Prez. Mahama Commends First Sky Group’s Diversification, Philanthropy

By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh

President John Dramani Mahama has praised the First Sky Group for its growing footprint across multiple sectors of the Ghanaian economy, describing the company as a model of enterprise, faith and social responsibility.

Speaking at the 23rd Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service of the First Sky Group, President Mahama said he was impressed by the scope of the company’s operations beyond construction, noting that the event had broadened his own understanding of the Group’s activities.

“Anytime you talk about First Sky, everybody thinks it’s construction. But today, I have been enlightened about the other sectors you are involved in. You can applaud yourselves for going into commodities and hospitality,” he said.

The President singled out the Atlantic Hotel for special mention, revealing that he had stayed at the facility before realising it was under the management of the First Sky Group.

“I slept at the Atlantic Hotel before I knew First Sky Group had taken over. But I know that with the management of First Sky, Atlantic Hotel is going to be number one,” he stated.

President Mahama also commended the Group’s philanthropic initiatives, stressing that faith must translate into compassion for the underprivileged.

“Our success must be anchored in our faith, and our faith enjoins us to reach out to those who are underprivileged,” he said.

The President raised concerns about the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in Ghana, including hypertension, kidney disease and cancers, attributing the trend partly to changing lifestyles and reduced physical activity.

“Before, our fathers and grandfathers were farmers and very physically active. Today, we drive everywhere, we don’t exercise as much, yet we continue to eat heavily. The likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases is high,” he warned.

President Mahama emphasised the need for preventive healthcare, announcing plans to roll out a new primary healthcare initiative this year.

“In every community, coordinators will go from house to house to measure blood pressure and test blood sugar levels so people can know their health status early,” he explained.

He disclosed that government has allocated GH¢2.1 billion this year to the Mahama Care programme to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases such as stroke, kidney failure and cancers.

“These diseases are extremely expensive to treat. Government must step in, but government alone cannot do it,” he said.

President Mahama therefore applauded First Sky Group for sponsoring kidney transplants and dialysis for patients, urging other corporate bodies to emulate the company’s example.

“The efforts of people like First Sky in sponsoring transplants and dialysis are commendable. Other companies must also support,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the First Sky Group would continue to grow from strength to strength and pledged to return next year with an even greater story to tell, as the nation joins the company in giving thanks to God for its progress.