IEA commemorates Silver Jubilee

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a public policy think-tank founded in 1989 on Tuesday commemorated its silver jubilee in Accra on the theme: “25 years of advancing democracy and economic development.”

Mrs Jean Mensa, Executive Director of IEA, said as a premier public policy think-tank, the IEA was formed with a view to broadening the debate on public policy, engendering private sector-led economic growth and strengthening the pillars of democracy.

She said the ultimate view of the Institute is to promote good governance, democracy and a fair market economy in Ghana and Africa as a whole.

“The IEA believes that the creation of an environment in which economic, social, political and legal institutions function openly and freely is the key to the attainment of sustainable economic growth and human development and we will continue to champion that cause,” she said.

Dr Charles Mensa, Board Chairman of IEA commended all who helped in making the Institute lived for the 25 years of shaping the future.

He said, in its quest to promote good governance and economic development, the IEA has chalked out many successes such as the repealed of the criminal libel law, passage of the Whistle Blower Act, the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, and the Transitional Bill among many others.

He said other bills such as the right to Information Bill, is however yet to see the approval of Parliament and urged government to work towards ensuring its passage.

He said the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives should also be given attention by the state to help strengthen the decentralisation process.

Dr Mensa said a major problem facing the country is the colonial nature of the economy, assuring that the Institute would be focusing on how to make Ghana an industrial society.

Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer- Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra commended the IEA for helping in promoting good governance and economic development.

He said many Ghanaians are suffering from intellectual blindness leading to the slow pace of the country’s progress.

He therefore called on the IEA to help liberate such people through education and introduction of other programmes.

He urged the IEA not to give up but continue to work towards the development of the country and the wellbeing of the people.

The commemoration of the Silver Jubilee attracted many personalities including Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the 2016 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Abu Sakara, Convention People’s Party flagbearer for the 2012 elections, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, representing the National Democratic Congress and Dr Abu Ramadan, Chairman of the People’s National Convention.