Economist Urges Strong Policy Implementation, Inter-Ministerial Collaboration for Economic Stability
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Senior Finance and Economics Lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Dr. Jabir Mohammed, has called on government to prioritise effective policy implementation and stakeholder engagement to ensure economic growth translates into improved living conditions for Ghanaians.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, Dr. Mohammed stressed the importance of carrying citizens along in the policy process, noting that government already has numerous well-articulated policies outlined in its budget statement.
According to him, Ghana’s challenge is not the absence of policies, but the ability to implement them successfully. He stated that if government is able to execute even up to 80 percent of the measures contained in the 2026 Budget, the country would be firmly on the path toward the growth and transformation many citizens expect.
“If government is committed to research and implementation, we can begin to see real changes in the lives of the people,” he said.
Dr. Mohammed also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among key ministries, particularly the Ministries of Finance, Education, Agriculture, and Trade and Industry. He explained that effective partnership among these institutions would help address many of Ghana’s fundamental economic challenges.
The senior lecturer said Ghana’s macroeconomic fundamentals are showing signs of improvement, with significant progress made over the past year under the current administration. However, he emphasised that sustaining and continuing existing programs is crucial to maintaining these gains.
He pointed to inflation, the exchange rate, interest rates and economic growth as key indicators that must remain stable for businesses and households to plan effectively.
“If inflation continues the way it is, if the exchange rate remains stable, and if growth averages around five per cent, that is enough,” Dr. Mohammed said.
He warned that unstable prices, interest rates and exchange rates make it difficult for businesses to plan and invest, describing such volatility as a setback for any progressive economy.
Dr. Mohammed highlighted that consistency, stability and sustained policy execution remain essential for Ghana to achieve long-term economic progress and improved livelihoods for its citizens.
The senior lecturer urged government to design policies that are anchored in domestic resource production, stressing that flagship social interventions should deliberately support local industries.
Dr. Mohammed noted that government should prioritise sourcing food, uniforms, footwear, and other supplies locally for Free SHS policy instead of relying on imports.
“Free SHS students eat food, wear uniforms, sandals and belts. Why don’t we have a policy that ensures all food and basic supplies for Free SHS come from local producers?” he asked.
He stated that such an approach would create guaranteed markets for farmers and local manufacturers, encourage increased production, and reduce the recurring problem of unsold bumper harvests.
Dr. Mohammed added that if government-backed programs deliberately support local farmers and poultry producers, it would boost confidence in domestic production and strengthen the local economy.
