Have confidence; I’m determined to fix economy despite downgrade – Nana Addo

 

Have confidence; I’m determined to fix economy despite downgrade – Nana Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is confident Ghana’s economy will bounce back despite the recent downgrade by international rating agency, Standard & Poor’s (S&P).

S&P last week downgraded Ghana’s foreign and local credit ratings from B-B’ to CCC+C with a negative economic outlook.

According to S&P, the downgrade was due to intensifying financing and external pressures on the economy.

But, Nana Akufo-Addo says, although he admits times are difficult, the economic situation of the country will turn around shortly.

The President was speaking on a local radio station in Tamale.

According to him, “Yes, the difficulties are there, and I want to minimize the difficulties that are affecting the lives of ordinary people in a very negative way. What I am saying to the people of Ghana is that, they should continue to have confidence”.

The Finance Ministry has, already, expressed disappointment at the credit rating agency’s decision.

It says despite the impact of global external shocks on the economy, government

The President also believes Ghana will successfully emerge from these challenges in the shortest possible time.

“Government is determined to work its way through the economy. We did it when I first came into office, and I am determined and strongly of the belief, that we can do it again because the policies are sound and are about putting Ghana in a strong place,” Nana Akufo-Addo stressed.

…NANA ADDO….

 

NPP Footsoldiers react to Akufo-Addo’s ‘no reshuffle’ comment

Some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are disappointed in President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision not to reshuffle his ministers.

The group under the umbrella name Alliance For Footsoldiers Advocacy (AFFA) is convinced a reshuffle will pave way for more competent and selfless people to help revive the economy.

But their expectations were dashed when President Akufo-Addo in an interview on Tamale-based North Star Radio said he will not heed to such calls.

According to him, there is no justification for reshuffle since most of his appointees have met his expectations.

President Akufo-Addo added that, those making such calls, especially members of the opposition National Democratic Congress want to destabilize his government.

The Executive Secretary of AFFA, Kwaku Takyi Adomako, aka Sir Obama speaking to the media said, they are disappointed with the President’s decision.

According to him, though the President has the sole authority to appoint the dismiss an appointee but they wished he would have listened to the concerns from Ghanaians.

He added that, some Ministers should be reshuffle for others to come after serving for that too long.

…SIR OBAMA….

 

Completion of new KATH Maternity Block will meet 2024 deadline – Health Minister

The first phase of the ongoing construction of the Maternity and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is scheduled for completion in May 2024.

Work on the 507-bed capacity project started in February 2021, following the demolition of a 45-year-old building over structural integrity issues.

Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, is excited at the progress and quality of work done, as contractors have assured of meeting deadlines.

He led a delegation from the Ministry to the project site.

Speaking to the media, he said, “I am so excited about work so far done. It gives me a lot of hope and confidence that this project will finish within the contract duration period and I’m happy with the work so far”.

The 45-year-old Maternity Block project, started by the Acheampong regime, remained uncompleted despite several attempts by successive governments.

The decision by the NPP government to construct a new maternity and children’s ward following several technical, architectural and structural tests on the old building suggested its structural integrity could not be guaranteed.

Weak foundations, rusty iron rods, poor quality of concrete beams, excessive corrosion of the reinforcing steels and others raised serious concerns.

….HON. MANU….

Lead Consultant at Arckito Consult, Nana Abu- Bonsrah speaking to the media also said, they are optimistic of meeting the 2024 deadline.

He added that, “In fact the original thing we were expecting 750 beds and now under phase 1, we are doing about 500 beds and then there is a phase 2 which is going to be another tower block on top of the OPD which will match with this. 2024 May, we are sure of the completion.”

….ABU BONSRAH….

Listen to Ghanaians- Obiri Boahen to Nana Addo

Former Deputy General Secretary for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawyer Obiri Boahen has advised President Akufo Addo to listen to the call of Ghanaians to do reshuffle in his government.

According to him, not all of these people calling for reshuffle are in for a position but for the wellbeing of the country therefore it is high time he also adhere to the calling of the citizens.

President Akufo-Addo has dismissed calls for him to reshuffle his ministers. 

According to him, there is no justification for the demand. President Akufo-Addo insisted most of them have met his expectations. 

Speaking on North Star Radio in Tamale as part of his two-day tour of the Northern Region, the President said he is impressed with his appointees. 

“Many of them for me have done outstanding work. Their output has been considerable, and that is what I look at,” he said.

“If the output measures expectations, then I don’t have any strong reasons to heed the call,” President Akufo-Addo added.

Lawyer Obiri Boahen speaking to the media said, the party might lose the elections if they ignore the warnings from some people.

He added that, constitutionally, the President is right but politically he begs to differ.

.…OBIRI BOAHEN…..

 

Is high time to stop playing politics- President advised

Chief Executive Officer of African Energy Consortium Limited, Lawyer Kwame Jantuah has advised President Akufo Addo to as a matter of urgency stop playing politics in these hard times.

According to him, the president should at least listen to Ghanaians call to do reshuffle rather than playing politics.

He made this comments after the President Akufo-Addo ruled out any reshuffle of his ministers.

Speaking in an interview on Tamale-based North Star FM, President Akufo-Addo, said he is of the view that some of the calls come with ulterior motives.

He, therefore, stated that he won’t heed to plans of the NDC to destabilize his government.

“The calls come for all kinds of reasons; NDC wanting to destabilize the government is one. There are people who are also looking for jobs.”

However, Lawyer Jantuah speaking to the media quizzed the President and asked who advised him on certain matters.

He added that, the economy of this country is in crisis therefore he should stop these political games.

…LAWYER JANTUAH…..

NDC claps back at Akufo-Addo over ‘destabilization’ plot amid reshuffle calls

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reacted to claims made by President Akufo-Addo that calls from the opposition party for a reshuffle of ministers were borne of their desire to destabilize his government.

General Secretary for the NDC, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, aka, General Mosquito speaking to the media said, the comment by the president was a reflection of a disconnect between himself and happenings in the country.

According to him, though he doesn’t blame the President’s reluctant to do reshuffle because there’s no one capable in the NPP to handle any Ministerial position.

Speaking on North Star Radio in Tamale as part of his two-day tour of the Northern Region, the President said he is impressed with his appointees. 

“Many of them for me have done outstanding work. Their output has been considerable, and that is what I look at,” he said.

“If the output measures expectations, then I don’t have any strong reasons to heed the call,” President Akufo-Addo added.

However, General Mosquito reacting to this said, “If Ghanaians insist that the economy is in crisis yet the President disclosed that, he is impress with the work of his cabinet, then they have done a horrible job”.

He added that, the economy will be worse if the President tries to do reshuffle because he lacks the men who can help manage the economy therefore there’s no need for reshuffle.

…ASIEDU NKETIAH…..