Accra has become the center of economic discourse as the Ghana Economic Forum (GEF) 2024 kicks off under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities: Re-engineering Ghana’s Economic Model for Sustainable Development.” This prestigious event, gathers experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to forge a new path for Ghana’s economic future.
B&FT CEO, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, emphasized the importance of the event in shaping the nation’s economic strategies and policies in the coming years. He noted that the forum, featuring a mix of seasoned experts and new perspectives, aims to generate innovative ideas and collaborative solutions to drive sustainable economic development in Ghana.
Anthony Sarpong, a senior partner at KPMG, is set to discuss the private sector’s critical role in national development, highlighting the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address Ghana’s economic challenges. The opening ceremony will also feature a presentation by Nana Ahenfua Dankwa, Head Girl of SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College, providing a youth perspective on Ghana’s economic future.
Plenary I: Reimagining Ghana’s Economic Landscape
The first plenary session, moderated by Bernard Avle of Citi FM, will tackle Ghana’s economic challenges head-on. Titled “Re-engineering Ghana’s Economic Model for Sustainable Development: A Robust Financial Sector, Political Leadership, & National Development Plan is Key,” the session will feature key speakers such as GSE Managing Director Abena Amoah, financial expert Richmond K. Frimpong, and former National Planning Development Commissioner Dr. Eben Armah. They will discuss critical issues like debt restructuring and the impact of global economic shocks, with a focus on fiscal sustainability and economic resilience.
Professor Kofi Abotsi, Dean of UPSA Law School, will address the legal frameworks necessary for economic transformation, while Ruki Sanusi, Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, will highlight the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability. Julian Kingsley Opuni, MD of Fidelity Bank, will provide insights into the banking sector’s role in economic transformation, focusing on credit accessibility, financial inclusion, and digital banking innovations.
Plenary II: Agriculture as an Economic Powerhouse
The second plenary session will focus on agriculture, a vital sector contributing around 20% to Ghana’s GDP and employing about 30% of the workforce. The session, titled “Unlocking Opportunities in the Agricultural Sector: A Forward-Looking Approach Key to Sustainable Food Supply and Security,” will feature speakers like the 2023 National Best Farmer Charity Akotia, agronomist and farmer Abu Sakara, and Dr. Betty Simawua Annan, Country Director of AGRA. They will discuss challenges and opportunities in agriculture, technological advancements, and strategies for agricultural transformation.
Dr. Daniel Asare, CEO of Esoko, will highlight the role of digital technologies in modernizing agriculture, while Anthony Morrison, CEO of the Agri-Business Chamber, will elaborate on food self-sufficiency. The session will be moderated by Richard Nunekpeku, Managing Partner at Sustineri Attorneys PRUC.
Breakout Sessions: Energy and State-Owned Enterprises
The afternoon will feature two concurrent breakout sessions. The first, “Sustainable Energy Financing and Distribution: Key to Driving Economic Activities and Growth,” will explore solutions to Ghana’s energy challenges, focusing on green energy financing and distribution infrastructure. Panelists include energy consultant Dr. Nii Darko Asante, Dr. Benjamin Batinge from the University of Energy & Natural Resources, Dr. Charles Gyamfi Ofori from ACEP, KPMG’s Ralph Osei-Boafo, and Stanbic Bank’s Fritz Delanyo Amegashie, who will moderate the session.
The second breakout session, “The Future of State-Owned Enterprises: Catalyst for National Development,” will discuss the efficiency and role of SOEs in Ghana’s economy, addressing issues like reforms, privatization, and performance improvement. Panelists include BOST MD Edwin Alfred Provencal, fintech expert Nana Owusu Banahene, CEO of EK Brand Consult Elorm K. Foli, KPMG’s Kwadwo Boateng, and AB & David partner Ferdinand D. Adadzi. J. Nat Halm of Zed FM will guide the discussion.
