By Iddi Yire
Accra, March 03, GNA – The time for transformation is now, President John Dramani Mahama has said, urging all Ghanaians to embrace economic transformation and unlock the full potential of their beloved country.
“Let us work together to build a resilient, competitive and prosperous Ghana,” President Mahama said in his keynote address at the opening of the National Economic Dialogue in Accra.
“I fully understand that the road ahead will not be easy, but it is a road we must travel. Responsibility for rebuilding Ghana’s economy does not rest on government’s shoulders alone. It is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every Ghanaian,” the President stated.
“Let us rise to the occasion, take decisive and necessary action, and ensure that we leave behind a legacy of economic resilience, stability and prosperity for future generations.”
The President said consensus building and consultation would be the hallmark of his administration, because he believed that all Ghanaians had a role to play in the development of their dear nation; saying “and I would very much like to be remembered as the President, who provided the platform for this to happen”.
The President said a new era was upon Ghanaians, an era of bold transformation, economic expansion and limitless opportunities.
He said at the heart of their vision for Ghana’s future was the implementation of a 24-hour economy, that works for all.
He said this strategy would revolutionize our economic landscape, and it would create sustainable jobs and position Ghana as a competitive force on the global stage.
The President said across the world, thriving economies had embraced continuous productivity, ensuring that businesses, industries and essential services operate around the clock to maximize growth and prosperity.
“It is time for Ghana to also step forward and break free from the limitations of a traditional economy and embrace a future where opportunity is not confined by time,” President Mahama said.
“Under this initiative, this administration is committed to providing incentives and tax breaks for manufacturers and businesses that extend their operational hours, encouraging a ship-based employment system that expands job opportunities.
“We will strengthen key sectors such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, logistics and financial services to support such continuous operation.”
He said the Government would invest in infrastructure, energy and security to ensure businesses and workers operate in a safe and efficient environment.
President Mahama said the Government would enhance transportation systems to facilitate the movement of workers and goods at all hours of the day and night.
He said the Government would implement fair labour practices that protect workers’ rights while fostering productivity and economic growth.
President Mahama commended Dr Ishmael Yamson, the Chairman of the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee and bid Team for the hard work they did in bringing participants together for the Dialogue.
“Together, we will build the Ghana we want and a robust economy of our own design and creation,” he said.
The National Economic Dialogue on the theme “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together”, seeks to achieve objectives such as communicating the true state of Ghana’s economy to stakeholders and the people of Ghana, developing a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme to guide the national budget and to highlight key structural reforms and policy priorities essential for resetting the economy.
GNA