Ghana Likely to Secure IMF Waivers Amid Fourth Review, Economist Says
Ghana is expected to obtain waivers on some of its performance targets as it engages in the fourth review of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, according to economist Professor Patrick Asuming.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Professor Asuming noted that while Ghana has missed several key targets, the IMF is likely to show flexibility, given the government’s demonstrated commitment to fiscal reforms and the fact that a new administration is in place.
“We definitely would miss some targets. No question about that,” he said. “The period for this ends 31st December. We missed some of the performance criteria. We definitely missed the inflation target. We probably missed some of the fiscal targets, particularly the deficit target. I think we also missed a couple of structural targets. But as a new government, the IMF will probably be willing to cut them some slack.”
Ghana’s engagement with the IMF is crucial as it seeks to stabilize its economy following a period of high inflation, debt restructuring, and fiscal imbalances. The fourth review will determine whether the country remains on track to receive further disbursements under the $3 billion ECF programme.
Professor Asuming also called for greater transparency in negotiations, particularly on proposed VAT reforms, urging the government to keep the business community and academia informed.
“We don’t want a situation where they go and agree something with the IMF when the Ghanaian academia as well as the business community is not fully informed,” he cautioned.
The outcome of the IMF discussions will be closely watched, as securing waivers and meeting fiscal targets remain key to maintaining investor confidence and sustaining economic recovery efforts.
