Many Ghanaians are very expectant to hear the message from President Akufo-Addo as he is set to address the Nation today.
The address by President Akufo-Addo become necessary following the current economic hardship that Ghanaians are going through.
The address by the President comes after his meetings with stakeholders, including transport unions, operators of forex bureaus, Market women and even with the Council of State.
Ahead of the address by President Akufo-Addo later today, Progress news takes a look at the four main reasons why it has become necessary for the President to address Ghanaians.
Assurance : the first reason why the President will be addressing Ghanaians is to assure the Citizens of better days ahead.
This is necessary because, as President of the Republic, he need to assure the people of Ghana of better days ahead in the midst of the current economic crisis that has bedeviled Ghanaians.
Considering the rising cost of goods and services due to high inflation and increase in fuel prices, there is the need for the President to show leadership by assuring Ghanaians that, things will get better.
Update on IMF negotiations : the second reason why the President will be addressing Ghanaians is to give an update on the negotiations that is ongoing between managers of Ghana’s economy and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
This is important because, many Ghanaians and investors are anxious to know the outcome of the negotiations between Ghana and the Britton woods institution.
An update on the progress made on the negotiations will be very necessary as it will give a glimmer of hope to the Ghanaian people, especially the business Community who are waiting to hear something about this before they invest or otherwise.
Fate of Finance Minister : the President is also expected to touch on the fate of Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta who is under pressure to resign or be sacked by the President as demanded by not only the NDC Minority, but also members of Parliament of the ruling party itself.
The finance Minister, who is in charge of the Country’s finances has been accused of conflict of interest and mismanagement of the economy.
The heat on the finance Minister intensified when Members of Parliament from the Majority side of Parliament numbering about 80 organized a press conference to call on the President to sack Ken Ofori Atta as Minister of Finance.
According to the Majority Members of Parliament, they will not support the Government business in the House and also the approval of the 2023 budget which will be presented in November.
The President is expected to touch on this issue.
Measures taken to control the depreciation of the Cedi : the President is also expected to touch on the measures taken by the government to halt the depreciation of the Cedi against the US dollar and other major currencies.
There is no doubt that, the depreciation of the Cedi is contributing to the current economic hardship in the Country as it has led to astronomical increases in the prices of goods and services in the Country.
The address is scheduled to come off at 8pm and will be live on major National Television stations in the Country.
