Ghana, IMF begin talks on economy

The government and officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) areexpected to begin discussions in Accra today, on an economic programme forthe country.

The talks are intended for the government and the IMF to chart a path toresolve the country’s economic challenges.

A former Finance Minister, Professor Kwesi Botchwey, who is expected tolead Ghana's team to the negotiation table, would later meet the IMF Boardin Washington in October, this year to decide on the programme for Ghana.

The meeting in Washington would also spell out how funds will be disbursedon condition that the programme comes along with a financial package.

Sources at the Presidency told the Daily Graphic that the IMF had alreadymade available to the government a list of requirements for the
negotiations.

The sources expressed optimism about the outcome.

The Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, Mr Min Zhu, had earlier in astatement announced that it had received a formal request from Ghana toinitiate discussions on an IMF support programme.

The statement said, “The Fund stands ready to help Ghana address thecurrent economic challenges it is facing.”