National Economic Dialogue: Finance Minister Urges Immediate Implementation of Recommendations

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has called for the immediate implementation of the key recommendations that emerged from the National Economic Dialogue, stressing that the discussions are over and it is now time for action. Speaking during the closing session of the dialogue, Dr. Forson emphasized that the country is already aware of its economic challenges and the necessary solutions, but what remains is the collective will and resolve to put those solutions into practice.

Dr. Forson noted that the dialogue had provided valuable insights, with many of the suggestions aligning with his initial presentation. He stressed that the discussions have highlighted the shared understanding of the nation’s economic problems. “The presentations made during the dialogue clearly show that we all recognize the situation and understand the problems facing our economy,” he said. “Now, what is crucial is the determination to take action and solve these issues together.”

Acknowledging that implementation will be the most significant challenge moving forward, Dr. Forson reiterated that the government alone cannot carry out the necessary reforms without the support and involvement of the public. “While we can come up with the best solutions, we can only implement them successfully if we have the backing of the citizens,” he explained. He underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the people to ensure the success of the reforms.

Dr. Forson also revealed that the government plans to begin addressing the concerns raised during the dialogue in the upcoming 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, which will be introduced on March 11. The minister emphasized that many of the issues discussed during the dialogue would be addressed within this budget. However, he called on all stakeholders to actively support the government in ensuring the reforms’ success, urging them to help educate the public on the importance of the economic reset and the need for collective action.

“On March 11, the government will present the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, and many of the concerns you have raised will begin to be addressed in this budget,” Dr. Forson stated. “But we cannot do this alone. We need your support in educating the public and making them understand that the time for a real economic reset and reform has come. We must work together to achieve this.”

Reflecting on the discussions that took place during the dialogue, Dr. Forson highlighted the interconnectedness of Ghana’s various economic sectors, including governance, corruption, the private sector, and infrastructure. He stressed that addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and urgent reforms across all sectors. “What stood out to me was the interconnectedness between the different sectors of our economy—governance, corruption, infrastructure, the private sector—and the need for reforms in all these areas,” he said. “We cannot afford to delay the necessary changes any longer.”

Dr. Forson reassured attendees that the recommendations put forward during the dialogue would play a central role in shaping government policies. He said that the final communique from the dialogue would serve as a key reference in guiding the government’s actions moving forward. “The solutions are clear. We understand the problems, and we know what needs to be done to resolve them. Now it is time for us to start implementing these solutions,” he stated. “The communique will be my guide as we prepare the budget and make recommendations to Cabinet for approval, ensuring that the reforms we need are incorporated into our policies.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the dialogue’s recommendations lead to real, tangible reforms. Dr. Forson emphasized the need for collaboration and determination in overcoming the challenges facing the economy. “We have the knowledge and the solutions—we just need the collective will to take action,” he said. “Let’s begin the implementation now and work together to move Ghana forward.”

Dr. Forson’s call to action reflects the urgent need for reform in Ghana’s economic landscape. With a focus on transparency, public participation, and a clear roadmap for addressing the country’s economic difficulties, the Finance Minister has laid the foundation for what he hopes will be a transformative phase in the nation’s economic recovery.