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Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah
The Western Regional Minister, Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has urged Ghanaians to support government in building the economy from the ravages of COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
He says this call has become necessary following confirmation by the International Monetary Fund(IMF)that the Ghanaian economy is challenged, not as a result of mismanagement by government but the impact of the COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war. All hands, he urged, must therefore be on deck to bring our economy back on its feet.
Dr Darko-Mensah was speaking at a grand durbar of chiefs and people of Apremdo in the Effia-Kwesimintim municipality on Saturday to round off their 2022 Kundum festival. It was dubbed “Post COVID-19 Recovery: Maintaining good community and personal hygiene practice, a collective responsibility”.
Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, the Lower Discover Omanhene, and Awulae Attibrukusu of Lower Axim, who was the chairman for the occasion, as well as some of the traditional rulers, were present.
The Regional Minister recalled that when the NPP assumed power in 2017, Ghanaians supported government in that year and beyond to rebuild the tottering economy inherited from the erstwhile NDC administration.
He said all well-meaning Ghanaians want to see the economy growing and would not hesitate to support government do that after COVID-19. It is against this backdrop that he urged the citizenry to re-energize themselves for that task, adding that government on its part will also not disappoint them.
Govt still delivering
Dr Darko-Mensah noted that despite the adverse effects of COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy, government continues to undertake developmental projects to better the lives of the citizenry. He cited construction of an ultra-modern boys’ dormitory at Fiaseman Senior High School in the Tarkwa-Nsuem Municipaty.
He also spoke of plans to reconstruct the Apremdo road, and directed Kojo Acquah, the Municipal Chief Executive, to immediately ensure that the contractor comes to site.
Nana Egya Kwamina XI, the Apremdo divisional chief, said there had never been peace in the community since his enstoolment fourteen years ago. He commended the Municipal Assembly, Police and the Judiciary for ensuring that peace finally prevailed after a court ruling in July this year.
He regretted that Apremdo could not celebrate Kundum during the years of litigation, and accused “saboteurs” of denying his subjects the joy of celebrating this annual festival.
Notwithstanding the protracted litigation, Nana Egya Kwamina XI said, he had been able to chalk some feats as divisional chief. They include an ongoing modern community centre with library attached.
He therefore appealed to government, non-governmental organisations and individuals to donate towards the completion of the project.
In his closing remarks, Awulae Attibrukusu stressed the need for reconciliation, peace and unity, as well as goodwill among the chiefs and people of Apremdo to help develop their community.