Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has stated that staff of the Ministry have the technical competence to turn the fortunes of the country’s economy around.

The Minister speaking at the first staff durbar of the Ministry for 2021 said, “I am confident that we possess the ingenuity to oversee our economic restoration and God's favour to guide us on our journey.”

The durbar which was semi-virtual, had a few staff at the durbar grounds while others work from home. This was a measure to ensure social distancing and observation of covid-19 safety protocols.

Ken Ofori-Atta who officially reported to work to resume his second term on March 31, 2021, noted that the Ministry was on the right path to economic recovery.

He added that the whole country was looking up to the Ministry to ensure the path of economic recovery and structural transformation was realised.

“I ask all of us to join together in a crusade that will force us to be remembered as the generation that prioritized social justice, economic dynamism and enterprise for the many and not the few,” he entreated.

According to the Minister, he would use the second term of his administration to put the foundations that would change the country to guarantee opportunities to most, especially, to improve the lot of the underprivileged and disenfranchised”.

On the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, Ken Ofori-Atta stated that, “We are at a critical juncture in our development trajectory, which requires the marshalling of resources to mitigate this pandemic's effects, close our infrastructure gap, and revitalize our Economy”.

He reiterated that pursuing the ¢100 billion Ghana CARES (Obaatanpa) programme, which was the boldest and most significant economic recovery programme in the country’s history, was the surest way to turn the challenges created by COVID-19 into opportunities for socio-economic transformation.

“With your support, we can improve domestic productive capabilities, optimize the implementation of ongoing flagship programmes, and position Ghana to recover over the immediate to near term”.

The Minister, referencing the successful return to the bond market two weeks ago, noted that over the medium term, the economy is expected to record an average GDP growth of 5%, in view of this, mobilising private finance and investment will remain central to Ghana’s development agenda and attaining the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

“Our goal will be to position Ghana as a compelling destination for private capital seeking rewarding investments in the coming years”, he emphasised.

On plans to improve staff welfare and professional development, he hinted that management will continue to create a Ministry that respected employees, encouraged innovation and proactivity, gave visibility to the work of the staff, and invest in the continuous professional growth of its staff.

“We are also making a concerted effort towards increasing the number of training opportunities for staff. Before the end of the year, all staff will benefit from a host of training sessions covering our core values and technical competencies”, he added.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Patrick Nomo in his welcoming address commended the Minister for his passion, commitment and desire to ensure the effective and efficient economic management of the country.

He noted that it was such glaring competence of Mr Ofori-Atta that had positioned Ghana as a well-managed economy to the delight of all, especially, our development partners.

After assuring the Minister of the Ministry’s unflinching support, Mr Nomo commended management for the sterling role played during the budget preparation and presentation and requested for same attitude and dedication throughout the year.