Veep Salutes Ghanaians For Economic Sacrifices

The Vice-President, Mr Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, says the sacrifices of Ghanaians in accommodating the difficult economic policies introduced by the government last year have put the economy on the path of renewal.

Addressing hundreds of Muslims at the Black Star Square in Accra last Saturday to mark Eid-Ul-Fitr, he said the national economy was challenged last year, which compelled the government to institute some difficult measures to reverse the situation.

Eid-Ul-Fitr, also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

"As a government concerned about the long-term viability of the economy, we had to implement some difficult measures to ensure that we overcome these challenges as quickly as possible," he said, adding that the sacrifices, patience and prayers of the people to accommodate the policies were producing the expected results.

Mr Amissah-Arthur expressed the hope that the programmes and projects being undertaken by the government would continue to yield good results for the economy.

Notwithstanding the impressive showing of the economy, he said, this year had also come with its own challenges.

He cited the June 3 flood and fire disasters that claimed more than 150 lives as an example and attributed the disaster to "the collective failure to treat the environment with respect".

Floods, resulting from torrential rains, brought Accra to its knees on June 3, 2015, with the attendant unimaginable loss of lives and destruction of properties.

About 159 people were killed at the GOIL fuel station near the GCB Bank Towers building at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle that exploded during the rainfall.

Many of the victims of the fuel station inferno were among others who had sought shelter there to escape the flood water, overflowing Odaw River and water-filled uncovered drains.

The Vice-President said there was, therefore, the need for discipline in waste management and construction.

Mr Amissah-Arthur said Ghana stood out as an example of religious tolerance, for which thanks must be given to Allah.

He said the understanding and compassion demonstrated by the various religious faiths in the country were worth commending.

"This togetherness will continue to be enjoyed as we stay more united, compassionate in the years ahead," he added.

Taking note of the impressive organisation of last year's Hajj, the Vice-President said everything was being done to ensure that this year's event was even better organised.

Mr Amissah-Arthur mentioned Ghana's contribution to the fight against the Ebola viral disease and said that had contributed to the modest results achieved so far.

He, however, cautioned against complacency, since Ebola had not been completely eradicated from the West African sub-region.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, delivered the Hutba (sermon) and offered special prayers for the President, the government and the nation.

The Chairman of the Eid Planning Committee, Alhaji Alhassan Sule, advised Muslims to be law-abiding to prevent them from infringing the laws of the land.