Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his support for former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo's call for a reevaluation of the agreements that govern Ghana's extractive industry. Both leaders have voiced concerns about the current policies guiding the extraction of the nation's mineral resources and the distribution of profits between the state and foreign investors.
According to Ghana News Agency, former CJ Akuffo, who is now a Member of the Council of State, criticized the current mineral concession agreements in a media interview in Accra, describing them as disadvantageous to Ghana. She likened the agreements to those from the Guggisberg era, a period marked by colonial economic policies. President Mahama, speaking at the National Economic Dialogue in Accra, echoed these sentiments, calling for increased local involvement in the exploitation of the country's natural resources. He emphasized the need for Ghana to earn more from its resource endowment to foster national wealth and prosperity.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of modernizing agriculture through mechanization, improved irrigation, and technology-driven innovations to boost productivity and ensure food security. He stressed the necessity of bridging the digital divide by providing high-speed internet and robust digital infrastructure, which he deemed essential for economic growth and competitiveness.
Furthermore, President Mahama underscored the need for urgent governance reforms to enhance transparency and accountability. He advocated for strategic planning to prevent the cyclical economic booms and busts that have previously impacted the nation. The National Economic Dialogue, themed 'Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together,' aims to communicate the true state of Ghana's economy, develop a homegrown fiscal consolidation program, and highlight essential structural reforms and policy priorities.
The dialogue serves as a platform for stakeholders to engage in collective thinking and synthesization of proposals to reposition Ghana on a path of sustainable growth. This initiative is reminiscent of a similar dialogue organized a decade ago during Mahama's first administration.
