Minister Slams Critics Of Golden Jubilee Budget

THE Northern Regional Minister, Mustapha Idris, says complaints by a section of the general public about the 20 million-dollar budget for the country's 50th anniversary independence celebrations is "uninformed".


Such misguided remarks, he said, were misleading since the money allocated for the Golden Jubilee was going to improve and enhance the beautification of the country to attract world class investors.

"To put up new structures and polish old ones to improve the perception of world class visitors to our country, especially visitors who have the capacity to invest billions of dollars in the country, to me is not a drain. In fact, it is savings we are making for the development of the country," he stated.

Alhaji Idris said this at the inauguration of the Northern Region Planning Committee of the 50th independence anniversary celebration of Ghana.

He further explained that activities planned for the celebration, if properly executed, would help put the country on a high pedestal and raise its image in the eyes of invited dignitaries.

He therefore urged members of the regional committees to come out with workable plans for the occasion.

The Minister assured the committee of the regional co-ordinating council's commitment to assist them in its work and would not condone laziness on the part of any member.

Alhaji Idris also advised committee members to consider projects and activities, which could serve as a legacy to the celebration and also as useful and practical structures for the benefit to present and future generations.

He suggested to the committee members to consider the creation of a Golden Jubilee, park in the metropolis.

The Minister also suggested the possibility of tarring the Laribaga road, which leads to the National Mole Park saying, "many of the visitors might wish to visit the park."