DIRECTOR OF Communications Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gerry Rice has stated that Ghana has not requested for any new program from the Fund.
Mr. Rice noted that �the Ghanaian authorities have not requested a new program from the IMF. The Board, our Board discussed the Article IV review on Ghana on May the 5th, and we will have a press release on that in due course.�
According to a transcript of a press briefing by the IMF Communications Director, they make wide range consultations with stakeholders to exchange views on the country�s outlook and challenges.
On May Day, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, Kofi Asamoah urged government not to go for any bailout from the IMF.
The country�s economy has been facing some challenges such as the continuous cedi depreciation, increase in fuel and utility tariffs, and high inflation rate which current stands at 14.5% among others.
Reports also suggested that government was going to the IMF to help save the sinking economy which might lead to some job cuts.
But Mr. Rice, in responding to a series of questions explained that �the IMF consults with a wide range of stakeholders, and in particular the Ghana team has had meetings with the Trade Union during its visits to Accra to exchange views on the country's outlook and challenges.�
Responding to questions on other countries, particularly Ukraine, Mr. Rice stated that the �focus of our resources is on the public financing and stabilizing the public financing, and the level of budget deficit.�
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