United States-based Ghanaian Finance Professor at Andrews University, Prof. William Peprah, has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson of the delegation to the ongoing World Bank/IMF annual meeting.
Prof. Peprah says the Finance Minister, after a few months in office, has demonstrated strong leadership, describing him as a capable and people-centered leader well-positioned to woo investors at the ongoing IMF and World Bank meetings.
According to Prof. Peprah, Dr. Forson’s vast experience in governance, spanning years as a Member of Parliament, former Deputy Finance Minister, Minority Leader, and now Finance Minister, gives him a deep understanding of Ghana’s economic realities and how to communicate them convincingly to investors.
He adds that the minister’s public financial acumen is not in doubt, making him fit for the role and the right person to attract investors at the high-level meeting.
“He’s very young. If you look at how he models his understanding of finance, he thinks of the people and what really helps Ghana. With this experience, I know that when he meets any investor, he’ll be able to convince them and tell them why they must invest their money in Ghana,” the finance professor indicated.
Prof. Peprah further praised Dr. Forson’s collaborative leadership style and openness to advice, citing his strong working relationship with the directors at the Ministry of Finance and the support of experienced advisors like former Finance Minister Seth Terkper.
He sees the minister as someone who listens, consults widely, and encourages his team to contribute ideas. To him, that is a mark of a good and matured leader who doesn’t shy away from admitting the risks in Ghana’s economy, but has the confidence and strategy to assure investors that the potential returns far outweigh those risks.
‘With the backing of his advisors, not forgetting the former finance minister, Seth Terkper, his boss, and other qualified individuals with experience, I’m sure he’ll be able to do very well. If you also look at it, you could also see that there’s a good working relationship between all the directors of the Ministry of Finance and him,” Prof. Peprah noted in an interview monitored by The High Street Journal.
He added, “It is something that we can attest to based on what we see and what we watch when he comes on television, wherever he goes. He allows them to also come in. So if you have such a person leading your finance ministry who has a listening ear, people will advise him.”
With this trait of inclusiveness and a pragmatic approach to managing Ghana’s economy, Prof. Peprah believes will help restore investor confidence and position Ghana favorably in the eyes of the global financial community.
He concluded that Dr. Forson’s humility, technical expertise, and commitment to sound economic management make him the right person to lead Ghana’s financial diplomacy at this crucial global gathering.
