At the media launch of the 9th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, the Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Ghana, made it clear: the time for cosmetic fixes is over. Ghana’s economy is dealing with deep-rooted issues—high inflation, a volatile cedi, rising unemployment, and weak fiscal discipline—and these problems won’t be solved by half-measures.
Mr. Owusu's message wasn’t just another critique. It was a firm call to shift from short-term thinking to long-term solutions. While he acknowledged the government’s intent to rebuild a resilient economy, he emphasised that intention alone won’t be enough. Without bold, strategic action, Ghana will keep spinning its wheels.
One area he spotlighted was agriculture, a sector that holds massive untapped potential. Food inflation, which hit 22.4% in March 2025, isn’t just a number in a report. It’s something Ghanaians feel every day when they go to the market. Owusu pointed to initiatives like ‘Feed Ghana’ and ‘Feed the Industry’ as smart responses to this crisis, but only if they’re implemented seriously and backed with the right resources.
These programmes could not only stabilise food prices but also boost local industries by providing essential raw materials. The knock-on effect? Jobs. And a lot of them. But that’s only possible if the government moves from talking about solutions to delivering them.
He also addressed Ghana’s growing dependence on food imports. In his view, continuing to import rice, maize, and poultry doesn’t make sense when the country has the land, the climate, and the agricultural talent to produce these goods locally. Cutting back on imports would protect the cedi, ease inflation pressures, and give local farmers and producers a much-needed boost.
On the fiscal side, Owusu’s message was just as clear: Ghana needs to cut wasteful spending, fix its broken tax system, and enforce public financial management laws. He called for “aggressive fiscal consolidation”, a strong stance that’s more than just budget tightening. It’s about real reform, accountability, and investing where it counts, especially in education and healthcare.
All eyes are now on the 9th Ghana CEO Summit, scheduled for May 26, 2025. With over 500 business leaders, policymakers, and global players expected, this year’s event could be a turning point. The theme, “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy,” reflects the urgency of the moment.
This isn’t the time for cosmetic changes or headline-grabbing announcements. It’s a moment that calls for courage, clarity, and commitment. Mr. Owusu has laid the challenge on the table. The question is, will Ghana’s leadership pick it up?
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