Sub-Saharan Africa
Sputnik brings you all the most recent information, major events, heroes and views, including breaking news, images, videos, analyses, and features.

Ghana Mulls Completing External Debt Restructuring as Soon as Possible, President Says

© AP Photo / Julien de RosaGhana's President Nana Akufo-Addo arrives to give his speech during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris Friday Nov. 12, 2021.
Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo arrives to give his speech during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris Friday Nov. 12, 2021. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 28.02.2024
Subscribe
The West African country, which defaulted on most of its foreign debt in December 2022 due to rising servicing costs, has already restructured most of its local debt. However, it still needs to negotiate a deal with private holders on about $13 billion in international bonds.
Ghana's government intends to finalize the restructuring of its external debt as soon as possible to enable the country to overcome its current economic challenges, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said in an address to parliament.
"We are committed to concluding the external debt restructuring process as soon as possible, so we move past the crisis," the president said.
The completion of the restructuring, he said, would also enable the government to complete projects that had been delayed due to financial challenges, such as the Kumasi International Airport.
South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tables his 2024 Budget during a joint seating of the National Assembly in the Cape Town City Hall - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 21.02.2024
Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa to Draw Down $8 Bln From Reserve Bank to Control Increasing Debt
Akufo-Addo noted that the decision to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of domestic and external debt is to ensure that the country remains resolute in its efforts to restore macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.
"The decision was not an easy one, considering the complex and diverse domestic debt landscape. We had to consider safeguarding the financial sector, preserving social and economic conditions, and protecting our domestic debt market. A year on, I am happy to inform [...] that we have made significant progress," the leader stated.
He added that all macroeconomic indicators are now pointing to a positive trend and the economy is stronger than it was at the end of 2022.
Ghana's government entered into a $3 billion loan program with the International Monetary Fund last year and reached a $5.4 billion loan restructuring agreement with its official creditors in January.
Newsfeed
0