President Pledges To Respect Concerns of Organised Labour

President John Mahama on Monday gave the assurance that his administration would respect the concerns organised labour raised during their demonstration by weighing all options provided in their petition. He said although the country was facing economic challenges, signs of recovery would manifest by the end of the year. "I am presiding over a committee that will work to bring down inflation and interest rates in the coming months,� President Mahama said. President Mahama said this when he addressed Muslims at the Kumasi Central Muslims after their Eid-ul- Fitr prayers to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period. It was also attended by the Most Rev Gabriel Justice Anokye, the Catholic Bishop of Kumasi, Mr Kwabena Agyepong, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party and representatives of other organisations. Sheik Moomin Harun, the Ashanti Regional Chief Iman, led the prayers. President Mahama, said the government would step up the local production of goods and services that would subsequently reduce importation of goods that the country had comparative advantage. The President said the government would also increase investment in the agricultural sector to make Ghana food sufficient and to create jobs. He said the government was supporting local pharmaceutical companies to reduce the over dependence on drug importation. On religious tolerance President Mahama commended all religions in the country for peacefully co-existing and urged them to continue to make Ghana an oasis of peace in the continent and beyond. Sheik Harun commended President Mahama for honouring their invitation to address them and said Muslims would continue to pray for him to achieve all his campaign promises.