By Eratus Ndueh
President Paul Biya received New Year wishes from close to 400 national dignitaries, top military officials, staff of the President of the Republic, and its attached services during a ceremony that took place at the Unity Palace.
The event was organized on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the banquet of the Unity Palace, the Head of State made a flashback on a global level of issues in the country, particularly with the war in Ukraine and the coronavirus health crisis.
‘I thank you for your kind words and for the wishes you were kind enough to express to me and to that of the Cameroonian people. Last year, on this same occasion, I deplored the consequences, on our economies, of the persistence of the harmful effects of Covid 19, as well as the occurrence of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.’ Said the president.
Paul Biya also told the national dignitaries that the criminal activities of terrorist groups continue to jeopardize the stability of many countries in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad, and Cameroon are also victims.
He emphasized that these threats to international peace and security have negative consequences on the development of many countries and, therefore, on the well-being of their populations. While stressing that the path of dialogue and conciliation takes precedence over confrontation so that the voices of wisdom and reason can finally rise.
He called on Cameroonians to support his candidacy for the presidency of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a world that seems to be drifting, and delights in the paths leading to its perdition, Cameroon continues to believe in the values that founded it and in the dreams that inhabited those who founded it.
‘We continue to believe that our common organization is best able to lead the human race to overcome passions, selfishness, and antagonisms, to refocus on the essential: its survival. Because, at the very moment when we lose ourselves in vain quarrels, our most precious asset, the Earth, is threatened. Climate change is here to remind us of our fragility and the need to act together before it is too late.’ Added the president.
After this day event, the First Lady will organize a similar ceremony, the president of the Senate will follow suit, the president of the national assembly, and others.
Source: Cameroon News Agency
John Dramani Mahama Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress has announced plans to set up and personally chair an Accelerated Export Development Council to prepare Ghana to become an export-led economy.
This move comes alongside his 24-hour economy plan aimed at boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities for the country.
Mr Mahama who announced this during his 2024 New Year speech, outlined his vision for Ghana’s economic development.
He emphasised the importance of boosting export activities, particularly under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
According to President Mahama, the council would promote and support the country’s export drive by implementing measures to improve the business environment for exporters and ensure their competitiveness in the global market.
In addition to the accelerated export development council, President Mahama outlined his plans to enhance security and public safety, which would require
significant recruitment into security services and private security operations.
‘This move aims to create a safe and secure environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the 24-hour economy plan.
‘A Mahama government will also provide cheaper and more reliable electricity for businesses that participate in the 24-hour economy. This will be achieved by implementing a tariff system, where companies will benefit from modern smart meters that charge a lesser tariff for power consumed during off-peak hours.
President Mahama’s vision for a 24-hour economy and the establishment of an Accelerated Export Development Council reflects his commitment to driving economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Ghana.
‘As the country prepares to take advantage of the opportunities presented by regional and continental trade agreements, these initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in positioning Ghana as a leading export-driven African economy.
Source: Ghana News Ag
ency
