Some residents in the Sissala East and West Districts have expressed hope in President Mahama following the maiden State of the Nation Address delivered to Parliament.
The residents who spoke to GNA in separate interviews said they were particularly happy about the President’s resolve to address unemployment and improve agriculture, including the poultry industry.
Braimah Kantong, a motorcycle operator in Tumu, said, “I listened keenly to the address on my radio and only started work afterward.
He gave us hope, encouraging us to be optimistic about the future and sharing a lot of ideas. My hope is that he will deliver on his promises.
Firstly, the 24-hour economy he announced is expected to start soon, and I anticipate it will create jobs for the youth. I was also excited to hear him mention that assembly members will be paid, which I believe will boost local governance and foster the development we need.”
Kantong said the President’s intention to improve the road network in the country was welcome news, especially for people in the Sissala enclave, as it would boost the local economy if completed.
He also expressed satisfaction that the President mentioned reviewing the high taxes at the port, which deter investors, and reducing them.
Fenbonia Rehana, a resident of Tumu, expressed excitement about the President’s address, saying, “It revitalizes my hopes for Ghana after eight years of despair.
The part that struck me most was the President’s passion for the Women’s Development Bank, which he mentioned is fully captured in the budget to be presented soon. I am hopeful that this initiative will mark a new beginning for Ghana.”
Taluta Gbanha Mahama, an assembly member from Gwollu, said, “The State of the Nation Address proves President Mahama is dedicated to fulfilling his promises to the Ghanaian people. Macroeconomic stability is essential, and the measures implemented so far are yielding results.
Inflation and interest rates are decreasing, which should benefit workers despite complaints about a mere 10 percent wage increase.”
“The President emphasized the importance of enhancing revenue generation, and I find his assurances encouraging. Draconian taxes such as the E-levy need to be abolished, and we must implement the ORAL system to recover more funds to address our numerous challenges. We need roads, schools, and expanded electricity access, which can only be achieved with increased revenue,” he said.
Fuseini Gbene from Kusali in Sissala West said, “President John Dramani Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address left me feeling inspired and hopeful about Ghana’s future. His commitment to addressing our nation’s pressing challenges, rather than merely highlighting them, is refreshing.”
“I appreciate his proactive approach and his statement, ‘It is not my style to lament and shift blame.’
This mindset is precisely what we need to revive the economy and improve the lives of Ghanaians. By focusing on practical solutions, I believe President Mahama can deliver on the mandate we entrusted to him, and I am excited to see the positive impact of his leadership,” he stressed.
Jagbe Batie Abdul-Fatawu, a native of Challu, however, expressed concern regarding the President’s speech, stating, “The President failed to address significant issues concerning agriculture.
This is alarming for me as someone from a farming community in Sissala East. What is the state of the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ initiative? Will it continue, or will it be canceled?”
He said there were no answers about this from the President, which is troubling, and claimed that the first administration of John Mahama was challenging for farmers in the northern regions.
He also noted that the President did not address the issue of legally employed workers being dismissed by his government, nor did he clarify how the 24-hour economy will resolve unemployment issues.
Alhaji Yahaya Yakubu, a cadre and former assembly member from Bugubelle in the Sissala East Municipality, praised the President’s commitment to not only continue with the Free Senior High School policy but also to enhance it.