The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group and all major international rating agencies agree that Ghana is due for a prosperous 2017.

“Ghana is rising! This is a direct result of the economic policies and tough decisions made by President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government over the last four years,” the party said on its official website.

The World Bank, in its latest report, rated Ghana as the easiest place to do business in West Africa. According to government, this means “greater foreign direct investment, more new businesses are established and it is easier for existing ones to grow, translating directly into more jobs for the people of Ghana and consequentially a growing economy”.

The NDC said none of this would have been possible without the investment in infrastructure that the John Mahama government has made in the last four years. “Resolving the energy crisis and creating energy security is a critical component of this recognition by the World Bank. John Mahama and the NDC government have tackled the issue head-on and resolved it not only for the short term, but for generations to come,” it added.

“Infrastructure development facilitates business which creates jobs and grows the economy. It’s a long-term strategy but it’s critical to the long-term prosperity of Ghana. All this hard work is now starting to pay off and again the World Bank agrees”.

“The World Bank projects a growth rate of between 7 and 8 per cent in 2017 for Ghana. That is due entirely to the initiatives John Mahama and this government have put in place. The ratings agencies S&P, Fitch and Moody’s agree – all have a positive outlook for Ghana’s economy in 2017. These projections are based on the environment this government has created to facilitate economic growth,” the statement noted.

The NDC also pointed out that the Cedi is currently the best performing currency in Africa reflecting the success of their policies and the confidence the international community has in the country.

“The French Government’s recent endorsement of John Mahama and this government’s economic policies further support the reality that we have laid the foundation and 2017 is set for a prosperous year”.

The party insists 2017 will be the first year of a new prosperous time for Ghana. “The goal of economic growth, after all, is not simply about making money for the country – at its very heart; growth is about creating prosperity and opportunities for all our people – a better life for all Ghanaians”.