Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has emphasized the need for stronger coordination among government institutions to improve policy implementation and ensure that their benefits reach more Ghanaians. Speaking at a colloquium organised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Accra, she stressed that the government must focus on the quality, speed, and consistency of its programs to meet citizen expectations and create opportunities for young people and women.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that many government programs were progressing well but depended on decisions and support from other institutions. She called for closer collaboration among ministries, departments, agencies, local authorities, and party structures to improve results. The Vice President also highlighted the government's progress in restoring economic stability, including a fall in inflation, a stronger cedi, expanded economic activity, and an improved debt situation.
The Vice President noted that the government's gains had created better conditions for businesses to plan, investments to take place, and households to manage their finances. However, she stressed that the country had not yet reached its destination and that the government needed to build on the progress made. The government is pursuing major infrastructure projects under the Big Push initiative, alongside measures to improve access to healthcare, education, and social protection.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang cited the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative and Mahama Cares as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery. She also mentioned the launch of the Social Protection Act and its regulations, as well as regulations to support the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act. Additionally, programs in education, employment, and enterprise development are being pursued to expand opportunities for young people and women.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of clear communication about the government's work, so that citizens can understand the policies being implemented, their purpose, and the results achieved. She stressed that communicating progress should not lead to complacency but should help the government identify gaps and improve its performance.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also urged party members and government officials to preserve the lessons of Ghana's political and economic history. She noted that the NDC's People's Manifesto was developed through consultations with citizens and that listening to the public and responding to their concerns must continue beyond elections.
According to the Vice President, the government's victory in the December 2024 elections under President John Dramani Mahama came with high expectations shaped by the economic difficulties experienced by Ghanaians and the commitments made during the campaign. She said the government must therefore remain focused on delivering on those commitments.
Key points
- The Vice President calls for stronger coordination among government institutions to improve policy implementation.
- The government has made progress in restoring economic stability, but more work is needed to improve living conditions.
- The government is pursuing major infrastructure projects and measures to improve access to healthcare, education, and social protection.
