In a speech read on her behalf by the Minister of State in-Charge of Works and Housing, Dr Freda Akosua Prempeh, the Chief of Staff, Ms Akosua Fremah Osei Opare underscored the role of creators and innovators as key to the country’s economic revival.

“In difficult times like these, we need initiators of change who will lead positive changes to effectively coach individuals, organisations and nations, to overcome challenges,” she stated.

The Chief of Staff was optimistic that as the government on its part provided strategic leadership, Ghanaians, especially the youth would take advantage of that adding that difficult times created strong people.

Ms Osei-Opare hailed the commitment of President Akufo-Addo for the launch of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) and the YouStart initiatives, to create and support new and small businesses.

She said Ghana could not remain aid-dependent forever, which was an indictment on the sovereignty of the country, adding that the government was determined to steer the country out of the aid stigma.

The Chief of Staff encouraged Ghanaians, especially females to have faith in themselves to come out with something creative and innovative, to help solve society’s challenges.

Ms Osei-Opare commended the Foundation for initiating its prestigious “Lifetime in a Portrait Awards”, which was aimed at celebrating the achievement and legacies of some distinguished Ghanaians, to foster development and social cohesion.

The Chief of Staff used the occasion to urge African countries to adopt new ways of life through innovation and creativity in order to cope with global economic emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.

She expressed worry about how the novel corona virus pandemic and the Russia – Ukraine struggles had rendered most African economies hopeless.

The Chief of Staff indicated that the world had never been the same since the emergence of the global economic shocks saying that “we need to implement home-grown policies to produce and consume locally.”

She congratulated former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who is the Life Patron of ICF, the Board of Trustees and management, for the milestone achievements in the last decade.