My priority is stable cedi, affordable living, and job creation - Ato Forson

In a recent address to the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 13, 2025, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, laid out his top priorities for the country’s economic recovery. His vision focuses on three key areas: stabilizing the Ghanaian cedi, reducing the cost of living, and fostering job creation.

Dr. Forson emphasized the necessity of implementing sound fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic stability and growth. "My primary goal is to stabilize the cedi, lower prices, and create sustainable jobs for our people," he stated. According to him, a strong and stable currency is a vital indicator of a resilient economy. He is committed to collaborating with the Bank of Ghana and other stakeholders to achieve this goal and ease the financial strain on Ghanaians.

A major issue that Dr. Forson highlighted is inflation, which has severely impacted the purchasing power of citizens. To address this, he promised to introduce prudent fiscal measures to curb rising prices and ensure that government spending is aligned with its capacity to generate revenue.

"We must restore confidence in our economy by managing resources efficiently and eliminating unnecessary wastage," Dr. Forson noted. His approach aims to ease the burden on everyday Ghanaians and create a more sustainable financial environment.

Another central focus of Dr. Forson’s agenda is job creation, especially for the youth. With high levels of youth unemployment, he stressed the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector growth and attracts both local and foreign investments. These efforts, he believes, will generate long-term job opportunities for Ghanaians.

“Job creation will be at the heart of my economic strategy. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that every Ghanaian has the chance to succeed,” he assured.

Additionally, Dr. Forson expressed his dedication to strengthening revenue mobilization efforts, ensuring that the government has the necessary resources to fund developmental projects and maintain economic stability without excessive borrowing.

In conclusion, Dr. Forson’s economic vision is anchored in fiscal responsibility, economic resilience, and creating opportunities for all Ghanaians to prosper. With a focused approach to these pressing issues, he aims to lead the nation towards a more stable and prosperous future.