President Mahama promises strict fiscal discipline

President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday presented the 2016 State of the Nation address with the promise to exercise strict fiscal discipline although this year is an election year.

He said he swore an oath to act in the best interest of all Ghanaians and would therefore continue to fulfill his promises, if even it had to bring some inconveniences to the people.

The programme was attended by Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, Traditional Authorities, politicians, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other government strategic officials.

President Mahama who addressed issues on education, health, agriculture, sports and others, said in his bid to take decisions in the best interest of the people, some of the decisions could be unpopular in the eyes of the public.

He mentioned the imposition of taxes and levies as some of the unpopular decisions, but consequently, he added that they would turn out to become beneficial to all Ghanaians.

President Mahama said government would remain judicious in the use of resources for the benefit of all and commended all stakeholders for playing their roles responsibly.

The President said once the electricity challenges had been substantially fixed, trade and commerce would in the coming months flourish.

On coffee production, President Mahama said five million improved seedlings would be freely distributed to farmers to step up production in the country.

He said new areas including; Techiman, Wenchi, Akomadan, Dormaa Ahenkro and Dambai had been earmarked for the production of the commodity and all the necessary assistance would be offered for them to achieve their targets.

He said apart from the 50 million seedlings that were distributed last year, an additional 60 million seedlings would be distributed this year for the farmers to achieve their targets.

President Mahama said effective supervision would be implemented with adequate inputs for the farmers to step up production.

Source: GNA