General News
Mahama Inaugurates Presidential Advisory Group on Economy, Calls for Fiscal Discipline and Structural Reforms
President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE), charging members to provide independent, evidence-based advice to help restore Ghana’s economic stability and rebuild investor confidence.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, today ,President Mahama described the formation of PAGE as a critical step toward addressing Ghana’s economic challenges and strengthening governance structures.
“It is my distinct honour to preside over the inauguration of the members of the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy and to convene its inaugural meeting this morning,” he stated.
The President commended members for accepting the responsibility, noting that their expertise would play a vital role in shaping Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
“Your willingness to contribute your time, experience and intellect to the national cause reflects a deep commitment to public service and to the future of our Republic,” he said.
President Mahama explained that PAGE would provide strategic counsel on macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and coordination between fiscal and monetary policies. He added that the group would also support structural transformation, industrial development, export-led growth, and private sector expansion.
“Your counsel is expected to be frank, independent, evidence-based and anchored in the long-term national interest,” he emphasised.
The President noted that PAGE, which previously existed under late President John Evans Atta Mills and during his earlier tenure, has been reintroduced and expanded to respond to the increasing complexity of Ghana’s economy. He added that the new structure would help streamline economic governance by eliminating overlapping institutions, including the former Economic Management Team.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of collaboration between PAGE and the Economic Policy Coordinating Committee (EPCC), which is jointly chaired by the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
Reflecting on Ghana’s economic challenges, President Mahama acknowledged the country’s return to debt distress despite previous recovery efforts.
“Despite the progress we have made over the years, Ghana finds itself again in debt distress after having previously declared HIPC and assuring ourselves that we would never return to such a position,” he said.
He admitted that fiscal mismanagement and policy inconsistencies contributed to the current situation, stating that, “We dissipated significant buffers and stabilisers that would have shielded our citizens from the painful domestic debt haircuts they ultimately had to endure.”
The President further cited declining crude oil production and weak governance in state-owned enterprises as areas that require urgent attention.
“Our handling of state-owned enterprises has been uneven and, at times, haphazard. Weak governance frameworks, political interference and inadequate financial discipline undermined institutions that were once pillars of stability and credibility,” he noted.
He stressed that the lessons from Ghana’s economic setbacks must guide future policy decisions.
“Our task now is correction without amnesia — learning from both our successes and failures,” he said.
President Mahama charged PAGE to help restore fiscal discipline, attract investment, and reposition Ghana as a competitive and predictable economy.
“This is not simply about recovery; it is about institutional reform, structural transformation and a permanent reset of our economic governance culture,” he stated.
The advisory group is expected to meet at least once every quarter and will provide input into major national economic decisions, including the national budget, mid-year reviews, and monetary policy developments.
President Mahama concluded by expressing confidence in the group’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
“I expect rigorous analysis, constructive debate and solutions that place Ghana firmly on a path of economic recovery, resilience and inclusive growth,” he said.
The Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy shall be chaired by His Excellency the President and shall comprise the following distinguished individuals drawn from academia, public service, and the private sector:
1.H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Vice President
2.Mr. Ishmael Yamson
Private Sector Leader; Former Member of PAGE
3.Mr. Kwame Pianim
Economist and Private Sector Leader; Former Member of PAGE
4.Ms. Nana Oye Mansa Yeboaa
Former Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana
5.Dr. Kwabena Duffuor
Economist; Former Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Former Minister for Finance; Private Sector Leader and Industrialist
6.Sir Samuel Esson Jonah
Business Executive and Private Sector Leader
7.Mr. Ato Brown
Former World Bank Infrastructure Specialist; Agribusiness Investor
8.Dr. Henry A. Kofi Wampah
Former Governor of the Bank of Ghana
9.Togbe Afede XIV
Economist and Private Sector Leader
10.Ms. Abena Amoah
Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Stock Exchange
11.Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour
University Professor and Academic Researcher
12.Prof. Patience Aseweh Abor, PhD
University Professor and Researcher
The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the release of more than 2,000 additional visa interview appointments over the next two weeks for applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas.
According to the Embassy, the newly opened slots are intended to support individuals planning temporary travel to the United States for business, tourism, family visits, and participation in major international events. Among the anticipated events is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across North America.
In an official statement, the Embassy encouraged prospective applicants to secure interview dates as soon as possible due to sustained demand for B1 and B2 visas. These visa categories cover short-term travel for business purposes under B1 and tourism or family visits under B2.
Applicants who already have appointments scheduled later in the year are also advised to log into the visa scheduling system to check for earlier availability and, where suitable, reschedule their interviews.
The Embassy indicated that the additional appointment slots are expected to help reduce existing backlogs and provide greater flexibility for travelers with time-sensitive plans.
Further details on application procedures, requirements, and appointment scheduling are available on the Embassy’s official visa information page at: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/
Ghana’s telecommunications sector may soon witness increased competition in the 5G space following a move by the National Communications Authority to amend the licence of Next-Gen Infraco.
In a press release dated March 4, 2026, the regulator announced it had issued a Notice of Proposed Licence Amendment to NGIC, seeking to remove the exclusivity clause that grants the company sole rights to operate in Ghana’s 5G segment. The Authority said the action was taken pursuant to Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
If approved, the amendment would open the 5G market to other operators, allowing them to deploy the technology independently.
According to the NCA, the proposed amendment is in the public interest and intended to promote competition and innovation, enhance consumer choice and service quality, accelerate nationwide digital transformation, and ensure efficient use of spectrum as a national resource.
Under the law, the amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice unless, after reviewing any representations submitted by NGIC within the statutory period, the Authority determines otherwise. The NCA emphasized that the process complies with due procedure and aligns with its mandate to regulate communications services in the national interest.
NGIC’s Commercial Rollout
The proposed regulatory change comes shortly after NGIC announced it had received clearance from the NCA to commence full commercial operations as Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure provider. The company said the approval followed technical inspections confirming compliance with its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence.
NGIC has deployed 49 operational 5G sites across the country. Of these, 43 are located in Greater Accra, with the remaining sites spread across the Ashanti, Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions. The network is currently live in selected parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale under a wholesale-first model, where NGIC builds and manages shared radio and core infrastructure, while mobile network operators provide retail services to customers.
Chief Executive Officer Tenu Awoonor described the rollout as a transition from planning to execution, stating that the shared backbone is now commercially active and positioned for expansion. He noted that the model is designed to coordinate infrastructure investment nationally while preserving competition at the retail level.
Chief Operating Officer Nenyi George Andah said the company’s immediate focus is on scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner. He maintained that the wholesale model supports faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment.
Technology partner Nokia also reaffirmed its role in the deployment. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said the partnership would support the rollout of Ghana’s first neutral-host 4G and 5G network, enabling operators to deliver high-speed data services and new enterprise solutions.
Licence Fee Default
In a related disclosure, the NCA indicated that NGIC is in default of an installment payment under its agreed licence fee schedule. The regulator said it is addressing the matter in accordance with applicable statutory provisions.
The combination of a potential policy shift on 5G exclusivity and concerns over fee compliance marks a significant moment for Ghana’s telecoms industry. While NGIC’s wholesale model remains central to national broadband expansion plans, the regulator’s proposed amendment signals a possible recalibration aimed at deepening competition and optimizing spectrum management.
“I’m Not Dead” — Paa George Breaks Silence on Recurring Death Hoax
Accra Court Grants Bail to Woman Accused of Abducting Newborn in Mamprobi
Afenyo-Markin Retracts Fraud Allegations Against Interior Minister Over Security Recruitment
-
Entertainment1 week ago[EDITORIAL] Praised in Victory, Crucified in Defeat: The Ghanaian Fanbase Paradox
-
Sports6 days ago2026 FIFA World Cup: President Mahama tasks supporters to return immediately after the tournament
-
Business7 days agoThirdWell launches Inclusive Business Centre to support Accredited Inclusive Businesses in Ghana
-
Entertainment3 days agoTHE INSIDE STORY: Why President Mahama Revoked Gideon Nii Aryeequaye’s Appointment as Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency
-
Entertainment6 days agoSONA: GH¢20m for Film Sector, GH¢20m for Creative Industries — Mahama Announces Major Investment
-
Sports1 week agoBREAKING: Salary Crisis hits Tension at Eleven Wonders Camp for the second time
-
General News1 week agoPolice Arrest Two in Agona Swedru With 209 Slabs of Suspected Narcotics, Reject GH₵100,000 Bribe
-
General News2 weeks agoMahama: We’ll increase efforts to clean polluted water bodies and reclaim mined lands