Mahama eyes ‘dignified’ IMF exit in 2026 reset push

President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is preparing a dignified exit from the IMF programme as part of a broader reset agenda aimed at restoring economic independence.

Delivering his New Year address to the nation on Thursday evening, the President said his administration had stabilised key economic indicators and repositioned the country to disengage from the International Monetary Fund on improved terms.

“We are beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity, not as supplicants, but as partners,” Mahama said.

He argued that the IMF engagement, though necessary at the time, was never intended to be permanent, stressing that the reset agenda was designed to rebuild confidence, credibility, and self-reliance.

“One year ago, we inherited a nation in distress, an economy on its knees,” the President said, adding that recovery efforts were already producing results.

Mahama cited declining inflation, currency stability, and renewed investor confidence as signs that Ghana is moving in the right direction and laying the groundwork for a sustainable exit strategy.

“We have reduced inflation from distressing levels of 23 percent and above, and we are hopeful of ending 2025 with inflation in the single digits,” he noted.

He also pointed to improvements in the cedi’s performance and international perceptions of Ghana’s economy.

“We have achieved relative currency stability and are on track to be ranked among the world’s best-performing currencies,” Mahama said.

According to the President, negotiations with creditors have also strengthened Ghana’s economic standing and eased pressures that necessitated IMF support.

“We have restored Ghana’s credibility with international partners, successfully completing the renegotiation of our debt obligations on terms that protect our sovereignty while ensuring sustainability,” he stated.

Mahama linked the IMF exit strategy to wider structural reforms under the reset agenda, including growth in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services, which he said were creating employment opportunities for young people.

He maintained that Ghana’s engagement with global partners would continue, but on more balanced terms that respect national priorities.

“This reset involves a new way of looking at things both domestically and globally,” the President said.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mahama said the focus would be on accelerating reforms, deepening economic resilience, and ensuring that future growth is domestically anchored rather than externally driven.

He urged Ghanaians to remain united and patient, insisting that the IMF exit plan forms part of a long-term strategy to secure lasting stability, prosperity, and economic sovereignty for the country.