Private legal practitioner Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers says Ghana’s exit from its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme is not something to celebrate, given the country’s persistent economic challenges.
Speaking on GTV’s Current Agenda programme, Mr Brako-Powers said the government may present the development as a milestone, but many Ghanaians are yet to feel any meaningful improvement in their living conditions.
“Our exit from the IMF is not something worth celebrating,” he said.
He cited the recent appreciation of the cedi as an example of a positive economic indicator that has not translated into relief for ordinary citizens.
“Cedi appreciation is good on paper, but bad in the pockets of Ghanaians,” he said.
According to Mr Brako-Powers, although the local currency has gained against major international currencies, the prices of goods, transport and other essential services remain high.
He urged the government to focus on addressing the country’s underlying economic difficulties rather than celebrating prematurely.
“Government must acknowledge the fact that there are major challenges to attend to,” he said.
Mr Brako-Powers noted that Ghana has entered and exited several IMF programmes over the years, and cautioned that without structural reforms, the country could return to the Fund.
“This is not something worth jubilating over because the distance between Ghana and the IMF is short,” he added.
Ghana concluded its latest IMF-supported programme in 2026.
Government officials have described the exit as evidence of improved macroeconomic stability, but some analysts say sustained fiscal discipline and economic reforms will be needed to maintain the gains.
