Ghanaians express confidence in Nat'l Economic Forum

Scores of Ghanaians on Tuesday expressed confidence in the National Economic Forum being held at Akosombo and said its outcome might help the government to take decisions that would improve the economy.

Mr. John Boamah, a teacher, told the GNA in an interview that his expectations were that thorough discussions would be held on how to develop the agricultural sector and how to connect agriculture to industry.

He said after the Forum, he expected to see concrete and feasible interventions for farmers and how to make agriculture the leader in the economy for it to grow.

Mr. Boamah suggested that the government should find ways of having import substitution industries to help cut down on the large volume of imports.

He said for Ghana’s economy to grow, the government must have prudent measures to solve corruption by punishing culprits of corrupt acts.

Mr. Mohammed Babangiida, an Information Technology Consultant, said he expected the formulation of policies that would ensure judicious use of the country’s resources.

He said the Economic Forum should help solve most of the problems facing the economy and provide jobs for the youth.

Ms. Gladys Naa Marle, a National Service Person, said the Economic Forum should help develop common national positions on some of the critical economic policy issues confronting Ghana

She said: “I pray there would be more jobs in the country for us the youth because it is very disturbing and hurting to be at home after your national service.”

Some drivers at the Tema Station who spoke to GNA said they hope the forum would bring changes to the economy.

The four-day Forum, which is on the theme: "Changing the Narrative”: would seek to achieve consensus on policies, strategies and measures that are required to accelerate Ghana's transition from a lower middle income nation to an upper middle income economy, with a sustainable path of development that would guarantee improvement in the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

Participants and major contributors at the forum would include former finance ministers, former governors of the Bank of Ghana, eminent economists, political parties and parliamentarians.

Business leaders, economic policy makers, as well as representatives of traders associations, development and social partners, civil society organisations and members of the academia, as well as senior citizens, would also participate in the forum, a government statement said.