A member of the seven-member National Economic Dialogue Committee, Prof John Gatsi, has confirmed that recommendations from the National Economic Dialogue will influence the upcoming national budget to be read on March 11.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, Prof Gatsi explained that while President Mahama's State of the Nation Address (SONA) provided a broad overview of the country’s economic situation, the Finance Minister’s budget presentation will offer detailed insights, particularly on debt management and fiscal policies.

“The President made a statement in the SONA that gives a qualitative view in many cases, but the Finance Minister will provide details on why we are in this situation, especially regarding debt management,” he said.

“Debt management is not only about the debt figure, it is about the debt approach, the mechanism, and the institutional setup of debt management in the country.”

Prof Gatsi stressed that the budget will cover more than just debt-to-GDP ratios, as broader fiscal issues need to be addressed to fully explain the state of the economy.

“When we talk about fiscal matters, it is not only about debt-to-GDP, there are more issues about fiscal numbers that will have to tell the story. So I believe that is what the Finance Minister will be doing,” he said.

He further explained that while some recommendations from the National Economic Dialogue will be reflected in the budget, others will guide future economic decisions and long-term structural changes.

“Some of the issues will be captured in the budget, but some have to do with the structure and the long-term implications of certain engagements,” he said. “That is why that portion of the President’s statement does not just highlight problems but also the opportunities these problems present to us.”