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| Prez Mills’s “State of the Nation" Address |
2/22/2009 |
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His Excellency, President John E.A. Mills this Thursday morning in the Parliament House delivered his state of the nation address on Governance, Agriculture, Transportation, Health, Education, Arts And Culture, Energy, Information And Technology, Sports, Economic and Foreign Affairs. On Governance, the President said, his Administration would re-align and reduce the number of Ministers.
He added that he would review the decision to purchase two Presidential Jets and also make sure the Presidency does not become a burden on the people.
Talking about Agriculture, President Mills said, he would form a lasting partnership with the private sector because Agriculture constitutes 35% of the country’s GDP. He promised to revive the Aveyime rice production and review the National Youth Employment under Youth in Agriculture as well as equip the navy and air force to monitor unauthorized fishing trawlers.
On Health, the President stressed on the need for removing filth in the Nation and making the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) truly National, by ensuring a one time enrolment fee. He also promised to rehabilitate the Tamale Teaching Hospital and equipping a Malaria Research Center at Teshie to meet the necessary requirements.
On Education, the President stated, “I will provide a forum to discuss the tenure of courses for quality education in second cycle schools. He added that he would revive the school feeding programme and make sure that allowances due teachers are paid promptly.
Art and Culture was not left out in the president address. He said, his administration would work to make choral and theater studies on become integral part of our culture.
As a Sportsman himself, the President said concentration on soccer and boxing would be reduced to help encourage lesser sports in the country. He promised to assist the Hockey Association to host the African Hockey Championship as well as motivate the Black Stars to at least qualify to the semi finals of the next World Cup in 2010.
On Energy, the President said, he was ready to give the Ghana National Petroleum Company Co-operation the necessary assistant and attention to develop the jubilee oil fields.
His Excellency did not leave out the media. He said the country cannot practice democracy without the media and promised to make the media accountable, credible and responsible.
President Mills used the occasion to remind Members of Parliament and Ministers that their work is expected to build a better Ghana and they must not forget those who gave the mandate to rule.
He acknowledged the presence of ex-President Rawlings and ex-President Kufuor and thanked them for ensuring true democratic rule and transition. He promised to do the same.
His Excellency President Mills ended his address with a message to all citizens, that we may have different political views, but we must know that Ghana is the only country we have, adding that we should recognize each other strength and weakness.
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