Economic Governance Platform Launches Public Debt Stock and IMF Bailout Tracking Tools
Ghana’s leading coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Economic Governance Platform (EGP), has introduced two online platforms aimed at enhancing transparency in the country’s public finance management.
The Public Debt Tracker and the IMF Bailout Dashboard, launched on Thursday, February 13, 2025, will provide simplified and real-time data on Ghana’s public debt stock and the status of the country’s ongoing $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking at the launch, Coordinator of EGP, AbdulKarim Mohammed, emphasized that the initiative seeks to make public finance data more accessible to all Ghanaians.
“The intention is to break the information (data) down to its simplest form. If you go onto the platforms, you should be able to understand the data provided,” he noted.
He further explained that the technical nature of public financial management has often limited discussions to a select few, a gap the platform aims to bridge by fostering broader citizen engagement.
“We have done this because over time, we have observed that the issues surrounding public finance management tends to be very technical and seems to have been the preserve of a privileged few. But we believe in bringing everyone along and ensuring active participation of all citizens in the discourse of public financial management,” he added.
Features of the Platforms
Public Debt Tracker: Provides user-friendly updates on Ghana’s public debt stock, its composition, and key macroeconomic indicators.
IMF Bailout Dashboard: Offers real-time information on the progress of Ghana’s 17th IMF-supported programme, enabling public scrutiny and informed dialogue with policymakers.
Ghana’s History with the IMF
Ghana first sought financial assistance from the IMF in 1966, and the current $3 billion bailout in 2023 marks the 17th programme with the Bretton Woods Institution.
The recurring issues leading the country to the IMF include:
- Debt unsustainability
- Balance of payment challenges
- High government expenditure
- Domestic revenue underperformance
- Economic mismanagement and corruption
The EGP believes the platforms will enhance transparency and accountability in the country’s fiscal management, ensuring that citizens actively participate in discussions on Ghana’s economic future.
Both platforms can be accessed via egpghana.org.
