The Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE) was officially established by President John Dramani Mahama on January 15, as part of a strategic initiative to bolster economic governance within Ghana. The group's formation aligns with the government's steadfast commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening fiscal sustainability, and accelerating inclusive, job-rich growth across the nation. This ambitious agenda is set to be driven by key flagship initiatives, including the 24-Hour Economy, the Accelerated Export Development Programme, and the broader Reset Agenda.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications, provided clarity on the deliberate exclusion of the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, from PAGE. He explained that this decision was made to safeguard the advisory body's independence, ensuring it provides objective counsel without undue influence from officials directly involved in the daily implementation of economic policies. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the establishment of such advisory groups is not unprecedented in Ghana's governance history, citing similar arrangements under past Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and John Dramani Mahama himself.

PAGE is mandated to offer independent, non-partisan, and strategic economic advice directly to the President. Its comprehensive scope includes guidance on crucial areas such as macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and ensuring coherence between fiscal and monetary policy. Furthermore, the group will advise on structural transformation, industrial development, export-led growth, private sector expansion, investment mobilization, and sustainable job creation. It will also play a role in supporting economic negotiations with bilateral and multilateral partners, reporting directly to the President through advisory briefs and strategic reviews.

The 12-member advisory group comprises distinguished professionals who are not permanent government employees and will not receive any additional remuneration for their services. This ensures that their expertise is offered without financial incentive beyond their existing engagements. Prominent members of PAGE include economist and private sector leader Kwame Pianim, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana and Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, industrialist Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, private sector leader Ishmael Yamson, and former Deputy Minister for Finance and Trade Nana Oye Mansa Yeboaa. Other notable members are former World Bank infrastructure specialist and agribusiness investor Mr. Ato Brown, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Henry A. Kofi Wampah, economist and private sector leader Togbe Afede XIV, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Stock Exchange Ms. Abena Amoah, and University of Ghana professors Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour and Prof. Patience Aseweh Abor. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu underscored that these individuals were called upon to dedicate their expertise to the nation's economic management, emphasizing their commitment over personal gain.