The policies and programmes being implemented by the Nana Akufo-Addo government are having, and will continue to have, a major impact on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians, some traditional rulers in the Western region have stated.

Innovative programmes such as Free Senior High School education, Planting for Food and Jobs as well as the remarkable macroeconomic stability and growth arising from prudent economic management are ample testimony that the Government is on course to deliver on the pledge to better the lives of Ghanaians, and is worth commending, according to Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Paramount chief for the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, and Nana Nteboah Prah IV, Chief of Heman-Prestea.

Speaking at separate mini durbars to welcome the Vice President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on Sunday 27th May, 2018, the chiefs expressed confidence that other programmes being implemented, such as the Nation Builders Corps and the digitisation of the major planks of the economy, would help set Ghana on a path of accelerated development.

Citing the latest IMF Report on Ghana’s economic performance, issued on 2nd May 2018, IMF Update Country Report Number 18/113, which indicated that the country had met and surpassed its Fiscal Deficit Target for the first time since 2006, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim commended the Akufo-Addo government for achieving such a historic feat in the macroeconomic sector, and called for its sustenance.

Alluding to the Digitisation agenda being spearheaded by Vice President Bawumia, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim called for the expansion of the digital revolution, saying “Now when you hear digital in Ghana, it is associated with your name. When you hear seamless, it is associated with your name, H.E. Bawumia. Please extend it to the whole of Ghana so we all benefit.”

On his part, Nana Nteboah Prah IV, Chief of Heman-Prestea, described the setting up of a Zongo Development Fund and the appointment of a Minister for Zongo and Inner City Development as “timely and a reflection of the new governance style introduced by the Akufo-Addo government.”

“This is a new thing introduced by this government, that the Presidency would tour Zongos, fraternise with them and know their challenges. They have even appointed a Minister for Zongos. Some of us were born in the Zongo so we know how life is in the Zongos. We commend Government for the commitment to the development of Zongos. We also have a Zongo in Prestea, and we are confident that the impact of the activities of the Zongo Development Fund would also be felt in Prestea Zongo.”

Nana Nteboah Prah urged his subjects to take advantage of the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) programme, designed to tackle graduate unemployment and would offer employment to at least 350 graduates in every constituency in seven different modules, saying an opportunity to earn a living should not be sniffed at.

“It is a very good programme. If you are an unemployed graduate, staying home all this while, and there is an opportunity to earn a living and start something for yourself, then I will urge you to take it up. It will help you and all of us, and reduce the burden on yourself and your family.”

In brief remarks, Vice President Bawumia assured the chiefs and people of the Western region that the Nana Akufo-Addo government has begun fulfilling its promises to Ghanaians and is determined to make life better for the ordinary Ghanaian.

The Vice President was in the Western Region on the latest leg of a nationwide Ramadan Tour to pray with his Moslem brethren and seek Allah’s blessing for the nation. He also offered special prayers for the sustenance and enhancement of the peace Ghana continues to enjoy in spite of the multiplicity of religious faiths in the country.

He was accompanied by the Regional Minister, Hon Dr Kwaku Afriyie, his deputy Eugenia Kusi, Minister for Zongo Development Hon Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique and other government and NPP officials.