Finance & Economy Session

Ghana’s current engagement with the IMF has provided a lifeline for stabilizing the economy, but true resilience requires structural reforms that go beyond programme prescriptions. This plenary will critically examine how Ghana can reset its financial architecture to achieve lasting currency stability, sustainable fiscal management, and a more robust macroeconomic framework. Discussions will explore exchange rate management, domestic revenue mobilization, debt restructuring, financial sector reforms, and trade-driven industrialization as pillars for insulating the economy from external shocks. By focusing on long-term value addition and private-sector–driven growth, this session seeks to chart a credible pathway for Ghana to graduate from dependency on short-term interventions and build an economy anchored on productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive prosperity.

Focus Areas:

• Lessons from Ghana’s IMF programme and strategies for post-programme resilience.
• Building a diversified, value-added export base to strengthen the cedi.
• Enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and prudent fiscal management.
• Deepening financial sector reforms for stability and credit expansion.
• Reducing external vulnerability through industrial competitiveness under AfCFTA.

Expected Outcomes:

• Policy roadmaps for sustaining macroeconomic stability post-IMF.
• Consensus on strategies to stabilize and strengthen the cedi.
• Actionable recommendations for financial resilience and industrial transformation.
• Stronger alignment between government, private sector, and development partners on long-term reforms.

Speakers;

1. Prof. Godfred A. Bokpin – Economist, University of Ghana Business School
   • Renowned economist providing expert insights on macroeconomic reforms, debt sustainability, and structural resilience beyond IMF support.

1. Hon. Seth Terkper – Former Minister of Finance; Presidential Advisor
   • Brings deep practical experience on fiscal management, tax reforms, and debt restructuring strategies, drawing lessons from Ghana’s past IMF engagements.
   • Offers firsthand perspectives on fiscal discipline and long-term financial sustainability.
2. Abena Amoah – Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Stock Exchange
   • Provides insights on capital market deepening, financial sector reforms, and innovative investment instruments for economic resilience.
3. Dr. Ishmael Dodoo – Director and Head of Innovative Finance, Partnerships and Markets, 24-Hour Economy Secretariat
   • Presents the government’s 24-hour economy initiative as a structural mechanism for boosting productivity, job creation, and currency stability.
4. Mr. Ebenezer Amankwah-Minkah – Executive Director, Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA)
   • Offers continental perspectives on structural transformation, macroeconomic coordination, and inclusive growth pathways.
5. Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darko – President, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI)
   • Speaks to the industry perspective on competitiveness, value addition, and AfCFTA-driven opportunities for stabilizing the cedi through export-led growth.

Moderator:

Evans Mensah – Host, PM Express, JoyNews
• A respected journalist and policy moderator with extensive experience facilitating national economic dialogues, ensuring accessibility and balance in complex discussions.