Mr Mat Carlson, the outgoing World Bank Country Representative, has praised Ghanaians for their hard work and dedication, which had ensured considerable transformation in the economy. He was speaking at a farewell call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi on Wednesday, which coincided with the “Awukudae” celebrations. Mr Carlson, however, said there was the need for Ghana and its development partners to do more to sustain and concretize its economic achievements, to bring about significant improvement in the lives of the people. He specifically mentioned the need to strengthen the private sector to enable it play a leading role in the economic development, adding that, it was the only way to expand the economy to create jobs for the people. Mr Carlson said he had in the “past six years done his duty well and contributed his part towards Ghana’s economic transformation” and expressed gratitude to Ghanaians and the Asantehene in particular, for their support and encouragement to him and his family. Otumfuo Osei Tutu commended Mr Carlson for his support, which enabled the palace to secure a grant from the World Bank to provide school infrastructure for deprived communities in the country. Also at the Manhyia palace was the board and management of the Intercontinental bank, which is extending its operations to Kumasi. Dr G.K Agama, Board Chairman said the bank would soon open two branches at Suame and Adum in Kumasi for operations. He presented a cheque of 5,000 dollars to the Otumfuo Education Fund. Mr Kwaku Sarfo, the new Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA) also called on the Asantehene to inform him of his appointment. Otumfuo Osei Tutu congratulated him on his appointment and said he was appointed to the high office because of his hard work and dedication and not because of his tribe. Source: GNA