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"I have noted all the public manifestations and criticisms expressed about the state of the economy�I have also noted the recent demonstration by organised labour. I therefore treat their concerns with all the seriousness that it deserves. I consider their message as an encouragement to work harder�I can assure you that times of recovery will manifest towards the end of this year. There are calmer waters ahead," says President John Dramani Mahama. Normally, President Mahama would have joined the National Chief Imam at the Black Star Square in Accra to celebrate Eid-ul Fitr. However, this year, he joined Muslims in Kumasi, Ashanti Region to mark the occasion. Addressing the thousands of Muslims gathered, President Mahama reiterated his government�s commitment to solving the current challenges facing the economy. He said: �we are all fully aware of the short term economic challenges that currently face us as a nation. At the same time our nation�s, medium term prospects remains very bright and positive. Several factors both internal and external are responsible for these challenges. As a government with a clear mandate to uphold the national interest� �We have had to implement some painful but necessary measures to protect the national economy and prevent a meltdown�. This he said has been done with �determination� and very soon the positive results will be harvested. TUC Demo Organised Labour recently embarked on a demonstration to express their frustration and anger over recent price hikes and economic challenges facing the country. Workers in all the regions joined in the agitation which some economic analysts said brought the nation to a standstill. Commenting on the demonstration, President Mahama said �I have noted all the public manifestations and criticisms expressed about the state of the economy�I have also noted the recent demonstration by organised labour. As a social democrat the working people are my natural allies. I therefore treat their concerns with all the seriousness that it deserves. I therefore consider the message contained in the TUC address as an encouragement to work harder in matters of the economy�as captain of the ship of state, I can assure you that the times of recovery will manifest in the latter part of this year for all of us to see�. Economic Recovery The revival of the Komenda sugar factory, investing millions of cedis in local pharmaceutical companies, expanding local production of goods and services and others are some of the measures being put in place by government to revamp the economy. �I am presiding over a committee that will work to stabilise the currency, to bring down inflation and to bring down interest rate. We are on a journey to transform the economy��we need to be optimistic and eschew any attitude of cynicism and pessimism� I assure you we will soon reap the fruits of our sacrifice�as President I firmly believe that with the blessings of Allah, our patience, prayers, hardwork and sacrifices will surely produce success� President Mahama added. The President also gave �thanks to Allah that our nation, Ghana stands out as a beacon and as an example of religious tolerance and accommodation� He urged Muslims and all other religious bodies to keep up the spirit of unity, common purpose and togetherness and in oneness pray for the country, adding, �Religion must not divide us but unite us�.