Ey Ghana Urges Govt to Prioritise Digital Transformation

The Country Managing Partner of EY Ghana, Emmanuel Adekahlor, has urged government and the private sector to prioritise digital transformation, fiscal discipline, and consistent policy execution as key drivers of Ghana’s long-term economic growth.

According to him, four key pillars necessary to drive sustainable growth: sustained macro-level economic discipline, accelerated technology adoption, strategic investment, and policy consistency. He said these elements remain central to building resilient economies capable of withstanding global shocks and sustaining long-term development.

He explained that countries which have achieved consistent economic progress have done so through fiscal discipline, strong planning systems, and prudent financial management. He cited examples such as Rwanda, noting that its focus on stability since the 1990s contributed to steady economic growth over the years.

He stressed that maintaining economic stability requires strengthening revenue mobilisation without stifling enterprise growth, improving public expenditure efficiency, and ensuring transparency and credible fiscal rules that enhance trust and predictability in the economy. According to him, every public expenditure must deliver measurable value to citizens.

The EY Ghana Country Managing Partner further noted that economic stability is not solely a government responsibility but a national competitiveness issue, adding that predictable policy environments are key to attracting investment, creating jobs, and enabling long-term business planning.

On technology, Mr. Adekahlor described it as a critical driver of modern transformation, highlighting its growing role in reshaping government systems and business models globally. He pointed to examples such as China and the United States, where digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data systems have significantly improved productivity, efficiency, and service delivery.

He said digital adoption has the potential to increase economic output, citing estimates that suggest it could raise GDP by up to 2 percent annually if properly implemented. However, he cautioned that technology only delivers value when supported by investment, skills development, and strong institutional systems.

Mr. Adekahlor also emphasised the importance of industrialisation, urging Ghana to move beyond raw material exports and focus on value addition across agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. He called for expansion in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, construction materials, and special economic zones as key drivers of job creation and industrial growth.

He noted that Ghana’s transformation agenda must prioritise infrastructure development and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to reduce the cost of doing business, improve competitiveness, and deepen regional integration. According to him, private sector participation remains critical in mobilising capital, driving innovation, and scaling economic projects.

On policy direction, Mr. Adekahlor stressed the need for consistency and continuity, warning that frequent policy changes undermine investor confidence and weaken long-term planning. He cited South Korea as an example of how sustained policy commitment in industrial development and education reform can drive decades of innovation and growth.

He added that successful governance requires anchoring policies in evidence, maintaining transparent communication, and ensuring continuity across political cycles. He further stated that effective economic transformation depends on refining successful programmes rather than abandoning them.