JUST IN: Ato Forson, Kwaku Kwarteng, 7 Other MPs Urgently Run To IMF, World Bank

A delegation of nine Ghanaian parliamentarians, led by Kwaku Kwarteng, the head of the finance committee, will attend the 2023 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The delegation includes Okaikoi Yaw Boamah, Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, Davis Ansah Opoku, Elvis Morris Donkoh, and Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, all of whom have significant experience in finance, legislation, and oversight.

The delegation’s primary goal is to ensure that Ghana secures the IMF Board’s approval for a US$3 billion credit. The government has already reached a staff-level agreement and is restructuring its external debt. The parliamentarians will seek guarantees from bilateral and multilateral lenders to ensure that the government’s priorities are adequately funded, and commitments are followed through.

The parliamentarians’ participation in the meetings is significant as Parliament is responsible for budget oversight and legislation, and their input is crucial in ensuring that Ghana’s economic policies are in line with the government’s development agenda. The delegation’s participation will help to strengthen Ghana’s relationship with the IMF and the World Bank and provide opportunities to learn from other countries experiences.

In an interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio, Dr. Emmanuel Marfo emphasized the importance of Parliament’s role in ensuring that the government’s priorities are appropriately funded. He stated that the delegation would make sure that whatever commitments the government makes are followed through, to ensure they are accomplished.

Financial Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and other top members of the Bank of Ghana and finance ministries will also attend the meetings. Their presence will add weight to Ghana’s delegation and enable them to engage in discussions with other countries representatives and financial institutions.

The delegation’s participation in the 2023 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings is a critical opportunity for Ghana to strengthen its economic ties with other countries and secure funding for its development agenda. Their presence will ensure that Ghana’s priorities are adequately funded and commitments are followed through.

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