Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has expressed optimism over Ghana’s exit from its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, describing the development as a crucial step toward achieving stronger economic independence.
Speaking on a morning programme, she commended Ghanaians for their resilience and patience throughout what she described as a challenging period under the IMF-supported arrangement.
“We thank Ghanaians for their patience in these difficult times. We have been resilient and have gone through it,” she said.
Nana Yaa Jantuah praised President John Dramani Mahama and his economic team for maintaining continuity and adhering to the programme’s conditions despite political transitions. She noted that the administration demonstrated commitment to completing the process without shifting responsibility.
“We thank President Mahama as well. Even with the IMF conditions left by his predecessor, he did not shift blame. He followed the rules and worked with his team to complete the process,” she stated.
She further acknowledged the contributions of the Finance Minister and his team in steering the economy through the programme period.
Looking ahead, Nana Yaa Jantuah stressed that Ghana must now focus on strengthening its economic structures to avoid future dependence on IMF assistance.
“We don’t have to go back to the IMF. The resources in this country are enough. If we manage them well, there will be no need to keep borrowing,” she said.
She argued that Ghana’s repeated engagements with the IMF 18 times in total should serve as a lesson and an opportunity to pursue long-term economic independence.
“Eighteen times at the IMF is enough. We need to tell ourselves that we will no longer depend on external support,” she emphasized.
Nana Yaa Jantuah urged the country to prioritize efficient use of local resources as a pathway to sustainable development and economic growth.
“We should make up our minds that no more IMF support. Let’s use our own resources to build a better Ghana,” she said.
Her remarks come after Ghana announced the successful completion of its three-year US$3 billion IMF-supported programme, following a staff-level agreement on the final review of the arrangement.
