Mahama Rejects IMF Celebration Talks, Criticises Previous Administration
President Mahama says Ghana’s economic recovery remains ongoing despite positive IMF review, ruling out celebrations over programme completion.
- Mahama says government inherited an IMF programme that was off track in 2025.
- He notes IMF review missions have given Ghana a positive assessment ahead of final tranche approval.
- President insists no celebrations will be held, calling recovery “work in progress.”
President John Dramani Mahama says his administration will not celebrate Ghana’s completion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, stressing that the country’s economic recovery process is still ongoing.
Speaking during a citizens’ engagement at Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School in the Savannah Region, President Mahama stated that his government inherited an IMF-supported programme that was already facing serious challenges when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office in January 2025.
According to the President, several key targets under the programme had been missed before the change in government, placing the agreement at risk of derailing.
“We inherited the IMF programme from the previous government. At the time we took over, all the agreed performance indicators were off track, and the programme was in danger of collapse,” he said.
President Mahama explained that his administration had to implement stringent corrective measures to restore confidence and bring the programme back on course.
He disclosed that subsequent IMF review missions had acknowledged the progress made by the government, with the latest mission reportedly giving Ghana a positive assessment.
According to him, the final IMF review team, which recently concluded its visit to Ghana, is expected to recommend the release of the last tranche of 380 million dollars to support the economy.
Despite the positive outcome, President Mahama insisted that the government would not organise celebrations over the IMF programme.
“We are not going to have a kenkey or waakye party because this is still work in progress,” he remarked.
The President emphasized that his administration remains focused on stabilising the economy and improving the living conditions of Ghanaians rather than engaging in premature celebrations.
