The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated his government’s resolve to deal with the public purse more honestly. He said the formation of the entire government within two months of assuming office is unprecedented in the history of the country.

“Setting up a government in two months shows our commitment to do public service and deal with the public purse honestly,” he told a meeting of journalists in Kumasi last Saturday.

The President also gave the assurance that his administration was going to govern intelligently and honestly, emphasising, “We have resources to deal with issues.”

He also said the major priority of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is to deal with the menace of galamsey. With regards to the insurgence of acts of violence by individuals and groups, the President indicated that the police turning a blind eye to crime because of one’s political persuasion was improper, emphasising that crime is crime, and should not be countenanced.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who said he is a man of his word, had earlier assured transport unions and transport owners in Kumasi that he would fulfill all the pledges made during the electioneering period, and that the fulfillment of those pledges remains the surest way to create jobs and wealth for the people of Ghana, as well as returning the country onto the path of progress and prosperity.

In another development, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, April 3, 2017, swore in Dr. Ernest Kwamina Yedu Addison as the new Governor of the Bank of Ghana, after consultation with the Council of State.

At a brief ceremony at the Presidency, which had the Vice President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo, Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation Anthony Akoto Osei, and Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, in attendance, President Akufo-Addo noted that the new Governor had joined the ship of state in very difficult circumstances.

“There is a big burden on us to revive the Ghanaian economy and put it on the path of growth and prosperity. I don’t have to tell you the significance of your role in that process. It is absolutely vital, and you, more than anybody else, will give confidence to the markets that Ghana is on the right path,” the President said.

President Akufo-Addo expressed his confidence in the ability of Dr. Addison, stressing: “I am grateful that I have the opportunity to appoint you to this office. I have no doubt that it is one you will discharge with credit to yourself and to the people of Ghana.”

The President further indicated that he was very much aware of the independence granted to the Central Bank by the laws of the country, “but, nevertheless, if there is transparency and co-operation, we should be able to work together to achieve our main goal, which is to create the conditions for the growth of our economy.”

Describing the role of the Governor as “an arduous task”, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his confidence in the abilities of Dr. Addison, wishing him “Godspeed, and the very best of luck in your new role.”

On his part, Dr. Ernest Addison thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, through his appointment as Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

“I am hoping that I will be able to contribute my best to position the Bank of Ghana to play that role that it is required to play, in terms of ensuring the stability of the macroeconomic and financial environment.

“The issue of stability is of great concern to Ghanaians – stability, not only in the exchange rate, but stability in prices generally – as well as creating the low interest regime, which will support your private sector vision of creating jobs, ensuring high growth and reducing poverty,” he said.

He assured the President that notwithstanding the challenges that confront the Ghanaian economy, “they are not insurmountable, and I know that with the leadership of the Vice President in charge of the Economic Management Team, we will make an impact.”

Dr. Addison reiterated his commitment to keeping the President informed frequently, regarding issues bordering on the economy, especially on the monetary policy aspect, adding that “we shall not disappoint you”.