Ghana is ready for economic take off - Kan-Dapaah

Koforidua, Jan. 22, GNA - Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minster for the Interior on Monday observed that Ghana was set for economic take off but the only problem that could disrupt the economic progress was political disunity.

He therefore, called on Ghanaians to live in unity to enjoy the success of their contribution.

Mr Kan-Dapaah made the observation when addressing the New Juaben Municipal Jubilee Peoples' Assembly at Koforidua.

He said Ghana's 50 years of existence as a nationhood was a credit to all past Governments since each contributed to her development and should be given credit for their achievements.

However, Mr Kan-Dapaah said the six years administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President John Agyekum Kufour had made the greatest achievements than any government in Ghana's history. He emphasized that in addition to the numerous infrastructure development Government had initiated difficult policies that had improved the economy and living standards of the people. Mr Kan-Dapaah, explained that the increase in prices of petroleum products as a result of the removal of Government subsidy greatly influenced the stabilization of the cedi, helped to reduce the interest rate and inflation in the country.

He said the NPP Government was interested in the well-being of Ghanaians hence the introduction of the Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure that the people were not left out in the country's development.

Mr Kan-Dapaah, said freedom of speech in the country had put the Government on its toes to perform as expected and pointed out that although the constitution allowed criticisms, people should endeavour to address issues of national interest in a polite and courteous manner. Mr Yaw Barimah, Eastern Regional Minister, stressed the need for Ghanaians to learn the national anthem and pledge as a sign of patriotism.

He called on Ghanaians to reflect on their past and examine their activities during the celebration of 50 years of nationhood. Nana Adjei Boateng, New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, enumerated some development projects within the municipality since 2001. He urged Parent-Teacher Associations that want to institute levies to seek approval from the assembly.