President Mahama picks Dr. Ishmael Yamson to lead National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee

President John Dramani Mahama has established a seven-member National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee, chaired by Dr. Ishmael Yamson, to plan a National Economic Dialogue. This move fulfills the President’s promise to convene a national dialogue as part of his 120-day Social Contract with Ghanaians.

Committee Members
The committee comprises:

• Dr. K.Y. Amoako
• Professor John Gatsi
• Mohammed Samara
• Nelly Mireku
• Anthony Sarpong
• Ernest De-Graft Egyir

Objectives of the National Economic Dialogue

The government aims to achieve the following objectives through the National Economic Dialogue:

1. Communicate the true state of Ghana’s economy: Share the current economic situation with stakeholders and the Ghanaian people.
2. Develop a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme: Create a programme to guide the national budget.
3. Highlight key structural reforms and policy priorities: Identify essential reforms and policies to reset the economy.

Tasks of the Planning Committee
The committee has four weeks to submit a report outlining the following tasks:

1. Agenda Setting: Develop a comprehensive agenda aligned with the dialogue’s objectives.
2. Speaker and Panellist Coordination: Invite experts in economics, energy, and agriculture to participate.
3. Logistics Management: Manage venue selection, transportation, and other logistical needs.
4. Session Facilitation: Organize panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions.
5. Documentation and Reporting: Record proceedings and prepare a detailed report with policy recommendations.
6. Communications Plan: Design and implement a communication strategy to promote the dialogue.