25th September 2023 3:06:06 PM
2 mins readThe Minority has threatened to summon the Scholarship Secretariat Administrator to Parliament regarding the two-year unpaid GRASAG bursaries.They argue that despite a GH¢223 million budget allocation, the government hasn't disbursed funds for GRASAG bursaries. During the GRASAG handover event at the University of Ghana, Legon, Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza vowed to use all possible avenues to secure government payment.
0
“The Minority will in the coming days go through the right processes to get the administrator of the Scholarship Secretariat to answer why the bursaries of the GRASAG are in arrears for two years. Because even as we are concerned those monies have been made available. We can only do this based on the laws,” he stated.
1
The Minority in Parliament has cautioned that Ghana is a risky place to invest due to its high debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).With an outstanding loan of 1,689 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), Ghana is currently the nation with the highest IMF debt under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust. Almost 10% of the Trust's total outstanding loans are represented by this.
2
According to Isaac Adongo, the ranking member on the finance committee of parliament, Ghana's high debt levels and low foreign reserves make it challenging to draw in outside capital.“If you look at our creditworthiness in terms of our net international reserves to cover those portfolios, Ghana is a risky country and the IMF itself is worried,” he said.
3
Adongo also cautioned Ghana that if its fiscal situation does not improve, it might not be able to participate in another IMF programme.“But for the fact that Ghana has a track record of historically meeting its obligation to the IMF, these statistics alone [is enough] for you to know that Ghana will not qualify for an IMF programme,” he said.
4
Ghana's escalating debt levels alarm investors as the public debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds 80%, accompanied by a substantial budget deficit. The government's heavy borrowing to sustain expenditure hampers debt reduction efforts.Additionally, Ghana's foreign reserves have dwindled to a point where they cover less than a month's worth of imports.
5
This exposes the nation to external vulnerabilities, such as fluctuating commodity prices or currency depreciation.Presently, the government is in talks with the IMF regarding a new program. The program aims to address the budget deficit, stabilize the economy, and stimulate growth. However, it remains uncertain whether the government can execute the required reforms to meet the program's
6
qualifications.
7
1 min read
1 min read
3 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
2 mins read
2 mins read