President Mahama Inaugurates Advisory Group to Restore Ghana’s Economic Credibility
President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE), tasking the 12-member body with helping to rebuild confidence and restore credibility in Ghana’s economy.
The advisory group was officially sworn in at the Presidency in Accra, where the President emphasized the urgent need for fiscal discipline, policy consistency, and long-term structural reforms.
Acknowledging Economic Challenges
Addressing members of PAGE, President Mahama noted that Ghana faces significant economic pressures despite past reform efforts. He observed that the country had previously undergone debt restructuring under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, with commitments to avoid returning to a similar situation.
However, he stated that fiscal buffers and economic stabilizers had eroded over time, contributing to renewed debt distress and the difficult domestic debt restructuring measures experienced in recent years.
“The task before us is correction without amnesia,” President Mahama said, urging the advisory group to draw lessons from both Ghana’s economic successes and shortcomings.
President Mahama added that restoring credibility would require rebuilding investor confidence, strengthening fiscal discipline, and ensuring policy predictability.
Mandate of PAGE
The Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy has been assigned a broad mandate, including:
- Advising on macroeconomic management
- Supporting fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability
- Recommending coherent fiscal and monetary policy frameworks
- Promoting structural transformation and industrial development
- Encouraging export-led growth and private sector expansion
The group is also expected to conduct periodic assessments of Ghana’s economic performance and provide strategic guidance in negotiations with bilateral and multilateral partners.
President Mahama emphasized the need to reposition Ghana as “a serious, predictable, and competitive economy” capable of attracting sustainable investment.
Broad-Based Representation
The advisory group brings together experienced figures from academia, finance, industry, and public policy. It includes Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who spoke on behalf of the committee, affirming their commitment to ensuring that economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
She stressed that economic stability should reflect in practical outcomes such as predictable incomes, affordable housing, reliable markets for farmers, access to credit for small businesses, and improved opportunities for young people and women.
Other members of PAGE include prominent figures such as Ismael Yamson, Kwame Pianim, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Togbui Afede XIV, Ms. Abena Amoah, and Professors Priscilla Twumasi Baffour and Patience Aseweh Abor, among others.
Focus on Long-Term Stability
Economic analysts say the establishment of PAGE signals a structured approach to policy coordination and economic recovery. The group’s effectiveness will likely be measured by improvements in fiscal sustainability, investor confidence, and job creation.
With Ghana navigating ongoing economic adjustments, the advisory body is expected to play a key role in shaping medium- to long-term economic strategy.
