NDPC Sets Up Technical Team to Guide Ghana Through Global Economic Shifts Post-Iran War
The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has inaugurated a technical team to develop a strategy helping Ghana navigate the economic fallout from the Iran war and broader shifts in global trade and geopolitics.
The team was inaugurated on 7 May 2026 by NDPC Chairman and President’s Senior Advisor on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson. It will produce a strategy document to guide government response in the short, medium, and long term.
Leading the team is Prof. William Baah-Boateng, former head of the Department of Economics at the University of Ghana, current Vice Chancellor of Methodist University, and a commissioner on the NDPC’s economic policy sub-committee.
Preparing for a Reshaped Global Economy
Dr. Thompson told members that while the Iran conflict has heightened global uncertainty, major changes in the world economy began before it and are expected to persist.
He pointed to trade realignments such as Canada deepening ties with the European Union away from the US, the rise of economic players like Vietnam in Asia, and China’s expanding support for developing countries, including tariff-free access for most African exports.
“These shifts require Ghana to think strategically about where our opportunities lie and how to position ourselves competitively,” Dr. Thompson said.
Key Focus Areas
The team’s mandate covers several policy-critical areas:
1. China’s tariff-free access scheme – Assessing which products are covered and how Ghana can maximize benefits.
2. AfCFTA opportunities – Identifying ways to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area for exports and industrial growth.
3. *Emerging markets* – Exploring prospects in Latin America and Asia.
4. Traditional markets – Reviewing changes and prospects in Europe and North America.
5. Global supply chains – Analyzing shifts in logistics networks and their impact on Ghana’s trade.
6. *Industrial and trade policy* – Using industrial, trade, and competition policy as the basis for Ghana’s industrialisation and modernisation.
Team Composition
Other members include Dr. William Cantah of the University of Cape Coast, retired IMF economist Dr. Francis Kumah who now advises the Bank of Ghana Governor, Ministry of Finance Research Director Ms. Nelly Mireku, Ghana Statistical Service Head of Trade Statistics Mr. Dominic Odoom, retired diplomat and economist Dr. Adotey Anum, Canada-based economist and data scientist Dr. Alfred Appiah, and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Chris P.K. Conduah, an international trade specialist at the NDPC, serves as secretary to the team.
The NDPC said the work will feed directly into government’s planning and response to ensure Ghana remains resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing global environment.
