National Economic Dialogue to Shape 2025 Budget and Long-Term Economic Strategy, Says Prof. Gatsi
Ghana’s forthcoming National Economic Dialogue (NED) is set to play a crucial role in shaping the 2025 Budget and the country’s broader economic strategy, according to Professor John Gatsi, a member of the committee overseeing the forum.
The two-day event, scheduled for March 3–4, 2025, will convene representatives from the private sector, academia, policy institutions, and civil society organisations to deliberate on Ghana’s economic trajectory.
“This dialogue will inform the 2025 Budget and contribute to the country’s medium- to long-term economic framework,” Prof. Gatsi told NorvanReports.
“The objective is to deliver meaningful recovery by restoring macroeconomic stability, enhancing private sector efficiency, strengthening governance, and implementing structural reforms,” he added.
While some recommendations from the forum are expected to be incorporated into the 2025 Budget, others will be phased into Ghana’s short, and medium to long-term economic governance frameworks.
2025 Budget to Prioritise Growth and Fiscal Reforms
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is due to present the 2025 Budget to Parliament on March 11, with expectations of policies aimed at economic revitalisation. A centrepiece of the fiscal plan is the 24-Hour Economy Programme, a flagship initiative of the Mahama administration aimed at accelerating job creation.
Dr. Forson is also expected to announce a series of tax policy adjustments, including the removal of the betting tax, COVID-19 levy, and the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), as the government seeks to ease the financial burden on businesses and households.
Another critical component of the budget will be measures to address Ghana’s growing energy sector debt, a persistent challenge with significant implications for economic stability and investor confidence.
With macroeconomic conditions remaining fragile, the government’s ability to implement meaningful reforms will be closely watched by investors and rating agencies.
The success of the National Economic Dialogue in shaping policy solutions will be key to restoring fiscal credibility and sustaining economic recovery.
