Rev Professor Paul Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Founder of the Frimpong Manso Institute (FMI), has called for a renewed national focus on production and export-driven economic policies to help Ghana overcome its economic challenges.

Speaking as Chairman of the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards held on March 6, 2026, Rev Prof Frimpong-Manso said the country must move beyond policy rhetoric and implement practical solutions that boost local production, create jobs, and strengthen the national economy.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, award winners, media practitioners, and distinguished guests, he said he felt both proud and humbled to chair the prestigious ceremony.

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“I’m proud because I’m sharing the glory with men and women who have distinguished themselves across key sectors of Ghana’s economy. I’m also humbled because of all the dignitaries in the land, I’ve been found worthy to chair this high-profile ceremony,” he noted, while thanking the organisers for the honour.

The FMI founder noted that the awards ceremony held special significance as it coincided with Ghana’s 69th Independence Day, a moment he said should remind citizens of the sacrifices made by the country’s founding fathers and freedom fighters.

According to him, while Ghana has achieved political independence, the country still faces significant economic constraints that must be addressed.

“Our political independence does not obscure the fact that in many respects our dear nation is still in shackles,” he stated.

He cited Ghana’s economic vulnerabilities, including dependence on external markets and imports, as examples of the challenges confronting the country.

Rev Prof Frimpong-Manso pointed out that Ghana’s economy remains exposed to fluctuations in international markets, referencing the decline in global cocoa prices which he said has forced reductions in the price paid to local cocoa farmers.

He also expressed concern about the country’s continued reliance on imported food products, noting that Ghana imports tomatoes from neighbouring Burkina Faso despite having favourable weather and fertile soil for agricultural production.

“In short, our import dependence syndrome is an indictment on our capacity to produce our basic necessities for local consumption and export,” he stressed.

The renowned academic and religious leader therefore urged policymakers to create incentives that encourage individuals, businesses, and institutions to increase production and expand export activities.

According to him, boosting local production will not only generate employment but also help reduce poverty and strengthen the Ghanaian cedi.

“One concrete step is to incentivize individuals, businesses and institutions to produce more and enhance our export earnings.

This way, innumerable job opportunities will be created, poverty will be substantially reduced, and the local currency will be solidly strengthened,” he said.

Rev Prof Frimpong-Manso also congratulated the award winners, expressing hope that the recognition would inspire them to reach even greater heights in their respective fields.

He further commended the management of GhanaWeb for instituting the Excellence Awards, describing it as a commendable initiative that celebrates achievement and contributes to national development.

“May you continue to extend your online dominance to impact a broader spectrum of our national life,” he added.

The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to national development across various sectors. celebrate individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to national development across various sectors.

Watch the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards below: