To guarantee that Ghana receives the full benefits of the continuing bailout package, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is pleading with the government not to stray from the path of its fund strategy.
The Fund demands that structural reforms be implemented effectively after the release of the second tranche of $600 million, and at a time when the government is reportedly thinking about consulting with the IMF to reach an agreement on the estimated revenue shortfall resulting from the planned suspension of the electricity VAT.
However, in order for Ghana to successfully navigate its way out of the economic crisis, the IMF mandates that it follow the agreed-upon austerity measures.
“What I can say is that going forward, it would be really, really important that Ghana continues to implement the program that they have developed as envisaged. That is really critical. These programs are designed to be implemented over three, four years. And it is important that Ghana sticks to the course and sees the program being implemented over the next three years,” says Abebe Selassie, Director of the African Department at the IMF, who has been speaking about Ghana’s program in Washington, DC.
In late January, the Bank of Ghana acknowledged receipt of US$600 million as the second tranche for budget support and stabilization of the local currency, bringing the total to US$ 1.2 billion out of the $3 billion approved under the three-year extended credit facility in May 2022.
The IMF has stated that Ghana is performing well under the program, with reforms bearing fruit and signs of economic stabilization emerging.
“Ghana’s program is being implemented effectively. We just went to the board recently with the first program review following, of course, the policies that the government has been putting in place to address the huge imbalances Ghana was facing through last year. And of course, the official creditors are signaling that they will provide debt relief, consistent with what Ghana needs. So, we just went to the Board a couple of weeks ago. We look forward to continuing to support Ghana, consistent with program implementation,” Abebe Selassie added.
Ghana’s next IMF program review is scheduled for June 2024 for the third tranche of approximately US$ 360 million.
