Former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Paul Acquah, will chair the breakout session on “Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic Stability” at the National Economic Dialogue, set to begin on Monday.
Dr. Acquah, known for his independent leadership and reforms during his governorship from 2001 to 2009, is expected to contribute his vast experience to steer the discussions, which will focus on addressing Ghana’s economic challenges.
In an interview with The High Street Journal, Professor John Gatsi, a member of the planning committee and Dean of the University of Cape Coast Business School, expressed confidence that the dialogue would be historic and productive. He emphasized that recommendations from the dialogue will feed into the 2025 budget and shape both the country’s medium- and long-term economic plans. According to Prof. Gatsi, the event is expected to generate actionable ideas to guide Ghana’s path to economic transformation.
The dialogue will commence with a plenary session, which will be opened by President John Mahama. The Finance Minister Dr. Casiel Ato Forson will also address the gathering. Following the plenary, experts will break into six thematic sessions, each chaired by a notable figure and accompanied by a presenter who will deliver a technical paper on the session’s theme. The six thematic areas are:
- Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic Stability
- Promoting Economic Transformation
- Advancing Infrastructure Development
- Implementing Structural Reforms
- Ensuring Private Sector-Led Growth
- Restoring Good Governance and Combating Corruption
At the end of the two-day dialogue, a summary of each session will be presented at the closing ceremony, and the planning committee will prepare a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Finance Minister. The report to be submitted on a later date, will guide the government in managing the economy moving forward.
Prof. Gatsi highlighted the importance of the diverse expertise being brought to the dialogue, with participants from varied political and ideological backgrounds. He noted that the primary focus is to gather the best ideas to help Ghana achieve economic recovery and transformation.
The event will be streamed live on national television and social media, allowing the public to follow proceedings and contribute to its success. Prof. Gatsi also encouraged the public to support the dialogue, given the gravity of Ghana’s current economic challenges, which include a severe debt crisis and a government-imposed austerity programme to cut costs, including reducing the number of ministers and banning business-class air travel.
Many hope that the recommendations from the National Economic Dialogue will be implemented, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Ghana’s economy.
Stay with The High Street Journal for a comprehensive coverage of events leading up to the dialogue, discussions during the dialogue as well as the post events.
