Deputy Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Yaw Preko has hinted that President Akufo-Addo supports every efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the standoff between the ousted government of Niger and the military junta.
Army Defence chiefs from West African countries have been tasked to remain loyal to their heads of state and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during discussions held in Accra, aimed at restoring democracy in crisis-hit Niger.
Addressing journalists in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, the Deputy Director of Communications at the Presidency on the position of the government, said the President was of the view that mediation should be the first option ahead of possible military intervention, as stated in the ECOWAS heads of states communiqué of 10th August 2023.
He said ‘’It is worth noting that, ECOWAS itself is prioritizing and pursuing dialogue. So far about five emissaries have been deployed to engage the junta, in attempts to reach a peaceful resolution of the situation’’.
Nana Yaw Preko added that Ghana as a member of ECOWAS is obliged to participate in the collective actions of the regional body.
He, therefore, noted that the country may be left with no choice when a decision is made to mobilize a military force for a possible intervention in Niger, as the last resort, adding that this government hopes that an amicable settlement can be achieved to forestall military action.
Economy
On the Economy, he said the Akufo-Addo-led government has implemented several recovery policies to put the economy back on the track with a commitment to expenditure cuts to ensure fiscal stability.
Mr. Preko explained that restructuring is intended to build a more resilient economy that is at least vulnerable to external shocks, adding that many factors account for the turnaround with a trade surplus and economic adjustment contribution.
He stated that the government is aim to reach recovery adding that the general outlook of the economy remained positive.
Mr. Yaw Preko added that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led administration has demonstrated its ability to steer the economy towards growth recovery.
He asserted that government remains committed to implementing effective policies and reforms despite the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic disruption.
However, he underscored that the economic recovery is a dynamic progression that positioned Ghana as the fastest-growing economy in the sub-Saharan African sub-region during the pre-Covid era (2017-2019).
-BY Daniel Bampoe