By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for Ghanaian News Canada
After years of slow growth, high inflation and rising debts, Ghana is set to end it financial programmed with International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The President of the Republic Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama on the 1st of January 2026 delivered his New Year’s message where he wished Ghanaians a Happy Year and addressed national interest issues.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana exits the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) support programmed with dignity, discipline, and renewed economic confidence.
Speaking on the state of the economy, President Mahama stressed that the IMF programmed is not an end in itself but a temporary intervention designed to stabilize the economy, restore investor confidence, and place the country back on a path of sustainable growth. He assured Ghanaians that his administration remains focused on implementing prudent economic policies that will allow the country to complete the programme successfully and independently.
According to the President, Ghana’s engagement with the IMF is aimed at addressing structural challenges such as high debt levels, fiscal indiscipline, and revenue leakages that have weakened the economy over the years. He noted that tough but necessary measures are being taken to stabilize the cedi, control inflation, and strengthen public finances without placing excessive burden on ordinary citizens.
President Mahama emphasized that exiting the IMF programmed with dignity means restoring credibility to Ghana’s economic management while protecting the nation’s sovereignty and social cohesion. He stated that government is prioritizing job creation, support for local industries, and targeted social interventions to cushion vulnerable groups during the recovery period.
He further highlighted the importance of expanding domestic production, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the country’s balance of payments. Improved revenue mobilization, digitization of public services, and a renewed fight against corruption, he said, will play a key role in preventing future economic crises.
President Mahama also called on Ghanaians to remain patient and supportive as the government works to stabilize the economy. He assured citizens that lessons have been learnt from past economic challenges and that his administration is determined to rebuild a resilient economy that can withstand global shocks.
“The goal is clear,” the President said. “Ghana will not remain under IMF support indefinitely. We will emerge stronger, more disciplined, and ready to chart our own economic course.” Ghana entered the IMF programmed amid severe economic pressures, including rising debt, high inflation, and currency depreciation. With ongoing reforms and fiscal consolidation measures in place, government officials remain optimistic that the country will meet programme targets and exit the arrangement within the agreed time frame.
President Mahama concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth, noting that the ultimate objective is to restore hope and improve living standards for all Ghanaians.
