Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has vowed to use the recommendations of the National Economic Dialogue as his guiding framework, or “Bible,” in crafting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day forum, Dr. Forson assured stakeholders that their proposals and concerns would be integral to the budget’s development. He emphasized that the government was committed to addressing Ghana’s economic challenges through inclusive and collaborative efforts.
“I will wait for the communiqué from this dialogue, and I can confidently say it will serve as my Bible during the preparation of the budget. These recommendations will inform the proposals I present to Cabinet for adoption and approval, ensuring they are incorporated into the final budget,” he said.
Dr. Forson acknowledged that while Ghana’s economic challenges are well-documented, the persistent hurdle is effective implementation. He stressed that public support is crucial for government policies to succeed.
“Implementation remains our biggest challenge. As a government, we can only deliver on reforms if we have the buy-in of the citizens. Public understanding and support are key,” he explained.
With the 2025 budget scheduled for presentation on March 11, Dr. Forson pledged that many of the concerns raised during the forum would be reflected in the economic policies.
“You’ll begin to see the issues you’ve highlighted here reflected in the budget. This is not just about government policies; it’s about a collective effort to reset and rebuild our economy.”
The Finance Minister reiterated that the government alone cannot drive economic transformation. He called on stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and the public, to actively support the reform agenda.
“We urge you to join us in educating the public about the necessity of these reforms. The time has come for us to reset and reshape our economy. This is a collective responsibility, and we must approach it together,” he stated.
Dr. Forson also emphasized the interconnected nature of Ghana’s economic challenges, highlighting the need for reforms across key sectors, including macroeconomics, private sector development, infrastructure, governance, and anti-corruption.
“What stood out to me during this dialogue is the interconnectedness of our economic sectors. From macroeconomic stability to private sector growth, infrastructure, governance, and tackling corruption, the message is clear: we need comprehensive reforms across the board,” he remarked in his closing address.
The Finance Minister’s commitment to adopting the National Economic Dialogue’s recommendations underscores the government’s focus on structural reforms. He assured participants that the upcoming budget would prioritize sustainable revenue generation, responsible fiscal management, and transformational policies.
“We know the problems, and we know the solutions. The task now is implementation. Let’s work together to make these changes a reality,” Dr. Forson concluded.
The Minister’s remarks signal a renewed determination by the government to tackle Ghana’s economic challenges head-on, fostering unity and collaboration among all stakeholders in the process.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
