imf Archives - Wontumi Online

11 Apr

US Lawmaker Urges IMF To Direct Next Ghana Disbursement Towards Settling Debts Owed To American Firms

CUD Wontumi0 CommentsBusiness, Newsimf, US Lawmakers

The Chairman of the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, has called for a portion of Ghana’s next International Monetary Fund (IMF) disbursement to be directly allocated to settling outstanding debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including facilities partly owned by U.S. pension funds and taxpayers. In a letter addressed to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chairman Mast expressed concern over what he described as Ghana’s continued failure to honour financial commitments under its ongoing IMF-supported programme. “I now recommend that the United States Executive Director to the IMF, once appointed and confirmed, formally request that a…

07 Apr

US Tariffs Pose ‘Significant Risk’ To Global Economy – IMF Chief

CUD Wontumi0 CommentsBusinessimf, US Tariffs

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday said new US tariffs “clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook” and urged Washington to work with its trade partners. The statement was the first from the IMF chief after President Donald Trump’s latest worldwide tariff salvo deepened a trade war that many fear will invite global recession and fuel inflation. The tariffs “clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth,” the head of the International Monetary Fund said in a statement. “It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy,”…

12 Mar

Ghana To Receive $1.32 Billion From IMF, World Bank To Fund 35% Of Budget Deficit – Ato Forson

CUD WontumiBusinessimf

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that the government is to receive a total of US$1.32 billion in financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to fund 35 percent of Ghana’s budget deficit in 2025. According to the finance minister, US$720 million will come from the ongoing IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, while the World Bank Development Policy Operation (DPO) will provide US$600 million. “The cash deficit of GH¢56.9 billion is expected to be financed from both foreign and domestic sources. Total foreign net financing will amount to GH¢21.4 billion (1.5% of GDP).…

05 Feb

Minority Threatens To Petition IMF Over Dropped Charges Against BoG Acting Governor

CUD WontumiBusinessimf, Minority, Petition

The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticised President John Dramani Mahama for allowing the discontinuation of criminal charges against Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiamah, the acting Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, 5th February, the Minority, led by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, insisted that the prosecution should be allowed to proceed despite Dr. Asiamah’s appointment. They argued that dropping the charges raises serious concerns about governance and accountability. According to the Minority, the decision to discontinue the case could have far-reaching economic and political consequences for Ghana.…

29 Jan

Ghana To Get $150 Million From World Bank To Improve Energy Sector

CUD WontumiBusinessenergy sector, imf

The World Bank Board of Directors has approved a $1.6 billion landmark investment programme to bolster regional power system integration, enhance energy security, and advance the transition to a more affordable, sustainable, and lower carbon power sector in West Africa. Out of the portfolio, Ghana would be allocated $150 million to support the country’s energy sector to ensure reliable electricity supply to households in the country, industries and businesses. The $1.6 billion multiphase West Africa Regional Electricity Market Programme (WA-REMP), supported by the International Development Association (IDA), would address crucial electricity needs for households, industries, and medium-sized companies, as well…

29 Jan

IMF Talks Loom — As Ghana Misses Inflation Target

CUD WontumiBusinessimf

Ghana's inflation performance in 2024 has fallen short of expectations, necessitating fresh discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding policy adjustments. The country recorded a December inflation rate of 23.8%, significantly higher than both the government's 15% target in the 2024 budget and the Bank of Ghana's revised target of 18%. In response to a question from the Graphic Business at the Monetary Policy Committee press conference in Accra yesterday, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, acknowledged that the 23.8% inflation rate has reached a critical threshold requiring IMF consultation. "We need to discuss with the fund about…

16 Jan

IMF Boss Hails Akufo-Addo’s Economic Reforms, COVID-19 Fight

CUD WontumiBusinessAkufo-Addo, COVID-19 fight, imf, IMF boss

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has commended former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his administration’s economic reforms and adept handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter marking the end of his tenure, Georgieva praised the proactive measures undertaken by Akufo-Addo’s government, which she described as essential for mitigating the pandemic's impact and maintaining macroeconomic stability. She acknowledged the administration’s collaboration with the IMF, highlighting its role in strengthening Ghana’s economic resilience. Georgieva also credited Akufo-Addo’s advocacy for sub-Saharan Africa during the pandemic for mobilizing critical resources. The successful third review of the IMF-supported program and progress toward restoring…

16 Jan

Amin Adam Has Inspired Confidence In Ghana’s Economic Future – IMF Boss

CUD WontumiBusinessAmin Adam, imf

Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has received high praise from IMF Managing Director Ms. Kristalina Georgieva for his exceptional leadership in stabilizing Ghana’s economy during his tenure. In a farewell letter, Ms. Georgieva lauded his pivotal role in implementing Ghana's $3 billion IMF-supported program, which restored macroeconomic stability, ensured debt sustainability, and fostered inclusive growth during tough economic times. Highlighting his impact, Ms. Georgieva noted that his efforts bolstered Ghana’s financial outlook and inspired confidence in the country's future. She also expressed optimism about Dr. Amin Adam's continued contributions as a Member of Parliament, commending his passion for…

19 Dec

Maintain A Tight Monetary Policy Stance – IMF To BoG

wontumionlineBusinessBoG, imf

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to maintain a tight monetary policy stance given upside risks to inflation while doing more to advance the Fund’s advice on safeguards. According to the Fund, a tight policy stance, supported by robust liquidity absorption operations, is warranted to ensure that inflationary pressures—stemming from the dry spell and the recent cedi depreciation—do not de-anchor inflation expectations while inflation gradually returns within the BoG target band. In its country assessment of Ghana after the third review of the Economic Credit Facility programme, the Bretton Woods institution said continued progress…

12 Dec

Proposals To Review Ghana’s Programme Should Be Guided By ECF Objectives- IMF Warns

wontumionlineBusinessimf

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that proposals to re-negotiate Ghana’s programme must be guided by the fiscal objectives of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The IMF noted that leading presidential contenders before the December 7 Elections “have also promised vast spending programmes, which will need to be carefully executed to ensure continued adherence to the programme’s fiscal objectives”. The concerns were captured in the IMF staff report, which was submitted to its board on December 2, 2024, following discussions with government at the end of October 4, 2024. President-elect John Dramani Mahama has already pledged to review and…