President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to Ghanaians to support the government in its efforts to improve on the economy and wellbeing of the citizens “in these trying times”.
In his Christmas message to Ghanaians on Friday, President Akufo-Addo assured Ghanaians that “already, there are clear signs that the economy is bouncing back strongly, just as there are welcome indications that the global economy is also recovering”.
“The work undertaken by my government, over the last five (5) years, in education, healthcare delivery, agricultural and industrial transformation, infrastructural enhancement, especially in the road sector, the empowerment of the security services, and the development of the digital economy, amongst others, is evident. I appeal to you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my government in these trying times,” he said.
You have stood with me most of my adult life; you gave me a resounding victory in 2016, and you returned me to office again, with the help of God, with another decisive victory in 2020, because I fulfilled, largely, the commitments I made to you in 2016.
He urged Ghanaians not see the economic difficulties of today as the blueprint for tomorrow and that he is “a firm, passionate believer in our national potential. We have it in us to rise up and revive our fortunes. There are brighter days ahead for Mother Ghana.”
On the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, President Akufo-Addo said: “Fellow Ghanaians, I know these are difficult times for us. Undoubtedly, 2021 has proven to be a tough year not only for us, but also for everyone on the planet. COVID-19 has affected every sector of the global economy and our national life; nothing, in its path, has been spared its ravages.
“Our economy, which was growing at an average of 7% in 2017, in 2018 and in 2019, grew by 0.4% in 2020, because growth in industry, services, tourism and manufacturing sectors, which drive the economy and provide jobs for many Ghanaians, contracted dramatically in 2020, as a result of the sudden disruption in the global supply chain and the steep decline in the global economy, which sent the global economy into recession.
“This is the stark reality of the situation, not an excuse. Indeed, but for the bold and timely measures put in place by Government to cushion Ghanaians against the worst effects of the pandemic, our situation would have been more precarious.”
According to him, getting vaccinated is the most effective way to defeat the virus and go back to our normal way of life, re-open fully our economy, and return our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity.
He disclosed that the government has succeeded in securing considerable quantities of vaccines for the country, numbering nearly 23 million doses so far. “So, I entreat all those who have not been vaccinated to do so,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo urged all to be guided in this festive season and beyond by the cardinal principles of Christianity – charity, faith, humility, love and reconciliation, saying the true meaning of the life of Jesus Christ on earth was to reconcile man to God.
“The season of Christmas is upon us again, signaling the end of yet another year. On behalf of the First Lady, my wife Rebecca, my daughters, my grandchildren and my entire family, and on behalf of Government, I send best wishes to all Christians in Ghana, and, indeed, around the world, for a Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a Happy New Year to all Ghanaians and citizens of the world,” he said.
GIK/APA