policies have yielded positive results across various sectors.

“Our economy is on a strong recovery path from the shocks we experienced in 2020 and 2022, which brought lots of hardship to Ghanaians. Now, sustained recovery is evident in that there's a declining inflation rate, there's quarter-on-quarter GDP growth rate, from 3.8% in 2023 Q4 to 4.7% in Q1 of 2024, and a remarkable balance of trade surplus. These indicators reflect our dedication to sound economic management and the well-being of our citizens,” he pointed.

Dr. Ampaabeng noted that inflation, which had reached worrying levels in previous years, has significantly declined, indicating a path to sustained recovery.

“We have managed to bring inflation from 54% experienced in 2022 November due to the effects of the external forces, especially Russian/Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic to 20.9 on just over a year and half [july 2024]. Although this remains high, assessing this from where we were, there's a strong indication that we will achieve the end of year target of 15[±2]"

Dr. Ampaabeng also touched on the stable supply of electricity, which has been a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to support businesses and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

“We have ensured that the days of erratic power supply are behind us. Today, businesses can operate with confidence, and households enjoy uninterrupted power, which is essential for our economic growth and development,” he added.

Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, whose Ministry oversees the town hall meetings, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of the town hall meetings in enhancing government transparency and accountability.

“These town hall meetings are crucial because they allow us to bring governance closer to the people,” she said.

She stressed that the meetings provide a platform for citizens to engage with government officials, ask questions, and receive updates on government projects and policies.

The minister further noted that such meetings help bridge the gap between the government and the public, fostering trust and ensuring citizens are informed about initiatives undertaken in their regions.

“By promoting open dialogue and sharing information, we build a stronger relationship with the people we serve, which is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring inclusive development,” she added.

The Eastern Region Townhall Meeting, held at the Centre for National Culture in Koforidua, is part of a series of town hall events aimed at promoting citizen engagement and inclusive governance.

The initiative, which began in the Greater Accra Region, allows residents to interact directly with government officials, learn about ongoing projects, and provide feedback.