Ghana Establishes 12-Member Presidential Advisory Group on Economy

Date: January 15, 2026 | Source: Life Pulse Daily / MyJoyOnline

Introduction

In a significant move to bolster economic governance and strategic financial planning, the Ghanaian government has inaugurated a 12-member Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy. This high-level body is tasked with providing non-partisan, expert guidance to the President on critical macroeconomic issues, ranging from debt sustainability to export-led growth strategies.

Comprising a diverse mix of technocrats, academics, private sector leaders, and former central bank officials, the group represents a concerted effort to leverage deep institutional knowledge for Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term stability. This article explores the composition of the advisory team, their mandate, and the potential implications for Ghana’s financial policy landscape.

Key Points

Background

The establishment of the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy comes at a pivotal time for Ghana’s economic landscape. Following periods of macroeconomic volatility, characterized by high inflation and debt restructuring, there has been a growing demand for transparent, expert-driven policy formulation. Historically, presidential advisory councils in Ghana have played roles in shaping development policies, but this specific 12-member group highlights a renewed focus on blending public sector oversight with private sector agility.

The government’s decision to formalize this advisory structure aims to bridge the gap between academic economic theory, public policy implementation, and private market realities. By creating a dedicated channel for strategic counsel, the administration seeks to move beyond reactive economic measures toward a proactive, long-term planning framework.

Analysis

Composition of the Advisory Group

The selection of the 12 members reflects a strategic balance between political leadership, academic rigor, and corporate experience. The group includes:

• Political Leadership: Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang brings political oversight and policy alignment to the team.
• Private Sector Heavyweights:
  • Mr. Kwame Pianim: A highly respected economist and private sector advocate.
  • Sir Samuel Esson Jonah: An industrialist with extensive experience in mining and corporate leadership.
  • Togbe Afede XIV: A private market leader and traditional ruler with significant business interests.
• Financial & Monetary Experts:
  • Dr. Henry A. Kofi Wampah: Former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, bringing central banking expertise.
  • Ms. Abena Amoah: CEO of the Ghana Stock Exchange, providing insight into capital markets.
• Academia & Technical Experts:
  • Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour & Prof. Patience Aseweh Abor: Academics offering research-based perspectives on economic development.
  • Dr. Kwabena Duffuor: Former Finance Minister and banking expert.
• Business & Agribusiness Leaders:
  • Mr. Ishmael Yamson: A renowned business strategist.
  • Ms. Nana Oye Mansa Yeboaa: Expert in infrastructure and enterprise.
  • Mr. Ato Brown: Specialist in agribusiness and revenue generation.

Mandate and Scope of Work

The advisory group’s mandate is broad and multifaceted. Unlike operational government agencies, this body is positioned to offer high-level strategic counsel. Their primary responsibilities include:

1. Macroeconomic Stability: Providing guidance on inflation control, exchange rate management, and GDP growth targets.
2. Fiscal Consolidation & Debt Sustainability: Advising on strategies to reduce the fiscal deficit and manage national debt within sustainable limits.
3. Private Sector Development: Formulating policies to stimulate business growth, remove bottlenecks, and improve the ease of doing business.
4. Export-Led Growth: Advising on how to diversify the economy beyond traditional exports like cocoa and gold, potentially focusing on value-added processing and services.
5. International Engagement: The group will also contribute expert input during negotiations with bilateral partners (e.g., IMF, World Bank) and private investors, ensuring Ghana’s positions are backed by technical data.

Strategic Importance for Ghana

The formation of this group signals a shift toward technocratic governance in economic planning. By involving figures like Kwame Pianim and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor—who have historically been vocal about economic reform—the government is signaling openness to cross-party expertise. This “brain trust” approach is designed to depoliticize economic data and foster evidence-based decision-making, which is crucial for restoring investor confidence.

Practical Advice

Understanding the role of this advisory group is essential for stakeholders in the Ghanaian economy. Here is how different groups can interpret and react to this development:

For Investors and the Private Sector

The inclusion of capital market experts like Ms. Abena Amoah suggests a continued focus on deepening the Ghana Stock Exchange and improving capital market access. Private sector players should monitor the group’s recommendations on business environment reforms and tax policy adjustments, as these will likely shape the regulatory landscape in the coming years.

For Policy Analysts and Researchers

This advisory body represents a rich source of policy direction. Researchers should pay close attention to the group’s periodic assessments of Ghana’s economic performance. These reports are likely to contain early indicators of shifts in fiscal policy, infrastructure prioritization, and industrial marketing strategies.

For the General Public

While advisory groups operate at a high level, their recommendations often trickle down to impact cost of living, employment opportunities, and public services. Citizens should view this as a mechanism intended to stabilize the economy, though the actual impact depends on the government’s willingness to implement the group’s advice.

FAQ

Conclusion

The inauguration of the 12-member Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy marks a critical step in Ghana’s economic governance. By assembling a team of seasoned economists, private sector leaders, and academics, the government aims to navigate complex financial challenges with a blend of experience and innovation. While the success of this group will ultimately be measured by the tangible outcomes of their advice—such as improved fiscal health and job creation—their formation represents a proactive approach to strategic financial management. Stakeholders across the spectrum will be watching closely as this team begins its work to steer Ghana’s economic policies.