On Sunday, March 6, 2016, Hon. John Alexander Ackon, the Ashanti Regional Minister, delivered a speech during the 59th Independence Anniversary March Past held at the Golden Jubilee Park, Kumasi. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and all Ghanaians for their unflinching support and prayers for the government, which has brought the country this far in spite of the challenges.
Hon. Ackon saluted the heroes, both known and unknown, who fought for Ghana’s independence and acknowledged Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the first President of the country. He stressed the importance of unity, discipline, and sacrifice in achieving economic emancipation and the need to harness the country’s abundant resources for collective benefit.
The Ashanti Regional Minister emphasized the need to evaluate individual actions and inactions and their contribution to national productivity. He further spoke about the role of the youth in nation-building and the need to invest in them for national development and growth.
He urged the government to create an environment for the youth to develop their full potential and disclosed that the government, under the able leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has introduced policies aimed at developing the youth to become better citizens and to contribute their quota to the country’s development.
Hon. Ackon also highlighted the government’s efforts through the Youth Employment Agency to create job opportunities for the youth. He called on Nananom to make arable lands available for agricultural use so that acquisition of land does not become a problem for the youth who want to enter into agriculture.
Finally, the Ashanti Regional Minister pleaded with Nananom to support the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for the youth to contribute to national development.