Baffour Kyei, a trader, said his assertion that he was not elected by the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians to complain about the problems but to fix things, was most reassuring.       “This clearly should signal to everybody that he really means serious business”, he added.

Ms. Akosua Frimpomaa, a fresh tomato seller at the central market, said she found it refreshing the decision to restore the teacher and trainee nurses’ allowance. She, additionally, applauded the free senior high school (SHS) education policy implementation and said “it is going to bring tremendous relief to some of us who are struggling to keep our children in school”.

“I cannot wait to see this happen. It is a dream come true.” 

Mr. Kwame Agyemfra, a banker, hailed the address as brilliant and said it touched on every sector of the economy.    “President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo did not leave anybody in doubt about the true state of affairs and I find it heartwarming, the hope and renewed confidence he has given to everybody.”

He said he strongly believed that given the support, cooperation, patience and understanding of the people, the government could turn the troubled economy around, create wealth and jobs.

 Nana Kwaku Duah, the Offinso Municipal chief farmer, said construction of dams to promote all-year round cropping was long overdue.  He said the expectation was that the government would move quickly to end the over-dependence on rain-fed agriculture amid the irregular rainfall pattern and extreme weather conditions, resulting from the climate change.

“The President’s expression of concern about the destruction of the environment and the poor sanitation should be a wake-up call to all of us.”  Maame Afia Serwaah Bonsu, a public servant, said the President’s battle cry against corruption should be supported by all.It should not be left to any single individual or group to fight the canker – to stop the theft, abuse and misappropriation of state resources, he added.