President John Mahama has said he has "unquestionable commitment" to Ghanaian businesses.
"As an advocate of Made in Ghana goods, supporting local business has always been my top priority," he expressed his commitment on microblogging site Twitter.
Mr Mahama's tweets come on the heels of recent accusations of him as an "insensitive" President following his May Day speech at the Black Star Square where he said smart businesses were not laying off workers despite the power crisis, which has persisted since 2012.
My commitment to Ghanaian business is unquestionable. ---JM.
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) May 4, 2015The President cited the Accra Brewery Limited (ABL), which recently procured a $100-million production plant toward supplanting its production capacity, as an example.
But in the opposition’s view, the President’s remark does not show he has any feelings for Ghanaian businesses and investors who are bearing the harshest brunt of the power crisis.
General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) Solomon Kotei, on Monday told Ultimate Breakfast Show host Prince Minkah on Ultimate 106.9FM, that if indeed the President captured the remark in print in his speech, then he owes Ghanaian businesses and investors an apology.
“If it is not written on his paper, then I’m calling for forgiveness, but if it was written on his paper, then it is a well cut-out plan to come and infuriate others, who have invested their monies in this country. If it is that position, then he must come out as the President that we know to say: ‘I’m sorry,’” Mr. Kotei remarked.
It is estimated that about 5,000 workers could lose their jobs by September if the power situation does not improve.
Some major companies including Coca-Cola have already retrenched about 200 workers.
As an advocate of Made in Ghana goods, supporting local business has always been my top priority.
---JM.
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) May 4, 2015
