According to a recent development from Citi News observed by ATLFM, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has received Ghana’s request for technical help to combat corruption.
Ghana’s actions are in line with what it has agreed to do under the $3 billion IMF plan, for which a $600 million second tranche is due in November.
Ghana has agreed to a $3 billion IMF initiative, which is expected to solve a number of concerns, including the nation’s current economic difficulties.
The plan also aims to combat corruption and promote openness in Ghana.
The Ghanaian government made a number of pledges as part of the strategy to combat corruption and promote openness in its daily operations.
According to reports, officials have asked technical assistance from the IMF to perform a governance corruption diagnostic evaluation.
This information will be included into current efforts to revise the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan.
The government is also anticipated to address shortcomings in the present asset reporting system for public officials under the IMF programme by introducing a new Conduct of Public Officers Act.
The IMF African Department Director, Abebe Aemro Selassie, delivered the latest on Ghana’s progress on the problem during a press conference for the regional economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco during the IMF-World Bank meetings in Marrakech, Morocco.
“On the governance diagnostic report, I think the request has been made [but] I’m not sure where we are in terms of being able to provide that, but as soon as we have the resources, we will do that. And it’s just a matter of time I believe.”
Meanwhile, the IMF said it would send all necessary information to creditors so that Ghana may receive the second tranche of IMF funds and continue the programme forward.
“Action is also needed from the creditor side and I have to tell you that, you know, whereas it took I think something like 9 months or more for Zambia to get the official creditor committee to be created, in Ghana’s case it was fairly rapid. So that allowed us to go to the board and get the programme approved. And we’re very hopeful that the ongoing discussions among official creditors will also expeditiously allow us to conclude the upcoming review.
Again the most recent Mission you know reached an agreement with the government on policies that are needed to tackle the most recent issues and also put in place an important budget for next year. So Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for creditors to take steps. We’re not going to be asking the government to do more adjustments because creditors haven’t asked either, so you know we will provide all the information necessary, so creditors can move to allow us to go to the board as soon as possible,” Abebe Aemro Selassie added.