PRESIDENT John Evans Atta Mills has asked Ghanaians not to be discouraged by the present economic difficulties facing the country.
This is because an elaborate programme which will address all difficulties is being implemented to put smiles on the faces of all.
President Mills made these remarks when he addressed a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the Eastern Region at Jackson Park, Koforidua, on Saturday to round off his three-day tour of the region.
The tour which took him to Akuapem, Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo, some parts of Akyem Abuakwa and the Kwahu Traditional Area, including the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains), was to thank the chiefs and people in these areas for the support offered him during the 2008 elections.
He was accompanied by Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Asum Ahenkan, Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, his deputy, Baba Jamal, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Antwi Boasiako, as well as some municipal and district chief executives in the region.
Some of the paramount chiefs who attended the durbar were the Okuapehene, Oseadeoyo Addo Dankwa III, and the Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre (Prof) Oti Boaten, who is also the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
According to the President, it had not been easy for most Ghanaians to make a living as a result of the bad governance of the previous government and that the present government had put in the necessary structures to resuscitate the economy which would take a little bit of time and appealed to Ghanaians to be patient with the assurance that good things were yet to come.
“We are aware that people are complaining about economic hardships but we have a competent team which has instituted the necessary measures which will bear fruits in the near future to put smiles on your faces so be a little bit patient”, President Mills told the gathering to a thunderous applause.
The President, who called on Ghanaians to unite, further stated that the NDC had a sacred responsibility to ensure that Ghanaians irrespective of political affiliation or area of origin would have the basic necessities of life to make life meaningful
With regard to probity, accountability and good governance, he said his administration would not deviate from such principles and that anyone entrusted with the country’s resources for the welfare of the people but misused them for his or her selfish gains would not be spared.
He expressed his appreciation to the chiefs and people of the region for their support which enabled him to win the presidency.
The Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, Mr Asum Ahenkan, said although chieftaincy was revered, it had been associated with disputes and appealed to Nananom to address the problem, adding that the government would also do its best.
Daasebre (Prof) Oti Boaten who chaired the function and spoke on behalf of the chiefs called for collaboration between the traditional authorities and the government in solving the problems of the people.
He also suggested that of municipal and district chief executives should be elected instead of being appointed by the government, adding that such an initiative would further improve local government for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, briefed the gathering about steps being taken by the government through the various assemblies to provide social amenities such as roads, schools, potable water and other poverty alleviation initiatives throughout the region.
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