Dr. Ishmael Yamson, Chairman of the National Economic Dialogue, has urged the Ghanaian government to institutionalize the forum to prevent it from becoming a fleeting initiative. Speaking at the opening of the two-day Economic Dialogue Forum held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Monday, March 3, 2025, Dr. Yamson emphasized the need for sustained commitment to the dialogue’s objectives to dispel skepticism about its effectiveness.

Many stakeholders have expressed doubts about the Dialogue’s ability to achieve its intended goals, prompting Dr. Yamson to advise the government to prioritize the institutionalization of the process. He stressed that this step is critical to advancing the government’s reset agenda and ensuring that the forum translates into actionable outcomes.

“There are some who have already concluded that this is just another talk shop with no follow-through. To address these concerns, the government must demonstrate commitment by institutionalizing the dialogue and ensuring its continuity,” Dr. Yamson stated. He warned that delays in implementing the forum’s recommendations could jeopardize Ghana’s economic recovery, emphasizing that the country has no time to waste in addressing its economic challenges.

The National Economic Dialogue, a key promise by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to identify and address the major economic challenges facing Ghana. The forum seeks to chart a path toward sustainable economic growth by fostering inclusive discussions among key stakeholders. Under the theme, “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together,” President Mahama is expected to outline his government’s vision for revitalizing the economy during his keynote address.

The Dialogue brings together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the private sector, academia, public policy institutions, and civil society organizations. The discussions are structured around thematic sessions focusing on critical areas such as:

1. Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic Stability
2. Promoting Economic Transformation
3. Advancing Infrastructure Development
4. Implementing Structural Reforms
5. Ensuring Private Sector-Led Growth
6. Restoring Good Governance and Combating Corruption

The government hopes to leverage the expertise of participants to generate consensus-driven solutions that will boost business confidence, improve infrastructure, and enhance livelihoods. These outcomes are expected to inform policy implementation and provide a resilient framework for long-term economic growth.

Dr. Yamson revealed that by the close of the forum on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, concrete proposals will be presented to assist the government in executing its reset agenda. He expressed optimism that the Dialogue would serve as a catalyst for reshaping Ghana’s economic future, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward achieving the desired outcomes.

The National Economic Dialogue represents a critical step in Ghana’s efforts to address its economic challenges and build a more prosperous future. By institutionalizing the forum, the government aims to ensure that the discussions lead to tangible actions and sustainable progress for the nation.