President Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to celebrate the festive season safely and responsibly.

According to him, they must be prepared to make the sacrifices that will enable each and every one build a happy, progressive and prosperous Ghana everyone desires to have. He indicated that government cannot wholly ensure the thriving of the country, as such, every citizen must play his part to attain great feats for the country.

President Akufo-Addo further appealed to the affluent to extend helping hand to persons in need. He emphasized that those who are in fortunate position, must remember to lend a helping hand to those who are in need.

“Let us be prepared to make the sacrifices that will enable us to build a happy, progressive and prosperous Ghana we all desire. I urge all of us to celebrate the season safely and responsibly.”
President Akufo-Addo

Also, the President expressed optimism that with hard work and dedication, Ghana will rise again. He noted that the signs are clear that the country is emerging out of the difficult economic challenges it was faced with over the past three years.

In his Christmas message to Ghanaians, President Akufo-Addo indicated he is happy that the negative narrative is now changing.

“… Over the last three years, we have been confronted with our own captivity in Babylon moments. We had to ride turbulent storms and we were faced with the unknown. Indeed, there were moments where we doubted our ability to surmount these challenges. I am happy that in spite of it all we are beginning to emerge out of the difficulties which encourages me to say that with hard work, dedication and continued prudence in the management of the affairs of our nation, we will rise up again.”
President Akufo-Addo

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has expressed his goodwill to Ghanaians in celebration of Christmas. He indicated that this is a moment and an opportunity for people to express their love to loved ones and family.

“The wonder of a divine birth renews our faith that God in all things, is able in all things to exceed our needs. Spread some Christmas cheer around this season if you can. Cheers to a great year ahead!”
Sam Nartey George

President Akufo-Addo’s Christmas message comes at a time the country is griping in economic difficulty.

Expectations of government during Christmas season

Nonetheless, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Mohammed Awal, prior to this, disclosed that the country is expecting to receive over 100,000 foreign tourists in December this year.

Dr Awal explained that this will support the positive relevance of the creative sector and help create jobs for many Ghanaians. He indicated that he was optimistic the inflow of tourists into the country during the festive season is due to the array of intriguing and historic tourist attractions the country hosts and the highly hospitable attitude of Ghanaians, who never fail to welcome foreigners.

Opening the festival, President Akufo-Addo noted that Ghana’s cultural and creative industry had a lot of potential to accrue high foreign exchange to support development efforts. He stated that the government had, among other investments in the sector, put in $10 million to support about 1500 small and medium-scale businesses to grow and expand, thus create jobs.

President Akufo-Addo stated that the government’s commitment is also in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063 which aims among others, to tap the continent’s culture and creative arts for economic growth and transformation.