President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE), charging its members to provide frank, independent, and evidence-based counsel as Ghana confronts renewed economic pressures and works toward long-term structural reform.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Mahama described the formation of PAGE as a critical step in strengthening economic governance and restoring credibility in policy management. He thanked members for accepting the responsibility at what he called “a critical moment in Ghana’s economic journey,” emphasizing that their expertise would be central to navigating the country’s current fiscal and macroeconomic challenges.
The President spotlighted the gravity of Ghana’s economic situation, noting that the country has once again found itself in debt distress despite past assurances that such a setback would never recur.
“We find ourselves again in debt distress after having previously declared HIPC and solemnly assuring ourselves that we would never return to such a position.”
He stressed that the experience should have reshaped the country’s fiscal discipline and policy culture, but acknowledged that buffers meant to protect citizens were instead weakened, leading to painful consequences, including domestic debt restructuring.
Describing the moment as one requiring honesty and responsibility rather than blame, President Mahama called for a deliberate shift in economic governance, anchored in institutional reform and long-term transformation.
“This is not simply about recovery; it is about institutional reform, structural transformation, and a permanent reset of our economic governance culture.”
The Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy has been mandated to provide strategic advice on macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and the coordination between fiscal and monetary policy. The group will also advise on industrial development, competitiveness, export-led growth, private sector expansion, and sustainable job creation.
In addition, PAGE will support the design and implementation of flagship national initiatives, including the 24-hour economy and the Accelerated Export Development Programme. The body is expected to conduct periodic assessments of Ghana’s economic performance and provide expert input in negotiations with bilateral and multilateral partners, international financial institutions, and investors.
President Mahama noted that PAGE is not a new institution within Ghana’s governance framework, having existed under previous administrations, including his earlier tenure in office. However, he explained that the current configuration has been expanded and strengthened to reflect the growing complexity of the national economy, while streamlining overlapping structures such as the former Economic Management Team.
He emphasized that PAGE will report directly to the President and is expected to offer candid, independent advice in the national interest. The Vice President will chair meetings in the President’s absence, while the Minister for Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and other key officials will provide technical support.
Highlighting the composition of the group, President Mahama pointed to its diversity in expertise, gender, and generational representation, bringing together seasoned practitioners, academics, private sector leaders, and young professionals.
Concluding his address, the President called for rigorous analysis and constructive engagement in shaping Ghana’s economic direction, expressing confidence that PAGE would help rebuild credibility, restore fiscal discipline, attract investment, and reposition Ghana as a competitive and predictable economy.
