The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has welcomed a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to begin the Sixth Review of Ghana’s programme under the Extended Credit Facility.

The IMF mission, led by Ruben Atoyan, is in the country to assess progress made under the programme. 

Speaking at the opening of the review, the Finance Minister reflected on Ghana’s economic journey since the 2022 crisis, describing the programme as demanding but progressive collaboration between the country and the Fund.

“As I reflected on the journey from the depths of the 2022 crisis to this key review, one thing was clear: this has been a long, demanding, but ultimately transformative partnership between Ghana and the Fund,” he noted

Mr. Ato Forson emphasized the programme’s significance, noting that it has helped shape the country’s economy and restore hope among Ghanaians.

“It is, in every material sense, a success.

“Together, we have stabilised the economy.

we have restored credibility. we have given renewed hope to the Ghanaian people,” he said. 

Despite the gains, he reemphasized that the progress achieved does not warrant complacency, however the risks remains and must be addressed. 

“But I was equally clear: progress does not permit complacency.

“Some Risks remain. And we must confront them with honesty and urgency,”the Minister mentioned. 

The Finance Minister stated that the government’s path forward remains deliberate, with a clear focus on ensuring that the gains in economic stability translate into job creation, and expanded opportunities for all Ghanaians.

“The most pressing of these is youth unemployment. I understand the weight of expectation on government. If we do not create the conditions for the private sector to absorb our young people, the pressure on the state to provide jobs will become unsustainable.

“Our path forward is therefore deliberate:

“We must ensure that stability translates into more investment, more jobs, and more opportunities for all. 

“Because beyond the numbers, that is the true test of this recovery,” he pointed out.

The Minister expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the President John Dramani Mahama to team, highlighting it as the product of discipline and difficult decisions taken in the national interest.