The Foundations that Nana Built (2)

Among the many foundations being laid by the Akufo-Addo Administration, some of the very visible ones include road constructions, and here one cannot leave out the expansion of the road which continues from the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange to Korle Bu. Massive work is going on the Ring Road West to connect Guggisberg Avenue through the almost completed Obetsebi Lamptey interchange.

To enhance transportation, this current administration has taken a cue from the Kufuor administration and is seriously developing our rail network into a modern railway system. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) came to add only 15.6 km of rail. The new New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has added on 102 kilometers. In addition to this, an extension work of 13 km of rail track has been laid from Akosombo to Mpakadan.

Good road networks and rail systems are the backbone of industrial growth. There will be cheaper means of transporting goods and people.

When talking about industries, 1D1F comes as a policy that can enhance industrial growth in Ghana and make it to became an exporter nation. Many of the multi-national industrial giants were once small or medium scale industries.

With over 128 of such factories in operation and over 123,645 people under direct employment, Ghana is set for a bright future. With the foundation laid under PFJ, in the agrarian sector will feed the factories directly with local produce.As the PFJ expands, some factories will step in to procure by-products from processing plants and recycle them into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and many others.

If the irrigation projects started under Dr Afriyie Akoto are expanded to cover all the regions with areas under irrigation covering at least hundred square kilometers, Ghana will have at least 160,000 hectares of land under direct irrigation.

These are some of the foundations, laid by this current administration under Nana Akufo-Addo. And it is quite surprising that some Ghanaians will say that this administration has done nothing worth talking about.

The government has set up medical research into production of drugs to fight pandemics like Covid-19. The Agenda 111, which is going to cover all districts will make sure that health will be available for all. With a healthy nation, the work force will be strong enough to deliver. Productivity will go up and yet some do not seethis as a foundation for economic growth.

With Free SHS, meaning putting all the youth into school and raising our literacy rate, there will be quality workforce and this is not seen as a foundation of economic growth?

With much attention given to our roads and railways, transportation cost and congestion will ease. This will mean, foodstuff will get to the major markets easily and at low cost. The industries will spend less on inputs and shipping of products to the markets.

In fairness, there are many thingsthat government is doing that is worth appreciations and praises. With the huge loans contracted, once the dust settles, every one will know that it was worth it.

For example, when one takes a look at the Saglemi Housing project started by the NDC, it does not make sense condemning this government for halting it. $200 million was procured to build 5,000 housing units. Only 668 units were constructed and the money got finished. While the NDC claimed it used $196 million to construct these buildings, forensic audit revealed the past government used $ 64 million. The question is what happened to the $ 136 million?

Now as it is, each unit stands to cost an average of $293,000.00 when it should have been $40,000.00. How many low-income earners can afford to purchase a unit, even if through mortgage, a building costing $293,000.00 or GH¢3,622,638.00? With $40,000.00 or GH¢495,000.00 many low-income earners can afford to purchase a unit.

One other important sector in any economy, which is housing, has been bastardised by the NDC. Currently Saglemi will have to be sold to the high and mighty in society and that area will become a dwelling for the rich.

Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen knew what he was talking about when he said he will build the economy on the foundations laid by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. As typical of the UP Tradition, with the belief in development in freedom, Alan intends using these foundations to build an economy largely held by the private sector. When the average Ghanaian feels he part-owns a project, he will put up his best to gain successful results.

Also as typical of the UP Tradition, with the belief in Rawls political theory of Property-Owning Democracy, Alan intends to make everyone have a bit to do and earn good living, by building a sound economy on the foundations laid by his predecessor.

Unfortunately, instead of receiving praises of what he intends doing, some people have started casting aspersions on him. Some of his attackers are in the opposition while some are from the NPP.

I will advise, especially those from the NPP, to make things clean so that the party remains united before, during and after the primaries. No one should create internal divisions because this was what made the NPP narrowly lose the 2008 General Elections.

In my next feature article, I will take on a few of such persons who are spreading lies with the intention to create chaos and division.

Hon Daniel Dugan