Dr Ishmael Yamson, Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has commended government for what he described as a strong economic performance over the past year.

He said the first year of the Government’s economic indicators had been ‘spectacular’ and urged the authorities to consolidate the gains to ensure sustainable development.

Speaking at this year’s New Year School and Conference in Accra, Dr Yamson said inflation had reduced from 54 per cent in 2024 to 6.3 per cent by the close of 2025.

He said the cedi to the dollar stood at Ghc 14.72 by the close of 2024 and Ghc 10.6 by the close of 2025.

The three-day conference is on the theme, “Building the Ghana We Want Together for Sustainable Development.”

Dr Yamson said achieving the theme required the streamlining of foundational and structural weaknesses within the system.

He called for a conducive environment for effective governance, adding that “you cannot build a country with uncertain circumstances.”

Dr Yamson urged the authorities to sustain the fight against illegal mining, saying the menace had posed serious health challenges to the citizenry.

He called on the Government to use economic windfalls to build a strong Ghana, stressing that consistent economic performance was critical to development.

“We need a strong institution to work effectively. The country requires integrated architecture to reset the economy,” he said.

Dr Yamson said effective leadership was key to national progress and emphasised that having the right leadership was non-negotiable.

“The country needs a financial architecture that provides effective leadership. We need leaders who will uphold integrity in the governance of a country,” he said.

Dr Yamson said citizens expected transformative leadership that led by example and served the people with dignity and speed.

Ms Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Chairperson of the University of Ghana Council, said the New Year School had, over the years, provided a platform for constructive discussions on issues of national importance.

She said the theme offered an inclusive, collaborative pathway to sustainable development and national transformation.

Ms Brew Appiah-Oppong said national development was a shared responsibility and noted that progress could be achieved through discipline and collective action.

She challenged participants to be bold in proposing ideas and solutions to improve the lives of Ghanaians.