President John Dramani Mahama has announced that he has assented to the 24-hour Economy Authority Bill, making it law to boost productivity and create more jobs across the country.
According to him, the policy will encourage businesses to operate in multiple shifts while factories and services run around the clock to improve productivity and expand economic opportunities.
He made the remarks during the 69th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the forecourt of the Flagstaff House in Accra under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope.”
Mr. Mahama said the initiative would generate thousands of jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, transportation and security.
He explained that the policy would also enable the country to make full use of its national infrastructure while positioning Ghana as a competitive industrial hub.
The President noted that the theme for this year’s celebration represents a commitment between government and citizens to promote prosperity and restore hope for all Ghanaians.
He said the occasion was also a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the country’s forebears who fought for independence, paying tribute to Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, who declared the nation free in 1957.
Mr. Mahama indicated that Ghana’s independence must continue to inspire progress not only for the country but also for the African continent.
He acknowledged the contributions of past leaders including Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, noting that each administration has contributed to the country’s development.
Touching on governance, the President said his administration is working to reset the nation by strengthening institutions, stabilizing the economy and restoring fiscal discipline.
He stated that inflation is declining while the cedi is gradually stabilizing, adding that government has renegotiated debts to secure more sustainable terms for the country.
Mr. Mahama also described corruption as a major threat to national development, stressing that every cedi lost to corruption deprives citizens of essential services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
He assured that government will continue to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and ensure that no individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, is above the law.
The President further announced that government is in the final stages of establishing a Women’s Development Bank to support women entrepreneurs with accessible financing, mentorship and business support.
He urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to take advantage of emerging opportunities while government continues to invest in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes and innovation hubs across the country.
Mr. Mahama called on citizens to demonstrate discipline, patriotism and unity, stressing that Ghana must always place national interest above political, tribal and personal considerations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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