Prof Bokpin defends credit rating agencies’ neutrality in grading Ghana’s economy
President Akufo-Addo on Monday, June 19, 202 during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Afreximbank, criticized credit rating agencies for their consistent downgrades of Ghana’s economy, labeling them as “reckless” and arguing that they are not in the best interests of developing nations like Ghana.
But in contrast, Professor Godfred Bokpin has countered the President’s claims, suggesting that these rating agencies have demonstrated neutrality by providing favorable ratings of Ghana’s economy in the past.
The President’s Perspective:
President Akufo-Addo, who also serves as the AU champion for African financial institutions, has expressed concern over the impact of credit rating downgrades on African economies. He contends that the “reckless behavior” of rating agencies has worsened Ghana’s economic situation, transforming a liquidity crisis into a solvency crisis. The President argues that such downgrades put undue pressure on African nations, hindering their ability to access the capital market and exacerbating their financial difficulties.
Professor Bokpin’s Counterargument:
Contrary to the President’s assertions, Professor Godfred Bokpin, an esteemed economist and finance lecturer, challenges the notion that rating agencies have been reckless or biased in their evaluations of Ghana’s economy. He points out that the methodology used by these agencies is transparent and available for scrutiny. Professor Bokpin suggests that even if the methodology were varied, the ratings have generally been fair, making it difficult to attribute bias to the agencies. He further highlights the fact that these same rating agencies, under the current government, have previously assigned positive ratings to Ghana, enabling the country to access the capital market for borrowing. This indicates a level of consistency and suggests that the agencies are not inherently anti-government or reckless.
The Complexity of Rating Agencies:
To better understand the role of credit rating agencies in Ghana’s economic woes, it is crucial to examine the complexities of their operations. Rating agencies play a significant role in the global financial system by assessing the creditworthiness of nations, corporations, and financial instruments. Their ratings serve as indicators for investors, lenders, and governments to evaluate the risk associated with their investments. However, these agencies have faced criticism in the past for their failure to anticipate major financial crises, such as the 2008 global financial crisis, which raised concerns about their credibility and objectivity.
The Challenges of Rating Emerging Economies:
Rating emerging economies like Ghana presents unique challenges. These nations often face structural and institutional limitations that can impact their creditworthiness. Factors such as political stability, governance, economic diversification, and debt sustainability are crucial considerations in assessing the credit risk of developing countries. Critics argue that rating agencies, primarily focused on Western financial systems, may not fully understand or adequately account for the complexities and dynamics of emerging economies. This knowledge gap could potentially lead to misinterpretations and misjudgments in their evaluations.
The Need for a Balanced Approach:
To address the concerns raised by both President Akufo-Addo and Professor Bokpin, a balanced approach is required. While it is essential to acknowledge the potential limitations and biases of credit rating agencies, it is equally important to recognize the value they provide in assessing credit risk and informing investment decisions. Governments, including Ghana’s, should engage in constructive dialogue with rating agencies to better understand the factors that influence their evaluations and seek ways to improve the country’s creditworthiness.
Moreover, enhancing transparency and governance within emerging economies can contribute to more accurate credit assessments. By addressing structural issues and implementing policies that foster economic stability, governments can demonstrate their commitment to sound financial management, potentially positively impacting credit ratings.
The debate surrounding the influence of credit rating agencies on Ghana’s economy highlights the complexities involved in assessing the creditworthiness of emerging economies. President Akufo-Addo’s concerns about the impact of downgrades on African nations cannot be dismissed lightly, as they can have far-reaching consequences. However, Professor Bokpin’s counterargument emphasizes the importance of understanding the methodologies and historical context of rating agencies’ evaluations.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Ghana and other emerging economies to engage in meaningful discussions with rating agencies, promoting transparency, and addressing the specific challenges faced by these nations. Additionally, fostering economic stability and implementing policies that enhance governance will contribute to more accurate credit assessments and potentially improve the credit ratings of emerging economies like Ghana. Ultimately, a balanced and constructive approach is necessary to ensure a fair evaluation of credit risks and to support sustainable economic growth.
