Story: Nana Sifa Twum - London

The Vice President John Dramani Mahama has noted that the nation has achieved a historical record in the management of the country’s economy during the past 18 months by turning round the horrific economy in the beginning of the year 2009 when the National Democratic Congress took over the administration of the country.

He said the nation’s currency has been stabilised for the longest period since it was deregulated and for the first time in the history of the county, inflation has dropped consistently, for 12 consecutive months to a single digit, an achievement viewed by the international community as unprecedented. The Vice President was addressing a gathering of NDC party members at a special fund raising dinner and dance in London, to raise funds for a new party headquarters complex in Accra.

The function was attended by a large crowd including members of the diplomatic corps, party members and sympathisers of the party. Prominent was the South African High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Zola Skweyiya.

“We have worked phenomenally in respect of putting our economy on a very sound footing” Mr. Mahama said.

He said the country has been able to achieve this by putting in place pleasant economic measures among others to drastically reduce food import and boosting local food production.

Mr. Mahama expressed delight in the enhancement of the nation’s food basket saying “we have been able to achieve this primarily due to the food production policies and programmes that are going on very well.”

He quoted rice import reduction as over 100 thousand tonnes and an increase in maize production to the highest level ever adding that “now World Food Programme is buying food from Ghana for their supplies in Mali and Niger”

The Vice President noted that by the end of this year, the nation’s GDP will grow by seven percent with the figure rising to between 10 and 15 in 2012. He predicted that Ghana’s GDP may double between six and seven years time considering the pace of development of the economy.

He said the NDC is determined to lead Ghanaian to achieve “the better Ghana” it has promised the people, acknowledging that “all is not that smooth but with dedication, commitment and the zeal of all we will deliver.

Mr. Mahama noted that the country is making a lot of strides in the right direction. “The achievements are visibly there for all to see and we are determined to build upon this so that all Ghanaians will derive the maximum benefit from our services as a party.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Professor Kwaku Danso Boafo, said the President, Professor Evans Atta Mills, and the Vice President have intellectually, professionally and politically preparation for the office they hold and are capable of leading the country and calle