Koforidua: President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the Government will absorb the reconstruction of the Western Rail lines under the Big Push Programme. He made this announcement during his remarks at this year's May Day Celebration Parade held at the Jackson Park in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Capital.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama emphasized the strategic importance of completing the Western Rail Line, highlighting its potential to open up the bauxite and manganese concessions in the Western Corridor. Additionally, the rail line will facilitate the transportation of cocoa beans from plantations to ports, boosting the nation's export capabilities.
President Mahama also noted the Government's efforts in reviving state-owned enterprises that faced collapse. He announced that the Tema Oil Refinery is now operational, with the Agricultural Development Bank and the National Investment Bank having been recapitalized. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Tema Shipyard is seeing a resurgence, and many other state-owned enterprises are now operating more efficiently.
In his address to the Ghana Trades Unions Congress (TUC) and organized labour, President Mahama urged them to be proactive in addressing mismanagement in enterprises. He warned that when enterprises fail, it is the workers who bear the brunt of the consequences. "When you see things going wrong, don't sit aloof. Point it out and make sure corrections are done," he advised.
Echoing the importance of the private sector, Mr. Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the TUC, stressed that sustainable employment must be driven by a competitive private sector, though government-led job creation is beneficial. He also called for government intervention to lower high lending rates and to consider capping the spread between lending and deposit rates to stimulate investment.