President John Dramani Mahama has announced the formation of a seven-member committee to plan the much-anticipated National Economic Dialogue (NED).
The announcement comes as part of the president’s 120-day Social Contract with Ghanaians, reaffirming his commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The committee, chaired by renowned economist Dr. Ishmael Yamson, includes distinguished members such as Dr. K.Y. Amoako, Professor John Gatsi, Mohammed Samara, Nelly Mireku, Anthony Sarpong, and Ernest De-Graft Egyir. Together, they will spearhead efforts to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration on key policy reforms aimed at reshaping Ghana’s economy.
The NED will focus on fostering consensus among stakeholders to address policy trade-offs and propose structural reforms necessary to transform Ghana into a high-growth, inclusive, and resilient economy.
Objectives of the National Economic Dialogue:
The government has outlined three key goals for the initiative:
Communicate the True State of Ghana’s Economy: Provide clarity to stakeholders and citizens about the current economic landscape.
Develop a Homegrown Fiscal Consolidation Program: Guide national budgeting with pragmatic and tailored solutions.
Highlight Structural Reforms: Identify and prioritize essential policy changes to reset the economy.
Tasks for the Planning Committee:
The committee has been given four weeks to submit a detailed report outlining the following tasks:
Agenda Setting: Develop a comprehensive agenda aligned with the objectives of the dialogue.
Speaker and Panellist Coordination: Invite experts in economics, energy, and agriculture to lead discussions.
Logistics Management: Handle venue selection, transportation, and other organizational needs.
Session Facilitation: Organize panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions, ensuring effective moderation.
Documentation and Reporting: Record proceedings and draft actionable policy recommendations.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, emphasized the importance of clear communication in promoting the dialogue. “We are committed to designing and implementing a robust communication strategy to ensure widespread awareness and participation,” he stated.
This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to building consensus on critical reforms while promoting inclusivity and resilience in the economy.
