Ghana has signed a memorandum of understanding with its official creditors, marking a crucial milestone in its efforts to restore public financial stability.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the agreement formalizes the debt restructuring plan reached with Ghana’s Official Creditor Committee in June 2023. The West African nation, known for its gold and cocoa exports, has been grappling with debt challenges since it defaulted on most of its external borrowing in 2022.
“This agreement represents a strategic turning point as we work to stabilize our economy and return to sustainable growth,” Forson stated.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that all participating creditor countries have signed the deal, which is expected to provide substantial debt-service relief under Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program.
The restructuring process is 93% complete, with ongoing negotiations focusing on the remaining 7%, which primarily involves commercial creditors. Ghana is currently in talks with 60 international banks to rework $2.7 billion in outstanding loans.
Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expediting the process, stating, “We are determined to finalize agreements with our commercial creditors swiftly to secure the financial relief needed for the country’s economic recovery.”
This development is a significant step forward for Ghana as it seeks to stabilize its economy and create a foundation for long-term growth.