Juaso (Ash), April 17, GNA - Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence has stated that the sound economic policies and good governance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government have attracted significant increases in remittances of Ghanaians living abroad.

He said Ghanaians in the Diaspora contributed about two billion cedis into the country's economy through remittances last year, signifying the confidence they have in the government.

Dr Addo Kufuor was speaking at People's Assembly at Juaso in the Asante-Akim South district.

According to the Defence Minister, the NPP government, since taking over political power in 2001, has put in place pragmatic measures to ensure accelerated development of the country.

He said a solid foundation on which the development of the nation would thrive had been laid and urged Ghanaians to rally behind government to implement policies that would improve the living standard of all.

On youth employment, the Minister said government had earmarked 1.3 trillion cedis to create employment opportunities for the youth. He said preparations were advanced for the introduction of a Venture Capital Fund to provide opportunities for the private sector to source for loan at a relatively low interest rate for business. Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Communication, said government was committed to improving the lot of Ghanaians and urged them to exercise the maximum restraint.

He said in order to create conducive environment for businesses to flourish, the government in its first term in office concentrated on improving economic infrastructures such as electricity, water, good roads and telecommunication networks.
All is now set for government to address the concerns of Ghanaians, he added.