... oil find not due to the good deeds of anybody, but ...
Dormaa Ahenkro (B/A), July 31, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday reiterated the government's determination to resuscitate the nation's economy and move it in a direction that would justify the people's confidence and trust.

He explained that the NDC government inherited a colossal debt, half of which the national budget could not even match but that the government was working steadily to put things in good shape so that the vision of making Ghana better would be achieved.

President Mills was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people at Dormaa Ahenkro on the second of his three-day tour of Brong Ahafo, which will also take him to Nsawkaw and Techiman. He had earlier in the day addressed a similar durbar and met with Zongo chiefs in Sunyani. Professor Mills said the government acknowledged complaints by some Ghanaians that they had not "seen anything" since the NDC assumed power in January and had failed to fulfil its campaign promises to the people. He further explained that half of the arrears bequeathed to the NDC government was more than its budget for the provision for water, electricity and other essential amenities for the people, but stressed that the government was more than determined to reverse the situation and put things in order.

He emphasised that the oil find in the country was not due to the good deeds of any body but rather the Creator's magnanimity, and thus no government could pride itself with the find, adding that the government was working to ensure that every Ghanaian enjoyed part of the national cake.

"We are determined to work so that Ghanaians will return the NDC to power in four years' time", he added.

Professor Mills stressed that politicians are not a special breed of Ghanaians who should solely enjoy the nation's resources, and that every Ghanaian had the right to enjoy life and live in freedom as citizens.

He acknowledged the problems that the people faced in the communities but gave the assurance that the government would work steadily to ensure that most of those problems were solved with the active co-operation and goodwill of the people.

Mr. Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, assured the people that the government would ensure that roads in the Dormaa area received immediate upgrading as part of the government's commitment to ensuring a fair distribution of good road networks in the country to boost economic activities.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu 11, Omanhene of Dormaa Traditional Area, expressed the people's appreciation for the provision of electricity, water and some good roads in the area during the PNDC/NDC era.

He, however, called on the present government to expand such facilities especially to the food producing areas to boost economic activities.

Other speakers were Mr. Albert Abongo, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Regional Minister, and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC. 31 July 09