Enough money for poverty reduction Strategy - Nduom

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister for Economic Planning and Regional Co-operation, on Monday said there was enough money for the efficient implementation of all programmes envisaged under the poverty reduction strategy.

He, however, mentioned that the major set back of the ministry was how to get the government to work fast for the utilisation of funds earmarked for specific projects. Dr Nduom, who is also the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, was speaking at a regional consultation seminar on the National vision for the Western Region at Takoradi.

It was organised by the Commission in collaboration with the Regional Co-ordinating Council under the theme, "From poverty reduction to wealth creation-building a consensus on national vision and programme of action."

Representatives of labour unions, religious bodies, political parties, non-governmental organisations, the business community, women's groups and chiefs and District Chief Executives, who attended the seminar, which was part of a nationwide consultation exercise shared ideas on fashioning a new vision for the country.

Dr. Nduom said similar forums would be organised in some foreign countries to enable Ghanaians living there to contribute to the realisation of the objectives of the programme. He said, the delay in the implementation of some policies and programmes could not be attributed to the lack of funds and cited inadequate technical expertise and the lack of enthusiasm of the people as the major problems.

"We must therefore, get the government to work and work fast and ensure that monies are utilised and utilised properly." The Minister said Ghanaians should consider the programme to reduce poverty as a call for action to change their present economic situation.

Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, said the aim of the seminar was to give the people the opportunity to contribute to national development through a consensus on national vision and programme of action.