GDP driven by agriculture guarantees job creation – Presidential adviser on agriculture

The recently concluded National Economic Dialogue (NED) has reignited discussions on Ghana’s economic trajectory, with key voices calling for a more inclusive and job-driven growth strategy.

The current government held the NED between March 3 and 4 under the theme, “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together.”

It attracted numerous stakeholders from all sectors of the economy with the task of charting a a roadmap for sustainable economic development.

Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr. Peter Otokunor emphasized the need for a broader, participatory approach to economic policymaking.

Reflecting on past events, he recalled that “from 2017, when we realized that our friends in government clearly did not understand the real situation that we were in, we started calling for this National Economic Dialogue.”

According to Dr. Otokunor, Ghana’s economic growth has largely been driven by the extractive sector, which does not generate enough jobs or wealth for ordinary Ghanaians. “If your GDP is being driven by something like agriculture, industry, or manufacturing, then you are sure that your GDP is responding and creating jobs,” he stated on the KeyPoints on March 8.

Dr. Otokunor criticized the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for failing to participate in the economic dialogue.

“The major opposition were not willing [to participate]. It would have been more enriched if the NPP had participated,” he noted.

The discussions at the National Economic Dialogue, he believes, will shape Ghana’s policy direction under President Mahama’s administration.

“Some of the conversations targeted our manifesto proposals, helping us chart a more efficient way of implementing our promises in the midst of broader economic objectives,” he said.

As Ghana looks to revamp its economic strategy, Dr. Otokunor is confident that with inclusive policies and strategic interventions, the country can achieve sustainable and people-centered growth.

Contributing to discussions on the show a renowned Economist Prof. Stephen Adei criticized successive Ghanaian governments for failing to utilize expert economic advice, a practice he says has led to repeated policy failures.

He disclosed that while chairing the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), his team developed a “Ghana at 100” strategy, but never had the opportunity to formally present it to the presidency.

“Governments in Ghana do not invest in or listen to the NDPC. We don’t equip them, we don’t fund them, and worst of all, policymakers ignore their recommendations,” he stated.

Prof. Adei compared Ghana to Asian countries like South Korea, where economic advisory bodies play a key role in governance.

He called on the government to restructure and empower the NDPC to ensure national development strategies are effectively implemented.

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