By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana has been declared ineligible to receive financial assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for fiscal year 2026.
This was revealed in the MCC Candidate Country Report for FY 2026, submitted to the U.S. Congress. The report outlines countries that qualify for MCC’s development compacts and identifies those barred under U.S. law.
According to the report, Ghana’s ineligibility stems from a “debt default restriction” outlined in Section 7012 of the FY 2025 U.S. Appropriations Act, which prohibits assistance to countries with pending debt restructuring agreements.
Quoting directly, the MCC noted: “Ghana is ineligible to receive foreign assistance pursuant to the debt default restriction… pending a debt restructuring agreement.”
The MCC, established by the U.S. government in 2004, provides large-scale grants to partner countries that demonstrate a strong commitment to democratic governance, economic freedom, and investment in people. Eligibility is determined annually based on performance indicators, income levels, and legal restrictions.
For FY 2026, more than 80 countries were listed as eligible candidate countries, including Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal. Ghana was named among 18 countries disqualified due to legal prohibitions, which also include nations under military rule, those sanctioned for human rights violations, or those facing financial sanctions.
The MCC report clarified that Ghana’s status could change in the future if it resolves its ongoing debt restructuring process, which began after the country’s external debt distress was declared in 2022.
This development comes as Ghana continues debt negotiations with external creditors under the G20 Common Framework, a process tied to its $3 billion program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
