Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor said on Wednesday that the 2010 budget gave effect to the Government's commitment to create a "Better Ghana" for growth equity and sustainable development for all.

He said the theme of this year's budget: "Growth and Stability," epitomised the Government's resolve to grow the Ghanaian economy in a sustainable manner to achieve a middle income status in an environment of stability and hope for the people of Ghana.

"I would like to assure fellow Ghanaians that our foundation is much better than it was in 2008, and most importantly, we remain endowed with an enterprising human resource.

"What we now need is to gather courage, adopt a positive attitude, and commit ourselves to moving forward in the right direction. It is only through our resolve and sustained commitment to tackling these challenges that we can restore our economy back to a higher and sustained growth path and eliminate poverty among our people."

Dr Duffuor said to achieve these goals, the government intended to broaden economic opportunities for all; significantly reduce youth unemployment and poverty, and deal comprehensively with regional imbalances.

"We plan to also confront head-on the governance challenges that continue to hold back our growth and development agenda.

"We must realize that we have no option but to collectively rise abo= ve our perceived inadequacies and stimulate our potentials with renewed commitment and determination to move our economy up the ladder of prosperity." Dr Duffuor said "these challenges must be tackled now, and we must d= o so urgently, recognising that our economy and Ghanaians in general cannot=

afford any further delay". 18 Nov. 09