Gov’t is determined to do more to boost the capacity of the private sector to expand productivity and create jobs – Finance Minister

The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has told Parliament that the government is determined to do more to boost the capacity of the private sector to expand productivity and create jobs. He said “In the past 7 years, we have: Invested GH¢32.7 billion to keep the lights on and support the growth
of businesses”

Government has also Invested GH¢25.3 billion to facilitate the repositioning of the financial sector and enhance its ability to assist business operations. To date, the Development Bank Ghana has facilitated GH¢1 billion in competitive financing for the private sector, and GIRSAL continues to mitigate risks in the agriculture sector;
Supported 100,000 young graduates to secure workplace experience and employment by investing GH¢2.4 billion in NABCO.

“Government Invested GH¢7.1 billion to build road and transport infrastructure to improve connectivity and productivity;
Invested GH¢541.5 million in 169 1D1F enterprises to scale-up valueaddition and provided 140,000 additional jobs and Created over 2.3 million jobs in the private and public sectors (approximately 900,000 in the private sector and 1.4 million in the public sector”

“Mr Speaker, Capital spending is equally important to the future of our country, consequently we mobilised and deployed resources to: Expand the railway network, including connecting Tema to Mpakadan to promote trade on the Eastern Corridor Construct 12 fish landing sites and two (2) fishing harbours at a cost of GH¢19.5 million to promote the fishery-based livelihoods of our coastal folks Improve community infrastructure by investing GH¢2.2 billion into over 2,000 projects under the IPEP initiative Promote inner city development by spending GH¢190.3 million under the Zongo Development Fund and expanded and improved the road network by investing about GH¢16 billion. Recording the most kilometers of roads and interchanges done in our history,” he added

By Evans Manasseh