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0 Dr Ishmael Yamson, the Chairman of the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to institutionalise the National Economic Dialogue into a permanent consultative mechanism.
He said the mandate of the Committee was to communicate the true state of Ghana’s economy to the stakeholders and the people of Ghana, develop a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme to guide the national budget, and highlight key structural reforms and policy priorities essential for resetting the economy.
Dr Yamson made the appeal when he presented the final copy of the report of the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee to President Mahama at the Presidency in Accra.
The Dialogue took place on the 3rd and 4th of March this year.
Dr Yamson noted that the Committee secured participation from all key stakeholders, including but not limited to members of political parties, civil society organisations, academia, students, youth organisations, professional bodies, ministers of state, government appointees, and traditional rulers.
He said the breakout sessions focused on six thematic areas, namely macroeconomic stability and resetting confidence in Ghana’s economy; and growth or death, achieving inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
Others were private sector-led growth, unlocking the full potential of the private sector in national development and economic growth; and infrastructure development, addressing the infrastructure deficit for economic transformation.
The rest were structural and policy reforms, strengthening key sectors for growth and good governance, accountability, and anti-corruption measures.
“We also believe that you will find the recommendations appropriate for the current times of extreme global disruptions and uncertainties where resilience means self-reliance,” Dr Yamson said.
He reiterated that the recommendations in the report which related to other structural reforms, particularly in the energy and cocoa sectors, if executed expeditiously and with passion, should successfully create a stable and prosperous Ghana.
Dr Yamson said success would eventually be measured by the Government’s ability to provide concrete solutions to challenges facing citizens and regain policy credibility and trust.
He expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve him, his government, the people of Ghana and the country, Ghana.
The members of the seven-member National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee included Dr K.Y. Amoako, Professor John Gatsi, Mohammed Samara, Nelly Mireku, Anthony Sarpong, and Ernest De-Graft Egyir.
