Nana Ansah Sasraku, Mamfehene, and Kyidomhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, has suggested that contracts for the sewing of school uniforms should be given to local dressmakers and tailors.

According to Nana Sasraku, if the contract for the production of school uniforms for the over 856 Senior High School students and pupils in basic schools are awarded to local dressmakers, it would empower them, and as well, improve the economy of the nation.

Giving his remarks as the chairperson for the Eastern Region edition of the Government for the People Forum held in Koforidua, Nana Sasraku observed that the practice whereby such contracts were given to foreigners, was killing the local industry.

He therefore appealed to government to consider the plight of local manufacturers, and support them by giving them such contracts and jobs to keep them in business.

Nana Sasraku who is also the Board Chairman of the Metro Mass Transit, noted that the call by the President for Ghanaians to patronize made-in-Ghana goods, must be extended to all sectors of the economy, including local manufacturing.

Dr Omane Boamah, Minister of Communications, explained that the 2015 budget presented to Parliament, indicates that the 17.5 percent tax on petroleum, translates into GH¢ 0.45 increment on a gallon of petrol.

He urged Ghanaians to be vigilant to ensure nobody took advantage to cheat innocent and unsuspecting people by increasing fuel prices far beyond the 17.5 percent increment.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Education, said government’s promise of 200 new SHSs to expand access to secondary education, was on course, adding that, some contractors in the Western Region are about 80 percent through with their projects.