The reset agenda under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by President John Dramani Mahama, is gradually taking shape. However, as the government pursues fiscal discipline and rolls out its flagship programmes, it is imperative that it reassesses major policy directions outlined in the 2025 Budget in relation to the broader state of the nation.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies, made these remarks on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Assessing the trajectory of the economy, Dr. Asante Otchere noted that the government has anchored its economic recovery strategy on debt management, the revitalization of the energy sector, and the strengthening of agriculture. According to him, these measures have significantly supported debt restructuring efforts and contributed to the gradual control of inflation, thereby stabilizing the economy.
He indicated that he expects the President to address job creation in the upcoming SONA, particularly with clear financial backing for the 24-hour economy policy. He described the initiative as a flagship programme capable of driving sustainable job creation for the country’s unemployed youth.
Dr. Asante Otchere commended the government for passing the 24-hour economy bill into law, but stressed that implementation must now take center stage. He emphasized the need for incentive packages and a clear blueprint in the SONA to serve as a catalyst for policies and projects anchored on the 24-hour economy to achieve maximum results.
Touching on agriculture, he stated that the sector has played a pivotal role in spearheading economic growth and contributing to GDP expansion. He urged the government to channel more resources into agriculture, particularly the poultry industry, which requires substantial financial support to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on poultry imports.
He further tasked the government and the Finance Minister to ensure balanced and timely disbursement of funds to all flagship programmes, describing them as critical engines of economic growth.
Dr. Asante Otchere also challenged the President’s earlier assertion that Ghana would become a “construction site,” acknowledging that numerous infrastructure projects are currently ongoing across the country. However, he stressed that such projects must be backed by clear timelines and funding commitments to guarantee their completion.
He therefore called on the government to remain focused by putting in place the necessary structures to ensure the timely release of funds, accelerate project execution, and meet established completion targets.