A member of the National Economic Dialogue (NED) Committee, Professor John Gatsi, says there was urgency and collective resolve demonstrated during the recently held National Economic Dialogue to tackle Ghana’s economic challenges.

According to him, while the issues confronting the nation are not new, the key difference is the newfound boldness to confront and address them.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, March 8, Prof. Gatsi highlighted that challenges in critical sectors such as energy and cocoa production have existed for years. However, previous efforts to resolve them have often lacked the necessary commitment.

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“If we are aware of the problems, the National Economic Dialogue gives more urgency to resolve them. These problems didn’t start today; they have been with us. Energy challenges have been persistent, and the issues in the cocoa sector are not just from the past two years. But now, we are demonstrating the willingness to face them head-on,” he stated.

Prof. Gatsi clarified that the government is not unaware of these economic difficulties or their possible solutions. However, the commitment made during the dialogue sets a new tone for tackling them.

He also underscored the importance of inclusivity in shaping policy directions, adding that Nigeria has undertaken a similar approach in the past, and Ghana is learning from it.

“The government has pledged that within 120 days, it will subject the challenges of the economy to a consensus-building process so that all of us can think alike,” he said.