Cape Coast, Nov. 30, GNA- Dr John Mensah, a lecturer at the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), on Thursday lauded the intention of the government to establish a Fair Wages Commission (FWC), and stressed the need for adequate and reliable data to facilitate the work of the Commission.

He expressed the hope, that when it comes into being, the Commission would speed up its work to avert strike actions in orders to sustain the country's economic growth.

Dr Mensah made the commendation when he gave an overview of the 2007 budget statement and economic policy of Ghana, at a public forum on the 2007 budget statement, in the central region, at Cape Coast. It was organized by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and aimed among others at, educating the public on the importance of the

budget statement and how it intended to promote the socio-economic development of the nation.

Dr Mensah stated that the success of the budget depended largely on all Ghanaians and called on the leadership to remain focused, promote good governance, encourage fair distribution of resources and instil hope in the populace.

He in turn, urged the people to uphold their civic responsibilities by increasing productivity through positive attitudinal change, prudent time management, teamwork and by making the leadership accountable. The lecturer, in this regard, advised both the leadership and the people to build their capacities and strive to minimize the country's dependency on donor support, in order to enable her to compete favourably in the globalised world.

He observed that the budget statement seemed comprehensive and integrated in terms of addressing issues relating to the various ministries, agencies and departments, as well as metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, and that the policies provide basis for sustaining growth, reducing inflation and poverty. Mr Frederick Koomson also of the CDS, who spoke on 93the budget, strengths and weaknesses of policies and interventions for the agricultural sector=94, said the 2007 budget statement spelt out intended solutions to some of the problems facing the agricultural sector.

He stated that attempts to shift from rain-fed agriculture, establishment of the national strategic food stock and cold chain facilities, production of high yielding and disease resistant varieties and the purchase of machines and equipment, were essential for the modernization of the agricultural sector.

Mr Koomson, however, cautioned that these strategies must be implemented with the deserved seriousness since some of the targets set for the agricultural sector for 2006 could not be achieved. During an open forum, Ms Constance Eshun of the Methodist Educational Unit in Cape Coast, said it was imperative to improve upon the service conditions for teachers to facilitate the success of the educational reform.

Mr Aidan Adongo, a tutor at Adisadel College, for his part, called on the government to ensure that maximum benefits were derived from the operations of mining companies in the country and that their activities must be regulated to stem the tide of environmental degradation.