Vice President Highlights Ghana’s Commitment to Inclusive Economic Growth
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized Ghana’s dedication to fostering partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to its citizens. During her keynote address at theAfrica Growth and Opportunity: Research in Actionforum in Palermo, Italy, she underscored the importance of fairness and mutual respect in all collaborative efforts.
She extended warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and highlighted the central role of job creation in Ghana’s economic transformation. According to her, employment is not an afterthought but a core component of national development. The Vice President outlined Ghana’s current strategy for inclusive and sustainable job creation, which is based on the24-Hour Economy framework.
This innovative policy reimagines how time and productivity are utilized to ensure that opportunities are available at all times. Through its interconnected pillars —Grow24, Make24, Build24, Connect24, Fund24, Aspire24, Show24, and Go24— the government aims to boost activity in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, finance, and digital innovation.
Key Initiatives Driving Economic Transformation
Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted several initiatives already underway, including theFeed Ghana ProgrammeandGrow24, which are transforming agriculture by expanding irrigation, promoting climate-resilient crops, and strengthening logistics systems. These reforms are expected to create a more reliable food production chain and open new opportunities for farmers nationwide.
Support measures forsmall and medium enterprises (SMEs)were also discussed, such as theBRIDGE Initiative, which provides financing and training to help businesses grow. Additionally, programs like theAdwumawura Programmeand theOne Million Coders Initiativeare equipping young people with digital, technical, and green skills needed for emerging sectors of the economy.
“These efforts show Ghana’s determination to move from research to action and from vision to work,” she said.
Economic Indicators and Social Impact
The Vice President cited the fall of inflation to single digits, the recognition of the cedi asAfrica’s best-performing currencythis year, and improved investor confidence as signs of a stabilizing economy. However, she stressed that the government’s focus extends beyond economic indicators.
The goal, she explained, is to ensure that farmers, artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs feel the impact of economic recovery in their daily lives. She noted that theBig Push Infrastructure Agendais generating employment across multiple sectors, including transport, housing, energy, and social infrastructure.
To guarantee that women and youth are not left behind, she referenced policies such as theWomen’s Development Bankand theWAPE Fund, which are designed to broaden financial access and support women-led enterprises.
Inclusive Growth and Global Partnerships
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that inclusive growth is essential to building a balanced and resilient economy. Turning to Africa’s place in the global economic system, she called for a new approach to partnerships with the continent.
Her remarks reflect a commitment to ensuring that economic progress translates into real improvements for all Ghanaians, particularly those in vulnerable communities. By focusing on sustainable development, job creation, and equitable growth, Ghana continues to position itself as a leader in regional and global economic initiatives.