Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, has called for stronger government communication on the country’s economic challenges. He defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to use international platforms to articulate Ghana’s and Africa’s economic concerns. Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Mr Koomson said President Mahama’s international engagements should be viewed within the context of Ghana’s economic circumstances and financial limitations.
Mr Koomson argued that Ghana’s current economic position differs from the circumstances under which the country’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, pursued his Pan-African agenda. Dr Nkrumah had greater financial resources to organise African leaders and advance discussions on political and economic independence. President Mahama does not have the same financial capacity and must make effective use of international platforms to communicate his vision and Ghana’s position on issues affecting Africa.
International platforms provide an opportunity for President Mahama to communicate Ghana’s and Africa’s concerns within the global system. Mr Koomson rejected suggestions that the President should remain silent about his broader plans for Africa because Western countries and other international actors could be monitoring his statements. Major international powers already have significant intelligence capabilities and are likely aware of the direction in which African governments intend to move.
Publicly articulating Ghana’s position can create greater awareness of the country’s objectives and reduce the possibility of its intentions being misrepresented. Mr Koomson said African countries must continue using international platforms to communicate their interests and contribute to discussions about the continent’s economic future. This approach will help shape the global agenda and ensure that African voices are heard.
Despite defending the President’s international engagements, Mr Koomson expressed concern about the government’s domestic communication strategy. The National Democratic Congress administration must do more to explain its policies, programmes, and economic measures to Ghanaians. Effective communication is crucial, as citizens need to understand the scale of the challenges facing the economy and the reasons some solutions may take time to produce results.
Mr Koomson linked the communication challenge to the government’s broader economic agenda, including the proposed 24-hour economy. The policy could create opportunities for increased production and employment, but its success depends on rebuilding the productive sectors of the economy. Ghana must restore its manufacturing capacity, strengthen local production, and create conditions that enable businesses to operate competitively.
Mr Koomson urged Ghanaians to look beyond political slogans and pay attention to the structural challenges confronting the economy. Public understanding of those challenges, coupled with clearer communication from government, will be important as the country works to restore productive capacity, rebuild industries, and create sustainable employment. This approach will help ensure that Ghana’s economic recovery is sustainable and beneficial to all citizens.
Key points
- Abraham Koomson defends President Mahama's international engagements to advance Ghana's economic interests.
- Mr Koomson calls for stronger government communication on the country’s economic challenges.
- The proposed 24-hour economy policy could create opportunities for increased production and employment.
