Akufo-Addo must give us economic independence - Bishop Lodonu

Emeritus Most Reverend Francis A. K. Lodonu, former Bishop of the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church has challenged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to use his "One District, One Factory" policy to attain economic independence for the country.

"After 60 years of political independence, I think we are ready. The stage is set for economic independence and our President's One District, One Factory policy is a very good vehicle for that," he stated.

Bishop Lodonu was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of Ghana's 60th Anniversary celebration at Bame in the Ho-West District.

He said political independence restored dignity to the citizenry but economic emancipation was necessary for "real freedom and growth."

Bishop Lodonu said though some former Presidents prioritised agriculture and food production, the policy of a factory in a district was "out of the box" initiative and ought to lead to the country's economic emancipation.

He, however, cautioned the government to hasten slowly and be guided by research in the implementation of the policy to avoid having many factories producing the same commodity with no market.

Bishop Lodonu also urged government to be wary of economic policies of developed European countries, which could collapse the initiative.

He asked the government to consider the re-introduction of national reorientation to rally the citizenry around the national colours and inculcate the "spirit of patriotism" in the country's youth.