Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang and Finance Minister Forson Lead National Reforms in Governance and Economic Strategy

Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson are spearheading a series of reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana's governance framework and revitalizing the national economy. During a high-level meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on Decentralisation, the Vice-President reaffirmed the government's commitment to the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (NDPS) 2026–2030. This initiative focuses on enhancing democratic accountability and ensuring responsive public service delivery across the country. Simultaneously, Minister Forson has outlined a strategic shift in public procurement, urging that government spending be leveraged to support local industries, create jobs, and bolster key sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. The call for systemic reform extends to the 1992 Constitution, with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) advocating for a significant reduction in the President's appointing powers. Represented by Justice Sophia Akuffo, the IEA proposed a transition toward merit-based appointments for independent roles and the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). While the government has acknowledged the necessity for checks and balances on presidential discretion, it remains cautious regarding specific classification systems proposed by the Constitution Review Committee. These discussions highlight a growing national consensus on the need for more transparent and accountable leadership structures. Economic management remains a central focus, as the Ministry of Finance collaborates with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to address sector-specific challenges impacting public finances. Minister Forson and Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor recently held consultations to mitigate fiscal pressures arising from the energy sector. Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has moved to clarify customs regulations following public debate over taxes on personal electronic devices. The GRA emphasized that travelers carrying more than two mobile phones will not automatically face duties, provided the items are for personal use, a move intended to balance legitimate travel needs with the prevention of commercial import evasion. At the local level, the government is enforcing stricter financial accountability and infrastructure protection. The Head of the Grants Division of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), Sitso Kwame Asaase, has cautioned Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) that future quarterly allocations are contingent upon the timely submission of properly completed budgets. This push for fiscal discipline coincides with efforts to protect critical national assets, as seen in Kumasi where traditional authorities, led by Chief Nana Osei Yaw Frimpong II of Nhyiaeso, have pledged to support the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in preventing encroachment on utility corridors. Together, these actions reflect a multi-tiered approach by the Mahama administration to improve governance, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure stability across Ghana.