ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
Talks are ongoing with the Chinese government for the building of modern stadia and other sporting facilities around the country; I look forward to a quick and favourable conclusion of these talks for the construction works to start.
A healthy nation makes a wealthy nation.
Mr Speaker, the overall aim of government is to have a healthy nation, because it is only when the people are healthy that they can work to grow the economy and improve upon their of life.
Government policy is to emphasize healthy living rather than the curing of diseases as the priority of the health service.
The ongoing campaigns to promote exercise, healthy diets, clean environments and disciplined lifestyles will continue to ensure a healthy population HIV/AIDS remains the most urgent threat to the health of the nation.
The AIDS Commission and other health agencies have succeeded in raising the awareness of the disease to a high level.
The challenge now is to translate this awareness into a change in behaviour so as to contain the menace.
Health Insurance I am certain the entire nation will be relieved to hear that the Health Insurance Scheme is ready to be launched nationwide.
The experience from the 42 districts that have piloted the scheme shows that, since not all the districts are equally endowed, there has to be state intervention to ensure a basic uniform standard nationwide.
Government has therefore decided to provide the seed money for all the 110 districts around the country.
A lot of work has gone into devising a system that will be accessible and affordable for most people and still be sustainable.
A National Health Insurance Bill will soon be placed before Parliament and I hope the House will give it bi-partisan support and treat it with dispatch.
Security of the State and of the Individual Mr.
Speaker, in our efforts to deepen good governance, government is engaged in strengthening the institutions of state to better protect our freedoms and security.
The establishment of law and order is gaining root by strengthening the relevant agencies and empowering the courts and other institutions that oversee civil liberties.
The computerization of the courts is in progress.
And the plans to establish a Fast Track Court in each region to speed up the administration of justice, is back on course.
The Police Service is being reinvigorated.
The training is being redirected to induce a heightened sense of social responsibility among officers.
A recruitment drive is in progress.
The aim is to increase Police numbers by 4,000 within the next two years.
Speaker, would only bring the strength of the Service to about 19,000 and this would still be dramatically short of the 50,000 Police that our nation of almost 20 million people should have.
The transportation and equipment needs of the service are being addressed.
This year, some 600 vehicles with communication equipment have been provided for the Service.
The other long-standing problem for the police is housing.
This too is being tackled.
Again with help from the Chinese government, a barracks building scheme is underway.
I trust there will be co-operation from all citizens to help the Police transform their image to serve the society well.
I wish to pay a special tribute to the growing sense of co-operation between the Police and The Armed Forces.
Doubtless, this has helped the law and order situation in the country.
Whilst helping the Police with the armed robbery menace and during national emergencies, the Ghana Armed Forces have continued to bring honour to Ghana through their exemplary conduct in the peacekeeping operations they undertake in various parts of the troubled world.
I must also mention and commend the growing sense of professionalism in the Forces, and I am happy to note that this is going hand in hand with a lot of physical regeneration as well.
I look forward to the completion of the new Burma Hall Complex, the rehabilitation of the Nicholson Stadium and the second phase of the 37 Military Hospital Expansion project.
National Identity Card Mr.
Speaker, this nation has not been very good at keeping records or keeping track of what happens, when or where.
Government has approved proposals for a National Identification System for implementation.
The aim is for all citizens to have a National Identity Card by the end of next year.
I believe this will go a long way to smoothen the conduct of our social life and everyday business.
Dagbon Tragedy Mr.
Speaker, this past year t he nation witnessed an awful tragedy in Dagbon when ancient rivalries erupted and brother turned on brother, leading to the loss of lives and the regicide of the Yaa Na Yakubu Andani II.
May his soul and the souls of all who lost their lives in the tragedy, rest in peace.
It is a matter of deep regret that in spite of the best efforts of government and other parties, the situation has still not been resolved.
I commend the House for the co- operation that government is receiving in dealing with these difficult and delicate issues.
That the Dagbon Traditional area should still be under a state of emergency should be a matter of great concern to all of us.
The Wuaku Commission has presented its report.
Government is implementing the recommendations in the White Paper issued.
It is therefore unacceptable that some sections should adopt entrenched positions against the due process, without offering credible reasons for their behaviour.
Government's sole aim is to achieve a just peace.
Government has been as transparent and evenhanded as possible in dealing with this matter.
Speaker, the truth is oftentimes bitter, but I believe that the way forward in Dagbon, is for all concerned to exercise maximum restraint, and allow due process to work to establish the truth, however unpalatable, and to proceed to dispense justice therefrom.
This is the way to restore normalcy and harmony.
I therefore renew my appeal to the two sides of the conflict to respect and submit to the law of the land in the interest of Dagbon and of Ghana.
Coming to Terms with Our Past As we grapple with finding a way to bring about reconciliation among the Dagbani, the nation has embarked upon a process of coming to terms with the events of our turbulent political past.
In the past few weeks, the old Parliament building has witnessed some extraordinary scenes as the National Reconciliation Commission has set to work.
The proceedings so far have strengthened my conviction that the Reconciliation process is good for the nation.
And I hope that those who were sceptical about the worth of the Commission, or had fears about its impartiality, have been won over.
I hope the House will join me to wish the Commission well and that it will do its work expeditiously, and thereby quicken the healing process in the country.
Reinvigorating the Private Sector Mr.
Speaker, as government makes headway with stabilizing the macroeconomic framework, we find that all is not well with the country's financial and foreign exchange regime.
Quite Substantial parts of Export proceeds tend not to be repatriated, and some receipts not channelled through the banking system.
We need to deepen and improve the foreign exchange market, to reduce its vulnerability to external shocks.
This will be good for the economic health of the nation and for market stability and the strength of our currency.
Relevant legislation will therefore be introduced to ensure that export proceeds are repatriated and channelled through he banking system.
Ghana's liberal economic environment and the fact that foreign exchange accounts can be opened and maintained in the country should encourage exporters to bring the proceeds home.
This is a call to all exporters and foreign exchange dealers to be good corporate citizens.
Speaker, as institutions of state develop, and begin to function properly; and as government ensures a stable macroeconomic environment; the Private Sector must be helped to take advantage of the opportunities available to flourish.
In this way, more and more jobs will be created in all sectors of our productive economy.
The President's Special Initiatives as designed, are intended to do just this kind of stimulation of enterprise, productivity and jobs, both in agriculture and in processing.
The factory for the pilot Cassava Starch project at Bawjiase will be commissioned in April.
I hope that as the initiatives spread around the country, more groups of people will embrace them.
Indeed, numerous groups and individuals have already emerged to emulate the pioneers.
A Garment Village is being built at the Tema Export Processing Zone for 112 factories to operate under the Textile and Garment Initiative.
Fifty of the factories will be completed by the end of the year.
With the attainment of the AGOA Visa status, Ghana now has access to the United States market, duty and quota free.
This privilege covers textile and apparel as well as six thousand, four hundred other products.
The Special Initiatives on Salt, Oil Palm and Cotton are due to take off this year.
Already, Government has sourced $40m, which venturists are accessing to develop the salt business.
The high-powered Committee appointed to set up the Oil Palm Initiative has earmarked 100,000 hectares of land to be planted over the next five years.
This is estimated to double the current national output during the period.
Talks are far advanced with a Mauritius company to set up a sub-regional cotton-processing factory in Ghana with an initial investment of $67m.
Speaker, these initiatives are calculated to spearhead the diversification and deepening of the economy.
Government's role is to develop the specific plans for each initiative and then to serve as a catalyst to enable the Private Sector, individuals and cooperatives to carry them out.
Without this process, and similar ventures, the economy will remain largely monoculture and we shall not be able to add much value to our produce.
Given the rate of our population growth, unless we make a success of these and other initiatives and the development of infrastructure, any talk of increasing our GDP to enable us join the middle-income group of nations in the foreseeable future might well be futile.
It is estimated conservatively that when these initiatives mature, within the next three to five years, they will contribute something in the region of $6 to $10bn annually to the GDP.
When that happens, per capita income will then be lifted from the $400 rut in which this nation has been stuck since independence.
If we stay the course, I envisage a per capita of $1,000 within the next ten years.
This is why we must all rally to support these initiatives.
Mr Speaker, there is good news to report on the healthy expansion of business opportunities in the country.
The biggest gold mining company in the world, Newmont Mining is commencing operations in Ghana to develop two mines in August.
The initial investment will be $450m and will provide 500 direct jobs.
I hasten to assure that the company and government are agreed that the exploitation will be done with a lot of sensitivity to the environment.
The number of companies that are exploring investment opportunities in the country is growing steadily.
The Export Development and investment Fund is now operational and an initial amount of ¢80bn has been disbursed to exporters in the area of agro-processing, salt, wood products, health products and garments.
A Small Scale Enterprise Development programme to assist enterprises has also been set up and training programmes are being held to introduce business opportunities and enhance entrepreneurial skills.
Confidence From Ghanaians Abroad Mr.
Speaker, one of the most heartening developments in the past year has been the surge of inward flow of foreign exchange from Ghanaians resident abroad in the form of remittances.
The Bank of Ghana has reported that last year such private inward transfers amounted to $1.3bn, showing over 200% increase over previous years.
This development is a massive vote of confidence in the economic policies being pursued by this government and should lead to more investments by Ghanaians abroad.
As I have always said, it is only when Ghanaians themselves demonstrate confidence in the economy and are willing to invest in Ghana that foreigners will be convinced to come as corporate citizens.
Old Accra To Be Regenerated Mr.
Speaker, a brief word about Accra, our capital, Government will give the necessary assistance to the Metropolitan Authority to turn the city into a true gateway to the sub- region, and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
A Redevelopment Project for Old Accra, designed by Government and UNESCO, is due to be launched later this month.
This will lead to the regeneration of the old parts of the city and bring business to the area.
Good Neighbourliness This past year, Mr.
Speaker, government has pursued its stated policy of good neighbourliness and I am happy to report that relations with our neighbouring countries are very warm.
There is no doubt also that outside the sub-region, Ghana's image is soaring once again.
I got a telephone call from a renowned Ghanaian, who called to congratulate me on my having been elected as Chairman of ECOWAS.
"But, Mr.
President", he said, "don't forget that we in Ghana elected you and we deserve your first attention and it is only what we can spare that you can give to the rest of the sub-region".
I wish to assure this House and the country at large that I am very mush aware that my first obligation is to Ghana and her people.
But I also know that the people of Ghana are united in the fervent with that our sub-region becomes peaceful and sheds its image of instability.
The people of Ghana are very much aware that what affects our neighbours, affects us as well.
I am sure therefore that I have all your support in the efforts I make with other leaders in the sub-region to find solutions to the problems that plague us.
In addition to these efforts, I hope I can count on the prayers of all Ghanaians for the people of Cote d'Ivoire during these trying times.
Ghana Must Not Lose Her Soul Mr.
Speaker, last year, in the course of visits to Malaysia, India, Japan and China, I was struck by the steely determination of the people of these countries to take advantage of all that modernity has to offer in the drive to create wealth for themselves.
And yet, all these countries have preserved their ancient civilizations.
Indeed, their peoples are confident in their cultures.
I trust that while modernizing the economy and social conditions, Ghana will not lose her soul.
Support Needed From All Mr.
Speaker, our nation is poised to overcome the distortions that have bedevilled all attempts to move our economy forwards.
If we hold our collective nerves to see us through the current difficulties, I believe the path ahead will be clearer and smother.
The challenge, Mr.
Speaker, demands an all-party rally of the people.
I make this appeal not as a Presidential Candidate.
If I had my eyes simply on the goal of winning the next elections, scheduled for 2004, my government would have undoubtedly chosen the easier way out by avoiding the difficult decisions and continue with business as usual.
But I have rejected the easier option.
For I am convinced that having taken the harsh and difficult decisions, which we believe will lead to the fundamental re-alignment of the economy, the nation will be freed to move on the path of sound economic transformation.
We are in no doubt that this is the way to ensure enduring success and prosperity for the nation and the strengthening of the democratic process.
It is only on this realisation, that we shall be able to sing with pride and give meaning to the immortal words of Amu: "Yen ara asase ni".
I thank you, Mr Speaker, and May god Bless Ghana.
* > Ril'Uhl IC; Ul <iHAKA MINISTRY OF FINANCE STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT Thursday, 28*^ March, 2019 mtAaff4iff*^nas Pte^sxsiisml &Saa^ BSderA, fisston^^ TimsibmiAiQGhattaBeyomAjtf Statement to ParliamentMarch, 2019 Introduction 1.
Right Honourable Speaker, Hon.
Members of Parliament, March 2019 has indeed been a remarkable month.
I wish to, therefore, express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to address the House on some key recent events that have occurred recently as we bring the First Quarter of 2019 to a close: a. First, the formal completion of our Extended Credit Facility programme with the IMF; b. Secondiy, the historic US$3 billion Eurobond issuance; c. Thirdly, the recent developments on the foreign exchange market and the Cedi; and d. This week's visit of the World Bank VP for Africa.
Speaker, and from the Holy Book's Isaiah.... *See, I am doing a new thing.
Now it springs up.
Do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wiiderness."
We just want as a nation, to thank God for what He is doing.
^atement to ParUatnent- March, 2019 IMF ECF Programme 2.
Speaker, you will recall tiiat in section 12 of tiie 2019 Budget Statement and Economic policy, I stated that we wee on course to completing the Extended Credit Facility with the International Monetary Fund.
Well, Mr ̂ jeaker, I am glad to announce that it is now a mission aocomplishajl!
Mr Speaker, Ghanaians, who have been the wctims of poor economic decisions of the past, know alt so well that the healing process has not been easy, it has been austere, it has been tough, it has been restraining, but it was n«:essary.
It was necessary because what had been broken had to be fixed by the Akufo-Addo government 4.
In August 2014, the Mahama government was compelled by the outcome of its (homegrown policies) and economic management to turn to the IMF for a bailout.
The markd;, indeed the business community, had lost confidence in the capadty of the then government to stea" the economy, with the requisite oomp^ence, care and discipline, back on track.
Mr Speal^, permit me to quote what tte Rnanciai Times wrote on August 3*^, 2014 in a report witii the headline: "GHANA SEEiCS IMF HELP AFTER CURRENCY FALLS 40%."
Statement to Parliament - March, 2019 It reads: "Ghana, the country that epitomised the 'Africa rising' narrative of strong economic growth and improved governance, is to seek help from the InternationarMonetary Fund."
"... The West African nation will turn to the fund for financial assistance after its currency plunged roughly 40 per cent this year against the US dollar... "Accra's request for a bailout Is likely to shake some Investors, as Ghana was seen as a model of economic and political development In the continent.
In 2007, under the Kufuor Administration, it became the first country In sub Saharan Africa, apart from South Africa, to tap the sovereign bond market, raising $750m through a 10-year bond..." The FT report of 2014 reminds us further of how dire the situation was, "Ghana has this year repeatedly postponed a return to the bond market.
But, Mr Terkper said the country still planned a $lbn, 10 year bond."
He was quoted as saying that the Capital market would find our bond attractive once Ghana entered the IMF programme.
Even then, we needed the World Bank to provide a $400 million guarantee to support Ghana's $l billion sovereign.
Despite this guarantee, the 15yr Eurobond ^atement to Parliament- March, 2019 issued In 2015 unfortunately attracted the highest coupon rate ever in Ghana history at 10.75%.
The world/ Mr Speaker, found our plunge shocidng/ perplexing.
This was because, by 2011 Ghana had begun produdng oil in commercial quantities.
Hopes of a better Ghana were high.
Sadly, Mr Speaker, by the end of the follownng year, 2012, the economy was already in a tailspin, ̂ {railed by the excessive spending, particulariy In tfie last four months to Ihe 2012 general elections.
This led to Ghana recording a defidtof 11.5% of GDP— highest deficit on record in the 4"' republic.
His Administration, Mr Speaker, never recovered from that 2012 deficit.
By February 2014, the IMF was calling for urgent measures to restore Macroeconomic stability.
By the end of that year, Ghana's «:onomy was characterised by: a) nsing interest rates to around 26 p^cent on short term dom^tic d^ (91-day Treasury Bills) b) high policy interest rate of up to 21 pero^t c) high year-on-year Inflation of 17 jrenoent d) a oedi versus dollar depredation of over 31 percent e) a low net international resenres of 1.8 months imports cover Statement to Parliament - March, 2019 .
- f) Delayed payments of statutory bills g) mounting arrears as contractors' bills could not be paid h) large capital outflows, and i) the 'Dumsor' continued to have a devastating impact on the social and economic lives of Ghanaians Simply put, Mr.
Speaker, the economy under the Mahama administration, was in severe crisis.
Speaker, it is important to give this background, in order for the country to understand where we were, how we got there, the pills the people have had to swallow in our committed efforts to get us out and on the go.
Speaker, the economic situation left the government at the time with no choice but to sign up to a three-year ECF Programme in April 2015.
This entailed a total of eight programme reviews twice a year.
After each successful review, an agreed amount was to be disbursed as Balance of Payments support to improve the country's international reserves.
The total expected inflow for the three-year period was SDR664.20 million (approximately US$914 million).
^atementto Parliament - March, 2019 9.
Speaker, the programme primarily aimed to; (i) ensure prudent fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability, contain expenditures through wage restraint and limited net hiring and mobilise additional revenues; (ii) structurally reform to strengthen public finances and instil fiscal discipline by improving budget transparency, cleaning up and controlling public sector payroll, right-sizing the dvil service, and improve domestic revenue collection; (ill) restore effective inflation targeting framework to help bring inflation bade into single digit territory; and (iv) preserving finandal sector stability.
When the President Akufo-Addo administration took over the Mana^ment of the Economy, it was confronted with a very difficult choice, continue with a derailed IMF - ECF programme or completely abandoned it due to the steep fiscal consolidation path that we needed to take.
̂ jeaker we chose the difficult but sensible path to stabilize the economy.
We resolved to do what we believe was a move In ttte National Interest and fundam^tal to our National development goals, nie feonomy was not in g<M)d shape, the finandal sator was reeling and we n^cted to r^lld the confidence of both Ghanaians and Foreign investors in Ghana and our economy.
Statementto Parliament - March, 2019 i, Mr.
Speaker, I am happy to announce today that the difficult choice we made has yielded the desired outcome.
We have successfully completed the programme and the economic indicators are all looking very good 11.
However, Mr.
Speaker, macro-economic performance in 2016, another election year under the previous government, was characterized by excessive fiscal dominance even worse than in 2012.
The ECF Programme objectives had been derailed, the then government only managed to complete three Programme reviews against six scheduled.
This, Mr speaker, meant that there was no way Ghana could have completed the programme as scheduled in April 2018.
Speaker, I am delighted to announce that the Executive Board of the IMF met on 20^ March, 2019 to approve the combined seventh and eight reviews under the ECF supported arrangement, bringing an end to the Extended Credit Facility Prdgramme.
This successful completion immediately made available to Ghana the amount of SDR132.84 million (about US$185.2 million).
This brings the total cumulative disbursement under the ECF supported arrangement to SDR664.20 million (equivalent to US$934.4 million).
■^•stement to Parliament - Merck, 2019 14.