2 weeks Ago By News Ghana
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/ghanas-majority-leader-endorses-mahamas-economic-reforms-at-business-forum/Ghana’s Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has pledged parliamentary support for President John Dramani Mahama’s economic reform agenda, emphasizing collaboration between the legislature and executive to bolster private-sector growth.
Speaking at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum, Ayariga outlined three core pillars of the administration’s strategy enterprise development, decentralization, and the 24-hour economy initiative as critical drivers for job creation and broader economic inclusion.Ayariga hailed the 24-hour economy policy, a flagship proposal from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, as a “timely and effective strategy” to energize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and stimulate youth employment. “This initiative symbolizes hope for jobs, innovation, and inclusive economic participation,” he said, noting its resonance during recent electoral campaigns.
Reaffirming the private sector’s role as “the engine of national growth,” Ayariga detailed Parliament’s commitment to partnering with sector ministers and committees to dismantle business barriers, monitor fiscal measures in the 2025 budget, and ensure accountability for policy implementation. “Our oversight will guarantee these initiatives translate into concrete results for entrepreneurs,” he asserted.Decentralization emerged as a focal point, with Ayariga announcing that 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund will now flow directly to local governments.
He projected that up to six billion Ghana cedis could reach assemblies within four years, earmarked for contracts with local businesses. Additionally, a revamped school feeding program will mandate local procurement, directing funds to schools to purchase supplies from community vendors. “This will lubricate local economies and give small businesses real opportunities,” Ayariga said.
The forum itself, inaugurated by Mahama and the Chief of Staff, was praised as a platform for public-private collaboration. Ayariga urged participants to leverage networking sessions and panel discussions to forge partnerships supporting sustainable growth.The reforms aim to restore investor confidence, expand financing access, and build long-term economic resilience.
Analysts note the emphasis on decentralization and SME support aligns with broader efforts to address Ghana’s uneven regional development and youth unemployment, persistent challenges exacerbated by global economic headwinds.Previous administrations have struggled to sustainably decentralize fiscal resources, often hindered by bureaucratic delays and accountability gaps. While the Mahama government’s latest push has drawn cautious optimism, stakeholders stress that transparent execution and rigorous oversight as pledged by Ayariga will determine its success.
As Ghana navigates post-pandemic recovery and inflationary pressures, the interplay between legislative action and private-sector dynamism remains pivotal to reshaping the economic landscape. News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.
gh/ghanas-majority-leader-endorses-mahamas-economic-reforms-at-business-forum/.
