Be Patient With Mahama, Better Days Are Ahead � Ministers

As President Mahama marked his two years in office last Wednesday, some Ministers of state have urged Ghanaians to exercise patience with the President. According to the Ministers, all planned policies by the Mahama led administration are on course and will soon translate to better the lot of Ghanaians. Ghana has been battling with various economic challenges including rising budget deficit, high inflation, weakened cedi, inconsistent power supply among others, forcing government to resort to the International Monetary Fund for support. A series of demonstrations have been staged by various civil society, political opponents and pressure groups, to protest what they believe is government�s lack of ideas to solve the economic problems. However, speaking to Citi News, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Afotey Laryea Afotey Agbo asked Ghanaians to exercise patience with the President, saying ��with the foundation that is being built, I think Ghanaians should be patient so that we continue with the developmental projects that we have embarked on. That will even give them more relief �,� he stated. Gov�t to foster healthy relationships with labour unions The Deputy Minister of Education, Okudzeto Ablakwa also revealed government`s plans to foster a healthy relationship with the unions on the labour front. �In the education sector we have issues with labour agitation and we continue to engage with the unions. We have set up this regular monthly meetings that we hope will help us to communicate among ourselves better and understand each other�s position better,� he stated. 12 labour unions to embarked on a demonstration to protest the non payment of their tier two pension funds into a private account. This compelled government to sue the 12 labour unions for taking such a decision However, speaking to Citi News, Okudzeto said government has resolved to collaborate with the unions to promote understanding and strengthen partnership. �Moving forward, we want to stop the fire fighting approach and be able to have greater understanding so we hope to strengthen the partnership with the unions because we need the unions.� Gov�t to improve agricultural sector For her part, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Sherry Ayittey pointed out that government is working very hard to improve the Agricultural sector and provide employment for the youth. �Government wants to invest a lot in agriculture and improve security. In agriculture we will be able to create a base for youth employment and also to make food available and this will go in to support industry for processing and also to engage medium scale enterprises to engage our young entrepreneurs.�