I am fulfilling campaign promises - Nana Addo tells Ghanaians

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said his administration has begun fulfilling its campaign promises in the run-up to the December 2016 elections.

He said his 7 month old government is already fulfilling the promises and commitments made to the Ghanaian people despite the economic mess inherited by his administration.

According to him, "when we came into office, we were met with huge debts and no money. It is for this reason that we put in place the appropriate measures to strengthen our monetary system, so the development we promised the people can be met."

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Monday, August 8, 2017 in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, at the commencement of his 3-day tour of the Western Region.

He noted that the Asempa budget read in Parliament by the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, in March, has ensured that the country’s finances have been placed on a solid footing, and are gaining strength to ensure the fulfilment of his government’s promises.

He added that the Free SHS policy will commence in September 2017, made possible by the sound economic policies his government has put in place.

"I have been bastardised by several persons who claim the Free SHS policy is a misplaced priority, a lie, and cannot be done. The Free SHS policy, I wish to assure them, will start from September. The first students in the history of our country who are going to benefit from the Free SHS will be doing so as from September this year," he said.

Speaking on the cocoa sector, President Akufo-Addo noted that the policies and programmes instituted by former President John Agyekum Kufuor ensured that the cocoa production hit 1 million tonnes in 2010/2011.

However, cocoa production has since declined, with the 2015/2016 crop season recording a production of 778,000 metric tonnes.

"My government is going to increase cocoa production again to 1 million tonnes, and move it to 1.5 million tonnes in the course of my mandate. We will also ensure that cocoa farmers gain their pride of place in our society. We will make the cultivation of cocoa a source of gainful employment once again," he said.