The National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2024 has ended with a call for tax reforms with the introduction of a climate levy to support existing taxes to stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Mr Daniel Asomani, the Chief Executive Officer of VODEC Africa, organisers of the NELEF 2024, made the call in an address at the forum attended by young leaders, policy analysts, students, and industry stakeholders.

It focused on equipping emerging leaders with the requisite knowledge for them to contribute to reshaping Ghana’s economic future through innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

Mr Asomani said the climate levy would not only help to tackle environmental issues but also create sustainable job opportunities for the nation’s your, ensuring a more equitable economic landscape.

He urged the government to reconsider the removal of taxes that had outlived their relevance, including the COVID-19 levy and emission taxes, which he said, were placing unnecessary burden on the country’s economy.

He called on the emerging leaders to embrace innovation and charged them to contribute more in the decision-making process to safeguard the future of the country.

Mr Asomani entreated the aspiring presidential and parliamentary candidates in the upcoming political elections to adopt a transparent, accountable, and good governance in the next government administration.

Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh, an Evangelist and Economist blamed the current struggles and economic challenges facing Ghanaians to inadequate visionary leaders and asked for teamwork to alleviate the crisis.

He criticised the youth for not being patriotic enough to turn the tables around and transform the country into the world leader.

“Good leadership, good governance that prioritize long term goals instead of short-term goals can change the trajectory of an entire nation. We must wake up from sleep,” he said.

He urged the emerging leaders to vote on values and not for monetary gains in the December 7 elections while admonishing leaders to foster an Inclusive governance and eschew acts of favouritism and nepotism while in office.

Mr Isaac Boamah, a business and policy analyst from the United States, advocated for more policy reforms to provide more employment opportunities especially for the youth.

He stressed the importance of youth participation in national policy discussions and urged young Ghanaians to actively engage in the political process to shape a future that reflects their aspirations.

Nana Barima Acheampong Sarpong, the Chief of Asaman in the Ashanti Region called on the youth to challenge the status quo and work towards a governance system that serves the people by upholding justice, equality, and the rule of law.

He urged them to rise above apathy and complacency, embracing a responsible attitude to making a mark in society.

Present at the event were Mrs Esi Mmirba Wilson, the Director, People and Transformation – Consolidated Bank Ghana, Mr Felix Astrim, the Chief Executive Officer of Fedems Limited, Prof. Felix Nikoi Hammond, Broadcast Journalist from Multimedia Group, and representatives from the various political parties, among others.