IMF to disburse last US$185.2million to Ghana as 4-year ECF ends

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the last review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Ghana, signifying the conclusion of the four-year support programme.

The Executive Board decision now allows for the disbursement of the last tranche of SDR132.84 million (about US$185.2 million) to Ghana.

The board completed the seventh and eighth reviews on Wednesday March 20, 2019, a statement issued by the IMF on Thursday said.

The ECF-supported programme for Ghana paved the way for a significant improvement of Ghana’s macroeconomic performance.

The IMF statement indicated that considering that the Ghanaian authorities’ resolved to tackle difficult reforms, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for a waiver of the non-observance of a few programme targets.

Ghana’s three-year arrangement with the IMF was approved on April 3, 2015 for SDR 664.20 million (about US$925.9 million or 180 per cent of quota at the time of approval of the arrangement).

It was extended for an additional year on August 30, 2017 and ending on April 2, 2019.

The arrangement aimed to restore debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability in the country to foster a return to high growth and job creation while protecting social spending.

IMF statement

Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement: “The authorities have achieved significant macroeconomic gains over the course of the ECF-supported program, with rising growth, single digit inflation, fiscal consolidation, and banking sector clean-up. Continued macroeconomic adjustment should underpin these improvements, as the 2020 elections approach.

“In a sign of the authorities’ commitment to fiscal consolidation, the end-2018 fiscal targets were met. Sustained fiscal discipline is needed to reduce financing needs and anchor debt dynamics. As stronger revenue mobilization is critical, the submission of the tax exemption bill is welcome, but needs to be complemented by efforts to strengthen tax compliance. Fiscal space is needed to support priority programs, while off-budget expenditures should be avoided.

“Progress on structural reforms needs to be intensified. Plans to improve public financial management and supervision of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the establishment of a fiscal council, and the fiscal rule are welcome. Stronger monitoring of fiscal operations, including for SOEs, will help mitigate fiscal risks.

“Debt management has improved, though reliance on foreign investors has increased Ghana’s exposure to market sentiment and exchange rate risk. Debt collateralization and revenue monetization should be limited to avoid encumbering revenues. Planned infrastructure projects should be transparently managed, be consistent with debt sustainability, and ensure value for money.

“While achieving single-digit inflation is commendable, monetary policy should remain vigilant to guard against upside risks to inflation, also stemming from exchange rate developments. Rebuilding international reserve buffers, including through careful foreign exchange liquidity management, is welcome and critical to support greater resilience to external shocks.

“The authorities deserve praise for strengthening the banking sector and for resolving nine banks. Completing the financial sector clean-up, as planned, will support the provision of adequate and affordable credit to the economy.

“The Fund congratulates the authorities for successfully completing the ECF supported programme and stands ready to support Ghana in its quest for economic prosperity.”

Source: IMF