Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister-designate, has clarified that he never stated an intention to seek additional funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), refuting claims made in recent media reports.

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During his vetting session before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, Forson addressed the misrepresentation of his earlier comments.

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"I didn’t say I was going to request additional finance from the IMF," he stated. "It’s inaccurate reportage. What I said was that we could request additional finance if the need arises."

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Forson emphasized that his remarks were speculative, with no immediate plans to approach the IMF for additional support. He explained that the intention behind his statement was to highlight the importance of maintaining flexibility in managing the nation's economic matters.

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He further clarified that seeking additional IMF funding should not be entirely dismissed but would only be considered if circumstances demanded such action.

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The Minister-designate urged the media to report his statements accurately to prevent any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Forson reiterated his commitment to prudent financial management, assuring the public that all options would be explored to ensure the nation's economic stability.

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Regarding Ghana’s recent financial situation, Forson confirmed that the government is focused on finalizing agreements with non-Eurobond commercial creditors as part of the ongoing debt restructuring process, which began after Ghana defaulted on most of its external debt in 2022.

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While former President John Dramani Mahama, who served from 2012 to 2017, campaigned on renegotiating Ghana's IMF bailout terms, market analysts suggest limited room for altering the current programme. Mahama's stance mirrors that of other reform-minded leaders elected in emerging markets, such as Sri Lanka's Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has also called for a reassessment of IMF terms.

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