Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has outlined the government’s ambition to make Ghana more self-reliant in production while expanding opportunities for businesses and creating jobs under the proposed New Economy Programme.
Dr. Forson said the government’s focus was to channel more resources into productive sectors of the economy and strengthen the capacity of local businesses to meet domestic demand.
In a Facebook post after a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and leading captains of industry, Dr Forson said:
“Our mission is to produce more of what we consume and create more jobs here at home.”
He said Ghana’s dependence on imported goods should prompt a deliberate effort to develop local production and expand opportunities for Ghanaian businesses.
“Every import is an opportunity to ask: why can’t we make it in Ghana?” he added.
According to the Minister, the government intends to use the New Economy Programme to support sectors with the potential to generate economic activity, attract private-sector investment and create employment.
“That is the promise of the New Economy: Ghana producing. Ghanaians working. Prosperity growing!” he stated.
The New Economy Programme, which is expected to be rolled out through the 2027 Budget, is projected to deploy about US$1.6 billion, equivalent to approximately one per cent of GDP.
The programme is expected to focus on commercial agriculture, mining value addition, energy and transport infrastructure.
Dr. Forson said planned investments in gas-to-power and gas-to-fertiliser projects would support energy security and industrial development, while projects such as the Western Railway Line could receive support under the transport component.
He noted that the final blueprint was still being developed, with further details on additional projects expected to be announced when the programme is formally launched.
