The second tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cash has been credited to the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) account today January 23, 2024.
This is what Joy Business has picked up from persons with knowledge of the IMF programme.
The IMF Mission Chief for Ghana, Stephane Roudet, at the Joint Press Conference between the IMF, Ministry of Finance and Bank of Ghana last Friday disclosed that the $600 million will be disbursed to the account of the BoG “in a matter of hours”.
Also read: Ghana to receive second tranche $600m IMF disbursement – Finance Minister
However, Joy Business is learning that the money was credited to the BoG's account today January 23, 2024.
Why the disbursement?
The IMF Executive Board last Friday, January 19, 2024, approved the transfer of $600 million to Ghana.
This was after Ghana completed the 2023 Article IV consultation and the first review of Ghana’s 36-month Extended Credit Facility arrangement. Approval of the first review enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 451.4 million (about US$600 million).
According to the IMF, Ghana’s performance under the programme has been strong. All quantitative performance criteria for the first review and almost all indicative targets and structural benchmarks were met.
Also read: Ghana’s economic programme is beginning to bear fruit – IMF boss
The IMF Executive Board added that the authorities’ reforms are bearing fruit, and signs of economic stabilisation are emerging. Growth in 2023 has proven resilient, inflation has declined, and the fiscal and external positions have improved.
Progress is also being made on debt restructuring, with the domestic debt exchange completed over the summer and an agreement recently reached on the restructuring of official bilateral debt.
Impact of this disbursement
The immediate impact of this disbursement will be the Bank of Ghana’s International Reserves, as it will put it in a strong position to support the local currency. Some market analysts have also argued that it will go a long way to help stabilise the Ghana cedi.
The second tranche of funds will also be advanced towards supporting some projects in the budget.
This represents a departure from the past when “IMF cash” was primarily set aside for Balance of Payment support for the country.
Latest Stories
-
Reason for training professional counsellors is to heal a hurting world – CCP president
2 hours -
Woman allegedly brings dead man to bank to take out a loan
2 hours -
It’s a good feeling to score against PSG because I’m a Marseille boy – Andre Ayew
3 hours -
Joe Lartey Sr: A voice that brought life to Ghana sports and beyond
3 hours -
Bawumia promises to tackle issue most dear to Ghanaians as he begins nationwide campaign
4 hours -
Indian couple donate $24m fortune to charity to adopt monkhood
4 hours -
Australians call for tougher laws on violence against women after killings
5 hours -
African Development Council establishes mission in Benin for Francophone countries
5 hours -
Okyeame Kwame reveals his secret to longevity in music industry
5 hours -
Youthful-looking 60-year-old woman qualifies for Miss Argentina contest
5 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: Campaign heats up as NPP holds final rally ahead of Polls on Tuesday
5 hours -
Rwanda plan: Irish government wants to send asylum seekers back to UK
6 hours -
Ice cubes now cost more than bread and milk in parts of Mali
7 hours -
Titanic gold pocket watch sells for £900,000
8 hours -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving – reports
8 hours