In line with his 120-day social contract pledge to Ghanaians, President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a seven-member National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee tasked with organizing the much-anticipated National Economic Dialogue (NED).
The initiative aims to provide a platform for addressing Ghana’s pressing economic challenges and building consensus on reforms to reposition the economy for inclusive and resilient growth.
The committee, chaired by seasoned economist Dr. Ishmael Yamson, comprises a diverse mix of experts including Dr. K.Y. Amoako – a renowned development economist and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
It also include Professor John Gatsi – Dean of the School of Business at the University of Cape Coast and an outspoken critic of unsustainable fiscal practices, and Mohammed Samara – Infrastructure and Investment Strategist.
Other members are Nelly Mireku – an advocate for gender-responsive policy frameworks and economic inclusion, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong – the Acting Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and former Partner at KPMG, and Ernest De-Graft Egyir – a business strategist with expertise in trade and industrial policy.
The dialogue is expected to address fundamental issues afflicting Ghana’s economy while fostering collaboration between government, academia, industry, and civil society.
“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.
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