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IMF to help Ghana deal with corruption
Citi News has gathered the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has received Ghana’s request for technical assistance to deal with corruption.
Ghana’s move is in line with its commitments under the $3 billion IMF programme which Ghana is expected to receive a second tranche of $600 million in November this year.
The $3 billion IMF programme Ghana has signed on to is expected to tackle the country’s current economic woes among many other challenges.
The programme is also expected to promote transparency and fight corruption in Ghana.
As part of the programme, the Government of Ghana made a number of commitments to tackle corruption and improve transparency in its daily operations.
In line with this, Citi News has gathered authorities have requested an IMF technical assistance to conduct a governance corruption diagnostic assessment.
This will be used as input into the ongoing efforts to update the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan.
The government under the IMF programme is also expected to address weaknesses in the existing asset declaration system for public officials by enacting a new Conduct of Public Officers Act.
The IMF African Department Director, Abebe Aemro Selassie speaking during the Press briefing for the regional economic outlook for sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco during the IMF-World Bank meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, gave the latest on progress made so far by Ghana on the matter.
“On the governance diagnostic report, I think the request has been made [but] I’m not sure where we are in terms of being able to provide that, but as soon as we have the resources, we will do that. And it’s just a matter of time I believe.”
Meanwhile, the IMF says it will provide all that is needed to the creditors, so Ghana can get the second tranche of IMF cash and move the programme forward.
“Action is also needed from the creditor side and I have to tell you that, you know, whereas it took I think something like 9 months or more for Zambia to get the official creditor committee to be created, in Ghana’s case it was fairly rapid. So that’s what allowed us to go to the board and get the programme approved. And we’re very hopeful that the ongoing discussions among official creditors will also expeditiously allow us to conclude the upcoming review.
Again the most recent Mission you know reached an agreement with the government on policies that are needed to tackle the most recent issues and also put in place an important budget for next year. So Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for creditors to take steps, and we’re not going to be asking the government to do more adjustments because creditors haven’t asked either, so you know we will provide all the information necessary, so creditors can move to allow us to go to the board as soon as possible,” Abebe Aemro Selassie added.
“On the governance diagnostic report, I think the request has been made [but] I’m not sure where we are in terms of being able to provide that, but as soon as we have the resources, we will do that. And it’s just a matter of time I believe.”
Meanwhile, the IMF says it will provide all that is needed to the creditors, so Ghana can get the second tranche of IMF cash and move the programme forward.
“Action is also needed from the creditor side and I have to tell you that, you know, whereas it took I think something like 9 months or more for Zambia to get the official creditor committee to be created, in Ghana’s case it was fairly rapid. So that’s what allowed us to go to the board and get the programme approved. And we’re very hopeful that the ongoing discussions among official creditors will also expeditiously allow us to conclude the upcoming review. Again the most recent Mission you know reached an agreement with the government on policies that are needed to tackle the most recent issues and also put in place an important budget for next year. So Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for creditors to take steps, and we’re not going to be asking the government to do more adjustments because creditors haven’t asked either, so you know we will provide all the information necessary, so creditors can move to allow us to go to the board as soon as possible,” Abebe Aemro Selassie added.
Credit: Citinewsroom.com
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
