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As per his commitment to Ghanaians under the 120-day social compact, President John Dramani Mahama has established a seven-member National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee to coordinate the eagerly awaited National Economic Dialogue (NED).
Through the effort, Ghana’s urgent economic issues will be addressed, and a consensus on changes to realign the economy for resilient and inclusive growth will be reached.
Reputable development economist and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Dr. K.Y. Amoako is among the broad group of specialists on the committee, which is chaired by seasoned economist Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
It also includes Mohammed Samara, an infrastructure and investment strategist, and Professor John Gatsi, dean of the University of Cape Coast’s School of Business and a vocal opponent of unsustainable budgetary practices.
Other members include Ernest De-Graft Egyir, a business strategist with experience in trade and industrial policy; Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the Acting Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and a former Partner at KPMG; and Nelly Mireku, a proponent of gender-responsive policy frameworks and economic inclusion.
In addition to promoting cooperation between the government, academics, business, and civil society, the discussion is anticipated to tackle the core problems plaguing Ghana’s economy.
“The National Economic Dialogue (NED) will offer a platform for dialogue and consultation on the country’s pressing development challenges. It will also discuss policy trade-offs and build consensus on reforms needed to transform Ghana into a high-growth, inclusive, and resilient economy.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ag. Spokesperson to the President
Committee’s Mandate and Timeline
The committee has four weeks to submit a detailed report outlining plans for the dialogue. Key deliverables include: designing a comprehensive programme aligned with the dialogue’s objectives and identifying and inviting speakers and panellists from fields such as economics, energy, and agriculture.
The committee is also required to secure venues, transportation, and other logistical needs, organizing panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions, with moderators and rapporteurs assigned for effective session management.
It is further mandated to prepare a comprehensive record of proceedings and policy recommendations and promote awareness of the dialogue through strategic public engagement and information dissemination.
President Mahama’s commitment to convening the NED reflects his administration’s recognition of the urgent need to reset the national economy. The dialogue is expected to prioritize solutions for Ghana’s fiscal challenges, emphasizing transparency, equity, and sustainability.
In a statement issued by Acting Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government underscored the importance of collaboration in navigating the country’s economic hurdles.
The National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee’s appointment is being hailed as a significant step toward fostering a consultative and transparent approach to economic management, aligning with President Mahama’s vision for inclusive governance.