Economist and University of Ghana lecturer, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has described the three-month extension of Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme as a necessary step to guarantee a smooth and credible exit from the arrangement.
Commenting on the IMF Staff Report released after the approval of Ghana’s fifth review, Professor Bokpin explained that the extension, which moves the programme’s end date from May to August, was initiated by the Ghanaian authorities.
He noted that such a request was expected, as policymakers were aware that more time would be needed to properly conclude the reform process.
According to him, the additional period will allow government to complete outstanding structural reforms and meet remaining benchmarks under the programme.
He stressed that without the extension, the programme would have ended abruptly, creating uncertainty and leaving critical reform commitments unfinished.
Professor Bokpin emphasised that IMF programmes should not be assessed solely on the financial resources they provide but on the reforms they help implement.
He argued that the extension offers Ghana the opportunity to consolidate gains made so far, protect its credibility with international partners, and ensure a more stable transition into the post-programme phase.
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