GHANA: Promise to stay on target, but fiscal risks loom large
On 29 July, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the mid-year budget review – an annual exercise mandated by law – in parliament. Unlike in previous years, Ofori-Atta did not introduce additional taxes to make up for a revenue shortfall incurred in H1, nor did he request a s… Become a member to read the […]
GHANA: Scramble for majorities set to continue amid bullish government outlook
President Nana Akufo-Addo has presented a bullish post-pandemic recovery plan. The main domestic downside risks stem from overly optimistic revenue expectations and unresolved power sector debt. Meanwhile, despite the dismissal of a legal challenge to the presidentia… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: Hung parliament will necessitate compromise
On 7 January, President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo will officially commence his second term in office following the inauguration of the new parliament the same day. The ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) wafer-thin majority will be put to a first test when parliament elects its speake… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: President’s narrow victory raises specter of legal challenge
In the evening of 9 December, the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) declared President Nana Akufo-Addo the winner of Monday’s presidential election with 51.3% of valid votes cast, against 47.4% cast in favor of his main opponent John Mahama (see chart below). Meanwhile, unconf… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: President Akufo-Addo remains the frontrunner
President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) are the frontrunners in the 7 December general elections. While the few reliable polls available all indicate that Akufo-Addo has a strong lead over John Mahama, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Nation… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: The state of the race
President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) remain the frontrunners in presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 December. If defeated, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of John Mahama may challenge the results in court, whi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: At more than twice the deficit ceiling, is this rock-bottom yet?
Last week’s mid-year budget review paints a dire picture of Ghana’s fiscal position, but things could get even worse as steeper budget overruns loom in the context of the general elections scheduled for 7 December. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic provides the perfect cover to rais… Become a member to read the rest of […]
GHANA: Supreme Court decision jeopardizes integrity of the 2020 election
On 25 June, Ghana’s Supreme Court dismissed a case filed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC). The latter can now go ahead and compile an entirely new electoral register ahead of the 7 December general election. Cruci… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
GHANA: Partial lockdown lifted, other measures kept in place
On 19 April, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the lifting of the partial lockdown that had been in place in the capital Accra and the commercial hub Kumasi since 30 March. However, other social distancing measures and travel restrictions will remain in place. Akufo-Addo hinted… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: IMF support secured, but contingent liabilities persist
On 13 April, the IMF Executive Board approved the disbursement of USD 1bn under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF), which is by far the largest disbursement from this facility to any country during the Covid-19 crisis so far. The funds will enable the government to address Ghana’s s… Become a member to read the rest […]