Audio By Carbonatix
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim is optimistic Ghana could soon reclaim its status as one of the economic giants in the West African sub-region.
Jim Yong Kim explained in Washington DC at the Annual IMF/World Bank meetings that his optimism is informed by a recent engagement with President John Mahama.
He told Joy Business' George Wiafe that President Mahama's knowledge of the challenges facing the country is a sign that the country's difficult days will soon be over.
"He is very much aware of the kinds of structural reforms that he needs to undertake in order to get Ghana back on a much more vigourous growth path", the World President said of President Mahama.
Saddled by rising public debts, a wobbly local currency and inflation, Ghana has lost its standing as one of the fastest growing economies in West Africa.
Although the cedi is gaining ground against major foreign currencies, analysts believe Ghana is still far from attaining economic growth and stability that resemble conditions a decade ago.
The World Bank President however maintains that President Mahama now understood the full nature of the challenge ahead. He said he was happy managers of Ghana's economy have already begun taking the crucial steps to put the country back on track.
"He [President Mahama] is very committed to undertaking the reforms that he knows, and we [World Bank] know that he's got to undertake", said Jim Yong Kim.
He also praised President Mahama for his role in helping fight spread of the deadly Ebola disease in the West Africa.
"I think he is a fantastic example of how science and awareness trumped fear, and solidarity trumped any kind of temptation to turn his back", Jim Yonk Kim said.
According to the World Bank countries in the west African region could be losing about 32 billion cedis in the next two years if the disease is not contained.
The World Health Organization says more than 4,000 people have died from the disease since the outbreak in March.
Latest Stories
-
‘Don’t just sit silent and expect a referral’ – Speaker urges Human Rights Committee to investigate abuses
58 seconds -
Legal tussle as ASG-ARC dispute moves to court
13 minutes -
‘Give caucus leaders adequate time to speak before ruling’ – Afenyo-Markin to Bagbin
18 minutes -
Petrosol gives back to society by donating 3,600 books and bags to Sawla DA Primary
25 minutes -
Bagbin dismisses Minority motion on narcotics seizures as inadmissible
29 minutes -
From Oversight to Impact: Why board committees will make or break Africa’s organisations
33 minutes -
‘Strong criticism is legitimate but insult is not argument’ – Speaker urges restraint in public discourse
35 minutes -
‘Don’t reward only bitter tongues’ – Bagbin tells political party leaders
35 minutes -
Nana Akua wins Dubai trip as Joy FM, Adansi Travels mark 10-year partnership
35 minutes -
NPP NEC election: John Boadu, JFK, Titus-Glover and Hawa Koomson in strong lead, according to latest national outlook survey
47 minutes -
TRAFFITECH-GH full implementation rescheduled to November 1
48 minutes -
‘Insults must not replace arguments’ – Bagbin cautions political actors against language that could undermine democracy
51 minutes -
Minority demands full data on Ghana narcotics seizures, arrests and prosecutions since 2025
55 minutes -
Man City found guilty of all charges of financial rule breaches, Premier League confirms
1 hour -
Jeffrey Nortey wins Screen Icon of the Year again at Ghana Entertainment Awards USA
1 hour