President John Dramani Mahama has announced the formation of a seven-member National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee, with Dr Ishmael Yamson appointed as its chairman. 

The committee is part of President Mahama’s pledge to convene a National Economic Dialogue, which he outlined in his 120-day Social Contract with Ghanaians. 

The committee members include Dr K.Y. Amoako, Professor John Gatsi, Mohammed Samara, Nelly Mireku, Anthony Sarpong, and Ernest De-Graft Egyir. They have been tasked with planning and facilitating the dialogue, which aims to address Ghana’s pressing development challenges and build consensus on reforms to transform the country into a high-growth, inclusive, and resilient economy.  

The National Economic Dialogue is expected to provide a platform for dialogue and consultation on policy trade-offs while developing a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme to guide the national budget. It will also highlight critical structural reforms and policy priorities required to reset the economy.  

The committee has been given four weeks to submit its report, detailing the agenda, coordination of speakers and panellists, logistical arrangements, session facilitation, documentation of proceedings, and a communication plan to promote the dialogue. According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, this initiative reflects President Mahama’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in shaping policies that address Ghana’s economic challenges and foster sustainable development.  

President Mahama’s vision for the dialogue is to provide a transparent platform for deliberations on the true state of the economy while outlining actionable solutions to guide national development. The dialogue is expected to bring together experts in economics, energy, agriculture, and other key sectors to provide insights and recommendations for resetting Ghana’s economic trajectory.

Profile of Ishmael Yamson

Ishmael Evans Yamson is currently the Chairman of Scancom Ghana Ltd., Mantrac Ghana Ltd., and a Trustee at the University of Ghana.

He is also a Director at Ishmael Yamson & Associates, Nosmay Co. Ltd., Serengeti Capital Ghana Ltd., Kosmos Energy Ghana, Inc., Ghacem Ltd., and the Bank of Ghana.

In the past, he served as Chairman & CEO of Unilever Ghana Plc, Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Ltd., and Chairman of Kumasi Brewery Ltd.

He was also a Non-Executive Chairman at Benso Oil Palm Plantation Ltd. and a Non-Executive Director at Nigerian Breweries Plc.

Additionally, he was the President of the Ghana Employers Association, the Private Enterprise Foundation, and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He was also a Founding Director of the Commonwealth Business Council and the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Dr. Yamson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Ghana.