National Economic Dialogue: Fifi Kwetey Calls for Action-Oriented Solutions

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has called for an action-oriented approach in addressing Ghana’s economic problems, emphasizing the need for a focused and result-oriented discussion on Ghana’s economic transformation.

Speaking in a brief interview on the sidelines of the 2025 National Economic Dialogue on Monday, March 3, Fifi Kwetey began by commending the initiative for bringing together various stakeholders to discuss the economy.

“I just hope that we do not just have the same, normal conversation that we do. Which is not just to lament, but much more to direct energies towards finding solutions and also having the discipline to be able to make it happen.”

According to the NDC scribe, one of the fundamental issues in Ghana’s development process is the lack of discipline in implementing solutions despite knowing what must be done. He stressed the need to narrow the gap between identifying policies and executing them effectively.

The former Ketu South Member of Parliament (MP) also responded to an earlier campaign remark made by President John Dramani Mahama, in which he assured Ghanaians that every single cedi would be utilized judiciously and tangibly if he was elected into office. Fifi Kwetey acknowledged that ensuring such financial prudence would not be an easy task, given Ghana’s long history of inefficiencies and mismanagement.

“President Mahama clearly cannot be in every corner to ensure that things are done well. But what he can do as a leader is to ensure that anytime there is clear evidence of people not doing what they ought to do, the right penalties are brought to bear. And those who are doing what is right are encouraged.”

Fifi Kwetey believes that when people see that good governance is rewarded and corruption is punished, they will be motivated to contribute positively to the country’s economic progress.

Agriculture as the Cornerstone of Economic Growth:

The former Agriculture Minister also emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Ghana’s economic transformation. He stated that no African economy could successfully reset and achieve advanced levels of development without addressing agricultural challenges.

However, he pointed out that Ghana has often approached agricultural transformation incorrectly by focusing too much on production without creating a ready market for agricultural produce.

“Often, we just focus so much on supply without taking care of the demand, and that always brings about a problem.”

Fifi Kwetey believes that the lack of clear and efficient market systems discourages many farmers as they struggle to sell their produce at profitable prices.

“The real problem of Ghana is not the lack of capacity to get things done. It’s the fact that people are not seeing the incentivization that will ensure that income levels for the farmers are high, profit levels for the farmers are high.”

“If I want to produce, there are clear systems in place to ensure that what I produce reaches the endpoint without too many worries.”

When asked whether Ghana’s economy could be completely transformed within four years, Fifi Kwetey was candid: “It’s not possible to transform any economy in four years. It’s just not possible. Transformation requires far much more than even government.”

According to him, transformation must begin at the individual level before it can be effectively implemented at the national level. He criticized the over-reliance on government interventions, stating that many African nations have failed to progress because their citizens are too dependent on external assistance.

“We need to appreciate something in Africa. We have this kind of mindset that we are depending on somebody bringing something to help us. No! Real transformation must start with people realizing that they have the capacity themselves to do things better.”

“If I’m used to doing 10, I want to move from 10 to 20 – to 40. When each individual starts making that journey, that’s where the transformation begins. Listen, some of the poorest countries in the world have been able to make shifts quickly, not simply because they were waiting for government, but because individuals saw capacity and they took advantage. Despite difficulties, they found solutions, they found answers.”

In conclusion, Fifi Kwetey called on all Ghanaians to play an active role in transforming the economy rather than waiting for government intervention alone. He maintained that economic growth requires discipline, innovation, and a proactive mindset from individuals and leaders alike.

He urged the government to ensure that policies are not just well-crafted but effectively implemented, and that accountability measures are strictly enforced to curb inefficiencies.

As Ghana engages in this National Economic Dialogue, Fifi Kwetey hopes that the conversation will go beyond mere discussions and lead to real, tangible solutions that will drive lasting economic progress.