President John Dramani Mahama has established a seven-member National Economic Dialogue (NED) Planning Committee as part of his 120-day Social Contract with the people of Ghana. This initiative aims to address the country’s pressing economic challenges and establish a foundation for sustainable development. The committee, chaired by the esteemed economist Dr. Ishmael Yamson, will organize a high-level dialogue to promote consultation and consensus on the policies necessary for transforming Ghana into a high-growth, inclusive, and resilient economy.
It has four weeks to submit its report. Other members include Dr. K.Y. Amoako, Professor John Gatsi, Mohammed Samara, Nelly Mireku, Anthony Sarpong and Ernest De-Graft Egyir. In a statement issued on January 26, 2025, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, outlined the NED’s objectives which include communicating the true state of Ghana’s economy to stakeholders and citizens.
“The 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”, the statement read.
Other responsibilities of the Committee will be to develop a homegrown fiscal consolidation program to guide the national budget and help identify structural reforms and policy priorities for an economic reset. The National Economic Dialogue represents a critical step in addressing Ghana’s economic challenges, from fiscal sustainability to structural transformation and resilience.
By: Abigail Arthur
