Gov’t sets up Senchi Report Implementation Group

Government has set up the Senchi Economic Report Implementation Group, to ensure that the Senchi Report, the outcome of the National Economic Forum, is formulated into government policy.

President John Dramani Mahama who announced this on Friday, said "I am chairing the strategic advisory committee which is to work on policy alternatives that Ghana needs in a short-term to overcome the economic challenges."

President Mahama announced this when Mr. Claude Maerten, European Union (EU) Head of Delegation, called on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

The head of delegation was at the Presidency to bid him farewell after his three-and-half years duty tour of Ghana.

President Mahama said there were mid-term prospects for the Ghanaian economy, despite the current economic challenges, and commended the EU for its contributions over the years, towards Ghana's economic growth.

He said Ghana's relations with the EU had hinged on the relations Africa has had with the institution, and he, as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, would forge ahead to strengthen that relations during his tenure of office.

The President said government was undertaking some reforms, such as the payroll audit that would subsequently help in the elimination of ghost names from the public service.

He said government was revamping the Fisheries sector, and would continue to seek the support of the EU and other partners to step up fish production for both domestic and external markets.

President Mahama commended the EU for the tremendous contribution towards the maintenance of peace and unity in Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and currently the support for peace in Northern Nigeria.

Mr. Maerten commended President Mahama for initiating measures to maintain peace among ECOWAS member-states, and urged him to pursue prudent ones that would enhance peace, unity and stability in the sub- region.

He said Ghana was recognized as a country with high democratic credentials, which was further deepened after the death of late President John Evans Atta Mills, and urged President Mahama to maintain that tempo for the benefit of Ghanaians.

The out-going Head of Delegation said Ghana had economic prospects and government therefore needed a strong economic management to get out of the challenges, particularly with the pricing of cocoa and the acquisition of a gas plant.