Implement policies to address economic hardships – Asantehene to Finance Minister

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged the new Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam to lead the implementation of policies and programmes that will ease the hardships on the people.

He said there is no denying the fact that the citizens are going through economic hardship, for which reason the Minister needs to justify his appointment by putting in place comprehensive and sound policies to relieve the people of the difficulties.

The Asantehene made the call when Dr Adam paid a courtesy visit to him at the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The visit was to enable the Minister to formally introduce himself to the King.

Opportunities
His Majesty pointed out that, it is important for the Minister to exploit the various opportunities in the various sectors to boost the country’s fiscal position. Otumfuo said that Dr Adam’s academic and professional background positions him as a man well-placed to lead the Ministry of Finance to surmount the economic challenges.

Staff
Turning to the staff under the ministry, Otumfuo advised them to fully support the Minister to ensure that he brings out his best for the benefit of Ghanaians. He said unity is crucial in these trying moments, as the ministry works to turn things around.

Stalled projects
Dr Adam told the Asantehene that he has placed a premium on the mobilisation of funds for the completion of the 500-capacity Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block, the Kumasi International Airport and the Kejetia Market Phase II projects.

He explained that the projects had stalled for months due to the economic hardship which compelled the government to go for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. “The President will soon make a huge pronouncement on the projects,” he added.

Dagbon peace
The Minister expressed gratitude to Otumfuo for his contribution to the attainment of peace and stability in Dagbon. A native of Dagbon, Dr Adam, who is a native of Dgbon, noted that the prevailing peace, which followed more than a decade of destructive chieftaincy conflict, has resulted in accelerated economic development in the area. “As a Dagomba grandson of yours, we appreciate all the work you have done for us and bringing about peace which has paved the way for accelerated development in Dagbon.

National development
Dr Adam also commended Otumfuo for his contribution to the overall development of the country. “We also know your contribution toward national development in general through your education fund and other numerous initiatives that have attracted investment into our country. We appreciate that so much and we want to thank you for all these services to our country and our people,” the Minister added.

Constant visit to Manhyia
He informed the Asantehene of his decision to constantly visit the Manhyia Palace to seek wise counsel from the King. “Soon after I was appointed to take over from my boss, Ken Ofori-Atta, I knew that this Palace was going to be a constant place of visit to me because of the wisdom God has endowed you with which you have always used to support leader after leader to steer the affairs of our country. Many people do not know, but I have come to you several times. The last time I came to you was just last month and I’m here again to seek your blessings and your wise counsel.”

Delegation
Dr Adam was accompanied to the Manhyia Palace by a Deputy Finance Minister, John Ampontuah Kumah; the Chief Director of the Ministry, Eva Eselba Mends; the Director of Economic Strategy and Research, Alhassan Iddrisu, and the director of Policy Coordination Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Augustus Kwesi Adu and others.