President Akufo-Addo has emphasized the remarkable progress of the country despite challenges.
During the 2023 Founders Day celebrations held at the Jubilee House, he revealed that 88 percent of Ghanaians now have access to safe water and electricity.
He urged the country to acknowledge these milestones amid current difficulties.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated that the pursuit of progress should not be obscured by present uncertainties.
He lauded the increase in national electricity access from 79.3 percent in 2016 to 88.54 percent in 2022, positioning Ghana among the top six countries in Africa.
“Yes, there are difficulties, but let us not forget that 88 percent of Ghanaians presently have access to safe water, the national electricity access rate increased from 79.3 percent in 2016 to 88.54 percent in 2022, making us among the top six in Africa, and we are still expecting to achieve the 90 percent universal access rate by 2024,” he said.
He expressed optimism about achieving a 90 percent universal access rate by 2024.
He emphasized the elimination of financial barriers to education, with free Senior High school education benefiting 1.7 million students. Enrollment figures have reached historic highs, and efforts are underway to ensure gender parity in enrollment.
President Akufo-Addo outlined his commitment to guide Ghana’s transition from a raw material exporter to a value-added industrialized economy.
He acknowledged setbacks caused by factors such as COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict but affirmed the government’s unwavering pursuit of a ‘Ghana Beyond Aid.’
Focusing on modernization, the President emphasized investment in the digital revolution, health, infrastructure, inner-city communities, security agencies, and anti-corruption initiatives. He projected that these efforts would propel Ghana toward becoming a modern, competitive economy.
Paying tribute to Ghana’s founding fathers for their vision and sacrifices, President Akufo-Addo underscored the need to break free from neo-colonial economic structures.
He emphasized building a prosperous, developed, and progressive nation, fulfilling the responsibility of being the first sub-Saharan colonial country to gain independence.
The event was attended by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief Justice Getrude Torkenoo, Madam Akosua Frema Osei Opare (Chief of Staff, Office of the President), former first lady Nana Agyemang Rawlings, and Mr. Sam Okudzeto, a member of the Council of State.