Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has engaged with members of the Ghanaian community in Potomac, Maryland in the United States of America. They were hosted by Mr Victor Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States. A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President, said the Vice President acknowledged that Ghanaians abroad continued to play an important role in the national economy.
She said the Government remained mindful of their interests, appreciated their sacrifices, and took pride in their positive projection of the image of Ghana out there. The Vice President spoke about the difficult economic circumstances inherited by the Government and the sacrifices required to stabilise the country. She said with decisive leadership, prudent management, and the resilience of the Ghanaian people, the government was gradually restoring macroeconomic stability.
She noted that economic growth had exceeded expectations; inflation had eased, and the Cedi had stabilised. “We are demonstrating our commitment to fiscal discipline by operating with fewer ministers, several of whom are holding parliamentary and ministerial responsibilities without support from deputies,” she said. She said through the ministry visits, she had received first-hand reports on their work, challenges, and progress.
The Vice President mentioned that the Government was prioritising interventions that served the common good of the people, which included investments in roads and other infrastructure, funding for the nation’s Senior High Schools, and expanded access to the National Health Insurance Scheme. Other interventions were; increased resources for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies through the District Assemblies Common Fund, and that clear guidelines were also being applied to ensure that these resources were directed towards the specific needs of communities. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), which was complemented by the Free Primary Healthcare initiative.
Adding that together, they were intended to treat noncommunicable diseases and strengthen preventive healthcare. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang spoke about the Government’s efforts to respond to the diverse skills and employment needs of young people through the Youth Employment Agency and other job-creation programmes. Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has delivered the keynote address at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sister Cities International in Washington, DC.
Sister Cities International, founded in 1956, is a non-profit network headquartered in Washington, DC, that connects communities in the United States with global partners through cultural, educational and trade exchanges. A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President said Prof Opoku-Agyemang, speaking on the theme: “Forging Stronger Partnerships in Africa for Sustainable Economic Development,” underscored the importance of city-to-city diplomacy in advancing development, strengthening institutions and fostering international relationships. “City-to-city partnerships continue to provide solutions to shared challenges and create opportunities for investment and mutual learning,” Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said.
Summary from source