The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has constituted a technical team to develop a strategic policy document aimed at helping Ghana navigate the economic impact of the ongoing Iran conflict and emerging global geopolitical realignments.
Prof. William Baah-Boateng
The initiative is also expected to address the effects of changing international trade dynamics following the return of the Trump administration in January 2025 and the subsequent imposition of sweeping tariffs on both allies and adversaries of the United States.
The team was inaugurated on May 7, 2026, by the Chairman of the Commission and Senior Presidential Advisor on the United Nations Sustainable United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson.
The committee is chaired by Prof. William Baah-Boateng, a former Head of the Department of Economics and current Vice Chancellor of Methodist University. He also serves as a commissioner on the NDPC’s Economic Policy Sub-Committee.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Thompson said the strategy document would guide government decision-making in both the short and long term as Ghana responds to increasing uncertainties in the global economy.
According to him, although the Iran conflict has intensified global instability, major changes in international economic relations had already begun before the conflict and are likely to persist for the foreseeable future.
He cited evolving trade relationships between Canada and the European Union, shifting away from the United States, as well as the emergence of new Asian economic powers such as Vietnam. He also pointed to China’s growing economic engagement with developing countries, particularly through expanded market access for African exports.
The technical team is expected to examine a number of critical policy areas, including China’s new tariff-free access scheme for most African countries and how Ghana can maximise benefits from the initiative.
Other areas of focus include opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, emerging markets in Latin America and Asia, prospects in traditional markets in Europe and North America, and the implications of global supply chain changes for Ghana’s international trade.
The team will also assess industrial, trade and competition policies needed to drive Ghana’s industrialisation and economic modernisation agenda.
The team will also assess industrial, trade and competition policies needed to drive Ghana’s industrialisation and economic modernisation agenda.
Other members of the committee include Dr. William Cantah of the University of Cape Coast; Dr. Francis Kumah, an advisor to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Ms. Nelly Mireku; Mr. Dominic Odoom; Dr. Adotey Anum; and Dr. Alfred Appiah.
A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also serves on the team, while Mr. Chris P.K. Conduah acts as secretary to the committee.
The NDPC said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to position Ghana strategically within the rapidly evolving global economic order
