Agbana Defends New Economy Agenda, Cites Budget Allocations

Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has rejected suggestions that the government's New Economy agenda is merely a political slogan, arguing that the programme is supported by clear policy commitments and budgetary allocations.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, November 14, Mr Agbana said the agenda aligns with Ghana's long-term development objectives and complements the government's medium- and long-term economic strategy.

"I don't believe that the budget presented by the Minister is just a slogan. These are more than slogans. It's about commitment," he said.

The New Economy agenda, announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in the 2027 Budget, is a proposed US$10 billion programme aimed at transforming the economy over the next four years through industrialisation, job creation, value addition and reduced dependence on imports.

Agbana said the budgetary allocations attached to the initiative's eight pillars demonstrate the government's commitment to implementation.

"We are not into slogans. We are more committed to getting the work done," he added.

One of the major components of the programme is a US$3 billion investment in agriculture. The initiative seeks to transform the sector into a commercially organised industry capable of meeting domestic food demand, reducing imports and supplying raw materials to local manufacturers.

Under the plan, the government intends to develop eight agricultural value chains: rice, sugar, poultry, maize and soya feed, aquaculture, oil palm, vegetables and cocoa processing.

— CitiNewsRoom