Ministry of Finance engages University of Ghana Lecturers for the Institutionalisation of a Quarterly Economic Roundtable Event
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) invited a team from the University of Ghana to discuss a Quarterly Economic Roundtable initiative aimed at fostering inclusive policymaking and leveraging academic expertise for national development. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Finance was attended by Hon. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister for Finance, Ms. Eva Esselba Mends, Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Director of the Economic Strategy & Research Division, and some members of MoF.
Hon. Amin Adam emphasised the importance of inclusive economic management and expressed gratitude to the UG professors for their involvement. According to him, the initiative focuses on three main goals: providing monthly reports on the economy, establishing a Ghana Development Forum for consensus building, and reevaluating the Ghana beyond aid agenda. The Quarterly Economic Roundtable will also serve as a platform for academia and policymakers to collaborate and generate development-oriented ideas.
Making his contribution, Prof. Peter Quartey, the Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, (ISSER-UG) commended the initiative, highlighting the need for greater public engagement with the national budget. He explained that citizens often do not hear anything about the national budget after it is read and urged involvement from diverse stakeholders to address citizen needs effectively. He also encouraged the forum to be an independent body to work effectively without suppression and bias.
Prof. Justice N. Bawole, Dean of UGBS, echoed support for the initiative and emphasised the importance of engaging relevant agencies like banks, civil societies, etc. He encouraged the minister to use his networks to bring relevant agencies for comprehensive development impact. Discussions included logistical planning for future meetings, with the University of Ghana initially hosting sessions. It was agreed that representatives from the finance ministry would join newly formed committees, and an MoU between the parties would be signed. Topics for discussion and economic models for Ghana's self-reliance were also on the agenda, with a focus on actionable solutions.
The University of Ghana's leadership, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, will oversee further planning and committee formation, with regular communiques to the press following each roundtable. The initiative aims to move beyond dialogue towards practical solutions to address the challenges facing the economy. In attendance also for the discussion included: Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiado, Prof. Mohammed Amidu, Prof. Sarpong- Kumankoma all of the Finance Department, Dr. Edward Asiedu and Dr. Patrick Asuming, Senior Lecturers at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS).